tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post7039309455024567003..comments2024-01-30T22:53:34.269-08:00Comments on Musings of an Intrepid Commuter: irondadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-8422418259233641772010-02-24T10:54:58.449-08:002010-02-24T10:54:58.449-08:00Irondad:
Chuck is quite the teaser and jokester. ...<b>Irondad:</b><br /><br />Chuck is quite the teaser and jokester. We spent a weekend together on a ride over to Vancouver Island. Just image two photographers together riding and snapping photos of each other. I never had so much fun.<br /> He did manage to give me a couple of funny looks, you know, the looks that "could Kill" looks. when I told him that I would be following his every footstep. After he shot a photo, I went up to exactly where he was standing and pointed my camera in the same general direction. Of course his photos turned into Images, while mine turned into Art<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">bobskoot: wet coast scootin</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-51339645550185750592010-02-23T17:00:34.629-08:002010-02-23T17:00:34.629-08:00Chuck,
Too bad I was reading your comment while d...Chuck,<br /><br />Too bad I was reading your comment while drinking my morning coffee!<br />I'm afraid the spit out liquid may render my laptop disfunctional.<br /><br />I never knew you had such a sense of humor. Now that Bobskoot has gone all Hero video on us, I may just start doing a bit of video myself. If only to see you trying to get your laptop lined up with the sideways pictures.<br /><br />Young Dai,<br /><br />We're still good. You're way ahead on the scoreboard!<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-83761277138026180992010-02-23T14:17:20.093-08:002010-02-23T14:17:20.093-08:00Sorry
I should have said ;"I used to look d...Sorry <br /><br />I should have said ;"I used to look down on the speedo and think OPP's ......but I was in the wrong gear for the posted road speed."<br /><br />And I know I can't take a good photo for toffee's. <br /><br />We still good ?Young Daihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12555960598884624382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-11607487877141724472010-02-22T23:51:25.744-08:002010-02-22T23:51:25.744-08:00Dan, when I turned my monitor upside down I droppe...Dan, when I turned my monitor upside down I dropped the revs! Right side up and they increased. I think I'd rather ride ... less strain on the forearms and back muscles -:)<br /><br />So, when will we see your video of the needle actually moving up and down? And will we still need to turn our monitors, or will we just stand on our heads for the vid?Chuck Pefleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02886326288618029812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-31534122316651508852010-02-22T19:37:24.197-08:002010-02-22T19:37:24.197-08:00Jack,
Doesn't that sound like Nascar? I hear...Jack,<br /><br />Doesn't that sound like Nascar? I heard they want all the needles pointing straight up, even if that means rotating the actual instruments. Then it's easier to see if something isn't right.<br /><br />Now we have a new battle cry.<br /><br />Keep the needle up!!<br /><br />bobskoot,<br /><br />Maybe I can finally one up you, oh Great One. How about one handed video shot from my bike?<br /><br />Seriously, I appreciate the warning. I need to do the mounted video thing. That would also give stills, won't it?<br /><br />Gordon,<br /><br />I love that large pocket on the 'stich. I always have something else in it, though, which is why I used the tank bag.<br /><br />Maybe we should all get together at some rally and film documentaries on each other. I once had a guy with a TV camera riding on the back of my bike and facing backwards for a track event. That was interesting!<br /><br />Steven,<br /><br />You are exactly right. In fact, I thought of doing just that. For some reason my stubborn ego demanded more. I set up a situation where I had as much control as possible. Still, though, things can go wrong.<br /><br />Perhaps I should quit while I am ahead.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-34063952067618032112010-02-22T19:28:02.626-08:002010-02-22T19:28:02.626-08:00Steve Williams,
I never knew anyone who learned h...Steve Williams,<br /><br />I never knew anyone who learned how to ride in a seminar. Sooner or later action is required. Of course, you knew that. You are becoming quite the teacher yourself.<br /><br />I do feel more inspired lately. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to make a living at photography and motorcycle training. <br /><br />A podcast? How interesting.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-38038501052669929172010-02-22T19:25:19.628-08:002010-02-22T19:25:19.628-08:00Sharon,
