Hi all, thought I would just say hi and introduce myself. Im a 32 yo father of one. I've just got my L's for the 2nd time ( broke my back at work just after I got them the first time) So finally back on the road!!!! I got myself a 2010 gs500f with just under 3000km on the clock. I must confess that I had never ridden one and didn't even test ride it before I paid for it. I've now done almost 1000km on her and loving every minute. Only thing that's bugging me about the bike is that damn rear brake squeal. Here is a pic of my new baby!!!
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
[attachment deleted by admin]
:thumb:
Rear brake noise is very common. There are lots of posts on this site. That's Rashy's bike I believe. Rashy and I rode together several times and his rear brake often made a noise but he said that it did not bother him as he rarely used the rear brake. Mine used to as well from about 1500km onwards. I tried several things including changing the pads but nothing worked for more than a few days. Eventually I found the solution. What you need is a product called CRC De-squeak. If used correctly it will keep the brake quiet for 3000-4000km at a time. Immediately after use the rear brake will be "dead" with NO retardation for the first few applications, so be careful. Eventually it will return to normal and give you perfectly quiet operation for months at a time. Mask carefully around the area to catch the overspray and allow it to dry completely before use. If it does not work you did not do it correctly. DO NOT use it on the front brake. This product really works. :thumb:
Thanks Prmas, yeah it's rashies old bike. :) he's the one that told me about gstwin. Great bloke. I'll go and get that spray tomorrow. Hope rashy gets another bike soon. Was a fun ride home down the mountain from his place :) we'll have to catch up for a ride. I'm usually free Monday and Friday. Would really like to catch up with experienced riders who can teach me good road habits and a bit more about the Gs.
This may sound dumb but is 5000rpm at 100kmh normal? I've been doing a lot of runs down to the island and on the freeway just seem like I need a 7th gear.
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
100 & 5000 is normal
Sent while taking a dump
Quote from: codajastal on April 10, 2013, 04:02:38 AM
100 & 5000 is normal
Sent while taking a dump
I do my best thinking there too. :) Was thinking that if I dropped a sprocket size I could bring it down a little. Will be doing a lot of cruising so I'm just thinking about fuel Econ. Won't change anything till I need to. Money doesn't seem to grow on my trees :) is there any reason that they are geared like that?
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
Welcome from Qld Matty! Good choice!
Matty,
Welcome.
For reference (roughly speaking - not precise, not 100% bang on the money, but close enough)....
4th gear, 4000 = 60kph
6th gear, 5000 = 100kph
6th gear, 5,500 = 110kph
6th gear, 4000 = 80kph = too slow for that gear. The engine struggles against the gearing at that speed in that gear. Better use 5th when doing 80 and keep 6th for 90 and up.
4th gear will take you up to 140kph and be showing 9,000 rpm.
Dropping a cog on the front - going from the stock 16 tooth to a 15 tooth - will actually Increase your RPMS.
If you want to lower the RPMs for a given speed you need to Increase the front sprocket. Eg, putting in a 17 tooth front instead of the 16.
The reason Suzuki have gear the bike the way they have is to provide the best all round performance. 17 is too high for all city riding, 15 is too low for all highway riding. 16 allows the bike to perform in city and highway without causing the bike to rev too high or too low and lug the engine. And lugging the engine is worse than revving a tad higher.
This is not a large V twin with loads of torque. So we need rpm to help us. I've got 60,000 on my bike - which I've put all on - and still run the stock sprocket. Though, I will probably go up to a 17 when my chain next needs changing to See what it's like. I'm pretty sure I will then need to ride around in 3rd at 60kph instead of 4th to help keep the engine for lugging stress - and - to keep me closer to the Power if I need to twist the throttle.
What do I mean by "closer to the power"?
Ok. Do this... ride along in 4th doing 80kph. Now quickly twist the throttle like you want to overtake a car. Take note of how the bike accelerates. Now ride along at 80 in 6th gear and quickly twist the throttle. You'll find the big will not do too much at all really cause you are too far away from that gears best power range.
