2 things I learned while riding today

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by GatorGreg, Mar 11, 2018.

  1. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    #1 In a pinch, you can use the mirrors to securely hold the typical plastic grocery bag - see pics below :D I had slightly overestimated the capacity of the storage under my rear seat cowl this morning for a quick trip to the grocery store and had the need to carry one more bag. So I squeezed together the two mirrors, slipped a bag handle over each one, and then reexpanded the mirrors - it worked perfectly! Except for one thing - it completely blocked my view of the dash - LOL

    #2 So the second thing I learned is that I have grown overdependent on the gear indicator. I kept thinking, am I in 2nd gear or 3rd? 3rd or 4th? 4th or 5th? Am I really in neutral? I've gotten way too lazy to remember this shit! :D I don't know if I can ever go back to riding a bike without one now.

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    Last edited: Mar 11, 2018
    Samuel and Lint like this.
  2. fink

    fink Member

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    Most folk would have put it down their jacket.
     
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  3. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    Done that many a times but unfortunately I was not wearing a jacket this morning - maybe I should have tried to stuff it down my shorts :D
     
  4. Nelix

    Nelix New Member

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    Greg, I like you, but you make it hard.
    Why the fuck would you cover your instruments?
     
  5. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    Good question - I've been meaning to break out my trombone :D

     
  6. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    That's really easy to fix.

    Under 7000 rpm - kick down
    over 12000rpm - kick up.
     
  7. fink

    fink Member

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    Think he has difficulty with engine noise.
     
  8. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    he needs a louder pair of cans then.. lol

    Failing that,

    Real idiot guide:

    Wind up till it stops accelerating,
    change up.
    repeat as needed.
     
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  9. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    Riding with the dash covered I actually felt more at one with the bike because I had to rely on what I could feel and hear instead of what I could see - I was kind of like Luke learning to use the force :D

     
  10. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    When I was having an issue with the dash fuse blowing, it was really hard, as not only did I lose my headlights but everything the dash reports, speed, fuel level, etc., other than the clock, I was riding blind every time the fuse blew.
     
  11. zombie

    zombie New Member

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    I was concerned when I bought the VFR that it doesn't have a gear indicator on it. Every bike I have had before had one and I wasn't sure if I was going go have problems because of it. I had an aftermarket one all picked out and never got around to ordering it, in the end I realised that I didn't need it. Would still like to have one though, just don't need it.
     
  12. fink

    fink Member

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    My vfr was the first bike I’ve had with a gear indicator have managed 32 years without one. Still much prefer just using revs/speed.
     
  13. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    My old learner bike (2013 Ninja 300 SE ABS) did not have a gear indicator so I learned how to ride without having one and managed just fine. It's just that now that I have one I've gotten very lazy so when I had it covered with the bag temporarily it threw me for a loop - LOL. Interrstingly, the new 2018 Ninja 400 (which is replacing the Ninja 300 - at least in the USA) now has a gear indicator as well as other nice stuff like LED headlights.
     
  14. GatorGreg

    GatorGreg Honda Fanboy/LitiGator

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    Your post reminded me of this great tune! :D

     
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