TReMor
Expert Class
Dazed and Confused
Posts: 115
|
posted June 05, 2002 09:55 AM
 Edited By: TReMor on 5 Jun 2002 14:22
Greetings from a newbie, and a few questions :)
Howdy everyone, goodtameetcha. 
I guess first off, a bit of background about myself. My name is Tim, and I live just outside Temecula, CA, which is about 30 minutes from Palomar Mtn. (For those outside CA, it's north of San Diego and southeast of L.A.) I'm 6'5", 210, average build, brown eyes, brown hair, and I'm an Aries. Turn-ons include long walks on the beach and see-through undergarments. Turn offs...uh, oops, sorry 'bout that, getting my message boards confused I guess. 
Anyway, I just bought a 12 on May 5th, and have since racked up 1300 miles on it. I'd been away from bikes for the past 3 years, so going from nothing to a 12 was quite an eye-opening experience. I did take the MSF Basic course to refresh myself on street riding, as well as to forego the riding part of the DMV test (as I didn't have a bike to take it on.) I would recommend it to any newbie riders, to be sure. Lots of good stuff for the beginning rider. Not that I'm exactly a beginning rider...I have over 20,000 miles under my belt (so far.)
I absolutely love just about everything on the bike, and the "new improved" ergos on the 2002 fit my frame perfectly. That being said, I have a few questions that I'm hoping some of you gurus can help me with. They're not major things, and I don't feel like loading my bike back into my truck to haul it back to Chaparral to get them sorted.
1. Adjusting the headlights. I don't know if there is something wrong with my adjusters, or if it just takes forever to get anything out of them, but I'm finding that I can't aim the headlights any higher than stock. I have resorted to riding with the high beams on all the time, even at night. I've never had anyone flash their lights at me, so it's apparent that even on the high beam the pattern is not so high as to be offensive. Any clues?
2. Front brake lever activating the brake light. Ok, this is a big one, but because I also use my rear brake, it's not been an issue to this point. Squeezing the front brake only does not illuminate the brake light! Any of you gurus have a suggestion for a loose wire or fuse which may need replacing? I'm really not even sure where to start with this one.
3. Suspension settings. Thanks to Ted Edward's awesome post (linked from Easyrider's awesome site), I think I have my suspension just about the way I want it. I'm curious if there is any type of post where people compared their setups? I tried a search, but didn't score any hits. If not, it might be really interesting to see what different people run based on height, weight, what year the bike is, etc. Just food for thought. It took me roughly 2 weeks to get my settings where I wanted them, and I would have loved to have had a clue as to where to start when I got my bike.
4. Which oil should I use? Which pipe is better, and which one sounds best? How do I do a wheelie? What's the best way to run from the cops? Hehe, sorry, couldn't help throwing in some of the more interesting questions from the past. Due to the fact that I look like an idiot because of this section, I must point out that this is a joke based on some of the questions I've seen on this and other motorcycle sites recently. Thanks.
Last but not least, are there any groups who regularly ride in the SoCal area on weekends? Saturdays I'm pretty much booked, but I'm always up for a rip on Sundays. Since I've never been to Palomar or Angeles Crest, they are definitely on my to-do list. Been over Ortega a few times in my 'Stang and twice on the bike so far, but there's so much friggin traffic I might as well be riding on PCH through Laguna Beach on a Holiday weekend. Uh, which I accidently did the other day. What fun.  :
Anyway, I'm not a squid, I'm not a boy racer, but I do enjoy a "spirited ride" in deserted areas now and again. I'd like to meet up with some fellow riders (regardless of what you might ride) and get together on a Sunday some time.
Well, sorry that turned out so long, but at least it's a lot better than spamming the message board with 4 different posts asking each question individually, right?
------------------------
Tim -- Temecula, CA
2002 ZX-12R
Mystic Black/ Gold
Bone stock (for now)
Other toys: '99 GT Convertible, '99 Dakota R/T
   
|
redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
|
posted June 05, 2002 10:36 AM
Welcome!
1. HEADLIGHTS - don't know if the '02 is different the previous models. I have little to suggest here. Just check that the bulb tabs are snugly in place.
