[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Tyre pressures #10023

Well I could give you all the information that you would ever need about tyres, pressures, temperatures, how to tell if the pressure is right for your vehicle, wet and dry conditions, effects on cornering and why, why two differing tryes for different makes etc but I would be writting for hrs. Then most of the info would fall on deaf ears so i will save the muscle cramp. However if you are really interested drop me an email and I will go to the trouble. Dave the yanks reply has summed it up quickly.  Leigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9487

Hi alex.As a response to some of the threads that originated on your helmet discussion i found this in an old motor cycle magazine that I bought to lesson the boredom on an overseas flight. you might find it interesting. At the time the system 4 was tha latest available. An increase in noise level by 3 dB means a doubling of the noise. 88 dB is therefore twice 85 dB.    Although a 3 dB rise is in fact a doubling, the human ear only experiences a 10 dB rise as a doubling of noise.    At 85 dB noise on the shop floor, you are legally required to wear hearing protection. TerminologyLaeq equivalent noise pressure level, average noise pressure during the test minutesLLpk max measured maximum noise peak during the test.At 120 km per hour, all integrated helmets exceeded the permitted daily dosage by between 7 and 58 times! Each helmet was rided for 4.8 Km around the same test circuit. Results system helmets80 km/h                         120 km/h                              Helmet type    LAeq        LLpk                Helmet type              LAeq             LLpk Schuberth Concept   87,3 111,4 1 Schuberth Concept 96,4 123,4 Osbe Cabrio 87,9 116,8 2 Osbe Cabrio 96,4 126,4 BMW System 4  88,4 122,4 3 Caberg J1 Plus 97,3 123,7 Shoei Synchrotec 88,6 121,7 4 Shoei Synchrotec 97,5 127,6Nolan N100 Trend 89,0 119,7 5 BMW System 4 97,8 130,1 Caberg J1 Plus 90,1 118,3 6 Nolan N100 Trend 99,1 127,8 Lazer Century 91,4 132,9 7 Lazer Century 100,0 129,5 Oxscon XCS 100 93,4 129,6 8 Oxscon XSC 100 101,8 133,3 X lite X1001 94,6 124,1 9 X lite X1001 102,0 128,4 Conclusion, we should propably always ride with ear plugs. Cheers Leigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9478

