Me & My Bike

In case you missed the thread that I started in Silver, I bought a 1999 Honda CBR 600 F4 last week. It's been a week since I've had it and I love it. It's a very forgiving starter bike and I'm really enjoying riding it and learning about it.

Some thoughts - perhaps you can chime in with some advice.

I'm perfectly comfortable riding on the highway, even in L.A. - but today was rather windy and, well, that was kinda scary. On my way home tonight, I was going between 60 and 70, holding on for dear life while the wind tried to blow me into the next lane, and some guy on a similar bike whizzed right past me, weaved through traffic, and disappeared in a minute. Is it just experience that enables one to deal with the wind, or is there something else?

I'm increasing my comfort level when turning. I'm still upright, but I push the bike down to lean into it, allowing me to go through curves quicker. I'm not trying to win any races, but it's nice not holding up traffic.

There are two pads on either side of my chin inside of my helmet. The helmet fits, but those two pads were a little tight, pressing my cheeks together. I removed the pads - they snap and unsnap - but that's probably not a good idea. Are there aftermarket pads that I can buy to snap in there? Pads that don't squish my face so much? Also, I guess the absence of the pads would explain why wind sometimes gets under my helmet, and it feels like the wind is trying to pull my helmet off.

The idle is really low. I'm not sure why, but I certainly don't want to start messing with the carburetors. I have the service manual and I really need to start reading it. Also, my temperature gauge doesn't work - anyone know how to inspect that so that I can try to source the problem?

I guess that's about it. I haven't had a chance to take any new pictures, so this is the only one that I have so far...
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Carbon,

buy this book. It has a lot of tips for various riding conditions, etc. It saved my ass a few times!

http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268311245&sr=8-1

riding in the wind does suck, it takes a lot of getting used to, but once you're comfortable and relaxed you learn to just lean into the wind and make small adjustments with shifting your weight, etc to compensate.

as for turns, rather than pushing the bike down, push on the same bar as the direction you're turning (left bar for a left turn, right bar for a right turn) and gradually shift your weight. I find putting a little pressure on the foot pegs helps too, without forcing the bike.

most motorcycle helmet companies sell cheek pads of different sizes. I bought a KBC and it came with several sets. check out the online motorcycle parts/accessories sites (like this: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/) and you will probably find what you're looking for.

not sure about the idle, temp gauge is probably a bad sensor or lead, should be an easy fix.

happy riding!

 

Nice bike Carbie.

I just can't get over the bracket creep that allows us to think of 100HP sportbikes as "starter bikes".

Be careful. Esp over 10,000 rpms. Revs are more addictive than cocaine.

 

+1.

My son used to have a CBR600 (first bike as well) and man, when I would take it, I couldn't keep the revs below 6k. Because, you get it right above 6k and mash the throttle, it's like god.

BTW, the only mod I would do to the bike, is a two brothers slip on or full system. That is a MUST for me.


I just wish I wasn't so friggen old and could ride these more often!
Very nice bike.

 

LOL!

I now drive a modified 997 C2s, and it is slow compared to my (now sold) CBR600RR. I mean, really slow. once you get a taste of 0-60 in 3 seconds its hard for anything else to compare...

 

Saw the bike last night and it looks very well kept, almost like new in fact!

Ride it well my friend!

 

Tell me about it.

The CBR 600 i mentioned was mine but I handed it down to him.

I was on it for about 4 years. It's an 04. Then, went to a 911 S cab (which I just sold) and that was no biggie. But, going from those two to the Jeep Patriot I have now, Geez. Getting on a bike that maybe had 120-140hp to a car that's got 158hp.

Not cool when your trying to go around someone!

 

When I rode this bike I was very afraid of having it wheelie on me going through first gear, so when I throttled it I only touched maybe 6k in first. And that was rolling on the throttle and leaning forward on the tank.

What throttle %/gear does the front end come up on one of these?

 

In first gear, a lot of bikes can pull up 1/2 throttle.

But, with 2nd and 3rd if you get on it pretty hard you might be able to get it up 3/4 throttle.

4th 5th and 6th you can just pop the clutch give about 3/4 and go!