Thanks heaps for the info Mister! I've still got a lot to learn about bikes.
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
Matty.V. The spray will solve your brake problem. Michael and I disagree on the gearing issue. He and I have a different idea on how to ride our bikes and that is fine. I have been running an 18/37 (standard is 16/39 and there is a precise mechanical reason for chosing 18/37!) sprocket setup with the original chain for the past 10,oookm and find that it suits me just fine. There is NO discernable wear on the chain or sprockets so far (the rear one is alloy). I use a chain lube that is little known but in my opinion is streets ahead of the well know brands. It goes on easily and has ZERO fling-off. As to the rideability of the bike, I find that my otherwise stock bike is happy enough toodling along in 5th gear at 60-70kph with my altered ratio. I agree that there is no instantly available power but I never get in a situation where I would need it. It takes less than a second to drop 2 gears if you want to access the powerband. At an indicated 100kph (true 91kph) the engine is doing 4250 revs. As my bike has just come out of warranty last month I intend to correct the speedo error very shortly. It is not difficult to do. As for fuel consumption, the gearing change did not make a big difference, only about 5% improvemenrt (my average over 14k is 3.56L/100K). What it did was make the bike feel more relaxed on the freeway and eliminate the slight handlebar vibration at legal speeds. The handlebar tingle now does not show itself until about 115 indicated. I never feel like I need a 7th gear. The only significant downside is that steep uphill standing starts need a little bit more clutch slip than before. It is not a problem for me. I too am usually free on Mondays and Fridays although I cannot ride at the moment as I cut my left hand pretty badly last Monday and cannot use my fingers until after the stitches come out. I have to see the doctor this arvo to check whether the blood flow has been restored to the torn tissue or whether I need a graft. Once I am riding again I would be happy to meet you for a weekday ride. By the way, I will be taking the GS down to the Island for a "track day" soon. It was a gift from my family. I am not interested in going too fast, just being able to do some laps of the famous track after some instruction. Let's catch up soon for a coffee and chat. I am in the South Eastern Suburbs.
Macka
Sounds great Macka. Bugger about ya hand. Hope it heals quickly. Don't think I'm ready to put my bike on the track (yet) :) but would love to come and watch. I spend a lot of time down there fishing. (my other vice). What year is your bike?
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
Please also note - Macka/Matty - my bike is a naked bike so is effected by wind slightly differently to a faired bike.
Other considerations include: Our respective weights when geared up, the loads we carry in addition to our own selves and the road topography we ride through. In addition, there is good chance our bikes are tuned slightly different as well.
I don't ride anywhere doing 80 in 4th gear. For that speed I'll usually be in 5th. But my bike doesn't like that speed in 6th, due to the above aspects.
Macka: 18 and 37? Holy cow! Good on you sir!
Yes we are all different. I am a gentle rider most of the time. My GS has never been over 85oo rpm and I have only used full throttle a few times. Most of the time it is between 3ooo and 5ooo rpm. As I said before, it is a relaxed ride. It has seen 145 kph once but that was on private property of course. :whisper: I have been a qualified Motor Mechanic for 43 years and treat all of my machinery with great care and respect. That is why I never have any problems on the road.
Different subject. I have had a quick look using the search function but can't find how to insert a picture. I tried using the attachment feature below here but it was rejected as too large. I have done it once before a long time ago but I have forgotten how to do it. :dunno_black: I would like to post a picture of me with Rashy and his bike which now belongs to Matty.V. Refresh my memory Michael. As I said above, I have been sniffing petrol fumes for over 50 years now and with the copious amounts of inkahol that have passed my lips over time, my memory is ..........................................................not what it used to be. That's right! Help me Michael or did I already ask that? :icon_question:
The bike is very relaxed with the present gearing. I like it. It is a K9, first registered in Feb 2011, now with 14k on the clock.