Hi Alex.Seems you have bought your helmet, however if you are contemplating a system 5 in the future my comments may help. I have been very busy lately and sorry for the late reply but only just noticed your thread.As you know my entire adult life has been based around Motor Racing and consequently I have probably had more helmets than breakfasts and now we have the Hanz device. Currently I have in my stable 5 Helmets for Car Racing, 2 System 5 helmets (one belongs to Zoë my better half) and two Hanz devices. These later devices are proven to stop the injuries that can be caused in severe circumstances by Helmets but you would never wear one on a bike, as they are very restrictive to side ways vision.I tried many flip top helmets for riding  and the system 5 beats them all hands down. All my riding is done on the tarmac and so I can't say how well they perform of road but for what it is worth read on.1) The system 5 is not DOT approved, that is it is not approved for motor sport, but no Flip Top is, they are approved and meet or exceed all other standards.2) Ventilation and fogging, none better, with the ventilation on full, all vents open, you can enjoy during hot days a lovely cool airflow around your head without any increased noise. The fogging issue, I will answer like this, I wished they were DOT approved for the system 5 is superior to any helmet that I have used in motor racing and with in car temperatures getting on occasion as high as 60 degC fogging is a real problem. Recently I rode around the bottom of the South Island and experienced rain for 3 days. I mean real rain, huge stuff, water everywhere, huge waterfalls poring across the roads, get the picture it was sp wet and damp that no helmet would not fog up. Everyone had terrible fogging problems. The inside helmet liner on day three was damp. Dry rider gear was wet rider gear and yet the system 5 except for the 4th day when the sun came out had no fogging problems. This was as a result of the wet liner being warmed up by the sun and body temperature, the fogging was minor and never posed a safety issue, my riding friends during this time had severe problems to the extent that riding with the visor down was not possible. As a result two friends went and bought system 5 helmets, one friend had purchased the Shoei Flip Top prior to the 4-day ride. 3) Fit, is superb, they work on circumference measurements taken around your head, just above your eyebrows. I was told by a knowledgeable biker who swears by the system 5 to go smaller than larger, I have a head measurement that is at the top of my size, that is my head size is say 57cm, helmet range is 55 - 57cm nest size is 57- 59cm. So I went for size 55 - 57 and it was the right choice. "When Zoë wore her system 5 for the first time and we applied the same theory to her size she said that helmet is fabulously comfortable, I love it." She wanted to go up a size but we had been told not to, Zoë can be pig headed, born to shop woman style not born to work, thank god the advice was good.4) Noise. It is better than the Shoei but they all generate some wind noise from the area between the visor and flip top mechanism and arguable no noisier than a "good" (expensive) conventional full face helmet. I find that 80% of my riding is done with the visor 60% open, wind and noise is low and you get to smell all those lovely smells of trees and bushes etc. They BMW must have spent an awful lot of time in wind tunnels. The system 5 is brilliant in this design area.Wind noise decreases as speed gets above 100 km/hr. The visor is easily replaceable or changeable (No tools) I wear glasses and use a tinted visor but not good for night riding and changing to the clear visor is easy and quick. The visor has an anti fog layer built in to the polycarbonate and requires some care when cleaning. The handbook has good instructions. My visors are as good as the day I bought them. No scratches.The flip top opening mechanism is better than competing brands and single finger operation is simple. I have fitted Blue Ant, blue tooth communication to both our helmets and the system adapts to the helmet really well. The helmet is easily pulled apart to enable professional fitting of the blueant system and we enjoy very clear rider to pillion conversation up to 130 km/hr. Visor up or down, when I first fitted the system the communication was not good after about 80km/hr. I decided to glue the earpiece into the helmet, helmet has a built in recess for the earphone and comes with velclose for attachment, the glue idea worked a treat and improved communication 10 fold. It is simple to do.  BMW withdrew their Blue Tooth system off the market. To many problems. You need two systems for rider to pillion communication and can also talk bike to bike at the same speeds up to a range of about 150 meters before communication deteriorates. Below  80km/hr 300 metres bike to bike is good.Any body fitting this system can contact me for some help, like everything the second and third attempts always show improvements.That’s about it, the helmet takes a little getting used to, like riding off with the flip top up, and must mention that the helmet is a breeze to fit with your glasses or sunnies on. They are light in weight and once used to the helmet you never know you are wearing it.My opinion is that compared to any other helemt Shoei and Scuberth included the system 5 is far superior. The investment is well worth it. CheersLeigh

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Pictures from the Northern Motorway extension #9291

Thanks guys, really appreciated the effort and great photos..Cheers Leigh

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: New Member – Mike #9220

Hi Mike.I have a recent model R1200RT with self cancelling indicators and they are not all that good.What happens is the electronics module dedects when the wheel (handlebars) are pointing straight ahead and then starts the timer. So if you are sitting at the lights with a right turn indicated and happen to move the handlebars into a straight ahead position, the next thing that happens is that as you move off from the lights the indicators have cancelled. They are good for when you forget to cancel.I have been using a pair of driving gloves (Motor Racing) and these are softer have some knuckle protection (Leather Strips) and make moving the thumb etc that much easier, works a treat but could be a little cold for the Winter. I guess my advice is that you just get used to the layout, I have it mastered 80% of the time.don't think it will ever be completely mastered. My R1200RT also has ASC and as it was raining on saturday in Christchurch I decided to find the wiring loom that controls the ASC. (anti skid Control). The reason being is that the system on my bike can't be turned off (option) but it is too sensitive and at a recent track day at Ruapuna I was unable to get really bitter and twisted. So the ABS and ASC had to have a disable switch. What a bloody nightmare, on Saturday evening the garage looked like a Demolition Sight. Eventually I found the system(Circuit) and spent Sunday Installing a switch and an LED on the Dash that when the brakes are applied the Led glows, warning me that the ABS ,ASC is swithed off. So what am I saying, Well you could get an electronics guy to build you a simple timing circuit, it would then be reasonably simple to instal to the indicater loom. Food for thought. Trust you have much enjoyment form the bike and get used to the switch layout.cheersLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9115

