Triumphrat

Big Betty · 01-28-2010, 03:38 PM

I picked my 2009 Bonnie Black up last weekend and have been enjoying a week of commutes although I long for that weekend blast.

The last couple of days I've noticed the rear wheel skittering about a bit and wonder what that's all about.

The bike has 1200 miles on the clock so I wondered if the tires just aren't worn in yet or is it more likely to be down to my inexperience - I passed my test 12 years ago and haven't ridden since?

I notice it going over manhole covers and white lines which I know have reduced grip. It was wet today as well so loads of things conspire to make conditions fairly slippy but I wouldn't mind some words of wisdom, confirming that's its perfectly normal - or not.

Cheers

epynt1050 · 01-28-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Betty

I've noticed the rear wheel skittering about a bit

Manhole covers and white lines definitely reduce grip to the point where manhole covers in particular are best avoided if possible. The wet makes it worse. Heavy, slow moving traffic will leave a layer of grease and oil on the road surface, especially at this time of year. However, you do get use to it, all it requires is a bit extra care.
One point worth checking is tyre pressures. Not too high or too low. Also check there is no play in the wheel bearings and no oil has gotten on the tyre.

Flaco · 01-28-2010, 04:10 PM

Got Metzlers tires on it?
Get Avons... or Pirelli Sport Demons...
Problem solved... Yes, No?

M.Guy.Vig. · 01-28-2010, 04:22 PM

One of the things new riders tend to do is to rely on the rear brake too much. Some don't even use the front brake at all. Also, after the lousy weather in the UK recently, the roads are in a right state! Your tyres, even after a long ride, will still be cold. There's not much grip out there! Take care!

Slinky · 01-28-2010, 04:34 PM

Riding in London (me too) at this time of year requires a bit more care than riding in the summer. The roads never seem to dry out properly and the lower temps mean both the tyres and the road are not as grippy.

The greasiness (oil & diesel droppings, tyre debris) mentioned above also gets loosened by salt, just to make things more interesting.

Also, check your tyre pressures. The quoted pressure in the book is not gospel, you could try running a few PSI less. The quoted figure should be varied for different body weights anyway.

PS your tyres should be well scrubbed in at 1200 miles. It only takes 100 miles or so.

Nickwiz · 01-28-2010, 10:30 PM

I noticed my bars getting flappy when I took pressure off them the other day. Turned out running tyre pressure at less than the recommended 33psi on the front was causing it. The tyre was only a few PSi down. I'd follow the recommended especialy if on Metzlers like me.

Kirkus51 · 01-29-2010, 02:44 AM

You might want to soften your rear shocks.

Big Betty · 01-29-2010, 06:22 AM

Thanks for the response everyone, you've left me with plenty of food for thought.

I forgot to check what sort of tyres I had this morning but I'll make a point of researching my options when they need replacing and I'll nip out and get a pressure guage at lunch time.

Suspension settings are interesting. Currently the settings have been left as is but I thought perhaps as I'm a heavy rider I should make it firmer but is that just going to make the ride a bit more twitchy?

I rode in through the rain this morning and had no problems at all, I did make every effort to avoid the manhole covers though. Not an easy task as the bus lanes round here seem to be littered with them.

marmite · 01-29-2010, 06:37 AM

Try to avoid manhole covers when going round corners/curves in the damp/rain. If unavoidable do not touch the front brake while going over them!

Moose · 01-29-2010, 06:53 AM

I ride in London every day.Manhole covers and white lines are areas to keep well away from as well as ruts and areas of road used by buses and heavy goods vehicles,you will notice in time that these areas have tracks and humps which you will follow without wanting to!
Apart from that the Metzlers which come with the bike are rubbish it has to be said,they are hard and never seem to warm up so take it easy out there at this time of year,the roads are not in our favour at this time of year(when are they).
Leave the shocks alone for now,wait till you know your bike a bit better and the road surface is alot better for riding on,the bike and you will feel alot better in the spring/summer,you will then make changes to your bike,new boots(Avons) and then shocks( Ikons).

But just give yourself a bit of time and enjoy the bike,its a great bike around town,wecome to the club.