17 replies to this topic

[Galilee]

I Finally put the bike toghether enough to go for a test ride.

I was fiddling about in the garage and found out that if i skipped the plastic bits (sides and rear end) I'd manage a short trip before dark.

Here's some advice for ppl in the same situation:

- Remember to tighten (and double check) before test ride.
- ....especially the handlebars
- Handlebars will fold downwards under hard braking if the bolts aren't tightened properly.
- Under hard braking and handlebars folded downwards it's hard to reach the clutch
- If you don't use the clutch you might kill the engine
- Very few people carry allen keys on them, even professional carpenters don't necessarily have them, and especially not the size needed to do up the handlebar bolts.
- Always remember to bring tools even for a short test ride.
- Remember to charge the battery before the test ride, it's easier to start the engine if you do, especially if you just killed the engine emergency braking.
- If the battery isn't charged (too low voltage), the starter relay just makes a weird buzzing noise.
- If you try to push-start a TDM in 1 or 2nd. the rear wheel might lock, you might get out of balance, and you might twist your ankle trying to save the bike.
- Push start your bike in 3rd, it's also easier if you by any chance has a twisted ankle.
- When push starting the engine, keep your hand on the clutch so you can avoid running along with the started bike, especially if you have a twisted ankle.

To sum up: DON'T RUSH IT! take your time and make sure you have remebered everything.

[TonyDevil]

i'll try and remember those

[Stuart-900]

a great mental picture! Please let me know when you go for your first ride next year...

[CaptainSlow]

Brilliant post Gal, I'm laffin me tits off here

Hope you get everything back together, and the ankle is better soon.

[dapleb]

Good work, think this months stunt monkey is in the bag. Go on Thomas post the trophy piccy....ya know ya want to

[jht]

that is classic!!

[Sparra]

Can just imagine it.....HAHAHA

[Ozrutto]

My commiserations, I haven't done anything like that, but it's glad to read there are other people like me out there. (Impatient). As you will see on this forum I just fitted bar risers/laybacks and took the bike for a run along 30 kms of corrugated dirt road and guess what, the handle bars kept vibrating down when I went over the corrugations, guess what I didn't have either. Yep the allen keys are in the rackbag now.

Edited by Ozrutto, 22 May 2008 - 11:03 pm.

[Landy]

But apart from a few slight hitches it went well then.

[GC1972]

You poor bastard. Sprained ankles are fixed faster with Beer mate..

[Studley Ramrod]

you might twist your ankle trying to save the bike.

A TRUE CARPEDIAN WARRIOR ! Prepared to risk all for his beloved steed ! Ouch !!

[Galilee]

Thanks everyone.

At least I didn't drop it.

More on my restoring exploits in future posts, keyword is 'Frankenstein'.

[Jankers]

What a hoot!

If all MOT 'advisories' were like that everyone would be smiling.
J.

[JollyGiant]

I know you should just nip up brake and clutch levers so they just spin on bars if dropped but just nipping up bars so they spin on levers is a bit extreme

NOBODY let him near your bike even for advice

[masterbrewer]

I think it qualifies for "Knowledge Base" not stunt monkey

Great work Galilee......................you're still alive.

[Galilee]

Just to let you all know i followed my own advice this season. I thought it was best since i also had all the brakes off, and both wheels.

Sorry if anyone is disappointed.