Didn't you find it much smoother that...Sharon,<br /><br />Didn't you find it much smoother that way? It's amazing how much more control a rider has in a lower gear. Cornering, as I pointed out to bluekat, should be a matter of rolling the bike on its axis. In the proper gear, you can easily do that with just the throttle.<br /><br />Young Dai,<br /><br />You continue to amaze me with the depth of your comments. Like peeling back the layers of an onion, I learn more about your knowledge every time! Thank you again for sharing.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-6584317929226093322010-02-22T19:22:39.308-08:002010-02-22T19:22:39.308-08:00bluekat,
Not so much compression as the dynamics ...bluekat,<br /><br />Not so much compression as the dynamics of applied power. Rolling on throttle makes a bike want to stand up. So the throttle in essence holds the bike up. It makes you more comfortable because now you have something to press against when you corner. It feels more like rolling the bike around its axis instead of having the bike fall and then need to be pulled back up.<br /><br />The part about the throttle being more sensitive inlower gears is valid. That relates to torque. Either try one gear higher and see if that helps while still giving you good control, or adjust how you actually apply the throttle.<br /><br />Think "flex" instead of "roll" and see if that helps.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-33483799379304727472010-02-22T19:18:06.849-08:002010-02-22T19:18:06.849-08:00Charlie6,
I was really surprised when I first rod...Charlie6,<br /><br />I was really surprised when I first rode an R1200RT on a track. For something that sounds like a tractor at low rpm's, it sure changes into something sweet when wound up. Very interesting!<br /><br />Orin,<br /><br />I suppose that if you suddenly found the Vespa at those kind of revs you would expect some sort of trouble. Like a broken belt. <br /><br />Just learn to slip your clutch, man!<br /><br />Dave T,<br /><br />I love the way the 'strom sounds, too. I took a woman for a ride on a track on her own bike. She never knew it could be such a performer. I'm glad you let your bike live the good life!<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-14227289990868130002010-02-22T19:11:49.538-08:002010-02-22T19:11:49.538-08:00Mike,
I promise to be careful with the camera. P...Mike,<br /><br />I promise to be careful with the camera. Perhaps a video mount is in the near future. Of course, I haven't managed to get the bike wired for electrics, yet, so who knows?<br /><br />Kevin,<br /><br />Thank you so much for gracing my blog! Wouldn't that be cool? Having a photo of a tree frog sitting on the tach while wearing a helmet? Hmmmm, how to pose that?<br /><br />Scott,<br /><br />Exactly. The music starts at a much higher octave, doesn't it?<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-74191597190783604202010-02-22T07:19:16.937-08:002010-02-22T07:19:16.937-08:00for just a pic of the tach, couldn't it have b...for just a pic of the tach, couldn't it have been taken with the bike at rest in neutral and the throttle up? <br /><br />It's just a thought for your safety. I've been tempted to snap an image while moving as well, and have found it a harrowing experience - something I now that I'd really prefer not to do again myself.Stevenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006392231667016999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-70943428228863175762010-02-22T00:39:32.045-08:002010-02-22T00:39:32.045-08:00Irondad,
Tachometer, what's a Tachometer? Al...Irondad,<br /><br />Tachometer, what's a Tachometer? Although my bikes don't have tachs, BMW's no-less, I do know where the sweet spot is. I should say I feel and hear the sweet spot. It certainly makes the bike feel better in corning, and quicker to respond to throttle input.<br /><br />As far as taking photos while riding goes I'm with you, I wouldn't recommend anybody to do so, even though I have partaken in such activity. I made a neck lanyard out of high quality nylon cord so that the camera can hang from my neck with out hitting the tank in normal riding position. It allows me to drop the camera if my hand is needed on the bars. I have a large pull on the right chest pocket of my Stich so that I can remove and stow the camera when needed. I have a Canon G9 not to much different than you G11, and I have become efficient powering up the camera and tripping the shutter with my gloves on. I would do a post on the subject myself, but I don't trust anybody to ride along side me and document (take photos and video) my actions while I myself am riding and taking photos...<br /><br />Thanks for making me think. GAW682202https://www.blogger.com/profile/12028633407610201571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-72215027989157554212010-02-21T19:00:12.922-08:002010-02-21T19:00:12.922-08:00Mr Irondad:
