Dropped it again

Several months ago I dropped mine in the in front of the office staff. It had been a long and stressful day and i was tired. Jumped on the bike, let the clutch out , bit of gas and bang i was on the floor. I left the disc lock on.... thank god for engine crashbars.
 
A further comment on the gyroscopic effect that hopefully some physics whizz can confirm.

Most bike engines are mounted in such a way as to have their crankshafts and flywheels spinning on the same axis as the wheels.

However,the GS has its engine mounted in such a way that the crank axis is at 90 degrees to the axis of the wheels.

A twin also generally revs less than a triple or 4 for example.

So to compare the GS to the S1000XR, the gyroscopic effect of the engine on the bike will be much less on the GS than on the XR I would think?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
To aid at all, the flywheel would need to be spinning on the vertical axis wouldn't it. So actually, the boxer engine is probably a hinderance to slow stability, think of the torque roll you get when you blip the throttle
 
To aid at all, the flywheel would need to be spinning on the vertical axis wouldn't it. So actually, the boxer engine is probably a hinderance to slow stability, think of the torque roll you get when you blip the throttle

Interesting thought: rotate the engine through 90 degrees so the pots are still across the frame. The bike could be so stable you can't steer over into a bend. :rob
 
To aid at all, the flywheel would need to be spinning on the vertical axis wouldn't it. So actually, the boxer engine is probably a hinderance to slow stability, think of the torque roll you get when you blip the throttle

I'd be interested to get a definitive answer on whether the boxer aids or hinders slow speed stability.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I'd be interested to get a definitive answer on whether the boxer aids or hinders slow speed stability.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I think you are trying to over analyze it, if someone confirms that it hinders slow speed stability then that is only going to worry you more, prey on your mind and further diminish your battered confidence. Just get out on the bike and practise and learn to take control of the bike's unique characteristics, you won't do that from a keyboard.;)
 
I think you are trying to over analyze it, if someone confirms that it hinders slow speed stability then that is only going to worry you more, prey on your mind and further diminish your battered confidence. Just get out on the bike and practise and learn to take control of the bike's unique characteristics, you won't do that from a keyboard.;)

You're absolutely right of course, I'm just interested in the physics. Have been out on it today.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I'd be interested to get a definitive answer on whether the boxer aids or hinders slow speed stability.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I think a twin (that is generally a bit lumpy at low revs - whether it's V, opposed, parallel .. ) isn't quite as user friendly at slow speed stuff than say a four. It should be in the back of your mind that if you are going to manoeuvre at slow speed without doing the Janet and John rev rev rev stuff that the learners sometimes get taught, a twin engine stall happens very quickly and with little warning. A four tends to give you enough of a heads up (certainly enough time to think 'get some revs on ..' ) that it's about to stall if you get my drift ... :thumb2
 
i think as mentioned its just confidence / practice. My left leg doesn't really work, so i can't put it out to stop, only my right leg. I'm forced to think about what I'm doing, if i overbalance the bike to the left and I'm not moving, i'll just fall off. If I'm doing slow manoeuvres i just have to be confident in what I'm doing.
 
Never dropped my gs, think it was only a matter of time though! Bought a lowered gsa and dropped that fucker in Italy this year. Think it's all about concentrating when coming to a stop

My worst ever drop was on a Vespa years ago, had a mate on the back relaxing on the back rest, he had his legs stretched out past me resting them on the bars at the front, we came to a stop and I could'nt get my legs past his to touch the road, the prick had fallen asleep and we just fell over. This was in front of all the other lads so got the shit ripped out of us all weekend. Just goes to show though that any bike can be dropped, drop it in a quiet place is the best advice I can give
 
You're absolutely right of course, I'm just interested in the physics. Have been out on it today.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Becksy why not give the RMT Motorcycle Training http://www.rmtnet.co.uk/ a call and ask about Take Control training, it only costs £50 for a whole day and you will get your slow control sorted and also have all other aspects of your riding looked at. A double bonus is that the instructor is a very attractive lady called Laura - you will have a great day, well, as long as you don't have any macho hang ups about being trained by a woman.
 
Becksy why not give the RMT Motorcycle Training http://www.rmtnet.co.uk/ a call and ask about Take Control training, it only costs £50 for a whole day and you will get your slow control sorted and also have all other aspects of your riding looked at. A double bonus is that the instructor is a very attractive lady called Laura - you will have a great day, well, as long as you don't have any macho hang ups about being trained by a woman.

Yes, will look into it. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Needless to say I wouldn't admit to dropping my GSA....but I have laid it down unintentionally once or twice.

I've ordered GIVI crash bar sliders ref Z2159R which should reduce bar scrapes during future low speed or stationary "events".
 
Please stop all this talk immediately. I 'almost' dropped my F800 3 times last year but managed to hold it up as not the heaviest bike in the world and I am big and strong:D

But god knows I am not likely to hold the big GSA up
 
Nope if a GSA is going down you might as well just let it. It will drag you down like Mick McManus (showing my age there I fear)?
 
I had a Tiger 955i which is a very top heavy bike. I'm 5 foot 11. As people have said. Plan your stops (level ground, not gravel!), always make sure the sidestand is down and your feet are going to be on a surface where they wont slip,

When manoeuvering/parking make a conscious effort to keep the bike DEAD upright. I find this helps.
 
Another thing I do is stick my foot out when going around very very slow corners (eg riding through car parks/gridlock jams..). I'm sure the professionals don't teach this technique though. Although it has saved me dropping the bike a few times when in heavy city traffic.
 
Well, have been practising my slow riding the last few days, going back to basics, and think I have my mojo back.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 


Back
Top Bottom