I have found out how to embed the photo. This was taken at the Black Spur Cafe, one of my favourite stopping points. Rashy's bike is on the left. Mine is on the right and the centre one belongs to Hughsey. I am the good looking mature gentleman on the right. :cool:
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2a4nv3m.jpg)
With regard to riding style...
In my Overtaking video you see a few higher RPM moments, and in my High Speed Twisties video. But generally, with the stock gearing, I don't go past 6,000, on the highway on the way to work. And accelerating is done At Ease which still manages to beat most cars as I change gears around 5k on the way to 60kph.
I think it is in the bike's best interest to have Mechanical Sympathy.
Macka, where did you get your 18th sprocket? did you still use the stock chain?
The part number for the sprocket is JT565.18 and I got it on Amazon. From memory it cost me $22 including delivery from the States. It is the early type without the collar but I just used two aluminium sump plug washers of the correct ID to space it out. The circlip fitted back on nicely. If you go to your local car workshop they should have an assortment of sump plug washers in a kit as I do. The larger sprocket does put the chain close to the clutch pushrod but there is sufficient clearance as long as the chain is not worn/loose as it rolls around the front sprocket at speed. As the front sprocket is 2 teeth larger and the rear one is 2 teeth smaller the original 110 link chain is perfect. As I said before, at 14k there is no noticeable wear on chain or sprockets. Give it a try, you might like the feel if you are not one for fast acceleration from a standing start. On the move you barely notice the difference in performance except for the reduced pickup in 6th which is now a true overdrive. 5th gear now is what 6th used to be with 5000rpm at 100kph (indicated). On the open road, when approaching a decent hill, I drop back to 5th and it just feels like a standard bike again. What I particularly like is the feel and sound as I slip into 6th at freeway speed and the engine drops into a lazy cruise.
Cheers for all your input guys gives me a bit to think about. Hey Macka how's ya hand going?
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
Maybe this is dumb but remember I'm
Still learning. :(
I filled up at united with there premium fuel 98 I think it is this morning and for the first time the bike has been running Average. What I mean by that is that it felt like it wanted to stall, had to crank it over a touch more than before to start, and felt like I had less power. Do you think I just got a bad batch of fuel or should I have stuck to the cheaper 91 or 95? Or semi blocked fuel filter? Should say I've been running it on 95.
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
I have always run mine on 91 standard and always been happy. There are many discussions about different fuels on the Forum that you can find. The consensus is basically that our bikes, being low compression, do not need anything more than 91. As a mechanic I can tell you that you should definitely NOT use E10 as it will cause rusting in the fuel tank and hardening and cracking of the fuel lines and "O" rings in the carbies. They are supposed to be E10 safe but are not really. I have had many (car) customers who have had their fuel systems destroyed by using E10 fuel resulting in repair bills of up to $1500. There have also been several recorded stories in Bike Mags about even High Powered bikes performing better on 91 than Premium (particularly Shell-and Shell have admitted that their Premium fuel is NOT suitable for all motorcycles). One little tip that I can give you though is that I have always used a "Lead Replacement" additive in my bike's fuel (like you do on a car running LPG) to help protect the valves and seats from recession. So far at 14k my valve clearances have not changed from new. By using the additive I hope to avoid the need to replace valve shims until it has covered a lot of K's. I do use an in-line fuel filter between the tank and tap. I changed it at the 12k service but it was still clean at that time. My bike has always performed perfectly except for one occassion when it would not go due to a jammed side stand switch. :technical: Coincidentally, that was the day of my first ride with Rashy. I was late for the meet-up due to the no-go but sorted it out quickly (I am a mechanic :thumb:) and was only 15 minutes late after all that.
Thanks Macka, went for a ride today up round don valley, healsville , panton hills. Can't believe how well the gs handles the twisties. :) thanks for the info on the fuel. Will save me a couple of bucks a week. How much additive and what brand do you use?
