Broken bike? Won't start? Give me a shout, let's get it on...
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Allen Bolts and Bodges.
Oh the abuse!
It seems the older the bike is, the more damage she takes from Bodgett and Scarper Esquire. A familiar sight on the GSX engines are the large-capped Allen bolts holding down the rocker cover. Nice and shiny when new, chiselled to death several miles down the road.
I'm on a budget here and there's no way I'm forking out for new bolts when I don't really know how good the rest of the bike is. Anything to help them would be good.
Here's a pic of them with engine still in bike, note the chisel mark in the centre rear bolt.
The centres of the bolts are visibly rounded. A 6mm Allen key will undo them, but is a very slack fit. Although we can never make them exactly like new, we can do something to help. Fetch the hammer.
1) The raised edges are what we want to try and knock down again. Try and brush the hammer across the bolt as you hit down - as if you're pushing the metal back into the hole.
2) Here you can see how loose the Allen key is in the bolt.
4) Much better fit. It won't be perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better and doesn't look so bollocksed!
But some of these are bad!
Two of the bolts in the GSX cover are smaller in size, and must be harder to remove going by the chisel marks! They get the same treatment, but the hexagons are pretty worn on these two. Not much can be done with the abuse on the edges bar for filing and polishing. They're hidden under the tank to some extent so all should be good.
Big improvement huh?
At a quick glance you'd never know, and that's what it's all about - trying to make something good from a previous owner's learning curve. Right, what's next?
The rocker cover needs more work, but all in good time. Bolts are looking so much better than before!
It seems the older the bike is, the more damage she takes from Bodgett and Scarper Esquire. A familiar sight on the GSX engines are the large-capped Allen bolts holding down the rocker cover. Nice and shiny when new, chiselled to death several miles down the road.
I'm on a budget here and there's no way I'm forking out for new bolts when I don't really know how good the rest of the bike is. Anything to help them would be good.
Here's a pic of them with engine still in bike, note the chisel mark in the centre rear bolt.
The centres of the bolts are visibly rounded. A 6mm Allen key will undo them, but is a very slack fit. Although we can never make them exactly like new, we can do something to help. Fetch the hammer.
1) The raised edges are what we want to try and knock down again. Try and brush the hammer across the bolt as you hit down - as if you're pushing the metal back into the hole.
2) Here you can see how loose the Allen key is in the bolt.
3) Hammered down flat. You'll probably need to tap the Allen key into the hole after hammering. This should give it a nice hexagon again.
4) Much better fit. It won't be perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better and doesn't look so bollocksed!
5) Next, it's back in the drill for a spin up against some rough emery cloth, 240 wet and dry paper and, finally, 320. Finished off with a rag and Autosol will soon have it looking respectable.
But some of these are bad!
Two of the bolts in the GSX cover are smaller in size, and must be harder to remove going by the chisel marks! They get the same treatment, but the hexagons are pretty worn on these two. Not much can be done with the abuse on the edges bar for filing and polishing. They're hidden under the tank to some extent so all should be good.
Big improvement huh?
The rocker cover needs more work, but all in good time. Bolts are looking so much better than before!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Black Animals Special Bikes
Dirty Bastards? Excuse my Italian.
Just like great bikes, great friendships evolve, sometimes from the last place you'd expect, and the old 'two-wheeled bond' is always good.
So who are the Black Animals?
A drunken coming together, mixed up with incoherent chat about building a bike from scratch - probably. But no matter, it was the start of something good and Dan, Mirco and Giovanni began to tear down some unlikely tourers as they began to knock some cafe racers into shape.
When I say unlikely, I mean old Gold Wings and GSX750ES's (who in their right mind would try and cafe race one of those?), but that's exactly the spirit we need to see in the custom scene. A love of anything two-wheeled, a not too serious attitude and the ability to sink several beers/wines while doing it. (Actually, that's probably the entire custom scene.)
