The DRZ Gets a Big Brake

Posted on 19. Feb, 2013 by dpotts in howto, test

IMG_1207.JPG

I was tight on cash when I first did the DRZ supermoto conversion. After blowing big bucks on wheels, tires and suspension upgrades, I opted out of upgrading the brakes. I had never had any problems with the DRZ's stopping power when it was in enduro configuration so I thought, how important are big brakes anyway? Besides, who needs to stop? I, was wrong! It seems the stock brakes were just fine for overpowering spindly little knobbies on the road. Slap a fat gummy street tire on there, and it's another story. Stoppies seemed to be easier with the knobbies, but with the shorter height of the street tires, the center of gravity of the DRZ was lower. Stoppies were nearly impossible with the stock brake. Enter, the EBC upgrade kit.

Balance Your Wheels

Posted on 15. Jan, 2013 by dpotts in howto

IMG_1087.JPG

Many people don't bother to balance motorcycle wheels. Many can get away without it and have no ill effects. But why take the chance when it's so easy to do?

Traction Control Smaction Control Part !!

Posted on 27. Apr, 2012 by dpotts
I'm not the only one that thinks rider aids are for the feeble.. The human brain might be beaten by the reaction time of computers, however, the human brain will always beat the computer when it comes to adaptive and predictive scenarios like those encountered while riding a motorcycle. Let's see what the riders have, instead of what the programmers have. This is another reason Nicky Hayden excels at riding the atrocious new Ducati. His dirt experience has given him a feel for low traction situations.. whereas his counterparts who have been groomed for road racing lack this skill. Adapt and conquer. Witness the skills of 500GP winner Simon Crafar. All hail the throttle jockey!

Installing a Larger Tank on the Yamaha WR450F

Posted on 09. Apr, 2012 by dpotts in howto, test

IMG_0709.JPG

Traction Control Smaction Control

Posted on 06. Apr, 2012 by dpotts in racing, rant

So I'm checking out some FIM superbike action, and the announcers are stumbling all over themselves talking about the traction control all the bikes now have. Fly by wire, traction control this.. anti-lock this.. Bloody Hell.

12 Mar

6 Miles

Posted by dpotts

As some of you might remember, a couple of years ago I pulled a calf muscle, sorry.. soleus muscle, and ended up with DVT in my left leg. It's been an annoying slow recovery.

Redesign

Posted on 08. Dec, 2011 by dpotts

This site will be undergoing a make-over during the next few weeks. Some things may not work properly during that time.

Husqvarna Breaks into Hypermoto

Posted on 17. Jun, 2011 by dpotts in husqvarna, supermoto

Husqvarna, courtesy of BMW Motorrad, has entered the hypermoto market.

So You Want to Ride.. Part 4 Turning

Posted on 15. Sep, 2010 by dpotts in advice, howto

After you've practiced braking and acceleration, then it's time to move on to turning. Turning comes naturally to some. Some people need to think about it and practice more.

Fieldsheer Radar 2 Piece Suit

Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by dpotts in test

IMG_1419.JPG

Motorcycle Wheel Alignment

Posted on 30. Oct, 2009 by dpotts in howto

Aligning motorcycle wheels when adjusting the chain is simpler than it sounds. All you need is a string that is about three times longer than the wheelbase and two weights to hold the string tight.

Converting the DRZ400K into a SuperMoto

Posted on 26. Oct, 2009 by dpotts in DRZ400, howto, supermoto

IMG_0832.JPG

Uncorking a 2007 WR450F

Posted on 19. Oct, 2009 by dpotts in howto, Yamaha

The Yamaha WRs of recent years have come fairly well corked up from the factory. I rode the machine around for a few weeks during break in while it was corked up.

So You Want to Ride.. Part 3 Advanced Motion

Posted on 27. Mar, 2006 by dpotts in advice, howto

Ok.. motorcycling is dangerous.. You learn to ride at your own peril.  If you read this, do what I say, and get hurt.. that's your fault.  I'm only imparting what works for me. 

So You Want to Ride.. Part 2 Basic Motion

Posted on 22. Mar, 2006 by dpotts in advice, howto

Ok.. motorcycling is dangerous.. You learn to ride at your own peril.  If you read this, do what I say, and get hurt.. that's your fault.  I'm only imparting what works for me.

Syndicate content