 

carb,

please be very, very careful in the l.a. traffic...actually avoid it at all costs if you are able. lane splitting is not for the uninitiated...please do not fall into the squid riding where they lane split at 60 mph or more. please take your time and do not work on getting up to speed on the canyon roads. take real time to understand vehicle dynamics unique to a motorcycle. keith code's "twist of the wrist I and II" are mandatory reading for you!!!

avoid the so-cal group rides as you are not ready and trust me, even as a seasoned racer, i don't do group rides as there is always some squid that wants to measure their johnson.

i am in san diego and would love to meet you for a ride this spring or summer.

get an arai quantum or rx-7rr lid and save for leathers.

pcb

 

What ferraripete said, thru and thru.

I knew a very experienced rider in L.A. - he would say the exact same thing.

 

+10

 

Thanks, everyone!

Awesome, thanks, Chas!

I rode to Darth's house today - another windy day. But I was just a tiny bit more comfortable in it than I was last night.

I guess that's what I meant to say. Pushing the right handlebar down to turn right, the left to turn left and so forth.

I thought this was stupid until I tried it today. I'm amazed at how a little pressure on the foot peg will give you just what you need. Thanks, Chas!

Awesome, thank you!

I need to really comb through the service manual and start learning basic mechanical stuff.

Thanks, Dean! I haven't revved over 10K yet. I'm still getting acclimated with the bike and taking my time to learn more and more.

Thanks, Peter! I'd love to come down to San Diego and go for a ride. I've got a Shoei helmet and a leather jacket on the way.

I'm not going out looking for traffic, but I'm not avoiding it either. I need to learn and I need to deal with all external factors. But rest assured, I'm taking things at my own comfortable pace. If I wasn't wearing a helmet, I'm sure I'd hear the screaming profanity from the cars behind me, wondering why I'm not going faster. I'm okay with holding people up for a minute or two while I go at my own pace and stay within my comfort zone. I'm not ready for the alternative.

I'm not lane-splitting at 60mph - in fact, I haven't lane split at all on the highway. Only on local roads when traffic is stopped at a light.

I'm not looking to go on any group rides, and the last thing that I want to do is run a canyon. I'm just sticking to streets and freeways right now, going where I need to go, and going at my own pace. I'm enjoying the learning experience more than I would enjoy trying something beyond my means and eating pavement.

Let me know when you want to go for a cruise. It'd be nice to hook up with a fellow rider here in California.


Thanks, everyone, for all of the tips and advice. More to come as my riding continues.

 

+ 1,000

And not trying to seem like a nag, but you really should take a MSF course. Best money you will ever spend.

I have been riding for over 40 years. <Heavy sigh>. I don't like to teach people. But if I must, here are steps 1 and 2:

1. Learn how to stop. Find a long stretch of level road with no traffic. (Not the easiest thing to do.) Then start doing panic stops WITH THE FRONT BRAKE. Go from 30 to 40 to 50 to 60 to 70 to ... Along the way, pay attention to how long it takes to stop. This is not an if, some day this practice will save your life.

(BTW, I prefer to do this on a dirt bike in the dirt. But we don't always get what we want.)

2. Learn what counter steering is and how to do it. The concept is simple: Lean on the left grip, you will turn left. Lean on the right, you will turn right. Practice doing this at progressively higher speeds. Once you master this skill, you will be able to make a motorcycle jump sideways at 70 mph. This comes in handy when you realize someone has dropped a 4X4 on the freeway.

Dale

 

Congrats on the new bike! She's a beaut! I have to agree with those who recommend the MSF course, it could save your life! You don't know what mistakes you're making every time you throw a leg over until a professional teaches you the right way.

Sent you a PM too.

 

Pocket Rockets have a very short rake in steering head angle...or geometry
Makes them very subject to surrounding conditions, ie wind, road grooves minor surface imperfections.
As the rake increases as in touring bikes and choppers the overall straight line stability in surrounding circumstances feels a little less unsettling, but you sacrifice precision manuevering.

I've driven both Extremes..I rodeTrials bikes for 15 years, They have almost vertical rake.
and on the other side I last had a V rod, steep production bike rake..

It will become second nature in time, But these race bikes are Fidigity in any circumstance let alone outside forces acting on them.

 

OP~ You've got some excellent info here. Use it.
One thing I would stress is don't try to "keep up" with other riders. Riding over your head creates panic. Panic makes you do the wrong stuff. Wrong stuff usually hurts.

