Topic: What did you do to your motorcycle (or bike) today?

[rrocket]

Adds about 18 lbs when full (or so)?

[ktm525]

17L @ 0.7428 KG/L = 12.63 KG or 27.7 lbs. full

17L- 8L(stock) = 9L * 0.7428 KG/L = 6.69 KG = 14.7 lbs. Over what weight would be with filled stock tank.

Tank itself is about 1 lb lighter than stock. So  around 14 lbs over stock.

Extra weight does effect handling, primarily loading  the front which keeps it more planted but it takes more effort to muscle it around. I have the suspension set for about 1/2 tank. The forks have preload adjusters so I crank those up a notch when loaded and dial them back when empty. If it is a really long section then I carry a 8L gas bag. At that point I am a rolling gas can lol.

[rrocket]

I checked your math (for fun).

You used regular gasoline weight and not premium. LOL [emoji38]

[ktm525]

I checked your math (for fun).

You used regular gasoline weight and not premium. LOL [emoji38]

Good point. Tank is really only full if in Mexico or rural BC... They wouldn't know what premium is.    We carry a few bottles  of octane boost and if the bikes act up in it goes. Noticeable at sea level on bad gas. At 7000-8000' you can typically get way with regular.

[aquadorhj]

started it.

it's been like 6 months since i last rode..  started on 2nd try. 

gonna sit for next little while still though, since my street is still half covered in ice...

[ktm525]

started it.

it's been like 6 months since i last rode..  started on 2nd try. 

gonna sit for next little while still though, since my street is still half covered in ice...

False spring. A crapload of snow and cold temps coming...

[ktm525]

Loading up in case they are sold out as riding season approaches. I always like to have a few spares hanging in the rafters.

New Dunlop gummy. Interesting how tires have evolved off-road. MX to Trials to Gummies to Gummy hybrids. This tire has a real soft crown(pliable to maximize contact), moderate sidewalls (for higher speed handling)  and sticky/soft rubber composition (like a Blizzak but softer). Makes up for lack of talent and age!

[Jaeger]

New tires for me as well.  Though in my case, getting rid of the old OEM Dunlops - which were frighteningly bad in the rain - in favor of this set of Michelin Road 6.  I never had much complaint about the dru handling of the Dunlops, but these tip in noticeably quicker.  They are supposed to be excellent in the wet and offer superb tread life - win / win.  I'm mostly a fair-weather rider, but might be doing Pennsylvania road trip this season, so I have to be ready for what comes.

Next stop - waterproof tail bag or backpack and rain gear.

[ktm525]

Nice. I would lean towards wet performance as a priority

[Jaeger]

Nice. I would lean towards wet performance as a priority

It's a must have from a safety standpoint.

[rrocket]

Nice. I would lean towards wet performance as a priority

I had a set of Dunlop RoadSmarts, widely regarded as one of the best wet weather tires. I had them on the Duke and the wet weather grip was astounding. And the confidence on gravel off the charts. I rode the tires HARD and they were unflappable in the wet! I was already very comfortable in the wet often going out deliberately for some fun. But these tires? It was like a video game hack.

I mentioned this on a motorcycle forum and a bunch of the racer bros chimed in and said "oh yea, we use these as our wet weather "slicks" because we can't afford real ones". High praise indeed.

The level of wet weather performance from these and their Michelin counterpart is extraordinary. The newest versions are both no doubt even better than the version I owned...which is mind blowing to me.

I think anyone running these and riding prudently can safely ride in all but the most biblical of rain storms.

These tires totally blew my mind of what was possible in the wet.