Corona Motorsports and... I push started the bike!

[alanmcorcoran]

Welcome to the latest in my series of pointless rides to destinations I didn't need to go to. This latest installment includes a couple of personal milestones that I think put me a tiny bit closer to entry into the Big Boy club.

#1) I had to push start the bike. I am enormously proud of having done this successfully, because I am the sort of person that calls AAA if my tires need air. I also need to give kudos to whoever posted here how to do it, because that is the only way I knew it was possible. The Unknown Poster had said that this was a maneuver not recommended for newbs, but I have never been accused of listening to the voice of experience. It turned out to be tremendously easy, BTW. On my first attempt, I only rolled it about 3 ft at the end of the driveway and when I let out the clutch, it kind of came to a quick halt. My second attempt, I backed up 2/3's the length of the driveway, got it rolling with a duckwalk and, this time, eased it into first. Fired right up. I was so stunned I didn't even consider calling off my ride over the possibility I'd not be able to start it back up for the return. My driveway is not steep, just a slight incline for the water to run off. I was really quite pleased with myself and the ease of this workaround.

#2) This diversion was a little bit further afield than I had been venturing: 72 miles round trip over some pretty challenging terrain. Google timed it out at over 2.5 hours (in a car, presumably.) One of the more gnarly pieces included a 15 mph reverse camber Ess turn with a half twist in full layout position. Degree of difficulty: Holy F**k!

#3) Rode long enough to join the "My Ass Is Sore From the Cheapo Seat" Club. Well, not that sore. But a little.

Ironically, CMS is only about 9 miles or so from my house. A straight shot down the freeway. But even though I am fully licensed now to go on the freeway, I have yet to get the bike over 60 mph (yes, I know , everybody else has. Trust me, unless I'm going downhill with the wind at my back, mine won't do it. A little bit of incline and you are looking at 55-58 mph tops!) Given that average speed on the 91 is 85, that's just asking to be run over. So I went the long way.

[pbss:1t7oc0n7]http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/alanmcorcoran/OCM/?action=view&current=1307b8a8.pbw[/pbss:1t7oc0n7]

Guy in the service department at CMS told me I probably ran the battery down from taking too many short rides (very plausible.) I was able to battery start it twice at the destination, so maybe I'm out of the woods.

Main thing I took away from this trip: the single most important risk factor on these longer rides is not being familiar with the roads. It really takes away a lot of your riding ability if you don't know what lies ahead, where the next turn is, how far you need to go, what the speed limit is, etc. I had a couple of eff-ups on the way out: a panic stop at a stop sign where there was no intersection (weird - the guy in front of me actually sat down on it, and I had to react quickly. Fortunately, I must have developed good instincts. Pulled in the front caliper, stepped on the rear pedal and pulled in the clutch. Laid down some rubber but in a nice straight line. Got the adrenaline going, though... was a little queasy and extra sweaty for the next few miles.) And I almost drifted off one of the less challenging curves. Got a little nervous and was watching the side of the road instead of looking ahead to where I wanted to go. Kept it together though, and mentally kicked myself for making such a dumbass move.

The ride back went much faster and smoother. Even just retracing my steps for the second time made a huge difference. I was somewhat familiar with the roads and turns, and I at least knew when I was past the super tight ess turn and could relax. My average speeds were higher and felt much less clenchy in the twisties. Much more enjoyable than the ride out.

[Moedad]

Good report! I haven't tried push starting mine. One of these days I should do it just see if I can.

One of the more gnarly pieces included a 15 mph reverse camber Ess turn with a half twist in full layout position. Degree of difficulty: Holy F**k!

Was that as you're coming down into Chino Hills from Carbon Canyon?

Trust me, unless I'm going downhill with the wind at my back, mine won't do it. A little bit of incline and you are looking at 55-58 mph tops!)

Maybe as it gets more broken in, your top speed will increase a bit.

Good job!

[Jer]

WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

I love your posts man.

Awesome.

[alanmcorcoran]

Was that as you're coming down into Chino Hills from Carbon Canyon?


Yup. It's a doozy. Even the cars seem to slow down for that one... You can see it on the Google satellite map.

[alanmcorcoran]

Postscript: I figured out what was wrong with my battery: Me. Apparently there is a special place on the ignition past lock called, The Place Where You Think The Bike Is Locked, But We Leave Your Taillight On For You.

I mean, excuse my French, but just what the fuck is that setting for? I discovered it tonight after I did it AGAIN and my wife noticed "your lights are on..." Huh? Oh, hey, that's nice.

Well, I gotta go ride again to make sure the battery is charged. Sigh.

[patrick_777]

Uh,

I don't think it's actually supposed to be that way. Maybe a broken ignition cylinder or something. Are you sure you didn't actually steal your bike?

