Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
The full fairings are all frame mounted and take sidewinds and disturbed air much better.
The design of the bike - centre of gravity etc - does have a huge effect on this. In the late 70's (might have been the early 80's - long time ago anyway) I was riding one of the early faired GoldWings, a bike that was really stable in cross winds. I toured northern Scotland on it in side winds strong enough to make it hard to stand up when you got off but the bike hardly noticed it when you were riding.

On the other hand the Honda CX650 Turbo that I had some years later - a bike with a high C of G, could be quite dangerous with cross winds on the motorway, particularly if the roads were wet as well so you didn't know quite how much grip you had. You would have trouble keeping it in one lane if the wind was gusty.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
Quote:
Well it was sunny this morning so I thought I'd take the bike to town and not drive. Did just fine on the way there although it was a bit chilly round certain parts. On the way back though I'd just stopped at the lights when the beavens opened, and the hail started drumming on my helmet. Boy was I cheesed off, but I happened to glance across into the window of the house right by the lights, and caught the eye of the old lady in there. Next thing I know I'm invited into her front room to drip and squelch on her tiles, I've got a fantastic hot chocolate pressed into my hand and had a great chat till the rain/hail passed.

I think I'll have to go out more often this winter.
fantastic hospitality there mate, a lucky find indeed! I had a similar problem a while back but when I went into esso to ask if they had any plastic bags i could wrap around my feet all I got was "errr, you gonna buy some petrol?"
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burton On Trent England
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
The handlebar fairings are evil.
There is a world of difference being on a faired bike to being in a car.
The full fairings are all frame mounted and take sidewinds and disturbed air much better. When I started riding I was in the forces and had to ride to and from the base summer and winter each weekend. 435 miles each way, before we had motorways. The winter of 63-4 was really cold and I blessed the fairing then. These days I avoid that sort of cold if possible, but it is surprising how it chills when you go up the mountains in the pyreness or the alps even in summer.
yes maybe i was exagerating slighty about faired bikes being the same as cars
i understand why people like fairings & so on, its just a personal choice that i much much prefer to be without. my first bike was a fully faired sports tourer that i did about 20k on in 8 months, so ive got an idea what fairings are like to ride with. i just prefer to sit in the wind & wear a bit more in the cold.
mind you i am looking at those wotsits offroad bikes have over the levers to keep the wind off my gloves for the winter.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 8 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 619
Fairings Yuk!

I agree heartily that fairings are over rated and not needed. My beloved Guzzi Le Mans has a tiny fairing only there to add a dash of style---and obscure the instruments as they are viewed through the miniscule screen. In my first week of riding it I accidentally read the rev counter as the speedo. They were the other way round on my car. "Sorry for speeding occifer, really. It's the screen you see." "Yes sir, would you prefer a ticket for 4000 in a 30 then?" So you see even a little fairing is bad. Linzi.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 8 Nov 2008
albert crutcher's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
Wink Mmmm not so sure!

I don,t know if my Ktm 950,s doings exactly make up a fairing,but I do know my touring screen enables my to hear my Ipod at over 100mph.Before anything over about 85 and it was just a waste of time.Oh yeah and that screen cuts out so much windblast that you spend a lot more time at higher speeds,ACE! Best money I,ve spent in a while.
Al theturtleshead
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 8 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burton On Trent England
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linzi View Post
"Yes sir, would you prefer a ticket for 4000 in a 30 then?"
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 27 Nov 2008
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
I have become one!!

Well on the trip up to Tan Hill, my headlights started to flash and dim, a week later on my daily commute home, It all went bad. I limped home only to find that my rectifier/regulator was putting out a whooping 19V (@ 4k revs). So My bike is now in bits (as i try and figure out what is the cause of the RR failure) and i am on the train... and you know what I would prefer to be cold and wet on my bike then crammed in like a sardine, with all the coughing and rudeness that goes along with train commuters...


I know RR go but this one was new. So the first failure was a symptom of some thing else not the problem.

Hopefully i'll be back on the road soon...
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 28 Nov 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 134
Having just come home at 6.30pm, so not exactly middle of the night, and felt a definite slither turning the corner into my street, I might be taking public transport for a few days till it warms up...

Plus reversing it into a slot between cars is interesting when you're on slight tiptoes on ice!!!

BTW anyone else have issues with heated grips refusing to stay on when it's really cold? Seems to defeat the point a little....:confused1:

Laura
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 28 Nov 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Hopefully i'll be back on the road soon...
Are you saying your RR was NEW?
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 20:21.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 28 Nov 2008
patta's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xander View Post
Well on the trip up to Tan Hill, my headlights started to flash and dim, a week later on my daily commute home, It all went bad. I limped home only to find that my rectifier/regulator was putting out a whooping 19V (@ 4k revs).

I know RR go but this one was new. So the first failure was a symptom of some thing else not the problem.
hi Xander

if the RR is showing a high voltage the problem may be a poor connection in the 12v switched live, or the earth to the RR. If there is any loss of voltage due to a corroded connector a damaged wire the regulator will increase the recharging voltage, so i have been told as i am having probs on my bike at the moment.

