New Owners - Stupid Questions Thread

I had a look at these, they don't appear to be built super strong. Where do they get this extra strength from?

I used some Cycra ones on one of my other bikes and they seem to be built a lot stronger than the Barkbusters. I haven't binned it hard enough to test them yet. But I have destroyed a couple of sets of Barkbusters. Plus about 5 sets of handlebars, on my other bikes.

It looks like heavier material.... It seems I saw some pictures somewhere of a side by side of the HDB and the barkbusters, and the HDBs were heavier, However, I could be mistaken.

Ryan

I think the extra strength comes from the way they bolt to the bar end and then the bar clamp. I've only seen 1 set on a bike and they are beautiful. I thought they're a bit pricier than I wanted to spend.

I have some cheaper ones with an aluminum bar that i made some bar ends so they'd work with the grips. I haven't tweaked the bars yet and the levers are well protected

What does the talc powder do?

Talc acts as a barrier between the tube/tire, aids in reduction of friction and reduced vulcanization of the rubber. A tire/tube combo generates a fair amount of friction when driving and this reduces the chances of a tube failure, and permits the removal of a tube without destroying it. Some people say it doesn't do anything but I have had tubes fixed to the tire when a shop didn't use talc on a tire change.

+100 on the talc!

Some of the inner tubes are slightly tacky out of the box or at best are not slippery....

The talc also helps make sure the inner tube can slide around inside the tire and get "settled" when mounting and inflating the tube ... I strongly recommend it!

Glad you've found it helpful.

Once upon a time....not so very long ago, I just needed a few questions answered. Never imagined it would turn into this. I'm still taking notes!

Good stuff,

HF

Thanks everyone cycra and barkbusters are what I was looking at...seems like my heated grips may cause issues. Will keep you all posted.

Went with storm barkbusters but the SW engine guard

Why is my temperature gage blinking when it is below 39°F on my 800GS?
As memories serve in the manual it is warning for ICE condition? Correct me if I am wrong
Thanks in advance

ADV Rock

Don't have a GS but must be a German thing as my Audi and VW blink on the dash when temp hits 39 deg. Lurking here may pull the trigger on a F800GS.

Paul O

Yes you are correct that's exactly what it is saying...well actually it's cold and a possibility of ice. Mine flashes at 3*C though and hasn't stopped flashing for a few days now.

Turn the grips up and enjoy the ride!

Dave

It is warning you of possible ice. A road can have black ice at that temp. The closes I have ever come to crashing was at 40 degrees when I hit black ice with water on top. It was a shady area that never saw sun in the winter. It was 40 degress for several hours. That was enought to melt the top layer of ice, but the pavement and lower ice was still below freezing.

In other words, the blinking is just another idiot light that if relied upon could get you killed.

That is correct. Kind of like the warnings on a hair drier that says don't use in the shower.

It flashes to get your attention that it is cold enough for ice to be on the road. I do not know how that endangers your life.

There could be an idiot involved in the process.

Yes, if you need a light to blink to tell you when it's cold (on a motorcycle, no less) you are an idiot.

There a lot of those around. 3 at least on the hill behind my house in the last week. http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/1940920/Morning-Vehicle-Accidents.html.

Ooooooooooooooooohhhh.

Now I feel stupid. This is what I told my GF when she got her new bike:

Her: "What does the flashing snowflake mean?" (it was snowing)
Me: "It's the new weather forcasting feature option, If you see a flashing raindrop, pull over and put your suit on".
Her: Blink, blink, blink (computing) "Really?"
Me: "Really. Nuthin but the best for you Honey."

How do feel about ABS and ASC? If you need those gizmos you should not be ridiing a mortorcycle

It is a flashing light. Don't need it, ignore it. I fail to see how it puts any one in danger. Mine comes on at 37 degrees apparently. Stupid light.

About as accurate as my gas gauge.

I am yanking his chain. I look at the farkle list and notice that a lot of rider priorities are things like big windscreens, electrical boxes to hook up things like heated gear. The bike has heated grips. Maybe those riders need some warning it is cold outside. I see no harm in a warning and being BMW I don't rely on it.