E-XPLOR > TECH TIPS by Chris “Teach” McNeil
TECH TIPS by Chris “Teach” McNeil
As with any potentially dangerous activity, before you get started you have to be properly prepared. People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan; and that’s the same attitude you need to take when hopping aboard your motorcycle, whether it be for a jaunt down the street, a rally, racing or some freestyle riding. The first bit of preparation needs to be to your motorcycle. Since there are literally only two palm-sized contact patches between you and the ground, you need to make sure that your bike is as safe as possible. Next up, of course, is you. Your preparation will depend upon what kind of riding you are going to be doing, but there are some general rules of thumb that will prepare any rider and their machine. It is these basics that I will be discussing today.
Before you head out on the road you need to make sure your motorcycle is safe to ride. This only takes a minute or two and can be done while you let your bike get up to temperature.
Here is a basic checklist that you should look over before each ride:
• Tire pressure and any abnormal wear/tear or abrasions
• Chain/belt tension
• Caliper and axle bolts – to be sure they are not loose
• Brake pad wear
• Make sure the controls are working and that all lights/blinkers/horn function properly
• Fluid levels such as engine oil and radiator fluid
• Throttle return
• Brake return
These are some simple yet effective ways to minimize machine malfunction and ensure a safe ride. Some are more pertinent than others and you should apply them appropriately. Personally, I like to run a hand over most of the motorcycle to visually check it while the bike is warming up.
After you are confident that the bike is in tip-top shape, it is time to make sure you are comfortable on the machine. Riding a bike is like watching TV on the couch – it’s much more enjoyable when you are relaxed and comfortable. Here are some easy adjustments that you can make in only a few minutes that will make your ride that much better:
• Adjust the clutch and front brake levers closer or further from the grips to suit your riding position. Too often, I see riders with the levers in the stock positions which can be uncomfortable and ultimately unsafe for the rider.
• Similarly, adjust your shifter and rear brake pedals to your comfort (if possible on your bike). Having them too low may cause you to ground out in aggressive cornering; and having them too high can cause foot fatigue as well as delayed reaction time in emergency situations.
• Adjust the throttle free-play to your preference. For example, in freestyle riding I like absolutely zero slop, sometimes almost to the point that the throttle is on the verge of being open when it is actually in the closed position. Other people like a little give, it’s up to you.
• The suspension should also be set to your riding style and be tailored to what kind of riding you are planning on doing. Going two up? Stiffen the preload in the rear. Is it a bumpy trip? Loosen up the compression a bit and let the suspension soak up those bumps. Of course, settings will vary wildly on your type of riding. For stunts, I have everything super stiff; but when I want to cruise to bike night, that setup is hard on my back, so I loosen it up a little. Once you have made sure the bike is mechanically sound and made sure that the machine fits YOU and not anyone else, you are almost ready to rip! But before you twist that wrist, you better suit up in the proper safety gear. And just like the bike setup, your gear will depend upon what type of riding you will be doing and the basics of gear safety are the same across the board. Of course, BMW offers all kinds of cool gadgets and gear to keep you comfortable on those long trips, but what about those riders who are into racing or even freestyle stunt riding? Here’s what I’ve come up with:
• Helmet of course is the #1 priority. An open face is great when you are just cruising, but once you start to get aggressive on the bike you will want a full face helmet that offers great protection and won’t weigh your neck down with its weight.
• A jacket is the next item on the “must-have” list and these vary as much as the weather. For stunt riding, the speeds aren’t too high so I usually wear a textile jacket with padding in it. Something that you can move and be free in is very important when choosing a jacket. If you aren’t comfortable and can’t operate the motorcycle in an easy manner, then you need to try a different jacket.
• Gloves are next and follow the rules of jackets-if it’s not comfortable and you can’t move in it, then you shouldn’t wear it.
• Pants are always a tough choice when it comes to riding. Do I want to wear jeans or a pair of leathers? That choice is up to you, but you should never wear any other clothing with less protection than a pair of jeans. Comfort and protection are the keys here.
• Boots are one of the most overlooked aspects of riding gear for a lot of riders. I know that personally I usually opt for sneakers of some sort, but they offer virtually no ankle protection despite their comfort. I would suggest a boot/shoe that covers your ankle so you can avoid nasty road rash. The other key aspect of a boot is the sole and how much feel you have on your pegs and levers.
• And finally, I like to wear the BMW spine protector. It fits under your jacket and over your clothes easily, is super comfortable and will help protect your spine in the event of a get off!
That pretty much covers the basics of riding safely and things you should be thinking about BEFORE you hop on your bike. Keep the throttle pinned and the rubber side down!
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