Mirco first got in touch with me because of a common interest, the old GSX750ES, yes we both own one (it's just that mine looks like it's been run over by a cement truck, twice). So, with formalities formalised, I was invited to share in the madness that is the Black Animals on Facebook and now enjoy their antics from Italy everyday. Not just great taste in bikes, but music too! Think I need to visit - more wine vicar?
Mirco's GSX750ES
Dan's Gold Wing
Giovanni's GSX750
So, why Black Animals?
I was baffled, but then I don't speak Italian. Dan explained:
"this is a lost in translation, as the "black animal" in italian is like saying "dirty bastard" or something like that"
That, my friend, makes it crystal clear and will do for me. Check out their antics at Facebook today.
Just like great bikes, great friendships evolve, sometimes from the last place you'd expect, and the old 'two-wheeled bond' is always good.
So who are the Black Animals?
A drunken coming together, mixed up with incoherent chat about building a bike from scratch - probably. But no matter, it was the start of something good and Dan, Mirco and Giovanni began to tear down some unlikely tourers as they began to knock some cafe racers into shape.
When I say unlikely, I mean old Gold Wings and GSX750ES's (who in their right mind would try and cafe race one of those?), but that's exactly the spirit we need to see in the custom scene. A love of anything two-wheeled, a not too serious attitude and the ability to sink several beers/wines while doing it. (Actually, that's probably the entire custom scene.)
 |
| Dan, drunk, again. Trying to ride a Gold Wing van. |
Mirco first got in touch with me because of a common interest, the old GSX750ES, yes we both own one (it's just that mine looks like it's been run over by a cement truck, twice). So, with formalities formalised, I was invited to share in the madness that is the Black Animals on Facebook and now enjoy their antics from Italy everyday. Not just great taste in bikes, but music too! Think I need to visit - more wine vicar?
The projects so far
Mirco's GSX750ES
 |
| GSX750ES and a cool looking workshop. |
 |
| Strewth, even the tank is still in good nick. |
 |
| Mirco trying the GSX out for size. |
 |
| GSX750ES tail piece. Very impressive! |
Dan's Gold Wing
 |
| Heavy Metal! |
 |
| Wish my forks were as straight as that! |
 |
| Blasted alloy looks so cool! |
 |
| Great contrast, love those cases! |
So, why Black Animals?
I was baffled, but then I don't speak Italian. Dan explained:
"this is a lost in translation, as the "black animal" in italian is like saying "dirty bastard" or something like that"
That, my friend, makes it crystal clear and will do for me. Check out their antics at Facebook today.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
2012 KTM Superduke 990R - it takes me back...
Somewhere, we've gone full circle.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised; fashions come and go, beards are back, and sports bikes one day turn into tourers the next. We've been coddled with some of the best handling bikes ever built over the last few years, but maybe, just maybe they left us feeling a little empty.
Why? They're quick as you like, turn fast and make knee-down on the way to the shops normal, almost boring. So what the f*#k happened?
Growing up on Brit-twins and eighties Jap fours was different. The power was saner, blended with a nice flexible frame that let you know when you were going a little too fast (believe me, they let you know). And although you could make alterations, and improve things with aftermarket accessories, you knew death was just an extra few mph away. You respected the bike, and the sweat pouring from the workout it gave you was achieved at a slightly safer speed. On a modern thou, to get off feeling like that, you're either trying to hang onto Michael Dunlop, or just bastard quick (read talented)!
But then came the in-betweeners.
Bigger and heavier than a supermoto, but not quite retro, cafe-racer, tourer or sports bike. It's a bit of a do everything type bike, but all-rounder doesn't do it justice. It'll come to me in a minute.
It certainly looks the dogs, and comes with all the niceties you can think of including WP suspension, Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels and Magura clutch. High spec indeed.
So, first go on the Katoom and initial impression was lots of suspension, with me sat very high. Like being on a chunkier supermoto. Never a big fan of V-twins, I took off on my favourite road. It's ok, got good low down power, but never life threatening. I want to feel power so savage the bike'll pull a wheelie and try and stab me in the face with a rogue handlebar. It's what I love about big fours, the power just climbs up, up and up some more!
