Problems caused by the rider

[Rocket65]

Before I retired, we all drove the same kind of truck. Nobody had any problems much except one guy that had some major issues. One day I rode with him and found out why. He was H--- on machinery.
I wonder what percentage of issues are rider related. Things I see that make me cringe when I see them:
Downshifting into first gear with a huge clunk at too high a speed.
On a powerful bike that is heavy, has a strong clutch and a big back tire-constantly slamming into second gear at near red line rpm. Somethings gonna break. Looking at a Kawasaki ZX-14- 192 rear wheel horsepower buy only has 113 ft lbs of torque by comparison. Rocket's torque can break things.
Checking to see if you are in first by stomping on the shift lever. When the transmission is already in first the shift lever is vulnerable to damage by heavy stomping.
When a person buys a used performance bike there is always a good chance the previous owner rode it like he stole it even though you might ride easier. Just thinking about drive train problems. Not related to electrical, tps, etc.

 

[Rick McC.]

All too true.

I never stomp my shifter, or run the RPM's anywhere close to redline.

 

[GPMAZ]

All too true.

I never stomp my shifter, or run the RPM's anywhere close to redline.

Well, I don't stomp on the shifter, but I view redline as a suggestion. Got to make sure that rev limiter is still working right.

 

[Molinoman]

GPMAZ....sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[TOMCAT]

Bought my Rocket new .. knew the previous Owner or the history of the 900 Thunderbird and Speed Triple I've bought second hand in past few years. In the few times I've bought second hand they have always been bikes that have been owned by owners not riders .. low mileage and polished more than ridden. Babied the term that comes to mind ... gotta love them non-riders holding onto bikes for us... hahahaha

 

[bruce aussie]

My farther once said about me he's never seen A bloke take so much care of his machinery until his arse hits the seat. That about sums me up, ride it like you stole it, if it breaks fix it.

 

[rayjay]

My farther once said about me he's never seen A bloke take so much care of his machinery until his arse hits the seat. That about sums me up, ride it like you stole it, if it breaks fix it.

My old Dad always told me to make sure the engine was nice and warm before giving to her.

RJ

 

[cr0ft]

I prefer to buy new. At least if I foul up the machine, it was me doing it and there's nobody else to blame. I do believe it's entirely possible many transmission etc problems are created by the owner - I mean, the R3 Touring which is the docile one literally tore the rear tires they originally put on them to shreds with the torque.

 

[jthree]

It's funny that red line is mentioned today as I went for a quick ride (thunder storm cut it short) last night and gave it a bit on some back roads. It just so happens I was paying attention to the revs. Like I said, I was not slow out of the gate (at least so I thought) and never once came close to the red. I think I must be some kind of pansy

 

[norseman]

It's funny that red line is mentioned today as I went for a quick ride (thunder storm cut it short) last night and gave it a bit on some back roads. It just so happens I was paying attention to the revs. Like I said, I was not slow out of the gate (at least so I thought) and never once came close to the red. I think I must be some kind of pansy

Seems like I run out of first gear really quickly when I'm coming on hard. I frequently hit the limiter before popping into 2nd... though after reading this I will be a lot more careful about it. I don't want to hurt my big girl, I just want to let her have some fun.