right you are with RPM ranges. Each ...<b>Mr Irondad:</b><br /><br />right you are with RPM ranges. Each bike is slightly different dependant upon torque range. If I am on twisties, the sweet spot is between 4-5,000. rpms. good compression braking setting up for the next curve, then power out.<br /><br />I used to take one-handed photos too but it always worried me that something could go wrong. That's why I switched to mounted videocams<br /><br />bob <br /><a href="%E2%80%9Dwww.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow">bobskoot: wet coast scootin</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-27447541879510912492010-02-21T18:29:22.017-08:002010-02-21T18:29:22.017-08:00Dear IronDad (Dan):
A long-time friend of mine, a...Dear IronDad (Dan):<br /><br />A long-time friend of mine, and a Beemer jockey with 8 BMW's in his garage, once said to me, the RPM's are right with the tach needle pointing straight ahead. Truer words were never spoken. On the K75, that comes in around 5-6 grand. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-14550682070379135002010-02-21T09:40:37.781-08:002010-02-21T09:40:37.781-08:00Sounds as if you are advocating action over though...Sounds as if you are advocating action over thought, experience over thinking, riding over armchair riding.<br /><br />I'll bite.<br /><br />Makes sense to me. So does taking pictures while riding. And making videos. I think you need to consider doing a weekly podcast. Maybe take phone calls. <br /><br />And I bet you could make some jing with an iPhone Riding technique app.<br /><br />Or some .40 Teflon coated magic bullets. <br /><br />You are just full of ideas of late. Has the magnetic field of the earth changed out your way or something?<br /><br />Steve Williams<br /><a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</a>Steve Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04540977884513559091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-49911771841234702642010-02-21T04:42:39.458-08:002010-02-21T04:42:39.458-08:00Bluekat got there before me.
Although dropping a ...Bluekat got there before me.<br /><br />Although dropping a gear (or two) improves your work through the twisties. It really makes sense for town work. Not only does it keep the bike resposive in traffic, so you don't have to wait for the brakes while the engine in wallowing about. That Mall exemple you gave earlier would have been a 2nd gear road without doubt. <br /><br />It can also save you tickets as well. How often have you looked down at the speedo and thought; "OOP's" ? You tell yourself," well the Bike wanted to go faster.". But really you were in the wrong gear for the posted road speed. <br /><br />In UK the the majority of the urban roads are 30mph with some dual cariage ways going to 40mph. That's 3000 rpm in 2nd and either 4000 rpm in 2nd or 3000rpm in 3rd respectively, you start to remember the vibration and sound of the engine, letting you keep it at the posted speed for mile after mile without worring, and more imporantly you can use the rest of your senses to to keep you alive.<br /><br />Of all the techniques that I have learnt since passing my initial road test, this has probably been the one that has helped me the most. A very important post DanYoung Daihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12555960598884624382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-17660261940625972452010-02-21T01:32:25.183-08:002010-02-21T01:32:25.183-08:00Keeping the revs up and riding in a lower gear mad...Keeping the revs up and riding in a lower gear made the most sense to me when I did my first track day. Great lesson. Thanks!Sojourner's Moto Taleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235661849993752840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-37002075203210030592010-02-21T00:07:39.033-08:002010-02-21T00:07:39.033-08:00A timely post. Everything you said makes sense, an...A timely post. Everything you said makes sense, and explains some things I've started to notice. These past few months I've been using a lower gear in city driving, and in cornering. I couldn't tell you why, but I found that I liked it