Twin Cities Area Campfire BS Thread

[swann]

Originally Posted by JackJack

The rebel is light enough and small enough that you can probably straddle it, give a good solid push on the handlebars, and have enough momentum to bump start it on a flat or downward slope. It's a lot harder for it to get away from you if your bum is on the seat. I've done my share of pushing alongside and jumping on to bump start. The key for me was to jump on before letting the clutch out, but I am short and have always had shorter bikes. YMMV with a taller bike.

Also, Olympia makes nice gear for women in Hi-Viz yellow. http://olympiamotosports.com/category/catalog/womens/

I read on another forum about flipping the kill switch while riding in second (in a safe area) and popping the clutch while coasting along to kinda get the feel for it without having to push the bike or find a hill. And apparently it's easier to do it in second gear because, well, something about the back wheel catching and falling over or something like that. I like the idea of sitting on the bike before popping the clutch, hopefully I can manage that. I should probably gloss over any embarrassing moments while practicing this technique...

That's my gear JackJack! Super jacket from Olympia, and I've added a yellow hi viz air bag vest over that. All eye stabbing hi viz yellow. I was kinda hoping for some neon pink and neon green options, just wanted to see what else might be available. But those colors only seem to be available on skin tight, cropped, half sleeve tops that are more costume than protection. Hey, where'd everybody go? ;)

[Klay]

I use third or even fourth gear to bumpstart a bike. I never walk alongside it, I run, hop on, and pop the clutch the moment I land on the seat for traction.

[JackJack]

Originally Posted by swann

I read on another forum about flipping the kill switch while riding in second (in a safe area) and popping the clutch while coasting along to kinda get the feel for it without having to push the bike or find a hill. And apparently it's easier to do it in second gear because, well, something about the back wheel catching and falling over or something like that. I like the idea of sitting on the bike before popping the clutch, hopefully I can manage that. I should probably gloss over any embarrassing moments while practicing this technique...

That's my gear JackJack! Super jacket from Olympia, and I've added a yellow hi viz air bag vest over that. All eye stabbing hi viz yellow. I was kinda hoping for some neon pink and neon green options, just wanted to see what else might be available. But those colors only seem to be available on skin tight, cropped, half sleeve tops that are more costume than protection. Hey, where'd everybody go? ;)

If you want to practice it without actually pushing, remember to pull the clutch in before hitting the kill switch, flip the switch back on, and then let the clutch out. Be ready to pull the clutch back in quickly in case it doesn't start and your back tire starts to drag too much. Pulling the clutch back in quickly will keep you moving and it's far easier to keep upright when moving. If you want a demo, I am in Columbia Heights on a cul de sac.

Oh, and where did everybody go? Oh yeah, they are prolly too busy thinking about women clad in skin-tight neon crop tops to reply.

[swann]

Well by golly, I honestly don't really want to push the bike. That sounds like a lot of work! I think it's a good thing to know how to do though, so it's worth learning. Hubby says he knows how to do it. "Pop the clutch", he says. If he won't demo and I can't get it working, I'll take you up on your offer. :)

[swann]

Third or fourth gear? How fast are you running, BionicKlay?

[Klay]

Originally Posted by swann

Third or fourth gear? How fast are you running, BionicKlay?

5-7 mph.

[Metallic Waste]

Originally Posted by JackJack

Oh, and where did everybody go?

I'm watching this. It's most awesome.
-K

[Grainbelt]

Hills and/or bystanders (particularly children) are the key to bump starting.

Don't push that thing yourself.

[barnyard]

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

Don't push that thing yourself.

I dunno, couldn't be that hard

[Grainbelt]

Originally Posted by barnyard

I dunno, couldn't be that hard

Exactly. Any grade school kid or old church lady could push it - why do it yourself?

[Klay]

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

Hills and/or bystanders (particularly children) are the key to bump starting.

Don't push that thing yourself.

Make sure somebody else holds your beer.

[swann]

Working definition of grainbelt:
Pro-sarcasm and pro-child labor

Barnyard, you make my bike look like a toddler's scooting toy!

No more whining about bump starting until I get a chance to try it.

[swann]

Well that was fun. We had several kids who were coming in late so I quick went out to try bump starting. (Don't worry, my helper was here and we were under in numbers for only one provider.)

Bump starting. Yeah. Worked fine while moving and down the small incline of our driveway but I better hope for a small child or an old church lady if I'm on a flat surface. Oh, and the air bag vest works great, and it's a lot easier than I thought to pick up my bike. Too had there's no pictures, guess it probably didn't happen. ;)

No children were left untended, and no child labor was exploited in bringing you this latest installment of adventures of a noobie.

[propforward]

It is all part of the rich tapestry that is motorcycling life.

[judjonzz]

Originally Posted by Metallic Waste

I'm watching this. It's most awesome.
-K

Leningrad Cowboys are indeed most awesome. I wonder where my CD is. Haven't seen it for a few years now.