Recent content by ruder

It is those other things on the roads lack of speed that causes problems.

I tried the Sportsrider settings when I bought my bike in 2010. It did not work for me. I must admit the busa's settings were the toughest to get correct, of all the bikes I have ridden. It took a while, and I had to get help with it, and I generally setup all my bikes myself.

Cams only stage 1 gives 3 - 5 HP gain.

If you want looks and comfort, then lower it at the cost of handling. If you are a canyon carver, leave it be or raise it 1" at the rear.

Standard size tires is best for twisties. Get a decent sport tire. But what concerns me, is that you ask this question. Go do a track day, get some instruction, learn to do it properly.

I also own the Multistrada, a 2012 1200 S. It uses the same engine as the 1198S, but with a slightly different ECU map and different gearing. I wanted a Dual Sport to do some gravel adventuring, and the popular BMW GS was a let down for me in terms of performance. The handling of the Multistrada...

Replace when you reach the wear bars. If you don't use the sides, get a harder compound touring tire.

Straight line speed is not everything on the open road. A road bike should have a good balance of power, speed, and handling. Where is the fun if you can't keep up in the twisties? I have a couple of friends that has gone the route of turbos and extended arms. Sure they beat me on the straights...

Don't complain. I get 18 mpg. I don't think I have ever seen the 45mpg Suzuki says.

I have the Akropovic Racing 4-2-1 single. It does not unbalance the bike. It gave a better linear performance increase from 4k through 11k rpm, than other makes/types. Weight is 6kg compared to the 22kg of the standard pipe set - saving 16kg.

Third gear gives max 210kph/135mph on stock gearing.

This is what happens at extreme lean: (Sorry for the dirty bike, had rain and roadworks, so did some mud riding too.)

The main thing about tires is to be honest about how you ride. Then buy tires that offer the features you need. Pilot Pure gets slippery when hot if their pressures are too high. Under correct pressure they don't slip easily. Their sidewalls are a bit on the soft side for a heavy bike like the...

You can get low lean angles without putting your knee down. I ride often with plain biker jeans, therefore I don't put my knee on the tar. All you really need to do is to shift your hips while keeping your knee tucked in. Knee dragging is very cool but its not a requirement for road riding. The...

I developed a problem with lefties. It went on for months, until one day I showed a friend the lines on the local track. He remarked that I don't shift my hips the same as for right handers. Long story shortened, my back was out, hampering my left turns. Got my back fixed and the problem went away.