Here are a few tips on how to make your old bike competitive against the newer roost rockets.
Table of Contents
Comfort
Don’t underestimate the power behind feeling comfortable. If you are comfortable, you gain confidence, and with confidence comes speed.
You might ask “how do I gain confidence”, well the answer is plain and simple, RIDE, ride in all conditions, rain, dust with limited visibility, rocky terrain, and last but not least HAVE FUN!
“But how do I make my bike comfortable?”
First thing you want to do is make your throttle cable and clutch cable pull like they have been soaking in Canola oil for three years. Once you are satisfied the cables are moving free and smoothly,you will need to adjust your handle bars to put you in an automatic attack position the instant you grab onto the bars. Then adjust your clutch lever, and front brake lever to your attack position.
*Remember to leave them loose enough so you don’t snap them off at the first crash.
Tires
Find a brand and model of tire you feel comfortable with, and stick with them. You will learn how predictable they are and will not be suprised when you encounter slippery or rocky terrain.
Suspension
Make sure all your linkage bearings are tight, the worst feeling is the clunking and clanking of pounded out bearings.
Get the fluids changed in your forks and shock, I like to run an ultra light oil. Make your suspension predictable.
First set the amount of sag your bike has, so get on your riding gear and put your bike on a stand so the rear wheel is off the ground. Measure the distance between the rear axel and the seat bolt. Remove the bike from the stand and sit on the bike, have someone measure the distance between the rear axel and the seat bolt. Ideally you want to have between 3 – 3.5 inches difference.
Go back to factory settings on your compression and rebound dampening. The factory usually has the forks and shock balanced fairly evenly. Now ride the bike and adjust your suspension accordingly. I find if the bike feels too stiff or too soft,to always adjust the front and rear in the same increments.
Engine
Throw a new top end in it, (if only for peace of mind).
Replace your reed valves, if they aren’t worn now, they soon will be.If your pipe is bent or dented, replace it. Make sure your pipe is fitted perfectly to your exhaust spiggot, and is not leaking.(Nothing worse than exhaust drool).
Make sure your jetting is spot on,(Refer to your owners manual for jetting charts).
Re-pack your silencer, believe it or not it helps.
Change your gearing to suit your style, and area you are riding in.
Give these suggestions a try and hopefully you will be roosting with the new bikes!
