Dealing with wet leaves on the road ??? - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**Clint** · 11-05-2009, 04:37 PM

Put it this way... I used to drive an '85 Ford 150 shortbox in the winter. It had a 351 in it, but the tranny was from a 300/six. As with most trucks of the era, it had about 50 lbs on each rear tire.

I remember driving down the interstate one dark and stormy night. If I so much as lifted a millimeter off the gas, the back end would try and pass me up. You learn throttle control right quick when in that situation. To this day I can't bring myself to drag the back end in the slick. It's not as hard to maintain neutral throttle as you're making out.

BTW, old ladies in Civics were passing me up that night. That truck was far from ideal on hardpack.

omegajim · 11-05-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Put it this way... I used to drive an '85 Ford 150 shortbox in the winter. It had a 351 in it, but the tranny was from a 300/six. As with most trucks of the era, it had about 50 lbs on each rear tire.

provided it was a 3/4 ton, yes 50 lbs - most half tons were around 35 lbs, unless it was a heavy half ton, few and far between but they do exist.

and I think you mean differential, not trans, because the 300 differential was 2.73 : 1, and my old 3/4 ton was something like 3., dang I can't remember. The high end was 4.11:1 but the 3/4 ton was 3.55: 1, now that I think for a moment.

**Clint** · 11-06-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omegajim

provided it was a 3/4 ton, yes 50 lbs - most half tons were around 35 lbs, unless it was a heavy half ton, few and far between but they do exist.

Huh? I said on the tires, not in.

It was a four-speed transmission. I assume the 351 would have had a five. Maybe not.

Camp21178 · 11-06-2009, 06:06 PM

Fastcougar, I'm glad you're OK. I guess the same advice goes for the " Green Ice" around here. It seems like every manure spreader on the planet is out on the Wisconsin back roads right now.

omegajim · 11-06-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

It was a four-speed transmission. I assume the 351 would have had a five. Maybe not.

I believe either would have been a choice back in the 80s.

mas3386 · 11-07-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

Put it this way... I used to drive an '85 Ford 150 shortbox in the winter. It had a 351 in it, but the tranny was from a 300/six. As with most trucks of the era, it had about 50 lbs on each rear tire.

you know how to solve that. throw some sand bags in the rear.

omegajim · 11-08-2009, 01:24 PM

or water softener salt.

mas3386 · 11-09-2009, 12:12 AM

or any dead weight lying around

omegajim · 11-09-2009, 07:49 PM

water softener salt works well as

the bags are heavy and tough,

end of season, use up the salt.

old codger · 11-09-2009, 09:42 PM

Many years ago I had a Chevy pu with 350 and manual trans in it. I got caught in one of those rare Arkansas snow storms and had trouble moving, the truck had 10 inch wide tires on the back. I rolled up snow balls, about a foot in diameter and filled the bed with those. The extra weight gave me enough traction to get home and a couple of days later when the weather warmed up the snow melted, I didn't even have to unload the truck.

old codger

mas3386 · 11-09-2009, 10:12 PM

that isn't a bad idea

**Clint** · 11-10-2009, 09:56 AM

Not bad at all!

Most recommend sand or rock salt, so you can also use it as a traction aid if stuck.

frostbitevinnie · 11-12-2009, 09:31 AM

You would be surprised how a bike can tolerate a slide. My rear has slid out a few times, it seems like an excessive slide but, IMO, in general it is very minimal. I can't count how many times I have rounded a corner, crossed a semi wet or newly painted cross walk and had my rear slide out under power. Have not high or low sided yet. Well maybe that one time on the Dragon, went into the ditch with no injury and very minimal damage. Maybe riding on dirt and being somewhat used to a rear slide makes it a bit easier for me, don't know. I have put my foot down once in such a situation and it is very dangerous at best. I only jammed my hip and had trouble walking for a good six months, could not sleep on my left side for quite a while. Also by putting your foot down you risk the chance of getting your foot caught by the rear wheel. I would prefer to replace a few chrome parts than my foot.

I agree with Clint and keeping the throttle neutral and available. Available power can be your friend.

11-05-2009, 04:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
Clint Gainfully employed Join Date: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 1200 S Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA Posts: 20,114	Put it this way... I used to drive an '85 Ford 150 shortbox in the winter. It had a 351 in it, but the tranny was from a 300/six. As with most trucks of the era, it had about 50 lbs on each rear tire. I remember driving down the interstate one dark and stormy night. If I so much as lifted a millimeter off the gas, the back end would try and pass me up. You learn throttle control right quick when in that situation. To this day I can't bring myself to drag the back end in the slick. It's not as hard to maintain neutral throttle as you're making out. BTW, old ladies in Civics were passing me up that night. That truck was far from ideal on hardpack. __________________ 'Busa shock, Racetech forks, Holeshot stage 1 & pipe, Hella headlights, CBRXX clipons, Givi bags, Zumo 550, Conti Road Attacks \| Symtec grip heat Arai Signet GTR \| Joe Rocket Meteor boots, Alter Ego pants, jacket \| Alpinestars SP-1 gloves \| Hanes boxer-briefs Gems for motorcyclists

11-08-2009, 01:24 PM	#27 (permalink)
omegajim M-J Lifetime Achievement Award Join Date: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 10,388	or water softener salt. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value. "I have a driver's license. It doesn't mean I show up at the Indy 500 with my morgan." Ducky- NCIS and until very recently, we were Wisconsin Tourism Federation ----- no really.

