[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9095

understand the science of weight transfer, moving your upper body through each corner so that the bike follows you and not the over way round,

I've got to say that I have a rough idea about weight transfer and I am pretty glad that my bike didn't follow me 😀You can't beat training, but then it's practice and more practice.

AlexI understand this happened on the way to Alexander, BUGGER. Unfortunatly I was in Perth and so could not make it. I would have loved to meet you all. My family comes from Alexander and so I had good reason to attend, never mind another day. How bad is or was the damage. I think I have this quote attaching bit a little mixed up, need more practice???????????CheersLeigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: FIT ADDITIONAL HEADLIGHTS AND BE SEEN? #9072

Hi Bryan.High Vis jackets and headlights have always amused me, I often wonder what the brain tells your subconscious memory when it is confronted with a continual barrage of high Vis Jackets. The result of some studies in the UK suggest that when the brain is constantly subjected to seeing high Vis Jackets the effective attributes of these jackets are lost. I guess the same could be said for headlights. The head light on my R1200RT intensifies during the day and on very bright days the brightness is amazing, I have had complaints from motorists that it is to bright. Sounds good to me, at least I'm being seen. When riding I try to always remind myself of the following: • Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time.• Don’t stay hidden by a car you are following through a crossroads change position to be seen as well as to see – drop back ifnecessary.• Can the driver of the car waiting to cross your path see you? Just because you can see a piece of their car, doesn’t meanthat they can see any part of you or your bike.• Always give up the ideal position for safety and stability. Not much point in being in the perfect position for a view if you areunsafe or unstable! Remember that safety and stability take priority over position.Cheers Leigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: Taupo Track Day 30th Nvember #8809

Hi Dave.Keep the track reports active, great photos and if you don’t mind I'm going to use the second one for riding tips. Your body position is good and displays good upper body position and a clear visual of the physics behind transferring forces to the tires.  A riding friend won't do twisty roads, his K 1200 RT falls over in the corners, "too heavy" I can't help but feel a little sorry and intend on giving him some subtle riding instruction. My problem is that I have just got back to serious motor bike riding and consequently will struggle to convince my friend of why he thinks his bike falls over in the corners. My credentials are in Motor Racing and after 35 years I have moved on to more leisure pursuits. However the dynamics and physics behind cornering are no different between cars and bikes. During my twenties I worked in the UK for Bruce McClaren Can-Am, Bruce McClaren was light years ahead of his peers and many a long night was spent discussing the theories behind the forces developed during cornering. On returning to NZ I completed an engineering degree and completed my masters on this very subject. The passion is still very active and hence when I see photos like yours my analytical brain kicks in.One of the saddest sights is those crosses marking fatal accidents that happen around corners and if you look at where they are positioned and have a little knowledge of the entry and exit of a corner, most did not need to happen. It would be so good for every driver, especially the young, be motorbike or car to attend some driver instruction on a racetrack. I recently went on a BMW ride, first one and as a point of interest was alarmed to see the very poor basic understanding of riding a corner. Unwittingly every rider was closing down his options should the unexpected happen. For those that read this please don't think I'm encouraging break neck cornering speed, that’s not my intention for a second but if you know what is happening between you and the road and what causes it then there is never a need to say " my bike is just to heavy and it is to much work for twisty roads".I have often rubbed shoulders with the motorbike boys at Ruapuna, the cars share the same practice and track days and all the bike guys love to talk and encourage good riding skills. Since owning my bike I have had one day at Ruapuna, bike was only 1200Km's old and so it was at a very sedentary pace, no body minded and I received loads of encouragement and help. Taking a car into the first kink of the main straight at Ruapuna and then into turn one is so technical and at 130 mph you need to scrub of from the 100 mtr board 80 mph, there is so much happening great fun, how those guys on Motor Bikes do it is something to behold. While having coffee before work this morning I was thinking about it and trying to convince myself that I'm now to old and the Beemer will never get in there, then I decided to check the weather on the net and had a glance at the forum, noticed you track report and hence got tempted to send you a post of encouragement. I hear you say "never to old" I have totalled a couple of race Cars in this corner and don't like the thought of making my R 1200 RT decidingly second hand, in the new year I just might have a try.Last Sunday I rode to Akaroa via the Volcanic Plateau road, an awesome stretch of tarmac and had for company two guys on Suzuki's, hell bent on showing the RT a clean pair of heals, while the RT would be no match on a track, for these guys they could not shake me off and when arriving in Akaroa and pulling up together at the same cafe I was paid a huge compliment. We joined up for coffee and this mid 20's to 30 guy, "Kerry' said to me, "I was thinking during the ride that this sedentary Beemer touring bike is impossible to loose, when you poked your nose inside me on one corner I thought he is playing with me, holly Sh--t do these things handle. When you pulled your helmet off and all those grey hairs revelled your age I thought growing old has got to be good fun". It was fun talking with them and I encouraged them to take there bikes to Ruapuna for a track day, do it on a track, every thing is going the same way and loads of room for run off. Don't get your kicks on the open road, too much can go wrong. Truth was that they new very little about what they were trying to achieve and hence it was not break neck stuff. However I felt guilty about practicing what you preach, and for most of the ride kept myself just beyond a threatening distance. Sometimes age brings on memory lose.  So keep up those track reports and keep encouraging people to attend. Thanks and regards. Leigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: visting NZ for 3 months #8783

