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Spain
May 2, 2009 9:12:46 GMT 1
Post by McF on May 2, 2009 9:12:46 GMT 1
Two observations on "overloaded": Weight Distribution: 140Kg sounds like you're not actually packing anything. Neither of you are "pie munchers" (or sometimes referred to as "Salad Dodgers"). Skyhook is a little taller than me, but slimmer; I'd guess we're about the same weight - 78Kg, but that's in my birthday suit, not my biking suit. Add a set of leathers, boots, gloves and helmet and I now weigh 85Kg sat on my bike (I've just stood on the scales ready to ride), Jan is going to be a lot lighter, lets say 60Kg in her gear, so there is 145Kg and that's without your luggage. Whatever you pack is going to add weight high and generally towards the rear of the bike, which weighs approx 190Kg dry, but 210Kg fuelled up (remember where the petrol tank is - up high! So take care when you're leaning Be very careful how much weight you're putting in the top box. I didn't look at your rack, but if it is a "Renetec" adding the empty box takes you over their recommended weight! It looks like a Givi (nice ), so they probably recommend no more than 10Kg, I'd advise sticking to that because a heavy load in the box will make your front end light (actions of levers) and strain your rack. Try and keep the weight you have to take in the panniers. Space: You've done a great job getting everything on there, but do remember you'll be in the saddle for many hours. What is tolerable for an hour will be torture after a couple of hours, so make sure on your "recce" that you're both really happy. Do you really need the additional space in Jan's bag? I think you're going to regret it unless the extra carrying capacity is vital. The bag is going to end up wedged against the top box and push her forward, you will end up with family jewels crushed against the tank. Getting on and off the bike will be torture unless you figure out a way for her to get on first. I'm not a fan of wearing a daysack while riding; it's not really comfortable, the straps often flap about and give you a good whipping (perhaps you like that? ;D) and it's something else to snag you up if you end up sliding down the road. Only my opinions and I'm sure your trip up to Runnymede will sort out any dramas. Overall, take a good luck at every single item and ask "will I really use this?" if the answer is "no" and it's not mission critical, leave it at home. Get Jan to be robust about this and agree a penance for every item taken that she doesn't use! Have a great trip, good weather and safe riding
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Spain
May 2, 2009 12:41:39 GMT 1
Post by wellsplattered on May 2, 2009 12:41:39 GMT 1
Good comments about weight. I have not blogged it yet, but on the way back from Dover we had to wait for our colleagues to sort out their hire car. While we were waiting we ventured upto Dover Castle. At the turn into the road to the car park, I dropped it. Why? Weight!
I just couldnt stop the bike falling with one leg at a standstill on the weird camber.
We had just filled up with petrol -210kg We had three givi 45l boxes weighing at least 10kg each! and my pillion weighing at least 60kg leaning to the right :/
Ok, this was the extreme as we were carrying our colleagues heaviest box for the ferry crossing and had not met up to give it back yet.
Also, you need to be comfortable while riding. You want to be concentrating on the road ahead and not on that achey buttock. I doubt with that rather nice screen that you will get much arm and neck ache, but leg and bum cramp will happen. I found stopping at every 60miles or once an hour helped prevent too much cramp. We cruised at 80mph/ 110kmh at about 50mpg.
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Spain
May 2, 2009 12:44:24 GMT 1
Post by wellsplattered on May 2, 2009 12:44:24 GMT 1
Just flicked through the thread again, really really need to take ear plugs unless you like ringing in your ears at night! Wind noise really grinds after a while! Also, laundrettes are faily quick and easy to find. Most places have a tourist information building which is well sign posted. I found they usually had somewone that spoke english. Had a handy map of the area and some good tips on roads that may be closed.
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Spain
May 4, 2009 13:41:57 GMT 1
Post by skyhook on May 4, 2009 13:41:57 GMT 1
OK Taken on board all thats been said, and after checking me shock I discovered it to far to hi ( I Think ), what with a bit of rearranging panniers and bits I think I got it sorted.
Now I just need to know do I set my shocker to HI or low when loaded ??, as all this time its been set to max on hi, but set it to std and feels and rides allot better.
McF the day sack or rack sake Jan carries is only got sleeping bags in and it rest on top of tent behind her, So she is not carrying any weight, also thanks but you overdone me in the weight department.....lol I am only 72 KG.
Got panniers down to 8kg in each and about 8KG in Givi top box, so think we are on target.
Did test ride Sunday and went well and Jan even managed to let go of me and ride with no hands as such......lol She felt quiet comfortable the whole time on ride.
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Spain
May 4, 2009 15:04:21 GMT 1
Post by rj2para (Bisto) on May 4, 2009 15:04:21 GMT 1
Not based on any experience yet. But from the ntv owners manual.
SPring Preload
Rider alone ------ Damping Force -----------Preload (upto 75kg) ----------- 1------------------- 1 to 3
Rider + Cargo -----------2 - ----------------- 4 (upto 100kg)
Rider + Passenger (upto 150kg) ---------- 2 ------------------- 4 to 5
Rider + Passenger + Cargo (upto Max Weight Capacity)--------- 3 ------------------6
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Spain
May 5, 2009 8:54:32 GMT 1
Post by McF on May 5, 2009 8:54:32 GMT 1
RJ's table is a useful guide for you, it's all down to personal preference.
The higher the spring preload, the stiffer your rear suspension will be.
The higher the damper setting, the less it will bounce when you hit a bump.
Generally, the heavier the load you're carrying, the higher you will want the suspension settings.
For the set up you're travelling with, I'd crank the lot up to the highest settings. If it all feels too stiff, ease off the damper first.
If you need to play around with the set up, try and adjust one thing at a time or you will be forever playing with it.