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
I think that most of the brands are probably equal in quality but I use Nulon Lead Substitute Valve Saver which you can get from Bursons or Repco. The part number is LS500 for a 500ml bottle. The dose is 1ml/litre of fuel so .1%. It costs very little and I feel that it is cheap insurance. One bottle lasted me nearly two years. Nulon is 100% Aussie made and owned and I use several of their products in my workshop/business. They are top quality products. I carry two 20ml screw-top plastic bottles under the seat with additive ready for a fillup on the road. I can give you a couple of empty bottles when we meet if you like. I have a couple of spares.
I agree that the GS is lots of fun in the tight stuff. I often have the back tyre sliding a little as I brake hard into a tight corner. It takes me back to my dirt bike days when I was MUCH younger and sometimes I manage to give myself a little "moment" to heighten the senses. Not enough to get into trouble, just enough to remind me that there ARE limits. Life is boring without something to remind you occassionally that you are alive, don't you think? All done within the speed limit of course. I feel that you do not need to go fast to have fun. There are many ways to enjoy youself legally. :woohoo:
Totally agree. Wouldn't want to speed up there ATM there were three s/c that I saw today. Got caught in the rain on the way home so had to give her a good tub. Rashy really looked after her. Hey I noticed in the pic of you guys up the spur that your bike seems to have a taller windscreen than mine. Is that just the photo angle?
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
No, just the angle, it is the original one but I have looked here and other places for a possible taller replacement. There are a couple of threads on the subject.
Interesting what you say about Shell for a couple of reasons....
Reason # 1: I too have found my bike performs poorly on Shell.
Reason # 2: The Shell servos around here have stopped selling E10.
Reason # 3: 7/11 fuel is supplied by Shell. They do have e10. Besides, their 91 performs poorly in my GS
Reason # 4: Shell has no refinery up here but they do have a Tank Farm. Their fuel is refined by Caltex according the the Shell specs and then piped into the Shell Tank Farm
Regarding Valve adjusting and fuel additives. My valves, while regularly checked, did not need adjusting for over 30,000kms and I do not use a lead replacement additive. However, as I like to think I have mechanical sympathy, I can see how the additive can treat your engine with extra kindness - even if the valve seats etc., have been hardened to be able to take the valve blow. I'm going to give it a go and see if my bike sounds different and/or performs different.
With regard to the E10 at Shell: I have been told that Shell have dropped it completely, in Victoria at least, the reason being low demand. In my opinion it is an evil product as I have seen so much damage caused by it. We have been lucky in Vic so far in that if it is coming through a nozzle, legally, it must be labelled as containing E10. Unfortunately there are some dodgy independants selling it as 91 Unleaded. The state govermnent is talking about dropping the labelling or mandating E10. Both of those are a big no-no for me. If I have to buy fuel at a strange outlet (for my cars or bikes) I always sniff the nozzle first. E10 has a very different smell to petrol, it is more like Turps. I have only ever run my bikes on 91 as they are both relatively low comp engines (the other is a Honda NT700V) and 91 is specified. I often ride with friends who have late model high performance engines that need Premium and we have had a few situations where Premium was not availabe in the small towns so they have had to put in some 91 and ride gently until the next Premium pump. Cost is also a factor with Premium usually 10 cents a litre more expensive here. It is great to have a 500km+ range from our bikes. I am usually the only one who does not buy fuel on a day's ride. Some of the others have to buy fuel twice during the day. I get quite smug sitting on the servo apron watching them fill up again and again at dirty little country stations. The Honda is much heavier and thirstier but still gives me 380-450km out of the 20L tank even when loaded up with camping gear.
I use Caltex 75% of the time, Shell 20% of the time and whatever I can get urgently 5% of the time. I have not noticed any difference in performance of cars or bikes but have noticed a difference in economy. It is very hard to pin it to the fuel though as driving conditions vary so much. A strong headwind will take 50+km out of a tankfull. A run in the car to the airport on the freeway will add 100km to the tankfull as it is any easy cruise.
Using the additive will not make your bike run any better or sound different. It is just like avoiding a high fat/high salt diet as a kid. Your arteries will not show the benefit until you are old, but when you get there you will be glad you did! It is an investment in the future. So if you are going to give it a try it will need to be over the L O N G term.