I mean really...does your "key" look like this?

http://www.postimage.org/aV12vKvA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV12vKvA)

[alanmcorcoran]

Ahh Patrick, you bring back memories of piece of $hit cars from my youth. I did have a "stanley" key for a stretch back in my salad days. Had a preference for the longer handled variety, the better to get a good grip for my little girly hands.

No, I'm still using the official "included" keys on this ride. There is some setting past lock that looks like it has a lit bulb on it or maybe it's accessory (what f'ing accessory is beyond me.) I'm telling you, it's main functional purpose seems to be to leave your taillight on. I'll have to look it up in the MOM because I sound like a dipshit even to me.

After the wife discovered the taillight on this evening (two hours after I returned from Corona) I put the crime scene together. I had been wondering what that strange red glow on my garage door was the night before, but none of the front lights were on and I didn't know it was possible to leave the back one on by itself. By the time I rolled 'er out of the garage this afternoon, the taillight wasn't on anymore because the battery was run down. So I didn't notice it until I did the same stupid thing twice in a row. I just got back from a "charge 'er up trip." Made two stops and it fired right up both times. I'm hoping I didn't do any permanent damage. Even though I'm in the middle one of the largest cities in the country, the Suzuki dealers are either far away or of questionable integrity/competence. I'm not looking forward to getting the thing serviced.

[BigIron]

My ignition does that too. I also would like to know why.

[Easy Rider]

#1) I had to push start the bike.


Wow! Good show.

Couple of tips for future reference.....and others reading: It is better to bump start in 2nd, as it might slide the rear wheel in 1st (what with all the high comperssion of all those cylinders). :)
One should never attempt a bump start without having your butt ON the seat, at least side-saddle. Othewise you and the bike might become seperated......until you meet again on the ground. :shocked:


Guy in the service department at CMS told me I probably ran the battery down from taking too many short rides (very plausible.) I was able to battery start it twice at the destination, so maybe I'm out of the woods.


If you have a battery charger, NOW would be a good time to exercise it. If you don't have one, NOW would be a good time to get one. Experience tells me that once you completely discharge the battery on a GZ, it might take a LONG time (never) to get it back to full charge without some external help.

AND FINALLY:
That last poistion on the switch is called PARK. The original intent, as stated in the owner's manual (RTFM) I think, is for use if you park it on the shoulder of a lonely road at night. I think it's pretty stupid........as is the fork lock on a bike that light.

[patrick_777]

I just learned something - My bike has a PARK setting. If you turn it back past the fork-lock, it turns on the taillight and will drain your battery.

Seriously, tho. I had no idea that was there.

[music man]

I didn't either until one day I got off my bike went in the house, and my wife went outside for something and came back in and said, why are your lights on on your bike, went out there and figured out that there is a key switch setting to do just that, to leave them on.


Later

[Easy Rider]

I just learned something - My bike has a PARK setting.

Now you can relax. You've learned something new already today! :biggrin:

It is kind of like that first position on the light switch on your car (which nobody uses anymore because they are automatic)........which is called "parking lights". :tup:

[Jer]

I love learning from all these things.

Thanks guys!!!!

[alanmcorcoran]

To Patrick (who has no wife to tell him these things [lucky bastard (too bad he'll die young)]) You're welcome, again.

To Easy: I think you were the unknown poster (so thanks man), and, even though I forget my own phone number, for some reason all of your instructions stuck right in the grey matter. I duck walked (jogged?) it with my ass firmly in saddle. It really wasn't that hard. Hell of a lot easier than push starting a car (which can get away from you as well!) I also think use of so-called "clutch control" (in my day we called it slipping the clutch, but what the eff do I know) was the key. You just ease it gently past the friction point, just like you might do if you are trying to start up in second. Trust me, if a girly man like me can do it, anyone can. And, oh boy, do I agree that the "leaving just the rear lights on" setting is stupid.

To Music: Isn't nice to have a wife that is worried about your motorcycle! Damn straight. I bet you a lot of other married dudes on this site are pretty GD jealous of us right now. My wife made me go ride mine to make sure the battery wasn't dead. That's love. Might have to write a country western song about it. She's still busting my balls about it a little. Quite proud she solved the Mystery of the Dead Battery On the Overpriced Toy My Husband Way Overpaid For.

[Easy Rider]

I bet you a lot of other married dudes on this site are pretty GD jealous of us right now.

Yes, to a point. Sometimes there are advantages both ways.

The last bike I owned was a Kaw Eliminator 600. Black, with a windshield and bags.

After pushing it out of the farm shed two springs ago, I decided I needed something lighter.......fondly remembering the time, about 40 years ago, when I would ride my Honda S90 around the pasture in the SNOW! Sigh! But I digress.

Went to Sportland. Saw this used GZ with only 1200 miles on it. Black, with a shield and bags.
One afternoon, it quietly replaced the OTHER black one in the garage.....and she still doesn't know the difference! :biggrin:

Of course, after 40 years of marriage, it's not like I really cared what she thought anyway. :smoke:

[Jer]

One afternoon, it quietly replaced the OTHER black one in the garage.....and she still doesn't know the difference!