If you have time (and inclincation), it's worth setting the spring at either extreme, going for a ride and get the feel for it, then set to the other extreme, ride the same route, then do the same with the damper. Four laps (or 8 if you want to try two up as well) will give you an idea of what the changes do, then you can start fine tuning.
It's not an exact science, so just get something that feels right - gives road holding and comfort.
As always - report back with news if you can ;D
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Spain
May 6, 2009 7:43:10 GMT 1
Post by skyhook on May 6, 2009 7:43:10 GMT 1
OK update, I set my pre load at std setting and there was a big diff, it made the bike more sure footed.
I then try-ed to set the damping and try-ed to turn it up and think I broke the screw, as it seem stiff I used a bit of force ( not allot ) and it poped, Now its very easy to turn and dose not seem to do much ??.
But since this has happen the ride seems very much sure footed and less fatigued on rider.
I will up the preload when I load bike about 2 points so will be at max.
Opss and by the way the countdown has begun............lol
13 days and counting.........lol
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Graham
Hits the TON !
The Devil made me do it!
Posts: 140
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Spain
May 6, 2009 8:05:38 GMT 1
Post by Graham on May 6, 2009 8:05:38 GMT 1
Hiya sky! sorry i aint been intouch lately,been up the wall! just read through this thread and saw your pics,the fairing looks ace on your bike,even the NTV sign on the bottom(of the fairing not the tattoo on your bum!) matches the ones on your tank. Glad you fitted it ok as i think when we met you said you werent sure if you would get the time to fit it before the big trip. Looking forward to your updates of your progress and hopefully a few pics along the way. Take care and have a GREAT time,Graham.
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Spain
May 15, 2009 18:09:39 GMT 1
Post by skyhook on May 15, 2009 18:09:39 GMT 1
Would just like to thank everyone for there input and advice on my trip to Spain.
Thought I would start off with how the trip to Spain all started, I have been a HGV and PSV driver for many years and have been abroad alot with my job, SO Last year ( Start of October ) me and other half decided to do Spain on a motorbike.
At that time I did not even have a Bike license or even my CBT so the race was on to pass my CBT and bike test which went almost without a hitch, a week before my CBT i managed to get 6 points and was without license on the day, So there go's £30 up the wall.
Two weeks later and I get my CBT done and out the way, next was to pass the bike test, so off for a day and a half lesson, not alot I know but money was getting tight so had to get me act together and do the deed.
Morning of test I went to pot, could not get anything right lucky for me the other guy went first and I had chance to calm down, 45 mins later a nice pass sheet in me hand and a grin a mile wide.
Now which bike for the trip ? The pan looked nice and would have been my first choice, but the other half rained me in and I saw sense in getting something on the middleweight side, so of to study bikes for a week or two.
The NTV ticked all the box's for what we need for the trip, so of on E-Bay to look for a NTV around November time, not many about but found one I liked, So a number of beer tokens later and I had my hands on her ( NO!! not the other half ) the bike that is and my son rode her home for me.
SO off I set about getting her ready for trip, new brakes, servicing her ETC, a few rides out to get the feel of her and I was ready, or so I thought little did I know how much planing there was to do, Bike break down, ETC and all the stuff needed to carry for such a trip.
So with 4 days to go before we take off and all the help I have had on this forum I think we are ready, I will update this after the trip with pics and hopefully more writeup of the trip.
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Spain
May 15, 2009 18:25:17 GMT 1
Post by McF on May 15, 2009 18:25:17 GMT 1
Excellent update Skyhook didn't realise Jan had passed her test too - well done you, hurrah!
Good luck on the epic journey don't forget, plenty of batteries and memory space, then make lots of time for photos so we can all share the memories!
Ride Safe
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Spain
May 16, 2009 9:43:29 GMT 1
Post by Jaz66 on May 16, 2009 9:43:29 GMT 1
Hi Sky Counting down (oh its so exciting..hehe ) M8 you seem to have made the best of plans, and you know something will go wrong, but sometimes that can make the journey. (perhaps you'll stay somewhere you never intended and make some great friends.. ;D ) So chill, travel safe and take LOTS of pics. Remember WS has set the Bar real high, so you gotta step up to the plate and photo like crazy.... ;D ;D Your gonna be busy but the details of hotels/campsites ie, availability cost tel nos if poss, would be great for me personally. Nice to follow in your footsteps and those details would be a great help. Take care of Jan and have a great trip...
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Spain
May 16, 2009 13:22:10 GMT 1
Post by wellsplattered on May 16, 2009 13:22:10 GMT 1
Batteries are real expensive in Europe. 23€ for 4 off AA lithium batteries. Take a mains charger if you can! Also going to recommend these guysEach place we stayed was different, but generally they were clean with ensuite, had comfy beds and a late check in/out of you needed it. They all have automated machines outside the front doors so you could electronically check in and gain access. Here are a couple of location maps.
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Spain
May 17, 2009 13:05:11 GMT 1
Post by rj2para (Bisto) on May 17, 2009 13:05:11 GMT 1
Cheers Wellsplattered, My sister inlaw is driving to Italy so the link could well be handy.
Rgds Roger
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Spain
May 17, 2009 21:21:00 GMT 1
Post by skyhook on May 17, 2009 21:21:00 GMT 1
Thanks WS but we are going to take camp sites as they come and hope we get a good one, Batteries we are takeing are rechargable so should be ok there.
Jazz I am takeing a sat nav and letting it pick the route and hopefully going to injoy the ride, but will be takeing keeping an eye on it...lol , I also will be takeing notes and pic's to let you all know how things go.
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Spain
Jun 1, 2009 5:28:57 GMT 1
Post by skyhook on Jun 1, 2009 5:28:57 GMT 1
Just to let you all know we are back all in one piece, will add more later after a 500 mile ride I am a bit knackerd.........lol
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