Hi Anja and Holger.I live in Christchurch, however my partner Zoe lives in Whangarei, it is a long distance relationship, actually we have property in Whangarei and intend to retire there so Zoe is in Whangarei a little earlier than anticipated. Repairing a house after tennats destroyed the place.I will call Zoe tonight and inform the gorgeous girl that you may call her, the house in Whangarei is only small but plenty of section and room for a tent etc. I know that if a room is spare you would be welcome. Zoe knows the North like the back of her hand and would love to meet with you. Keep an eye on this forum as I will post a note with Zoe's reaction to my invitation, my email is leighp@clear.net.nz or 027 2203112Zoe does not have a motorbike but loves getting out with me and we have just completed the Magpie Madness Rally in Timaru (South Island) together.When in Christchurch feel free to make contact, will have a bed and lockable garage plus workshop for you if required. In City.Looks like you will be forced to choose in Christchurch, I'm sure Peter (see Post) would agree we are a freindly bunch in the south Island.Enjoy the winterless north it is a beautifull part of New Zealand. Zoe's cell phone is 027 3211169.Cheers.Leigh.

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: K1100LT [1997] Front brake disk rattle #8704

Hi Bryan. end of day and a chance to ask if you wish for a little more info on some brake problems. Why do I know, well my company manufactures amongst many things, much of the braking systems for the Porshe GT3's and NZ V8's, Formula Fords, and Toyota classes.If you are content with the info you have, then okay, but if you wish for some more bits to lookout for, I'm only to happy to help. Just ask.RegardsLeigh. 

[ROBIN MOSS]

in reply to: K1100LT [1997] Front brake disk rattle #8703

Hi Bryan.I'm at work and only have a quick minute but don't worry about the "plastic". From my position as an engineer, http://www.aartpulse.co.nz I own the company, "plastic" is a blank word. Approximatly 132 types of  "plastics" exist and then there are the derivatives. Many of the "engineering Plastics" carry better resistance to mechanical forces than the likes of stainless steel and low carbon steels.Depending on the material your bobbins possible have a stainless or metal insert for added strength.I would suggest that the bobbins are of a family called "High Molecular Polyethylene" or more specifially UHMWPE-BR . This material has outstanding wear and abrasion resistance, combined with very high impact resistance, it's ductility is well beyond that of steel. (Ability to withstand plastic tensile deformation) and very low moisture absorbtion.Or they could be made from a Nylon type material, called "Nylatron MC901". I suspect my first guess as this material has higher operating temperatures, as high as 300C and does not get affected by water, many "plastics" expand when subjected to water..So what am I telling you, in short use the "PLASTIC".There are a few items associated with the actual brake system that could be at fault, that excellerates the rattle but I think the bobbin replacement will solve the problem. See my profile or introduction in the members forum.RegardsLeigh.

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