Horizontal bike

[jpisace]

Ok so i fitted H&B engine bars on saturday (thanks Simon for the instructions). Then went off to a BBQ on a farm on saturday night. Made the mistake of pulling up (with pillion) across the slope, on a fair gradient, on a dirt surface and my little legs (5'6" - all of me, NOT just my legs) couldn't hold it upright, so we 'gracefully' toppled over and tested the bars. Not too embarassing as only everyone was watching, but i have no problem laughing at myself (just as well as there's lots to laugh at), so i can live with that. At least i know the bars work and more importantly, i can lift the bike back up again (against the gradient too), so reasonably happy with that experience.

What does concern me though is the bike was still running whilst it was on it's side. Like most blokes, i haven't got around to reading the manual (or anything sensible like that), so what are the implications for oil starvation etc in this case?. Naturally i switched it off as soon as i could get back to it (after displaying lots of concern for my girlfriend - well afterwards anyway, OK not at all but she seemed fine). Might have to think abouot a kill switch or some-such to protect the bike from possible engine damage as i don't doubt i'll be dropping it again - even if i do get the lower (vertically challenged) seat option (complete with no comfort at all).

 

[CoolCarbon]

Glad to hear you're both OK...........did you get applause and marks for artistic impressions from the assembled onl-lookers ?

For the length of time it would be running, there would be little chance of damage to the motor. Most engines can run for ages without oil without coming to grief......worry not!!

CC

 

[jpisace]

Nil point

Thanks, but no i didn't get any marks. Lots of 'useful' advice - "don't buy such a big heavy bike", that sort of thing. It probably was quite graceful. Would have liked to seen how my girlfriend got off - even she doesn't know. I did get quite a lot of interest when we left though, to see if i could repeat the episode. Fortunately i managed to disappoint them.

In terms of engine damage i was thinking more along the lines of me not necessarily being in a position to turn the bike off. I know i probably wouldn't be in a position to care either (ie trapped or unconscious - that sort of happy occassion), but still hope to limit damage to the bike.

Johnieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[Panzer Patrol]

I had a recent escapade which involved some merriment and probably illustrates what you are on about.

Lost in Northumberland (favourite pastime) on a narrow country road, comes across a ford. The ford is one of these concrete roads with ramps in and out. The waters only about 3 inches deep. Half asleep, toottles into ford, down the ramp, throttle shut. Coast across the flat bit. Open throttle to climb exit ramp and wallop. Back end spins around on the unseen green slime under the water.

Managed to get my right leg down, just... but not quick enough to stop the usuall graceful laying down of the bike on the right hand pot. I am now flat on my back with my leg stuck under the bike. Because the back wheel was still on the deck and the engine was still running, the bike then proceeds to pivot around the cylinder head and starts dragging me around in a half circle motion up the ramp.

But I still managed to switch the engine off. I have to admit I was in a bit of a panic at the time, but it was easy enough to do, even when in motion.

A big thanks to Metal Man and Hadrian for heaving it off me.

 

[RickA]

Oil Starvation

CoolC is right, at tickover it will run for ages without damage.

Problem I have found in past is acid leakage - get your seat off & check for any leakage. The breathers on the batteries dont allways route any spillage away from any metal and many batteries are not completely sealed & will leak from the fillers.

If in any doubt give it a very thourough wash under there!!

The repair bill from my last "off" was mainly acid damaged parts!

Cheers, Rick.

 

[jpisace]

Battery Acid

Thanks Rick,

That's a top tip. Hadn't even occured to me to check that (and it should have). I'll have a look later, when i get a chance.

Panzer - yep, that's the sort of situation i was thinking of. Glad you survived it OK. Moral of the story; make sure you ride in good company so that you have assistance/witnesses etc IF required,

Johnieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[Chris G]

Hi all

Must admit, thyat when mine ends up down the main thing I worry about is acid from the battery, but I am also careful not to touch any of the break levers, 'cos I grabbed the front brake once when the bike was upside downish, and managed to pump a load of air into the front pipes [not a good thing!]


happy lifting