GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: Alphamazing on May 18, 2007, 03:01:15 PM

Title: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Alphamazing on May 18, 2007, 03:01:15 PM
From a camera phone:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/wheelie.jpg)

I shoulda been wearing boots...
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Unnamed on May 18, 2007, 03:10:11 PM
And riding a GS
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 18, 2007, 03:42:22 PM
Awesome, good wheelie man!!   I love that DRZ!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK9GBwYEMRE&mode=related&search= (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK9GBwYEMRE&mode=related&search=)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: annguyen1981 on May 18, 2007, 04:42:26 PM
I thought you were in NY today...
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on May 18, 2007, 07:13:13 PM
lol squid, but i have A question. how high are the seats on those? i am thinking about getting one, but was curious, and how tall are you?
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Alphamazing on May 18, 2007, 10:30:24 PM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on May 18, 2007, 04:42:26 PM
I thought you were in NY today...

This was a picture from a week ago or so.

Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 18, 2007, 07:13:13 PM
lol squid, but i have A question. how high are the seats on those? i am thinking about getting one, but was curious, and how tall are you?

Seat height is 35", but when you sit on it the suspension compresses a fairly decent amount. I am 5'10 with a 31 or 32" inseam and can flat foot it with both feet.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: 97gs500e on May 18, 2007, 11:57:06 PM
..that makes me want a motard..
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: scratch on May 19, 2007, 08:16:29 AM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 18, 2007, 03:01:15 PM
From a camera phone:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/wheelie.jpg)

I shoulda been wearing boots...
Coulda, shoulda, woulda...you were having fun.  :thumb:

(It's not like I don't test ride "customer's" bikes without a helmet...)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 19, 2007, 08:41:48 AM
When I'm takin her out after doing maintenance or a mod I just go......no helmet no jacket, just sunglasses..........But I keep it in the Cul-de-Sac :icon_rolleyes: :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Alphamazing on May 20, 2007, 07:10:40 PM
I'll admit, it was fun doin' this in a parking lot, but next time I do I want to use my track plastics instead, and wear some better gear. I'll try and get better pictures next time I do.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on May 20, 2007, 07:22:05 PM
I did a wheelie today on the GS.. huge bump in the parking lot.. hit it and whacked it open.. got about 6 inches.. that's enough for me.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 20, 2007, 07:26:14 PM
 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I did one that scared the hell out of me the other night leaving Wal-Mart.

I was turning and shifted into 2nd to early and over-revved :o :o :o  I thought for sure I was gonna hit the ground.

For all of you Haters it was like 2AM so there was no-one around :thumb: :thumb: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: VTNewb on May 20, 2007, 07:39:49 PM
VTNewb approves of these hijinks.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 21, 2007, 07:35:20 AM
I tried doing a couple wheelies on the Super Hawk this weekend.   I guess I need new tires because when I'd whack it, the rear tire would just spin up on me.   Either that or the road was really dusty. 
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Mk1inCali on May 21, 2007, 10:02:06 PM
I light up the rear tire on the Ducati more than I pull the front end up.  I need something stickier than my BT-020s...


Damn torquey V-twins.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 21, 2007, 11:34:06 PM
I slammed my throttle leaving Wal-hell tonight and fishtailed everywhere :o :laugh:  i guess it's time for a new rear tire :icon_rolleyes:  Mine could pass for a racing slick right now ( It's a BT45 )
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 12:16:01 AM
I'm running a new set of Roadtec Z6, they're a sport tour tire and I spend 30% of my saddle time with the front end in the air, so I don't think it's the tire's fault.  Are you two power wheelieing (spelling?) or clutching it up?  Have you checked your body position?  Are you tugging on the bars?  Too much chain slack?  I've never had a tire spin when attempting to pick up the front end, even in 50 degree weather.    :dunno_white:

Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 12:20:08 AM
power wheelieing with a brand new chain :thumb: 
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 12:27:44 AM
And you're down in Georgia which means it's probably 20 degrees warmer than Chicago, I'd be willing to bet that your skills have surpassed the BT45's man.  I ran some Sportec M3s on my GS when I had her, NEVER had an issue with handling or breaking lose after the first 150 miles of breaking in.  Check em out before you dump that bike while dicking around.   To anyone out there who is going to respond with "well just don't do wheelies/don't slam on the gas", Wheelies are why God invented motorcycles.

Yes, God invented motorcycles.     :thumb:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 12:34:48 AM
Nothing like the look on a 70+ year olds face as you scream by on one wheel :icon_twisted:   Hmmmm sportec M3......I'll check it out :thumb:  I rode a friends ZX6R the other day and I swear the front wheel was only on the ground when I was at a dead stop I had way too much fun on that...............Course i also failed to pay attention and caught myself at 145 on the interstate :oops: :laugh: :laugh: :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:

I'm Gonna fit some frame sliders on this little shaZam! soon :thumb:  I think Case Guards look ghey :icon_confused:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 12:42:15 AM
is their 150/60/17 one of the rare 150's that'll fit a stock GS rim properly???
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Turd Ferguson on May 22, 2007, 12:49:07 AM
You can't properly fit the Sportec M3's without swapping to a Bandit 400 or Katana wheel.

