Unneeded weight

TrueGrit

TrueGrit

Registered
I have a Gen 3 street bike that is primarily ridden on weekends and occasionally ridden during the week for now. I will be doing more touring in the future. I have read many, many threads about people being heavily concerned about removing as much weight as possible for the same style riding. With that being said I feel I must remove my valve stem caps on wheels because all that excessive weight has to be slowly the bike down dramatically. I'm not concerned about anything getting in there to damage valve or cause a leak as I'm willing to take that safety risk to lose all that excess weight. I am concerned about by leaving the cap off I'm creating a cavity like pocket for air to get into and creating extensive wind drag. Decisions, decisions. Any input on this would be appreciated as it is driving me crazy. I apologize for any misspelling or incorrect punctuation as I've also noticed this really bothers some people. I'm also trying to be nice so I don't offend anybody and can get more help on this topic. :-0
 
I replied to someone last night who I thought had a very legitimate question about pairing valve block offs. To make it easier I just posted instructions from Brocks site since a majority of people know and trust Brocks. That also avoids me getting crucified if someone disagrees with that technique since I didn't just think it up. Now I'm thinking I should not have posted that because the Brocks way leaves all that excess weight of the reed valves on the bike. Ugh..
 
TrueGrit said:
With that being said I feel I must remove my valve stem caps on wheels because all that excessive weight has to be slowly the bike down dramatically.
Click to expand...

Note that this is such an extreme idea that thought it may be April Fools' Day. The weight of the cap is tiny and one will never sense it. Maybe someone doing 300 mph will take the caps off. Other than that, do not consider it.

TrueGrit said:
Now I'm thinking I should not have posted that because the Brocks way leaves all that excess weight of the reed valves on the bike.
Click to expand...

You seem to have excessive worry about weight. Yes, some here like to set records with the lightest bikes. If you want to go that route, as a fun hobby thing, creating the most pure sport bike, that is real cool. But there is absolutely no need to be so concerned about these small amounts of weight.
 
TrueGrit said:
I replied to someone last night who I thought had a very legitimate question about pairing valve block offs. To make it easier I just posted instructions from Brocks site since a majority of people know and trust Brocks. That also avoids me getting crucified if someone disagrees with that technique since I didn't just think it up. Now I'm thinking I should not have posted that because the Brocks way leaves all that excess weight of the reed valves on the bike. Ugh..
Click to expand...
Hi. I can not spell for beans. And as I like some of what Trump is doing I am sure I offend some people here. But that is life if we were all 100% the it just not be any fun.. If you have not seen my bike that I picked up late last summer. I got it to get back on a fast bike again as I have been on a HD for 25+ years. It is harder to go fast than I remember. As I am building a faster bike with hopefully a 1000HP to the rear wheel for LSR racing and street.. The 2003 busa 360 HP. As I am 76. This and my girl keeps me young. The bike would have been done a long time ago if I had $250,000.00 up front as I now have $135,000.00 in it now! 1st pic girl friend 2nd pic bike at the starting line at the LSR meet at Loring Main. 3trd pic bike

IMG_20250719_164611248_HDR.webp


IMG_20250905_103126486.webp


IMG_20250622_172052878_HDR.webp
 
TrueGrit said:
I have a Gen 3 street bike that is primarily ridden on weekends and occasionally ridden during the week for now. I will be doing more touring in the future. I have read many, many threads about people being heavily concerned about removing as much weight as possible for the same style riding. With that being said I feel I must remove my valve stem caps on wheels because all that excessive weight has to be slowly the bike down dramatically. I'm not concerned about anything getting in there to damage valve or cause a leak as I'm willing to take that safety risk to lose all that excess weight. I am concerned about by leaving the cap off I'm creating a cavity like pocket for air to get into and creating extensive wind drag. Decisions, decisions. Any input on this would be appreciated as it is driving me crazy. I apologize for any misspelling or incorrect punctuation as I've also noticed this really bothers some people. I'm also trying to be nice so I don't offend anybody and can get more help on this topic. :-0
Click to expand...

This $250 coffee scale is very accurate.
Basically a tad over 1/2 of a gram.

IMG_6164.webp


IMG_6163.webp
 
Joking aside, I am also looking to shave as much weight as I can. I replaced the exhaust (Yosh AT2) and the battery (Antigravity lithium), and probably saved a bit by removing the brake lines bracketry when I replaced the lines with steel braided. Extra weight can be saved with aluminum kickstand (a good 1 lb), and replacing the passenger pegs with exhaust bracket and a custom fairing stay on the left side (that's nearly 3 lbs saved). I don't care for the reflectors on the forks (0.5 lbs), and the tail tidy saves another 1 lb. Lighter wheels, lighter tires. There are some unused wires going to the back; probably 1/4 lbs worth. I am assuming you are keeping the ABS. The bar ends are very heavy. Aftermarket rear sets will probably be lighter, too.
 
Luckily I found an exhaust that has name ecthed on can(making it lighter), instead of adding the massive weight of a name plate. I'm sure that I'll noticeably feel that weight difference on me street bike aroundtown.. :-)
 
Bumblebee said:
Before I ride, I clip my toe and fingernails and trim the hair in my ears just in case I need that extra push.........LOL!
Click to expand...
Wow! That is something I never thought of. Thank you very much for for the amazing idea. I've also decided I'm not going to bring a cell phone when riding anymore, that much weight has to be hurting the performance of the bike.
 
TrueGrit said:
Wow! That is something I never thought of. Thank you very much for for the amazing idea. I've also decided I'm not going to bring a cell phone when riding anymore, that much weight has to be hurting the performance of the bike.
Click to expand...
@rubbersidedown used to say he used laxatives a few hours before he rode to clean out the tail pipe..

He had a turbo busa.........

He was a character........I wonder how he is doing......
 
Bumblebee said:
@rubbersidedown used to say he used laxatives a few hours before he rode to clean out the tail pipe..

He had a turbo busa.........

He was a character........I wonder how he is doing......
Click to expand...
Laxative is a good one. I have really long hair. Your trim idea makes me want to shave my head now and run a razor over it seconds before every ride.
 
TrueGrit said:
The scale is awesome! I need to get me one to weigh my registration and the zip loc bag I keep it in. May have to ditch it all and risk a ticket than carrying all that extra weight. :-0
Click to expand...
acaia.co

Lunar

Designed for brewing espresso with consistent precision, the reimagined Lunar is fast, responsive, and accurate. This scale is built with water-resistant anodized aluminum and Acaia’s own leading industrial weighing technology. It is an essential element for any commercial environment and fits...
acaia.co acaia.co
 
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