Wind is something that you can't really fight as it's so unpredictable. The only thing you can do is adjust your speed down. That IS in your control.
There's a saying AGATT. (All Gear All The Time.)
Join a CBR forum to learn about your bike. They're out there.

As far as your cheek pads, depending upon the make of your helmet, you can get different sized/shaped cheek pads from the helmet maker. Cyclegear might be a good place to look.

 

Carbon, nice bike and welcome to the club. I agree with the panic breaking and counter steering advice. I also agree with the advice about reading. Read every book you can about riding techniques. Even the books that appear to be geared towards racing. They will still have great advice about how to steer, stop and accellerate a motorcycle. When you go out for a ride, assume everyone is trying to kill you and stay alert. I have a good ATGATT pic I'll post when I get home.

 

Sounded good going by at speed on your way up the 90!

 

Congrats on finally finding one. I sold my F1 last week & ended up buying a vintage Honda a few days later. You will have to check it out sometime, so let's ride.

 

I'm definitely going to do this. I've already been in touch with California Super Bike.

I've been practicing steering - at progressively higher speeds. Still practicing...

I've been playing with stopping from various speeds, but I haven't found a long stretch of deserted road yet.

What do you guys advise is the best way to panic brake while in a turn? I haven't had to do it yet, and I'm not going fast enough that I'm going to encounter something by surprise - but I know it'll happen one day, so I'd like to be ready for it.

Got the PM, thanks Andrew. I'm hoping to get to CSB before too long so that I don't 'learn' (m)any mistakes.

You speak the truth, Michael, thank you. I'm constantly working on my comfort level with the bike, in all situations. Braking, turning, windy days, slowing down. It's slow and gradual, but I'm working on it.

This I learned immediately. I'm only too happy to stay within my comfort zone. There were a few situations where I found myself going faster than I thought I should have and I quickly toned it down. I'm perfectly happy with people going around me.

Is Cycle Gear a chain? There's one right by my place and I've been in there a few times. Really nice folks and very helpful.

I've picked up great tips about driving from racing books, so it only makes sense that I'll get great tips about riding from bike racing books. I'll get my hands on all sorts of reading material. Thank you.

Awesome.

Brian, that's awesome. Bring it on Wednesday night, or bring it to Cars & Coffee tomorrow or to SCS on Sunday.


I took a few pictures this evening - until security patrol at the mall found me on the top level of the parking structure and told me to split.
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Remember, it is counter steering, like in counter intuitive!

No playing allowed. You must make that mother howl. I'm serious about this. A lot of people have gotten hurt because they were afraid of their front brake.

Yowser! Don't do this! Read Keith Code's book around contact patches and traction budgets. Once you enter into a turn, your braking should be done, and you should be easing on the gas to gain traction on your front tire. Racers can use trail braking, but never on the street.

This is why you need to practice counter steering. It is unbelievable, for an old skinny-tire guy like me, how maneuverable modern sport bikes are. Trust the bike. It is capable of doing far more than you.

And while we're here, do not ever, never, LAY IT DOWN. I will not go into the physics here, but odds are you will start going faster. Remember, God gave you tires and brakes for a reason.

If all else fails, and you are going to hit a car broadside, doing a Mighty Mouse, i.e., jumping up and over the car, might work. But, don't deliberately dump the bike. (BTW, you should ride with the balls of your feet on the pegs.)

One last thing: The two best safety devices for a motorcycle are (1) your eyes, and (2) the stuff between your ears. Learn what THREAT analysis is all about. Use it. You should always be thinking. You should always have escape routes. If you want to look at the chicks and the scenery, get a car.

Dale

 

This is covered and practiced in the MSF course. YOur braking should be done before the turn. But if you do find yourself needing to stop mid corner, make sure you get out of the lean and are upright before braking. If you try to brake while leaning through the corner you are going down.

 

I still love my 2001 CBR F4i, even though I've recently considered upgrading to a 750 Gixxer. I've had it for all 29000 miles except for the first 664.

Stay safe.

This was from 2 weekends ago at Barber in Alabama.

 

Carbon- The bike looks great in person, glad I got to see it.

Good luck with it!!

This is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Website that I was telling you about this morning. I am planning to take their beginners course.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

Dom