-Turd.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 12:53:31 AM
Aww  f%$k :cry: :cry:  I gotta buy a tire like tommorow :mad:  this damn thing is even slipping out in turns now :cry:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 01:06:24 AM
Quote from: spcterry on May 22, 2007, 12:42:15 AM
is their 150/60/17 one of the rare 150's that'll fit a stock GS rim properly???

Depends on your definition of properly.  It fit and didn't rub on my 1990 GSe, it was extremely different handling than the BT45s.  Much less effort required to fall into corners, to the point of scaring me at first.  This is contrary to what everyone says about how the wider the tire the more difficult it is to initiate the turn.  They would be correct if the wider tire were on a wider rim, but since it is not, the argument holds no water.  That being said, the handling is wonderful but a bit twitchy if you're not aware of it.  I should mention that I'm not sure how well they're going to handle as they begin to wear, but they were great while they lasted (I sold the bike after running only 3k miles on the M3).  Not the level of grip that a sticky 190 rear supports, but way more than enough for the GS in most cases.  If you do decide to switch to the M3, don't attempt to run the BT45 up front, you'll wash your front out WAY before that back gives up it's traction, not good.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 01:08:55 AM
Turd, I ran a 150 on the stock rim with no issues.  I'll check for pics.


Here's my ass ugly GS500e in all her former glory (notice the incredible chicken strips... ha!):
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f247/SmartDrug/P1010336.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 01:11:16 AM
The front is a bt-020 or 021 i dont remember....Came with the Gix front :thumb: damn near brand new too..... 
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 01:15:45 AM
The BT-020 is a decent tire, but the M3 is still stickier, so watch the front.  The new BT-002 is amazing though, even better than Pilot Powers (yes, that's possible).
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 01:21:05 AM
Yeah I like the front, it sticks fairly well, especially compared to the 45 :laugh:  My local shop just laughs at me now.  they all want to know why the hell i'm doing all this to a 500 :laugh: :laugh:  then I mention my total investment  :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 01:24:36 AM
Do you have a thread on here about the work done to that guy?  How about pictures?  Send me a link if you do, the Avatar looks sweet, but it awfully tiny.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 01:31:08 AM
Here's that pic blown up. I've posted it a few times but no thread of it's own :dunno_white:  Note the falling apart headlight :oops: and that I still haven't painted that damn rear wheel :oops:  I don't have the availability of down time right now to paint it :cry: :cry:

(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w317/spcterry/P1000148.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 01:37:02 AM
I like it man, very rat-rod looking.  The front end really changes the look of that bike, reminds me of a matte black version of my old Speed Four:
(http://www.1000ps.at/wallpapers/bilder/Triumph/Speed_Four.jpg)


Ok, going to bed now, my wife is gonna kill me, another night where I'm up until 3:40 talking about bikes
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 01:52:57 AM
Pretty much dead on the look i'm goin for :thumb: :thumb:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:  I tried to go to sleep like 4 hours ago and got caught up on here :laugh: :laugh: shaZam! I have to work in 11 hours and sometime before that fix the dishwasher, get a new tire and mow the lawn :icon_confused: :icon_confused:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 06:57:40 AM
I was trying to power it up.  Not clutch it up.  I pulled on the bars, but not too hard, rolling about about 20 mph in first.  The rear would just spin up. 

Do you really spend 30% of your time with the front wheel up?   You pullin' my leg?
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Alphamazing on May 22, 2007, 08:44:24 AM
Quote from: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 06:57:40 AM
I was trying to power it up.  Not clutch it up.  I pulled on the bars, but not too hard, rolling about about 20 mph in first.  The rear would just spin up. 

Do you really spend 30% of your time with the front wheel up?   You pullin' my leg?

For a power wheelie, try rolling on the throttle a little bit to unload the suspension, then letting off and rolling on a little more quickly than before.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 09:01:18 AM
Okay.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Alphamazing on May 22, 2007, 09:07:15 AM
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6656191590638402466
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Stephen072774 on May 22, 2007, 09:25:54 AM
and cover the rear brake!!! :thumb:


I've found it easier to preload the front while standing...

(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Stephen072774/P2100132.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 09:31:26 AM
The Daytona is geared quite high, so power wheelies work well, but I end up putting the front end down at about 95-110 mph and that can get hairy quickly, so I've begun to clutch it up instead.  I thought this would be difficult at first, but it's definitely much easier than power wheelies and much more controllable too.  Get going in first gear to the point where your powerband starts to gently kick in (5k rpms or so on the 955i), keep your throttle hand steady (don't hit the gas hard or anything), pull in the clutch for about 1/2 second and then let go.  The jerking action picks the front of the Daytona right up and that way I have another 6k rpms before redline to find the balance point and ample time to shift into second gear.  If you find that this isn't enough to lift the front end, try it again at 1k rpms higher and then 1k higher until you get it.  As an alternative, try twisting the throttle a little more before you release the clutch (go easy on this though, a little bit goes a long way and once the front end gets picked up, it's very easy to get to the balance point quickly on our literbikes).  When pulling power wheelies I  wouldn't lift until I hit around 45 mph due to gearing, I can clutch it up at 20 mph if I concentrate.  Make sure you keep a ready foot on the rear brake though in case you push her past noon.

