Recent content by torch

Update: Another few thousand kms and the rear is really starting to flatten off fast. I suspect the main carcass is the softer compound and now I've worn through a harder wear layer in the centre. Can definitely feel the rear break traction when transitioning into a lean while accelerating. So...

I'll second the GIVI, starting with the SR357. Powder coated steel framework makes it far stronger than the OEM rack (never heard of anyone experiencing a sub-frame crack when using the GIVI). From there you can add whatever GIVI Monokey (not to be confused with Monolock) box tickles your fancy...

I have a pair of Tourmaster Flex (2nd set, actually). What I like about them is they have a multitude of zippered panels and liners that can be mixed and matched as conditions require. At the minimum, they are (mostly) mesh pants with armour in the knees and sides for hot weather riding. Zip...

Turn up the radio.

The proponents of single wheel trailers say they are far less inclined to push the bike around since they follow the track of the bike's own tires as they lean into a corner as well as having more of the weight on the hitch when braking. (I've never ridden a bike with a trailer, two wheeled or...

No, they won't protect a mirror. They will, however, mostly protect the expensive lower fairing panels in a tip-over.

My favourite on-line Canadian motorcycle tire dealer isn't advertising the price, but is privately offering the RSIV front for about 60% of the cost of the R6 version. And the Mutant for a few dollars less than that. No mention of a rebate though, so I guess it's "in lieu of".

I saw their first test, interesting to see the follow-up. Oddly, in the earlier installments they gave the Roadsmart a "slight edge" in handling over the R6, but in the concluding installment they said the RS handling was "lightyears ahead" of the R6. I wonder if the perception changed, or if it...

7,000km update: I did try them out for a short ride in the snow back in March, and can confirm that as a snow tire, they suck. No real surprise there, I'll stick with the 4wd pickup and studded tires for winter use. I'm still happy with the grip and feel of these tires, especially on the...

Hard to tell from the profile pic, but is that an aftermarket case on an adapter plate to the OEM rack? Givi makes replacement racks for their top boxes that eliminate the stress on that subframe. Worth the extra $$$, IMHO. I've never had a frame crack issue with hundreds of thousands of miles...

Closer to the latter. In plastic welding, the materials are not actually melted. One heats things to just above the plastic deformation temp and then applies pressure on the semi-solid rod to make the bond. Takes a bit of practice (in my case, a LOT of practice <lol>). Overheating the plastic...

I forgot about that, was thinking of the Gen 1. So that complicated the diagnosis slightly, but then again, at $12, it's cheap enough to do a parts swap diagnosis.

Could also be fuel pressure regulator or injectors. If the regulator is seeping, fuel pressure may be low in the line. If the injectors are seeping fuel pressure will be low AND there will be raw fuel sitting in the intake. Are you hitting the button as soon as you turn the key? Try waiting for...

Depends. Are we talking setting the cruise control rolling along the superslab, backside comfortably embraced in a custom saddle behind the windscreen on a farkeled-out litre-plus tourer, stopping for fuel only every 5 gallons or so? Hey, if that's what floats your boat, have at it. But I...

Pointing a new member to a manual is all well and good and of great benefit to the new member. When it is appended to the simple answer to a simple question it encourages further participation in the group. Dismissing a new member by telling them to read the manual instead of giving a simple...