New Biker..

[crayonjota]

Hi,

The last bike I had was an AP50, back in 1980.

I bought a DT175 real cheap, fixed it up, carb/clutch/chain/sprockets/brakes and paintwork, and made a tidy sum.

So, I used the cash to buy a

GS1000E from 1980 and have had my fair share of issues. The CDI unit packed up on the way home from the purchase, leaving me with a 500twin!

I fixed that by going back to contact breakers. I cleaned the thing and have been out and about with a huge grin plastered across my face!

The bike is cherry for its age, but for sure the chain and sprockets are shagged. Over here the number of superbikes are small, and I will need to buy from the US. What type of chain should I buy, as the choice is overwhelming, and I am out of my leauge.

Plus, I had my share of off's in my time, but that was when I was young and carefree, plus I needed to keep the throttle wide open so as not to loose any of the precious speed I had built up. Now I have plenty of power, but nearly dropped this thing going into a hairpin. I went in hot, and for the life of me could not get the bike to turn. It just went straight. The brakes are fine, new pads, lines and resurfaced disks. The bike just sat upright despite my efforts to crank it over for the corner. Is there a trick to get 500lbs of metal turning on the brakes? Is it the tyres? Am I naive? I just fitted brand new Bridgestone rubber.. My favorite brand for roadcars...

I put a picture of the bike on cos I love it like a wife (beautiful to look at, hard to live with)

CJ

[pitbull76]

First off, Welcome!

It does take a little more work to turn a heavier bike. You'll probably get used to it. Also, new tires tend to be a bit slick until they're broken in for a couple hundred miles. I don't know if there is any safety course available in Panama, but if there is that might help you out as well.

[crayonjota]

Thanks.

I just came back from a nice ride out to the Panama Canal, and as it is easter, no traffic. How do I wipe the stupid grin from my face??? Now I brake way earlier and tease the trottle through the curves. I dont much like riding this way, I am used to point and squirt, but that is with 4wheels. How do you stop the whole back of the bike shaking/wobbling when powering out of a corner? On a straight it is all safe and straight, even at an indicated 220kph.

As for training. Ha! I was pre-CBT when I lived in England, and over here $$ is the only licence needed. I lived here for 5yrs and dont even have a car licence!!

CJ

[Clint]

You may already know this, but breaking in a corner is not the best plan. If you can, slow down before the turn, and keep a steady or slightly increasing throttle through the turn. It'll likely make for easier turns, and it's much safer.

Edit: I see you already did that.

On your rear end wobble - bike suspension has come a heck of a long way in 25 years.