I really do wheelie every chance I get, but I'm not stupid about it.  I don't wheelie in traffic (unless there's a YWB next to me and no one in front), I don't lane split or pull stupid shaZam! like that.  But if I'm in front at a stop light or there's an audience, it's always up.  30% of my commute might be an exaggeration, but I'd say 40% of every stoplight I'm lifting the front for a few hundred feet.  Lord knows how the engine loves the oil starvation (Poor triple).  Bear in mind that the Daytona/Speed Triple are considered to be one of the easiest streetbikes to wheelie, so it's really not as difficult as people make it seem and infinitely easier than the GS500.


As Stephen said, standing or sitting upright is MUCH easier to find the balance point, but I found it difficult to try this technique when I first started because I wasn't comfortable with the jerk that you feel when you land (when you drop the front too hard) at first.



EDIT:  From the looks of things, you want to try the clutch up at about 6-7k rpms:
(http://www.redshift.com/~gordis/motorcycle/DynoYoshCans.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 10:03:39 AM
That new Street Speed with the 675 in it looks like it would be a serious wheelie king :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:  The GS is a pig when it comes to poppin a wheel.  With rare exception ( droppin the clutch from a dead stop with 6-8k ) you always have to work it a little :icon_confused: :icon_confused:  i can't wait to see what my re-up bonus is gonna look like so I can figure out whats in my price range :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 11:07:15 AM
Quote from: spcterry on May 22, 2007, 10:03:39 AM
That new Street Speed with the 675 in it looks like it would be a serious wheelie king :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:  The GS is a pig when it comes to poppin a wheel.  With rare exception ( droppin the clutch from a dead stop with 6-8k ) you always have to work it a little :icon_confused: :icon_confused:  i can't wait to see what my re-up bonus is gonna look like so I can figure out whats in my price range :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:

I'm selling the Daytona to buy one of those Street Speeds next year, so let me know if you're interested.

Dyno tested at 145 RWHP and 71.8 lb/ft. of torque with the K&N, High mount Triumph race can, iridium plugs and Re-Mapped TOR tuning=  WHEELIE TIME!!! and a 1/4 mile time of 10.2 at 133mph (my buddy riding my bike).
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 12:13:28 PM
I have a client with an old ass Triumph 1100 (I think).  Huge!
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: spc on May 22, 2007, 12:32:10 PM
I may be interested ;)  I'm not re-upping until end of july though ( new bonus authorizations and I don't want to miss a family reunion ) and probably wont have the bonus $$$ for a few months after that..........Army Admin is not the smoothest running machine :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 12:45:05 PM
See that, RVertigo?  That is what a man's dyno chart looks like!!! :flipoff:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: RVertigo on May 22, 2007, 01:15:47 PM
Quote from: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 12:45:05 PMSee that, RVertigo?  That is what a man's dyno chart looks like!!! :flipoff:
My pee pee is large enough that I don't much care about the size of my Dyno...

I'm sorry yours isn't.   :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 01:36:42 PM
You've always been curious about  my pee pee.   I've always known that about you.   
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: RVertigo on May 22, 2007, 02:06:36 PM
I don't need to be curious...  I can tell from your posts.
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 02:09:46 PM
See.  You used the word "post".  Everything about you is "bi-curious."  There's nothing wrong with that.  You should accept it before it destroys you. 
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: RVertigo on May 22, 2007, 02:12:07 PM
Are you hitting on me?  'cause I'm happily married...  You should bark up someone else's "tree."
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 02:17:59 PM
Quote from: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 12:45:05 PM
See that, RVertigo?  That is what a man's dyno chart looks like!!! :flipoff:

Oh really???

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f247/SmartDrug/5219x500.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 02:33:04 PM
Careful, Smartdrug.  RV will get hooked on your pee pee.  You can only have a pirate bike if you have a huge member. 
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: RVertigo on May 22, 2007, 02:36:53 PM
Oh yeah?  My Dyno will kick ALL your asses!!!!!!














(http://www.dinosaursrocknz.com/images/RaptorNew.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: SmartDrug on May 22, 2007, 02:42:12 PM
Quote from: RVertigo on May 22, 2007, 02:36:53 PM
Oh yeah?  My Dyno will kick ALL your asses!!!!!!
(http://www.dinosaursrocknz.com/images/RaptorNew.jpg)


Clever girl...


(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/nerium/muldoon.jpg)
Title: Re: Alpha gets squidly
Post by: Jake D on May 22, 2007, 02:43:16 PM
Meatus Rex.