It is interesting that you say that 7/11 is supplied by Shell. I was under the impression (told by a 7/11 staffer when I asked the question years ago) that is came from Caltex. Perhaps that is just down here. It is also well known that fuel blends are different for climate variations. Vic and Qld have quite different fuels, even more so for diesel. I do have a couple of bottles of 104+ octane booster on the shelf. I might try it soon and see if it makes any difference. I could go on for hours but this is not the right thread. I have already threadjacked Matty's theme. Sorry Matty. :oops:
Caltex and BP are where I fill most often, and I try to use 95 where possible, 98 if I can't get 95.
Japan was on unleaded from about 1981 from memory so anything made since then in Japan should have good valves and seats to work without lead additives :thumb:
As a mechanic, I agree with your comment about the hardened valves and seats. However, no valves and seats last forever, particularly on an air cooled, lean running, high revving engine. With a combination of extreme heat, very small valve clearances and high rev pounding a little cushioning can't hurt. I am very interested to see how my clearances stand up over time. Ask me in 5 years or so how it is going. :dunno_black:
Yeah fair call, although mine ain't running so lean no more :thumb:
Since the rebuild, I had to adjust one valve after the first run of 15 minutes, then again after the first 1000km's, but since then I haven't changed a single shim... not bad for a motor that had about over 98000km's on it when I tore it down :thumb:
As it turns out I didn't need to pull it apart in the end, the gear shift problem was all in the shifter linkages :oops:
Oh, I ain't no mechanic, so please feel free to correct anything I say that smells a little like BS
Macka, as I wrote, Shell does NOT have a refinery. Their fuel is refined by Caltex according to Shell Specs. Shell contracts with 7/11. So.... 7/11 fuel Ultimatly comes from Caltex. Caltex truck carrying shell spec fuel.
Origin Gas comes from Caltex. BOC gas comes from BP. UP here they have a pipe line into each other's refinery so they share the crude. Also a direct line to Incitec Pivot for GAS which is used to make fertilizer and other stuff.
I plan keeping my GS500 for a lo-o-o-o-o-ong time. At least another 100,000kms. So I think the additive may be a good thing ;)
Thanks for the update on the "cross branding". As with many products these days, you can not be really sure what the origin is. The fuel will be slightly reblended and relabled as are cars etc. Put a different bumper bar and grill on it and it is no longer Make A but Make B. As usual it is all about MONEY. :cry:
Welcome Matty. What Macca has forgotten about bikes, I will never learn. Plus he's a true gentleman.
I saw a GS like yours parked outside the Eltham Community Health Centre on Tuesday night....Wasn't yours was it? I saw it and instantly thought of Rashy.
Anyway, welcome to the group.
Thanks hughesy, na wasn't me in eltham. The info that you guys and how freely you give it out are priceless. I've learnt so much. Thanks.
I've put a few kms on the bike in the last few weeks. Quite a bit in the rain :( . I'm still not 100% confident when it's wet. I've gotta get used to it cos I plan on riding to work right through winter.
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
[attachment deleted by admin]
Quote from: Matty.V on April 24, 2013, 03:40:50 PM
Thanks hughesy, na wasn't me in eltham. The info that you guys and how freely you give it out are priceless. I've learnt so much. Thanks.
I've put a few kms on the bike in the last few weeks. Quite a bit in the rain :( . I'm still not 100% confident when it's wet. I've gotta get used to it cos I plan on riding to work right through winter.
It's good you are.... lacking confidence... in the rain. Makes you cautious on wet roads. Can never be too cautious on wet roads.
I ride in the rain happily (well, unhappily but you know). And am ever mindful of the reduced traction, any little slippery things that might be around while I happen to be leaning to take a band, and so on. I wouldn't say I lack confidence, more that I am respectful of the conditions and adjust my riding accordingly.