The picture of the Bentleys takes me back a long way. Malcolm

Hi Malcom, reading your reply I could imagine the excitment at age 8, at age 58 it was mind boggling.The fastest car was checked on radar at 111mph, built in 1930. There was nothing pedestrian about there driving skills either. I was not able to pear under the bonnet but believe that it was a straight 8. It sounded as it went by like it was doing about 2000rpm,  the driver and passenger with there period leather helmets and goggles looked a treat. On the back was a huge leather trunk. Looked origonal as it was well weathered. You could have put a Pool Table in the back seat and apparently it weighed 3-1/2 tonnes.Truly amazing, if you read one of the earlier threads, Daves' wife has had a part to play with the tour organisation and they might have many photos for us to view. Unfortunatly they are only touring the South Island.Cheers Leigh 

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9114

Hi Leigh,I hope you didn't mind me fixing your link on that first photo. Thanks for posting those.Alex

Hi alex.Had a suspicion that something was wrong.Don't mind in the least, good job us fledglings have you to look after us.Thanks Leigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9110

An interesting discussion; I have been riding since the 60's many years as a motorcycle cop where we had been taught the "Hendon Police Method of Vehicle control"

Hi. In the sixties, Cop bikes by memory would have been Triumph Saints, or were you blessed with a different make, back then I road or owned an ex Police Bike (Saint) . We are showing our age!. I'm interested in the Hendon Police Method in that did they teach you about Countersteering. Two or three people have said on this thread that they have been taught this skill and practice it daily. I wonder about the valadility of these comments and how they were taught. Counter Steering is a skill that we all learnt when we were about 5 or 6 years old, or more exactly when we learnt to ride a push bike. As a point of interest on a motorbike (or any two wheeled vehicle) before a right hand turn (or left but opposite) can be made the steering direction must first be to the left. (Countersteering) Don't believe me, then have you ever tried to steer around a pothole and the bike just wont go around the obstacle or only just missed the blasted thing. Reason being is that the rider generally becomes tense and the bike and rider which are an inverted pedulum become trapped by physics. When the need for a quick swerve to one side suddenly arises, it is essential to know, that the handlebars must be deliberately pressed away on that side instead of being pulled. If you wish to go to the left then the first movement (counter steering) must be to the right.It appears that from this thread peoples understanding of countersteering is possibly incorrect.Trust this won't Antagonise to many people.RegardsLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9109

2nd of Feb is the kick-off of the 2008 Vintage Bentley Tour of New Zealand.  Hi Dave.I must just send you a quick message re the Bentleys at Ruapuna. WOW! they were fantastic.30 odd cars, some as big as trucks and doing 100 mph down the main straight. The ground shook beneath you. Most of the cars were capable of close to 100mph.The Can-am cars were also a special piece of nostalgia, especially with the close connection to Bruce McClaren. There were 3 McClarens MC6. One was not trully Can-Am in that it had a very modified Big Block Chev and reached 184mph on the Ruapuna Main Straight. Made the hairs on the back of my neck tingle.  🙄Better get some work done.Regards Leigh

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9104

Hi Leigh. Being an X Chch boy I would like to meet you when you are next in Auck. I will be down in Chch 29 May for 4 days for a famliy get together so could catch up then. I spent a lot of time riding on the Summit Road as well dirt tracks up to the Summit Road.Dean

Hi Dean.Will send you my address and contact numbers via email, not to keen on posting them hear, have included my work web site. So when in town give me a call. Would be good to catch up.http://www.aartpulse.co.nz  CheersLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9103