Iain
__________________
When I live the life I please, then I’ll be a free man

www.sidecar-vagabonds.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 29 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burton On Trent England
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xander View Post
my rectifier/regulator was putting out a whooping 19V (@ 4k revs). So My bike is now in bits (as i try and figure out what is the cause of the RR failure)
others have said it but but earths & crap connections are a prime suspect. make sure the engine earths properly to the frame for example.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Laura Bennitt View Post

BTW anyone else have issues with heated grips refusing to stay on when it's really cold? Seems to defeat the point a little....:confused1:

Laura
mine kept cutting out, turned out to be a slightly loose connection in the fuse holder.
unless you mean yours are switching off due to a low voltage sensor? if so check the connections & that your bike is charging properly. the auto cutoff ones normally cutout at about 11.5v. mind you if you do a lot of low speed riding it could be your bike is fine but just not putting out enough power.
oh last one - if yours opens, check the water in the battery hasnt dropped.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 29 Nov 2008
bobkat's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 103
We crossed the Alps November 2007 on a GoldWing towing a trailer. Four-wheeled vehicles were in the ditch, but we made it over without incident. There is approximately 1" (2.5 cm) of compacted snow on the road surface and it is still snowing. Thank goodness for Gerbings (Gerbing's Heated Clothing // The World's Warmest Clothing!) heated vests and gloves.

__________________

Our Favorite Roads, until the next trip!
Bob & Kathy
The adventures of Lemonade
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xander View Post
Well on the trip up to Tan Hill, my headlights started to flash and dim, a week later on my daily commute home, It all went bad. I limped home only to find that my rectifier/regulator was putting out a whooping 19V (@ 4k revs). So My bike is now in bits (as i try and figure out what is the cause of the RR failure) and i am on the train... and you know what I would prefer to be cold and wet on my bike then crammed in like a sardine, with all the coughing and rudeness that goes along with train commuters...


I know RR go but this one was new. So the first failure was a symptom of some thing else not the problem.

Hopefully i'll be back on the road soon...
That 19volts may be because the rectifier is shorted out and it is providing AC or pulsed dc. Many dc voltmeters will give a high dc reading when on AC
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
The design of the bike - centre of gravity etc - does have a huge effect on this. In the late 70's (might have been the early 80's - long time ago anyway) I was riding one of the early faired GoldWings, a bike that was really stable in cross winds. I toured northern Scotland on it in side winds strong enough to make it hard to stand up when you got off but the bike hardly noticed it when you were riding.

On the other hand the Honda CX650 Turbo that I had some years later - a bike with a high C of G, could be quite dangerous with cross winds on the motorway, particularly if the roads were wet as well so you didn't know quite how much grip you had. You would have trouble keeping it in one lane if the wind was gusty.
I do not think it is just the CofG. MY BMW which has a Cof G six inched or more higher than any of my older Triumphs is stable in crosswinds. ( it is also 150 lbs heavier). the steering geometry also plays a part becaus if the bike is naturally self centering it will recover by itself.
It irritates me when people criticise bikes for doing what they are designed to do. eg harley chopper, not my thing at all, but if I had free petrol and 1000 mile straight roads they make some sense. The big low stressed engines also leaves a low stressed rider. That is one reason I prefer to drive a diesel car ( maybe one day a diesel bike also).
However, if you look at those who have to ride their bikes all year irrespective of the weather, the ratio of bikes with fairings become disproportionally high.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Hi Guys!
Thanks for all your great advice! I have not had a chance to go though it too in depthly yet but I have already found a couple of bad connections and at least one short (after market add-on) when i was ripping it to bits. (family commitments and then too bloody cold/dark/tired when i get home from the salt mines.) Saturday is the big fix start anyway.

I am going to make my first step being a step by step checking and testing of the entire loom. Better now then next year when we will be on the road. I have already made sure that the RR connectors are all nice and shiny. Does any one know where i can get my hands on some dielectric grease?

Molly: it was an Electrex World one.. They come hightly recomended and when i called then they did not even stutter and told me to send it back for a free replacement. The EW ones come with a 1 year guarantee..honda come with a three week, and only if not installed (what is the point i ask you??). Hopefully it was the correct choice.. The new one is charging fine, so two options I got a bad RR or (as we all think and far more likley) there is a bigger problem here. I'll let you all know what i find (if i find the the cause).

Thanks again all
Xander
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
what is a fair price to pay for an '81 XT500 Fly Guy Yamaha Tech 6 18 Aug 2008 01:24
Bikers asado in BA,who comes? 12/03 BCK_973 SOUTH AMERICA 2 13 Mar 2006 04:36
Bikers asado in BA,who comes? BCK_973 SOUTH AMERICA 0 3 Nov 2005 04:14
Morocco - Fair-haired and Female Shells North Africa 4 15 Aug 2005 19:33

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:41.