The next bike...

[A1Str8]

Kawasaki Z1000. 

 Easy on the eye. 

 Easy on the wallet. 

 B*$# magnet. 

 Eco friendly. 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

I pulled the trigger... and a G310GS is parked downstairs...

 

Thank you all for the advice...  your efforts to respond are appreciated and I did pay attention... 

 

I'll offer more feedback on the G310GS as time goes on...  For the moment, I've had one journey, in awful traffic through central Bangkok... only comments I have...

 

- I got used to the clutch and gears pretty quickly

- The suspension is very soft, the rear is adjustable, I'll tighten that up a little in a few weeks. 

- The headlights are very bright, but vibrate quite a lot (as per the shadows thrown across the rd)

- No major vibration through the bars (*according the the reviews the vibration kicks in a +6000rpm)

- There is Zero storage - nothing under the seat (other than space for Registration docs).

Looks great! Enjoy the ride!

- When I bought my bike I told the technicians my weight and they adjusted the suspension accordingly. Maybe you can ask your shop to do that for you or at least ask them which setting they suggest.

- I guess next week you won't even remember that you use the clutch and shift all the time.

- It seems the Duke is better in terms of storage. I guess I would be able to put a 2 or 3 chocolate bars under the seat. ????

Please let us know your impressions over the next weeks. It's always nice to hear follow up stories.

[jackdd]

2 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

- When I bought my bike I told the technicians my weight and they adjusted the suspension accordingly. Maybe you can ask your shop to do that for you or at least ask them which setting they suggest.

Probably it's also in the owner's manual. But most likely it's quite easy: Maximum preload and maximum or close to maximum dampening if you are not as small as an asian

[richard_smith237]

I find the clutch quite stiff... in traffic my hand starts to ache... 

- Is there any simple way of lessening the clutch tension without messing with the clutch itself?

 

The biting point is also about 75-80% 'let out' which is fine for riding open roads and making convenient changes, but again, in traffic becomes tiresome. 

- Is there any way to simply adjust the biting point? Adjustable levers perhaps?

[poanoi]

On 10/30/2018 at 12:14 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Talking of 'hansum man' attire.... 

 

What do you guys wear when out and about on your bikes?

 

In the City - on my scooter... 

- Shoei Neotec full face (Flip face) Helmet,

- Mesh Amoured Jacket 

- Protective Gloves

- Trainers (never flip flops)

 

On the 'next bike' - I'd perhaps also wear some Bike Trousers when traveling out of the city and some Ride Boots. 

 

Heat is the obvious issue - especially in the city. 

i use the smallest helmet i can find, like half an egg shell,

used to use flip flops, shorts & t-shirt since i couldnt for the life of me find shoes large enough in this damned country,

but now with internet orders i dress smart and ditched those cursed flip flops

[poanoi]

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I find the clutch quite stiff... in traffic my hand starts to ache... 

- Is there any simple way of lessening the clutch tension without messing with the clutch itself?

 

The biting point is also about 75-80% 'let out' which is fine for riding open roads and making convenient changes, but again, in traffic becomes tiresome. 

- Is there any way to simply adjust the biting point? Adjustable levers perhaps?

in my experience, you get what you pay for,

i tried one of those 200cc phantom a friend had,

and i was so upset about the gear i had to continually jump on

until i finally got it to snap down a gear,

this in stark contrast to my good ole chopper where i used one of my toes to flip gear as i wanted with minimal effort

[jackdd]

29 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I find the clutch quite stiff... in traffic my hand starts to ache... 

- Is there any simple way of lessening the clutch tension without messing with the clutch itself?

 

The biting point is also about 75-80% 'let out' which is fine for riding open roads and making convenient changes, but again, in traffic becomes tiresome. 

- Is there any way to simply adjust the biting point? Adjustable levers perhaps?

Search for "Clutch Easy Pull" on https://www.aliexpress.com

I recently ordered one myself, didn't arrive yet, but i think next week it should be here then i can give personal feedback

 

With adjustable levers you can of course adjust the biting point which also might make it more comfortable

[OneMoreFarang]

33 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I find the clutch quite stiff... in traffic my hand starts to ache... 

- Is there any simple way of lessening the clutch tension without messing with the clutch itself?

 

The biting point is also about 75-80% 'let out' which is fine for riding open roads and making convenient changes, but again, in traffic becomes tiresome. 

- Is there any way to simply adjust the biting point? Adjustable levers perhaps?

Many bikes have adjustable levers - I don't know about the BMW.

Here is a picture from the KTM.

If you bike does not have this stock it's probably easy to buy aftermarket levers like that.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=bmw+310+clutch+lever&_sacat=0

 

[Damrongsak]

Are you holding the clutch in all the while you are stopped, instead of kicking it into neutral?  As far as adjustment, I'm not sure of what they have done on modern bikes. Back in the day, Suzuki was sweet on the clutch action.  Had problems with a Yamaha.

[richard_smith237]

@OneMoreFarang: My bike doesn't have them, but I'm heading out today to look at adjustable levers, which, if I'm not mistaken I can adjust to bring in the biting point to a more comfortable level. 

 

@jackdd: I'm standing by for your thoughts on this... It looks like a simple mechanical method using leverage / moments to redistribute the tension without altering anything in the clutch itself - an elegant solution. 

 

Once again, thank you both for your comments. 

 

[richard_smith237]

19 minutes ago, Damrongsak said:

Are you holding the clutch in all the while you are stopped, instead of kicking it into neutral?  As far as adjustment, I'm not sure of what they have done on modern bikes. Back in the day, Suzuki was sweet on the clutch action.  Had problems with a Yamaha.

 

Nope.. At the lights etc I kick the bike into neutral, at the longer lights I switch off the engine...  its just quieter and cooler and the re-start takes less than second. 

 

... However, in heavy traffic I find myself having to feather the clutch as I crawl through in 1st gear at walking pace (following the other bikes).

 

It is this which is making my left hand ache as the lever itself feels too stiff...  

 

I imagine that there is some 'wear in' time... but my 'newbie' feeling is that it is a little too tight for comfort and if I can make an improvement then I think I should. 

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

@OneMoreFarang: My bike doesn't have them, but I'm heading out today to look at adjustable levers, which, if I'm not mistaken I can adjust to bring in the biting point to a more comfortable level. 

 

@jackdd: I'm standing by for your thoughts on this... It looks like a simple mechanical method using leverage / moments to redistribute the tension without altering anything in the clutch itself - an elegant solution. 

 

Once again, thank you both for your comments. 

Probably you know this already: If you adjust the existing or new lever make sure the clutch has a little play. This is from my manual, I am sure there is something similar in yours:

[Nickymaster]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I find the clutch quite stiff... in traffic my hand starts to ache... 

- Is there any simple way of lessening the clutch tension without messing with the clutch itself?

 

The biting point is also about 75-80% 'let out' which is fine for riding open roads and making convenient changes, but again, in traffic becomes tiresome. 

- Is there any way to simply adjust the biting point? Adjustable levers perhaps?

As mentioned before, adjustable levers will not decrease stiffness but you could set your biting point closer to your grip. You could set your bitting point at 35% let out. This would mean 40-50% less pulling/effort required each time you pull the clutch. 

 

Also over time springs should become softer.

[richard_smith237]

3 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Probably you know this already: If you adjust the existing or new lever make sure the clutch has a little play. This is from my manual, I am sure there is something similar in yours:

 

The Bike Shop SSB (out nr Don Muang) had no adjustable clutch / brake levers in stock.

 

They did adjust the clutch slightly exactly as above. They also adjusted the throttle and removed a little play.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

I'm also looking for a half decent tail bag... 

 

Something like this (or exactly this).... I've been unlucky in my search so far and have been unable to locate any dealer which stocks this item..

...I want to see if before I buy it - just to check it out and see how useful it really is...

I don't really fancy a Top box.

 

 

 

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/givi-ut807-expandable-cargo-bag-25-liter

[CharlieH]

I know you said you would ideally like to see it first but you could order and return it. If dont like it.

 

Just a suggestion......

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/miracle-shining-motorcycle-rear-tail-seat-bag-package-back-carry-shoulder-bag-black3-i251397725-s388082763.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.10.5e2e2d51zrfSKz&search=1

[jackdd]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I'm also looking for a half decent tail bag... 

 

Something like this (or exactly this).... I've been unlucky in my search so far and have been unable to locate any dealer which stocks this item..

...I want to see if before I buy it - just to check it out and see how useful it really is...

I don't really fancy a Top box.

 

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/givi-ut807-expandable-cargo-bag-25-liter

Pandarider has the Kriega US-30 (or 20 if you think the 30 is too big), maybe that's an option for you: http://pandarider.com/Panda/Product_Kriega.htm

[richard_smith237]

20 hours ago, jackdd said:

Pandarider has the Kriega US-30 (or 20 if you think the 30 is too big), maybe that's an option for you: http://pandarider.com/Panda/Product_Kriega.htm

 

Thanks...  I looked at that model in the shop. 

 

I've ordered the Givi UT807 bag (as posted on the previous page Post number 75)... It should be with me in 10 days.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

Next I've want to hook myself up with the following: 

 

1) G310GS Adjustable levers (I can't find a shop in BKK with them in Stock) - I want to find this, this week if possible.. 

 

2) Innovv K2 Camera (forwards and rear facing) - I'll probably order this in the UK and bring it back with me after Christmas.

 

3) USB phone charger (I use my phone as Sat Nav - with a Quadlock) 

 

 

 

 

[jackdd]

On 11/2/2018 at 10:41 AM, jackdd said:

Search for "Clutch Easy Pull" on https://www.aliexpress.com

I recently ordered one myself, didn't arrive yet, but i think next week it should be here then i can give personal feedback

Today it arrived.

Took me about 15 minutes to install and another 15 minutes for playing arround with the different adjustments (you can adjust the clutch before and after this device).

Then i gave it a 30 minute testride in the city, a longer test is still outstanding ????

My subjective feeling is that the clutch is easier now, but definitely not by 50% as some of the product descriptions claim.

I paid 450THB for it, it does make the clutch a bit easier (maybe 20-30%?), i think it's ok you can give it a try if the adjustable levers alone are not enough for you.

[richard_smith237]

17 minutes ago, jackdd said:

Today it arrived.

Took me about 15 minutes to install and another 15 minutes for playing arround with the different adjustments (you can adjust the clutch before and after this device).

Then i gave it a 30 minute testride in the city, a longer test is still outstanding ????

My subjective feeling is that the clutch is easier now, but definitely not by 50% as some of the product descriptions claim.

I paid 450THB for it, it does make the clutch a bit easier (maybe 20-30%?), i think it's ok you can give it a try if the adjustable levers alone are not enough for you.

 

Thanks for the feedback...  I rode a friends Royal Enfield Himalayan and the clutch was much softer and comfortable... I think I'll get one of these 'Easy Pulls' and see how I get along with it. 

 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

29 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Thanks for the feedback...  I rode a friends Royal Enfield Himalayan and the clutch was much softer and comfortable... I think I'll get one of these 'Easy Pulls' and see how I get along with it. 

Are you sure the clutch on your bike is ok, maybe confirmed by a BMW technician?

I ask because I wouldn't expect that any clutch on a bike in that class should be "difficult".

But maybe I had luck until now and never discovered a bike with a difficult clutch.

[richard_smith237]

26 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Are you sure the clutch on your bike is ok, maybe confirmed by a BMW technician?

I ask because I wouldn't expect that any clutch on a bike in that class should be "difficult".

But maybe I had luck until now and never discovered a bike with a difficult clutch.

 Yes & No !... 

 

Personally, I'm not sure as I'm a newbie...  I'm not sure how tight it should be or of easy it should be. 

 

The guys at SSB (North of Don Muang) adjusted the clutch with a 'touch of play' (as you presented earlier on in the thread). The commented that the clutch was stiff, but ok. One of the guys who adjusted it was a Trails Champion... so they seemed like they knew what they were doing and specialise in BMW's... 

 

I think it may just come down to a personal preference that I would prefer a much lighter clutch. 

I'm aware how the stiffness of clutches vary in cars, thus assume the same of motorcycles and different models have a 'different feel' with my G310GS being what I consider relatively stiff. 

 

It might not be that the clutch is difficult, just that I'm not used to it and expected something not quite as firm / stiff.  Its easy enough to ride, just that my left hand aches after a riding through traffic for 20mins (feathering the clutch in 1st gear as I slow walking pace, then speed up to 2nd gear, then have to drop gear again and feather in 1st).

[lipflipper]

Get yourself down to the Suzuki dealer and check out the Burman 650 Executive maxi scooter. It has all the power you need 54 Hp I believe, ABS, heated seat and grips, electrical adjustable windscreen and can store Two helmets. All this for the paltry sum of 384,000 Baht. The bench mark scooter for maxi scooters is the BMW C650 models but at over 500,000 Baht and only 6 more HP why you get one??