But wait... I've followed lots of V-twins, big Ducatis, TL's, VTR's and Tuono's and they've been incredibly quick in the right hands. What am I missing?
As the pace increases, it does become more fun though feels vibey through the pegs no matter what I do. Bugger it, time to crack on and see what it'll do while I hang off round a few bends.
Strewth! Mistake number one. As the big KTM tried to pitch me off (both ends are bouncing up and down uncontrollably) I decide it's time for suspension adjustments. Maybe it's my lack of style, but it seems to work better just sitting in the middle rather than me moving my arse all over the shop. I could've been back on dad's '76 Trident for a moment!
I turn around and return to the garage, which is when I notice the next quirk. This baby runs hot! Fans are blasting as soon as I stop at the lights, but then it has got the biggest cat/silencer you've ever seen under the rear. Dave, the owner of this scorch-framed satsuma, already has Akrapovic cans coming. Once fitted, suspension will be dialled in for him and a tail tidy slotted in. Then we can have another go. It'll be run-in then so I won't mind giving it some proper stick.
A few weeks pass.
I love riding different bikes, but I must admit I wasn't that bothered about getting back on the KTM, although it sounds a hell of a lot better now and looks sharper with the Akro's onboard. I'm just not convinced it's going to handle that much better. Still, tally ho.
Horsing into the first few bends it's feeling good. The suspension is stiffer and, with massive 48mm WP forks, you'd expect them to handle road riding with ease. I'm starting to like this thing, so it's time to hang off again (purely for aesthetic reasons you realise), but as I try to get my knee-down, the bike drops into a small pothole, gets a weave on and I end up grounding my boot out. Oops, horse it again, hope no one was watching and all is well!
From now on I'm keeping my arse right in the middle of the comfy seat - that's it. It ain't no Gixer, lets just try and get the best out of it. I'm not saying it won't do it, it's just tall and it feels slightly alien to me. Enough drivel already, back to the road and more bends, leaning over further then winding it on hard in second - and it all came good.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised; fashions come and go, beards are back, and sports bikes one day turn into tourers the next. We've been coddled with some of the best handling bikes ever built over the last few years, but maybe, just maybe they left us feeling a little empty.
Why? They're quick as you like, turn fast and make knee-down on the way to the shops normal, almost boring. So what the f*#k happened?
Growing up on Brit-twins and eighties Jap fours was different. The power was saner, blended with a nice flexible frame that let you know when you were going a little too fast (believe me, they let you know). And although you could make alterations, and improve things with aftermarket accessories, you knew death was just an extra few mph away. You respected the bike, and the sweat pouring from the workout it gave you was achieved at a slightly safer speed. On a modern thou, to get off feeling like that, you're either trying to hang onto Michael Dunlop, or just bastard quick (read talented)!
But then came the in-betweeners.
Bigger and heavier than a supermoto, but not quite retro, cafe-racer, tourer or sports bike. It's a bit of a do everything type bike, but all-rounder doesn't do it justice. It'll come to me in a minute.
It certainly looks the dogs, and comes with all the niceties you can think of including WP suspension, Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels and Magura clutch. High spec indeed.
So, first go on the Katoom and initial impression was lots of suspension, with me sat very high. Like being on a chunkier supermoto. Never a big fan of V-twins, I took off on my favourite road. It's ok, got good low down power, but never life threatening. I want to feel power so savage the bike'll pull a wheelie and try and stab me in the face with a rogue handlebar. It's what I love about big fours, the power just climbs up, up and up some more!
But wait... I've followed lots of V-twins, big Ducatis, TL's, VTR's and Tuono's and they've been incredibly quick in the right hands. What am I missing?
As the pace increases, it does become more fun though feels vibey through the pegs no matter what I do. Bugger it, time to crack on and see what it'll do while I hang off round a few bends.