As you say Mister, be respectful of the conditions, whether they be rain, wind, traffic or any other (:police:) and you will save yourself a lot of grief and pain. :thumb:
We will get together soon for a ride Matty, my Suzi is a bit lonely under the covers as other than a short squirt a week or so ago she has had lots of rest during the past month or more and is itching to get out again for a decent run.
Cheers,
Macka
Hey Macka,
Can I add the lead replacement any old time or does it need to be before filling so it mixes better or...?
I usually add it at the end. Theoretically it should go in first but I think that there is enough sloshing around just getting it off the centre stand to mix it up. I don't think that it matters. :thumb:
Thanks Mister, I guess it's just time on the bike I need. I've started putting the valve saver in, before, (hope it doesn't matter Macka) so hopefully starting at low km's (2 tanks ago) it will reduce a bit of maintenance costs. In saying that yesterday was the first time I hit 9500 :) in a couple of gears :) I didn't realise my baby had so much "get up and go" in her! Had to back off pretty quick when I looked down. All within the law of course. lol. Would love to catch up soon Macka
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
I know you have already done it, but do read the owner's manual regarding rev limits and distances. Just to give thou an idea of mechanical sympathy.
Hi guys, thought I would say g'day and see what everyone's been up to? I've been riding to work everyday, even in this lovely Melbourne weather :) I'm gaining more experience every ride and loving my GS more an more everyday. I'm not as worried about riding in the wet now as I've been doing it everyday for the last three weeks. Experience is the key. I got caught in a hail storm on the way home the other night that was fun. Question for Macka and hughesy where is the best place for me to take my bike for its 6k service? Im in kilsyth area. And with me buying rashys bike, do I still get the remainder of the warranty?
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
[attachment deleted by admin]
Matty.V
The warranty is transferable to the new owner. The bike can be serviced by yourself provided that you follow the schedule and use correct materials meaning oils and filter. Sometimes they can get "testy" if you try to make a claim and it has not been serviced by a dealer but it is just noise. If you can show that it has been serviced correctly they cannot refuse a warranty claim. Self service makes it difficult as you cannot provide a legal receipt as proof of service. I am a qualified mechanic with my own registered business (and ABN) and have always serviced my own new vehicles (bikes and cars) whilst under warranty. I have the parts needed for your service in stock now as per usual. There have been some warranty claims over the years without any problems from the dealer/manufacturer. My GS500 recently came out of warranty and I am now in the process of recalirating the speedo to eliminate the 10% error. I finished the recaibration last night. I just have to refit the speedo tomorrow. The recaliration is easy. Dismantling the speedo without doing any visible damage is the hard part. It took ages and would cost quite a lot if you had to pay someone to do it for you. The only part of the 6k service that has significant cost is the tappet check as it takes time to do it. If you were interested, I could do the service for you at a very reasonable rate and you could be assured that it is done properly by a fellow GS owner/enthusiast who is a qualified mechanic. It would not affect your warranty cover and you will receive a "tax invoice" as proof of service. If you want to talk to me let me know here and I will send you a PM with my phone number. I would have to charge you as this is how I make my living every day but I would look after you. If you prefer to take it to a dealer during the warranty period, you could take it to Mick Hone Suzuki in Surrey Hills. There is always Peter Stevens or A1 where I bought my bike but I would not let either of them work on it. Just don't expect any favours from them. I have bought a bike from both of those dealers and once you hand over the money the service ends, full stop. If you want to get together for a talk over coffee any time soon let me know.
Macka
That would be great Macka. I won't be able to do it for a couple of weeks as finances are a bit tight. But I'll get you to do it for sure. On another note I'm getting my brother in law to make me up a rear rack. I'll post some pics when I get it. I wasn't paying 440 for the Ventura. Just going for something simple at this stage. Hope our design works.
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
Hi guy's, I'm going for my licence test at the end of the month to finally get off my L's.
Was wondering if anyone had any tips or things I should scrub up on before I go?
Should mention I'm in Victoria. And also, I have a full drivers licence, do I have to display P plates on my bike?