better. I thought maybe it had to do with more engine compression? I don't understand the workings of motorcycles, so I don't know what it is. More responsive is a good way to describe it. I can't say that I'm always smoother in a lower gear. Throttle control becomes more responsive but also less forgiving. Does that make sense? <br /><br />As for video, just think of what you could do. Possibilities, possibilities...Bluekathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13485258388887249275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-38891597366356865252010-02-20T21:15:36.587-08:002010-02-20T21:15:36.587-08:00Oh the lovely sound my V-strom makes when it reall...Oh the lovely sound my V-strom makes when it really revs up... I love that big twin, and the torque! My favorite thing is to ride with my friends (Who almost all ride sport bikes) and listen to them shifting all the time. I leave the 'Strom in 3rd or 4th and just work the throttle and brakes. That's all I need. Never come "off the pipe" on the low end and get it right up there to red line on the top. Reminds me why I bought the 1000cc instead of the 650cc. Clears the sinuses and brain fog too. :) Of course it CAN be hazardous to your license...<br /><br />Glad you're really enjoying your cameras Dan. It's fun to see another guy who is hooked on bikes and photography.<br /><br />Dave T.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03003653784810150167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-35555533192227360432010-02-20T18:47:59.879-08:002010-02-20T18:47:59.879-08:00My Vespa GTS, having a continuously variable trans...My Vespa GTS, having a continuously variable transmission, almost never revs over 6000 rpm. In fact, sometimes when you crank the throttle, the revs actually <i>drop</i> for a moment, even though the bike is moving faster. The tach will read up to 12500 rpm, but I can't imagine the engine revving that high, even if I cranked the throttle all the way open...<br /><br />__Orin<br /><a href="http://www.scootinoldskool.com" rel="nofollow">Scootin' Old Skool</a>Orinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16135309284838958912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-31327286191666828102010-02-20T15:15:22.675-08:002010-02-20T15:15:22.675-08:00Keep the revs up, I learned that from a friend whe...Keep the revs up, I learned that from a friend when I was just learning the ropes....truer words have not been spoken.<br /><br />Beemer boxers love riding along at around 4000 rpm's.redlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-20572486119787217382010-02-20T14:22:09.414-08:002010-02-20T14:22:09.414-08:00I feel sorry for bikes that top out at 6k rpms :)I feel sorry for bikes that top out at 6k rpms :)Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10633864569027990757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-37070864504404177042010-02-20T14:16:19.434-08:002010-02-20T14:16:19.434-08:00Reminds me of my failed effort to take a picture o...Reminds me of my failed effort to take a picture of a tree frog sitting on my speedometer that was indicating 65mph. By the time I dug the camera out of my jacket, it had given up on the exposed ride, and crawled back into the fairing somewhere. Probably for the best, he didn't have a helmet.<br /><br />My bike will run at low rpms, but is awful grumbly about it. Never stutters, just complains. It's much happier from 5k up to the rev limiter.Kevin696https://www.blogger.com/profile/12637889637810410517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-28954932301857570472010-02-20T12:50:26.142-08:002010-02-20T12:50:26.142-08:00I bought my bike from an older gentleman in Ohio. ...I bought my bike from an older gentleman in Ohio. I took it to an independent BMW shop to have it serviced and looked over to make sure everything was right. The mechanic said when he took it out for a test ride it pinged. So he really got on it and took the rpm's way up and it made it big pop sound as it broke loose some carbon. He said the guy had been lugging it and that I should really keep the rpm's up. Being a boxer engine that's horizontally opposed, high rpm's are a requirement. I knew this from working with VW's but didn't think of it with the bike. When I did that it turned into a different bike. All the power and control is in the higher end just like you say.<br /><br />Good post but be careful with that camera thing when riding, even being the professional you are. Bobskoot has the good setup with the camera mount. I'm just sayin... :)Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11946652999166458805noreply@blogger.com