2. FRONT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH - I guess the first thing you could do is disconnect the two wires from switch. some how connect them together (jumper wire or whatever) and see if the light comes on. If it does, you'll know it's the switch. If it doesn't the switch could still be part of the problem.
With a tester connected to the switch, pull the lever and see if AND when it works. If it works properly, it starts getting more complicated. Does the light come on when the rear brake is applied? No? Check the blubs. It's unlikely that they would both be out, but stranger things have happened.
If the rear brake activates the light and the switch on the lever works, the "chase" begins. You'll need to check where the brake light wires connect to the harness or that it's at least connected to the harness. Thhis could be the most likely problem.
3. SUSPENSION SETTINGS - You found a setting you like in TWO WEEKS? I haven't found one I'm totally pleased with in over TWO YEARS!
4. BOY! You really want to stir up some shit with this one, eh?
BEST OIL - Mobil MX4T
BEST PIPE - Akro or Muzzy
BEST SOUNDING - Muzzy
HOW TO WHEELIE - Beats me. Even with 17/47 gearing, I couldn't intentionally wheelie if you held a gun to my Aria.
RUNNING - Why? Been pulled over at least 29 times and still have a clean driving record.
You have now got your answers from the slowest and least knowledgable member on the forum.
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
|
TReMor
Expert Class
Dazed and Confused
Posts: 115
|
posted June 05, 2002 10:56 AM
Edited By: TReMor on 5 Jun 2002 11:58
Hehe, thanks for the replies Red Elk. 
Question #4 was completely sarcastic. I didn't really think anyone would answer them. They were just various squidly and stirring-the-pot posts I've seen in my last month of lurking. Since I'm in the Extended Academy for the Sheriff's Department right now, running from the cops wouldn't exactly be a bright idea. I too have a clean record, and much of that is from treating those who have pulled me over with respect and courtesy. To be clear, running from the cops is just plain stupid, IMHO.
Sorry I wasn't more clear in my previous post...the brake light does activate normally when the rear brake is depressed, just not when the front brake is used. That's why I said I had a work-around, because I always use both brakes to stop the bike. Sorry for the confusion. 
One other thing I wanted to mention, even though I'm a newbie to this board. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wilson and HP Mike...I was lurking this board when both incidents happened, and I didn't think it was appropriate to chime in on a thread as my first post. However, being a rider I hate to see anyone get injured on a bike, and I'm glad they have such a great group of people to help support them.
Tim
|
22348bCVC
Zone Head
Posts: 798
|
posted June 05, 2002 11:11 AM
...I go up Palomar on a weekly basis, but mostly during mid-week...LOTS of bikes and riders of various and questionable talent on the weekends...SCAREY...but also, too, lots and lots of very experienced and savvy riders on the weekends and weekdays...just hope you don't run into the 'questionables' (or they into you, for that matter)...the decreasing radius turns are an eye opener and a sphincter tightener and doesn't suffer fools lightly...be very careful, go slow the first few weeks toget the hang of the nature of Palomar, always recon the area before you ride it at a 'spirited 'pace...the road will always be ther, so take your time and enjoy...the speed will come, main thing is to be smooth with the heavy and POWERFUL 12...also...BE MINDFUL OF THE REGULAR RESIDENTS OF THE MOUNTAIN UP THERE...they can make or break your ride, some riders have had problems with them....I've never had any problems with them....must be because I'm mindful ...ENJOY
____________
...just relax...my dog wants to use only one of your legs...
|
jessz1
Expert Class
Half the wheels, twice the fun
Posts: 373
|
posted June 05, 2002 12:41 PM
Welcome!! The headlight one has me baffled. The headlights on my 2000 are bright as hell. Makes me think that someone may have assembled something wrong too make them that far off.
I would check for any loose connections or just jump them like someone said above. If you have a continuity checker, check the switch.
I got my suspension settings from some article overseas. I think it is posted at easys site. All I have done is crank up the preload a little more than the article says and all is well.