That works with guitars too.

:whistle:

[Sarris]

I dunno guys, after the kids were grown and 20 years of marrage, I got my Dishonerable Discharge about 12 years ago, and as far as "companions" go, it's cheaper to lease. That way I can have all the guitars, motorcycles, and other toys I want without getting permission.

One of my buds says "If you can drive it, fly it or :fu: :curse: it, it's cheaper to lease.

It's one of these :jo: :jo: :jo: kinda deals.

Both ways are a compromise, eh??

[music man]

I am actually the luckiest person out there then, because not only did my wife not mind that I got a bike, but Because I am for lack of a better term, Thrifty, SHE actually went as far as to be the one to talk me into buying it.

Later

[Jer]

Thats how it happenned here too. More her idea than mine. Of course her wanting my car to drive instead of hers played a big part in it......

[alanmcorcoran]

I may have been misinterpreted here. I neither meant to imply that marriage is a good idea, or even that I endorsed it. I probably should not have mentioned it, but I have minimal self discipline when it comes to going for a laugh.

I've been married 25 years but I have never recommended it to anyone. I have my reasons. My wife is pretty great, but variety is the spice and all that.

That being said, mine is not permission based either. I am The King of my Castle, and, trust me, the MC isn't even close to the most ridiculous toy I've bought myself. Not even the only one I could kill myself with.

To Sarris, Patrick and the rest of you untethered's, I think you did the right thing. I think if you are going to get married, wait until you are 50 and marry a lady in her 30's.

[Easy Rider]

I am The King of my Castle,

:shocked: :haha2: :crackup: :haha:

Thanks. Best laugh I've had all week !! :biggrin:

[Jer]

They all think that.

Go easy on him.

:)

[alanmcorcoran]

I am The King of my Castle,
Thanks. Best laugh I've had all week !!

I have minimal self discipline when it comes to going for a laugh...

I rest my case.

[jonathan180iq]

Went to Sportland. Saw this used GZ with only 1200 miles on it. Black, with a shield and bags.
One afternoon, it quietly replaced the OTHER black one in the garage.....and she still doesn't know the difference! :biggrin:

:smoke:

That's great. :lol:

It's amazing how my wife can tell from 300 yards away when my socks don't match. But, I can put different accessories on the GZ, or her own car for that matter, and she has no idea. I love 'er.

[jonathan180iq]

I am The King of my Castle

Are you the master of your domain?

[Jer]

:)

[alanmcorcoran]

Are you the master of your domain?

Not yet. Check back in a few more years. I'd likely have been the first out of "The contest."

[Jer]

"You??? You'll be out before we get the check!"

[BusyWeb]

I have yet to get the bike over 60 mph (yes, I know , everybody else has. Trust me, unless I'm going downhill with the wind at my back, mine won't do it. A little bit of incline and you are looking at 55-58 mph tops!)

Hello, alan!
I strongly suggest that you might want to put a windshield on GZ250 if you don't have one yet.
If you already have one, discard this.
I had same problem as yours without windshield, but after adding one, I got a lot of better riding experiences even with lower speed.
At the above 40 mph, its totally different feeling compare to without one.
I know that with windshield it might look little bit ...., but strongly recommend.

Thanks
Good and safe riding!

[patrick_777]

I know that with windshield it might look little bit ....,

The exact reason I have never installed one.

[alanmcorcoran]

Thanks for the tip Busy. I've thought about the windshield, but I haven't done anything about it yet, because:

1) I'm a lazy ass. These things do not drop from the sky apparently. You have to find one, and, more than likely, install it yourself.
2) I'm not mechanically fortunate. Most mechanical projects I start end badly. Usually with the equipment involved in a state of greater chaos than when I started. Also with extra parts of whom's proper place I am no longer certain.
3) I have a general bias against effing with things. I figure if Suzuki wanted a windshield on there, they would have put one there. I know this is bullshit, because I have aerobars, after market pedals and a speedometer on my bicycle (all of which I paid other people to install) But still, I'm reluctant to remove, add or modify anything on my toys.
4) I wear a full face helmet. So my face is protected from the wind. I still feel it on my bod though.
5) Did I mention I'm a lazy ass?

[Easy Rider]

I know that with windshield it might look little bit ....,

The exact reason I have never installed one.

Poser! :biggrin:

[Easy Rider]

5) Did I mention I'm a lazy ass?

If you ever want to go over 60, you're probably gonna have to bite the bullet and get SOMETHING to cut the wind...........or practice the crouching tiger position, hunkered down with your feet on the passenger pegs. :cry:

P.S. Almost ALL bike shops sell and install windshields! :cool:

[patrick_777]

...........or practice the crouching tiger position, hunkered down with your feet on the passenger pegs.

My favorite, and most comfortable riding position. Another reason I bought the Ninja for highway use.