Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

I'm doing Pikes Peak tomorrow (or maybe Monday morning). SUPER EXCITED.

Got 5 hours 30 mins of driving from Tucumcari (where i'm staying tonight) to get there first though...

Wasn't tucumcari mentioned in a fistful of dollars.....

Chicken strips is applicable on the track only. People who worry about them on a road bike are knobs.

@Soul - dude, that's incredible! Enjoy man!

It's mentioned in A Few Dollars More.

I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to visit but it's part of the route 66 experience.

Do you have big ones then?

😂

What ptown said.

But seriously dude, how square is your tyre? I'm sure it's the photo, but it looks like it's been lifted off a 1.1l hatchback from the '80.

On the general subject, watching Del Boy's garage the other day and he recommended scrubbing your chicken strips with a Scotch pad and hot soapy water every so often. Logic being to remove the hard shiny surface that builds up over time in case you have to use that section of the tyre in an emergency only to find out its got no traction.

@Soul - so envious. Absolutely stunning scenery.

I'll let you be the judge

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Track or tarck?

Could it be the profile of the tyre, Bridgestone Bt45? They've been on the bike since I've had it. I've scraped foot pegs but the bit at the edge remains untouched, that's why I was asking. (I'm not trying to scrape knees btw just ride in jeans and boots) but I think I counter steer quite a bit not sure how that affects it.

until reading a terrible thread on a motorbike forum today I didn't really understand the topic and the different variables.

profile

Maybe. Tbh I assumed it was just a visual trick of the mud line.

I take a lot of bike forum stuff with a pinch of salt (things like braking for eg). Motorbike riders and machismo seem to go hand in hand.

All my ex race tyres are well over the edge ;)

That hard shiny coating is from the mould and modern tyres are getting better at being ready to go once fitted.

Also use car wash stuff not washing up liquid.

Just a quick note on "counter-steer". Counter steering is the only way any bike steers (including pushbikes) over about 12mph. The only difference between instinctive turning and 'counter-steering' is the mental awareness that you are doing it.

In my opinion there is a big difference between "instinctive turning" and more aggressive counter steering.

Semantics really. Different riders have different levels of skill and confidence is all. Big, conscious efforts to counter steer are just part of learning the limitations of riding.

Fuuuuuuck. Picked up a flat.

We're here: https://goo.gl/maps/rgn2oj6aZAA2

Lucky to have mobile signal at least... Waiting for a tow truck.

Not too far from Taos - Lovely little town of you're headed in that direction. Good luck with the tow, with a bit of luck they might just plug it at the side of the road.

Blown sidewall... New tyre or nothing.

We're still waiting for pickup but looks like someone will be out in 45 mins.

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Bloody hell - never seen that on a bike before!

Yup. Not fun riding when that happened...

Maybe time to tell the other half she should lay off the pies.

The wife wasn't impressed with that one..

recommend a twist of the wrist video on You Tube re: counter steering

it's actually listed as 'a twits of the wrist'

re: chicken strips, mine are mahoosive........

don't lean

Should have added a smiley! :)

Does anyone want to buy a helmet?

I feel like a mug, but I think I’ve got to admit to myself that I’ve bought a helmet that’s slightly too small. I’m absolutely gutted as it’s exactly what I wanted and while I am trying quite hard to save money I seem to be wasting it left, right and centre.

• AGV GT Veloce GTX (Black and Gun Metal Grey)

• Size: M/S 57-58cm (I would say it’s more 57cm than 58cm cheeks and skull cap can be tweeked)

• Shell: Carbon-kevlar

• Pinlock: Clear one fitted & included

• Sharp Rating: 5 star

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/223510

Asides from the general blurb you can find anywhere I’d say it’s a great helmet. You can tell it’s quality, better than the cheaper Arais. Loads of nice touches, like extra padding for the cheeks (lol), nice and small shell (sobs), adjustable skull cap, brilliant visibility – it really is good both height and width. Good ventilation.

Less than 2 weeks use. I’ve registered the helmet to get the 5yr warranty – obviously happy to help inforce that down the line if needs be.

If you’re within sensible riding distance from the City, or live north I’m happy to ride over after work if you want to try it.