Leigh2nd of Feb is the kick-off of the 2008 Vintage Bentley Tour of New Zealand.  30 cars from all over the world, built from 1924-1936 will be touring the southisland, and they will be doing a few laps of your track that morning before they leave.  It should be the biggest collection of "W.O." Bentleys in one place in this country for awhile!  Something like $25mil worth of cars.I can't make it, but I'm sure it will be impressive!Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for the Bentley info, I'm working at the Skope classic with the Can Am guys from your country (USA) as there race Craft instructor. My role is to help them to get a feeling for the track, best lines, where to place your car for those suttle manouvers that create passing opportunities etc, in truth I will propably end up being there Gopher but it is always great fun and a great weekend. There are i think 14 cars (Can-Am) from America so I will have ample opportunity to see the Bentleys. Are you a Bentley fan and I'm happy to take some photos, burn to disc and send to you. Just say the word and give me a forwarding address. I understand you are from USA.Pity you can't make it. Always a spare BedCheersLeigh

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9100

"track days"...what are they, how do we get to know what/where/when/who? -  😕

Hi Bryan.Trust you have enough info on track days. Do a google on the motor Racing circuit closest to you. The Web sites will have all the info on track days. I only advocate track days because it is a good way to get ride time without needing to worry about traffic. And the cost is minimal, in that circuit hire is exspensive but not when shared with many. You may not wish to do track days, because, many of the riders are heel bent on speed, practice, and testing and so you may find it intimidating to have bikes around you going at high speed.If this is the case then try to opt for some of the more formal training events, as mention Kiwi Biker generally carries an advert or two.If you wish you can ask me for some written info, let me know at what level you consider is your understanding, will help me to avoid boring you with a whole lot of stuff that you may already know. The stuff I have is a little segmented in that it goes step by step. I.E. Step one, practice this and once the feelling is happening introduce step two and so on.Also if you feel intimidated by any part of your riding, let me know, I can help you with understanding why it is happening and what can prevent or minimise the occurance. Easy to practice during a ride.A TIP. During a ride think about you as an extension of your bike, not your  bike being an extension of you. Imagine taking a push bike and firstly getting the bike balanced and now with some momentum propel the bike down a flight of stairs, chances are if the bike was well balanced and enough momentum was used the bike would make it, upright, to the bottom of the stairs. When a rider climbs on board they instantly, because of fear or lack of ability try to take control and crash. "So" as a rider we are just jockeys, climb on board and enjoy the ride and if we can understand the physics and position our weight accordingly the stair case becomes a formality.PS Don't try this at home. ????????RegardsLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9098

have to stay i'm very interested in your ideas Leigh, Dave and Bwucie - might have to look seriously at doing a track day at Taupo some day (when I'm not running TCK80's on my 1150). I did a couple of track days with Stay Upright almost a decade ago at Manfield on an R100GS I had then - learned some things and had fun. Leigh - I'm sure my wife and I would be willing to host you if you were coming through Wellington sometime and perhaps that way Register members from Wellington and Rangatiki could get to meet you / gain some of your wisdom.Cheers Stephen O aka Aslan 

Hi Stephen.That is very kind, and would love to take up your offer, I may well be in Wellington for work in the not to distace future and so will let you know when it happens.Keep in touch.CheersLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9097

Nearly five months at home housekeeping and caregiving for my wounded wife I have transferred a great deal of weight from the fridge to my puku, and my leathers have shrunk in a dark cupboard.

Hi Bwucie.I trust your wife is okay, and all that weight transfer will be worth it. Your comment of using the late apexing so that you can see around the corner is a good one. In fact it is the best way to find the ideal line through the corner, used as the first part of instruction. On the open road, a little easier or less intimidating on right hand corners than left. But can I suggest you drop the "late Apexing" thing. Many corners have two Apex's and occassionally three.Today the move is towards understanding how to find the Apex, often, and you will generally find that corners come in a succession of left then right or visa versa and this requires a smooth line that requires the vehicle (bike) to be balanced or settled before turn in.As you said it is about keeping your options open and at the end of the day not about speed but enjoying the ride.Stay in touch and maybe one day we can compare PUKU'S.RegardsLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9096

Oh yeah, another secret!Leigh (and anyone else in CCH), if you can get to Ruapuna by 9:00am on Saturday 2nd Feb, there will be a special event at the opening of the SKOPE classics.  Something you won't see in NZ very often.Dave

Hi Dave.I'm working at the Skope Classic, part of my Canterbury Car Club role but what is the little secret you mention or are you going to leave me in the Dark.Look forward to meeting up, hopefully in the not to distant future. CheersLeigh.

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