I tried looking on the vicoads website but couldn't make heads or tails of it. :dunno_black:
Quote from: Matty.V on June 04, 2013, 09:01:16 PM
Hi guy's, I'm going for my licence test at the end of the month to finally get off my L's.
Was wondering if anyone had any tips or things I should scrub up on before I go?
Should mention I'm in Victoria. And also, I have a full drivers licence, do I have to display P plates on my bike?
I tried looking on the vicoads website but couldn't make heads or tails of it. :dunno_black:
thats the idea... the vicroads people like it when road users are confused... better for revenue!! .. ;)
i'm in NSW .. but .. make sure you are comfortable with your very low speed maneuvering/low speed clutch and brake control.. make sure you feel comfortable with your hard/emergency braking routine .. make sure you RELAX and just concentrate on the skill you are demonstrating at the time!!! .. dont be thinking the whole course through... the instructor will tell you again as each section starts, what they expect you to do...
and on the road ride (assuming Vic has a road ride) section.. it doesnt count towards the test .. its for the instructor to evaluate your skill level as a whole... ride your ride!! .. dont break the rules... but just because there is an instructor there... dont freeze up and ride like you a unsure learner!!... they expect you to be confident!! :thumb:
That's an awful lot of dos and don'ts Janx101. As far as I know, it is a standardised test at all sites. The hardest part is the slow ride and the reflex "stop-left-right" test. Relax and think about your "counter steering" and you will be OK. The "arc" test where you ride left or right through the 90 degree arc and must stay between the lines is not difficult to do but they will not tell you that if you go too slow you will lose points so do it as quickly as you comfortably can without touching the lines. You are allowed to lose 39 points on the test and still, pass. I lost 20, with zero lost on the reflex text but 6 lost on the arc test for going too slow, so you should be able to do it easily. A loss of 19 or less is required for "instructor level pass". Good luck. :thumb:
Cheers,
Macka
Sorry Matty, I forgot about the "P" plates. Yes, you will have to display you plates as per a new car licence. Your combined Drivers's Licence will be updated to show the correct "R" (rider) status too.
Strangely, I was thinking of you this afternoon. I am thinking of doing a little ride on Saturday afternoon if it stays dry. Do you want to catch up then for a coffee/lunch/chat? I have to work Sunday so cannot do it then.
Macka
Sounds good Macka, Pm me your number and we'll decide where to meet. I had a go at making my rack yesterday as I had the day off and my brother is taking to long. I've posted a pic in the projects forum. please don't hang it on my about my welding I haven't picked up a welder for about 10 years.
Hi Guys
I thought I would check in to see what you guys have been up to. Good to see that Matty is still enjoying the bike. I certainly do miss it. Regarding the P's. You don't have to display if you have a full car license. I did my license back in December last year at HART in Kilsyth and was told I didn't have to display P's.
I'm hoping to get another bike maybe next year and would love to catch up with you all. I think I will save up the cash to buy my dream bike. A Triumph Sprint ST. Should be able to pick one up with low K's for 8 to 9 grand.
Cheers
Come on Rashy, get another GS. You know that it is a great fun bike. I have no plans to get rid of mine despite having a Honda as well. Despite the modest power output I still prefer to ride Suzi as it is a bike that you RIDE, not one that you sit on and twist the throttle. It is a thinking man's bike!! 8)
Macka
Yeah but I don't like thinking too much Macka. It makes my brain hurt.
Hi guys, hope everyone is well. Been awhile since I've said g'day. I'm still riding everyday and loving it. Passed my licence test back in July. Bike hasn't missed a beat. Almost 8000 km on her now. Big thanks to a fellow member who serviced her last month. The new oil seems to have made the gear box feel a lot better. On another note I finally got my other bike rolling on the weekend. Mans gotta have a project! It's a gsxr750ws.
My baby's
'10 gs500f black
'95 gsxr750wr
Glad to hear that all is well. Hope to catch up with you on the road soon. Cheers. :thumb: