Top Tips

[s44678]

You know those little tricks and tips you have relating to your bike? Ones that make your life that little bit easier? The ones you think that only you know?

Well in an unusual moment of altrusim I had the idea that we could all share these little tips we have, and that it just might make the biking world a better place

There are a lot of experienced riders here so I bet there's some gems lurking about.


Mine is as follows:

If you need to stick directions onto your tank, stick the tape onto your jumper a couple of times first to pick up some fluff. Then put in on the tank. Then when you peel it off afterwards, it doesn't leave sticky shit everywhere.

[t121anf]

or use scotch tape which was designed not to leave residue.

[tofu-wtf]

Cling film your back tyre when spray lubing your chain
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Eagles may soar.............but rats don't get sucked through jet engines!!
1999 ZX6r G1.....it makes me smile

[Renton]

If you have ajdustable straps (bags, tank bags, tail packs...ect) and you don't adjust them anymore.

To stop the extra length flapping around and becoming annoying, or potentially caught up somwhere, roll it up TIGHTLY to the plastic adjuster and then with electrical tape, roll round in the other direction (horizontal).

Should keep it all together and in all weathers, works for my tail pack just fine.
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This is my motorcycle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.
Without me, my motorcycle is useless. Without my motorcycle, I am useless.

[yen_powell]

If your throttle cable snaps, turn your tickover up to 2-3,000rpm and ride home using clutch and gears.

Tape a second clutch cable to your existing one and if it snaps, just swap the ends over.

Cut a piece of rubber tyre up and bolt it to your sidestand foot. then you can park anywhere without the bike falling over, including, grass, mud, quicksand.

Rubber bands wrapped around your boots mean you can use your feet on ice without them slipping when paddling the bike.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[stinkwheel]

A bit of that thin blue polypropylene rope tied to a spoke then wrapped round and round your wheel in a spiral acts as a snow chain if you every get caught in deep snow.

Sticking your elbows out and occasionally flapping them like a chicken makes it easier to ride in a crosswind.

Remember to pump your brakes a few times after a serious wobble, a seriously bumpy road or a long stretch on the motorway without using them. Pistons can be rattled back in and the time to find out is not as you approach the end of the sliproad!

Just stop in a laybye and piss. Your bladder isn't going to get less full, noone knows who you are with a helmet on and they aren't going to go up to a random biker and say anything. It's one more distraction you could do without.

If you smoke, keep some fags and a lighter in a plastic bag under the saddle. If you break down or crash with none in your pockets, you'll thank me for this!
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[adz4321]

[Finglonga]

[neatbik]

[mentali-juan]

Always wear comfortable boxers under your leathers or you will be picking them out of your arse or they will cutting through your bollocks.

Keep a decent puncture repair kit,old spare charged mobile & a £20 note with a pack of rizla under your seat.

[Tonka]

[s44678]

[alun111]

[salty21]

try and have have a dump before a long ride as doing it anywhere but home is just wrong.
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Kwaks]

[Mudskipper]

[mentali-juan]

[TheDonUK]

If you have a flat battery and have to bump start the bike, do it in 2nd rather than 1st and drop your full weight onto the seat as you pop out the clutch/smack it into gear.

If you want to lube you chain or generally lift the back wheel of the ground without a centrestand/paddock stand, either yourself or get a friend to pivot the bike between the front wheel and the sidestand, usually by pushing down on the left handlebar.
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[Current Bikes - GSXR-750 K5 & C90-97 ] [Previous Bikes: Runner 125, YBR 125, GS500, Bandit 600, Hornet 600, ZX6R-99, C90-99, R1-99, XT600E-04, GSXR-750 K4, CRF250L '16]

[Matthie]

[alun111]

On a bike with poor battery OR one that just doesn't last long using the starter:

If you find your bike on it's side for whatever reason - be it you've crashed, it's blown over, or some twats have pushed it over - then the engine will most likely be flooded with petrol. Now if you are to just crank it over with a flooded engine it'll take a while to start and you'll end up stranded with a flat battery. Instead, hold the throttle fully open and then start it, works a charm - roars into life first time.

This has saved me a few times! The shock on my bandit 4 had been replaced by a longer one by it's previous owner, so the bike wasn't leaning over as far - this meant I found it on it's side a few times in heavy winds.
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Summer: '00 Honda CB600F Hornet
Winter: '93 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit VP Variable Valve
Past Bikes: Lifan LF100-5 Lifan LF125-A Honda C70

[salty21]

[LankyPaddy]

[kawakid]

To tell your oil level on a bike with no centre stand and your by your self.

Make sure the handler bars is locked and towards the left and the side stand is down.

From the right side of your bike where you are level with the oil window pull the right bar towards you. using your right arm.

The bike will straighten and you can tell how much oil you have in.

Its safe as the side stand is down and you can just lower it back.


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My other top tip is never to believe motorcycle gear is waterproof. Always go to an outdoor/camping shop and use their gear to go over your leathers.

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A few baby wipes with a few drops of water, in a freezer bag is an excellent way of removing flies from your visor. Carry some more freezer bags for your old wipes.
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I've a twin and a 4.

[bs16]

Don't just shop for Bike gear in bike shops. Look out for sales in cycle and mountaineering shops as a chance for cheap base and wicking layers. Brands may be different but they do the same job.

[Vin]

Don't get off your bike while it is still moving