11-09-2009, 07:49 PM	#29 (permalink)
omegajim M-J Lifetime Achievement Award Join Date: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 10,388	water softener salt works well as the bags are heavy and tough, end of season, use up the salt. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value. "I have a driver's license. It doesn't mean I show up at the Indy 500 with my morgan." Ducky- NCIS and until very recently, we were Wisconsin Tourism Federation ----- no really.

11-09-2009, 09:42 PM	#30 (permalink)
old codger Clunked into first gear Join Date: Nov 2006 Bike: GSX650F Location: Arkansas Posts: 245	Many years ago I had a Chevy pu with 350 and manual trans in it. I got caught in one of those rare Arkansas snow storms and had trouble moving, the truck had 10 inch wide tires on the back. I rolled up snow balls, about a foot in diameter and filled the bed with those. The extra weight gave me enough traction to get home and a couple of days later when the weather warmed up the snow melted, I didn't even have to unload the truck. old codger __________________ "I am not near the threat I expected to be 40 years ago" Arlo

11-10-2009, 09:56 AM	#32 (permalink)
Clint Gainfully employed Join Date: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 1200 S Location: St. Cloud, MN, USA Posts: 20,114	Not bad at all! Most recommend sand or rock salt, so you can also use it as a traction aid if stuck. __________________ 'Busa shock, Racetech forks, Holeshot stage 1 & pipe, Hella headlights, CBRXX clipons, Givi bags, Zumo 550, Conti Road Attacks \| Symtec grip heat Arai Signet GTR \| Joe Rocket Meteor boots, Alter Ego pants, jacket \| Alpinestars SP-1 gloves \| Hanes boxer-briefs Gems for motorcyclists

11-06-2009, 06:06 PM	#24 (permalink)
Camp21178 Kickstand Operator Join Date: Jul 2008 Bike: 2007 Suzuki S 50 Location: Chippewa Falls Wi. Posts: 281	Fastcougar, I'm glad you're OK. I guess the same advice goes for the " Green Ice" around here. It seems like every manure spreader on the planet is out on the Wisconsin back roads right now.

11-09-2009, 12:12 AM	#28 (permalink)
mas3386 Ditch Magnet Join Date: Jun 2009 Bike: black and grey suzuki m50 Location: Foley, MN Posts: 173	or any dead weight lying around

11-09-2009, 10:12 PM	#31 (permalink)
mas3386 Ditch Magnet Join Date: Jun 2009 Bike: black and grey suzuki m50 Location: Foley, MN Posts: 173	that isn't a bad idea

11-12-2009, 09:31 AM	#33 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Join Date: Jul 2007 Bike: '07 C90T, '76 MT250, smashed up '91 GSX1100g Location: St. Cloud, MN 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 4,152	You would be surprised how a bike can tolerate a slide. My rear has slid out a few times, it seems like an excessive slide but, IMO, in general it is very minimal. I can't count how many times I have rounded a corner, crossed a semi wet or newly painted cross walk and had my rear slide out under power. Have not high or low sided yet. Well maybe that one time on the Dragon, went into the ditch with no injury and very minimal damage. Maybe riding on dirt and being somewhat used to a rear slide makes it a bit easier for me, don't know. I have put my foot down once in such a situation and it is very dangerous at best. I only jammed my hip and had trouble walking for a good six months, could not sleep on my left side for quite a while. Also by putting your foot down you risk the chance of getting your foot caught by the rear wheel. I would prefer to replace a few chrome parts than my foot. I agree with Clint and keeping the throttle neutral and available. Available power can be your friend. __________________ Sam 3/7/09 Rest in peace my good friend.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sierra 3 Pass Ride - Looking for leaves in all the wrong places.	Cirquerider	The Long Road - Adventure Touring	4	10-27-2009 10:13 PM
Yanks: Dealing with the cold?	themeatmanlandry	Off Topic	55	01-25-2008 11:55 PM
Dealing with the Dealer	Whiskey_williams	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	18	03-21-2007 09:50 AM
How r u dealing with the Speed limit...?	Tom T. Bag	Cruisers	27	12-23-2004 04:06 PM
Too many leaves!!	SuzukiGirl1	Off Topic	15	11-03-2004 01:50 PM