Strewth! Mistake number one. As the big KTM tried to pitch me off (both ends are bouncing up and down uncontrollably) I decide it's time for suspension adjustments. Maybe it's my lack of style, but it seems to work better just sitting in the middle rather than me moving my arse all over the shop. I could've been back on dad's '76 Trident for a moment!
I turn around and return to the garage, which is when I notice the next quirk. This baby runs hot! Fans are blasting as soon as I stop at the lights, but then it has got the biggest cat/silencer you've ever seen under the rear. Dave, the owner of this scorch-framed satsuma, already has Akrapovic cans coming. Once fitted, suspension will be dialled in for him and a tail tidy slotted in. Then we can have another go. It'll be run-in then so I won't mind giving it some proper stick.
A few weeks pass.
I love riding different bikes, but I must admit I wasn't that bothered about getting back on the KTM, although it sounds a hell of a lot better now and looks sharper with the Akro's onboard. I'm just not convinced it's going to handle that much better. Still, tally ho.
Horsing into the first few bends it's feeling good. The suspension is stiffer and, with massive 48mm WP forks, you'd expect them to handle road riding with ease. I'm starting to like this thing, so it's time to hang off again (purely for aesthetic reasons you realise), but as I try to get my knee-down, the bike drops into a small pothole, gets a weave on and I end up grounding my boot out. Oops, horse it again, hope no one was watching and all is well!
From now on I'm keeping my arse right in the middle of the comfy seat - that's it. It ain't no Gixer, lets just try and get the best out of it. I'm not saying it won't do it, it's just tall and it feels slightly alien to me. Enough drivel already, back to the road and more bends, leaning over further then winding it on hard in second - and it all came good.
YEE-bastard-HAA!!!
This is proper old school - it's shaking all over the shop from the bars, frame and swingarm flexing as it propels itself on up the hill regardless of whether I'm still on it or no. This is fun. Brakes on hard, but not much finesse from me as I battle around the next bend. I'm smiling, with two fights on my hand; one with the bike, and one with Dave when i've got to hand it back over.
And so it goes for the next few miles. The bike is making me work hard for it now, but my face says it all. Fun fun fun. A look in the mirrors confirms the others have been left behind for a bit. It can't be too bad. Top speed doesn't matter a bit with a bike like this; there's too much fun to be had everywhere else and, once you're giving it stick, you don't really notice the vibes.
It's probably what most of us need in the real world. No safe, wrapped in cotton wool, aluminium beam frame to keep you cocooned from the shagged road conditions. Getting out of shape momentarily, then dragging itself back inline before your brain's even realised you're out of control. The Superduke is the modern version of the bikes we grew up on (or should've). Bring it on!
Specs:
Engine
Chassis
 |
| Akrapovic slip-ons |
What are they like to ride?
If you're used to a four, a V-twin can tend to feel boring. They make strong power right from idle, but it runs out quite fast. I always feel like i'm short-shifting. That's not to say they're slow, just different. The big Katoom produces good torque (100Nm at 7,000 rpm) which is great for doing wheel nuts up, but on the road means you'll be able to overtake the odd car without dropping two cogs first. Happy days.
On this gearing, fifth and sixth seem almost redundant, and years ago it would have been offered with a five-speed box only. With a larger rear sprocket fitted, this thing will rock.
On this gearing, fifth and sixth seem almost redundant, and years ago it would have been offered with a five-speed box only. With a larger rear sprocket fitted, this thing will rock.
The brakes are typical sports bike - bloody brilliant. Anyone who moans about modern bike brakes should go and do a few weeks on a drum-braked Beesa. The suspension, once set-up accordingly, feels good and only really gets out of shape when you start demanding too much. By that I mean moving out about too much and hanging on too tightly when you're caning it. A few more rides on it would probably sort out any issues.
So, in short, I like it. It's a modern RD350. Pair of ripped jeans, scuffed Doc Martens and you're back to your youth.
HOOLIGAN! That's the word I wanted - ride it and you'll know why.
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