Sent from my CMR-AL19 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[richard_smith237]

52 minutes ago, lipflipper said:

Get yourself down to the Suzuki dealer and check out the Burman 650 Executive maxi scooter. It has all the power you need 54 Hp I believe, ABS, heated seat and grips, electrical adjustable windscreen and can store Two helmets. All this for the paltry sum of 384,000 Baht. The bench mark scooter for maxi scooters is the BMW C650 models but at over 500,000 Baht and only 6 more HP why you get one??

Sent from my CMR-AL19 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

 

Which is a good suggestion in a 'which Maxi-Scooter should I get ?' thread... 

 

.... The aim was an upright adventure style bike hence the attraction to the baby GS rather than a maxi-scooter which doesn't  handle traffic / splitting traffic or handling 'rough' or 'adventure' style trips....

 

The Heated seats and heated grips - Not really a feature suited to S.E. Asia. 

Adjustable Windscreen?... overkill...

Storage - Excellent - but they're bath tubs.

 

I got a G310GS which is quite different from the C650.

 

 

 

 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

7 hours ago, lipflipper said:

Get yourself down to the Suzuki dealer and check out the Burman 650 Executive maxi scooter.

It seems it has the width of about three cars - 555

[richard_smith237]

On 11/6/2018 at 5:39 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

It seems it has the width of about three cars - 555

 

Yup - those bathtub bikes, while convenient and comfortable in a larger city without gridlock may become a huge inconvenience in central Bangkok or many other extremely busy Thai towns where there is little space to fit between cars and maneuver around them. 

 

 

 

 

[Aussieroaming]

On 11/5/2018 at 3:16 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 Yes & No !... 

 

Personally, I'm not sure as I'm a newbie...  I'm not sure how tight it should be or of easy it should be. 

 

The guys at SSB (North of Don Muang) adjusted the clutch with a 'touch of play' (as you presented earlier on in the thread). The commented that the clutch was stiff, but ok. One of the guys who adjusted it was a Trails Champion... so they seemed like they knew what they were doing and specialise in BMW's... 

 

I think it may just come down to a personal preference that I would prefer a much lighter clutch. 

I'm aware how the stiffness of clutches vary in cars, thus assume the same of motorcycles and different models have a 'different feel' with my G310GS being what I consider relatively stiff. 

 

It might not be that the clutch is difficult, just that I'm not used to it and expected something not quite as firm / stiff.  Its easy enough to ride, just that my left hand aches after a riding through traffic for 20mins (feathering the clutch in 1st gear as I slow walking pace, then speed up to 2nd gear, then have to drop gear again and feather in 1st).

Why not go back to the dealer, explain your riding conditions (heavy city weighted) and see whether you have got the optimum gear ratio (sprocket diameters) for higher volume city riding hours. A change of gear ratio might reduce number of gear changes needed between 1st and 2nd gear for typical city riding.

[OneMoreFarang]

23 hours ago, Aussieroaming said:

Why not go back to the dealer, explain your riding conditions (heavy city weighted) and see whether you have got the optimum gear ratio (sprocket diameters) for higher volume city riding hours. A change of gear ratio might reduce number of gear changes needed between 1st and 2nd gear for typical city riding.

I don't think that is a solution.

In slow traffic you have to pull the clutch all the time even in 1st gear. Another gear ratio wouldn't change that fact.

But I think the OP will get used to it.

After I read this thread I observed a little how I handle this - normally I don't even think about it, it just happens.

I have to use the clutch all the time and I am so used to it it does not feel strong (on a similar bike).

What I observed it that I try to pull the clutch completely to the handlebar. I think that is easier than pulling it half way. But that is not possible all the time.

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I don't think that is a solution.

In slow traffic you have to pull the clutch all the time even in 1st gear. Another gear ratio wouldn't change that fact.

But I think the OP will get used to it.

After I read this thread I observed a little how I handle this - normally I don't even think about it, it just happens.

I have to use the clutch all the time and I am so used to it it does not feel strong (on a similar bike).

What I observed it that I try to pull the clutch completely to the handlebar. I think that is easier than pulling it half way. But that is not possible all the time.

Agreed... changing the gear ratio won’t alter the requirement to feather the clutch in traffic at walking pace...

 

The adjustable levers should bring the biting point closer so my grip is not extended.

 

I reckon this will ease the issue.