Oil MX4T
Pipe HMF or Akro
____________
I'm never satisfied.
|
Dr Spankle
Parking Attendant
Posts: 5
|
posted June 05, 2002 12:46 PM
Wheelies
Pretty new myself, to this board and to ZX12s.
I wheelie mine in first off the throttle but haven't been able to get it up in second without clutching it up.
Pull away in first to about 5000-7000rpm, take your weight off the bars, close the throttle and snap it back open wide and hold it, as the front starts to rise release it slowly to control the wheelie.
You can try the same in second, I've heard people claiming they can do it but I haven't managed it yet.
To wheelie in second, I get to about 5000rmp again, pull in the clutch, rev the bike up and dump the clutch. Be warned, this is far less progressive and the bike can come up quite fast.
Ultimately, wheelying is brilliant fun, but you run the risk of looping the bike if you f*ck it up.
|
beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
|
posted June 05, 2002 01:29 PM
Headlights
In regards to your question about headlights, I purposely leave my headlights on high-beam no matter what. I've always done this with every moto I ride.
It doesnt matter if it's day or night either. Cops and traffic never flash their lights to complain.
The way I look at it...the high beam catches people's attention more, which means hopefully they will see me. I havent been in a wreck yet (knock on some wood).
As for me, I'm somewhat of a newbie on here. Not even a month yet, but its a great forum indeed. A lot of good people are on here, with explanations for just about anything.
|
beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
|
posted June 05, 2002 01:30 PM
Edited By: beansbaxter on 5 Jun 2002 14:31
My 12 is also bone stock...lol...I cant even afford anything for it right now. I've been saving for a long time to get it, but it cleaned me out when I finally did get it.
Just hit 500 miles today....whoooohooooo!
|
Y2KZX12R
Needs a job
CompetitionCNC.com
Posts: 3762
|
posted June 05, 2002 03:27 PM
Tremor, is that like as in like an earthquake dude? ~^--^--^^
I think kawi was closer on the fromt spring selection for your 02. Otherwise try a 1.0
Sounds like a bad brake light switch.? (see above post)
Factory headlights are always set low. But it sounds like somthing is screwed up with the adjuster. ?? Cant help ya with that one. I've never opened up an 02.
Red, I dont think the factory front end on the 00 will ever be "just right" without 1.0 or (no offense) 1.05 springs
Not that your fat or anything.
|
redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
|
posted June 05, 2002 04:04 PM
Y2K, that's actually what I've WANTED to hear!
Though I'd love to send my suspension components off to someplace like RaceTech, it's just not in the finacial cards for me. On the other hand, replacing the fork springs and at least getting the rear shock recharged are within my means.
Which fork springs would you personally (all liability waived) recommend for a slow rider that weighs approximatly 235 lbs. in full gear? Do you know a RaceTech or Progrerssive part number for these springs?
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
|
Y2KZX12R
Needs a job
CompetitionCNC.com
Posts: 3762
|
posted June 05, 2002 04:32 PM
Yea racetech 1.0's are sweet. I dont know the part number offhand. The website has a chart that is helpfull for selection. I'd set it up for leathers and full gear. But thats up to you. The gold valve offer a wider range of adjustment. But you know what happens when you tripple the number of possable combinations dont ya?
|
TReMor
Expert Class
Dazed and Confused
Posts: 115
|
posted June 05, 2002 04:38 PM
Edited By: TReMor on 5 Jun 2002 17:40
Y2K:
Yeah, it kinda is "an earthquake dude" in a way. When I used to play a lot of online games (a la Quake, Halflife, etc) I used the Handle TReMor because it was made up of my initials (TRM). I also used it on www.corral.net, www.moparchat.com, www.mustangworld.com, etc. I also started using it right when I moved to California.
The headlights are definitely aimed low from the factory, and I cranked on the adjuster until I had a blister on my thumb (no joke) and it made little if any difference. The left to right adjuster seemed to work fine. The high-beams on all the time thing doesn't seem to bother anyone else, so I'll continue to do that in the meantime.
On that subject, has anyone seen or tried the items that repeatedly switch your headlights from low to high beam like flashers? They are legal here in California, and I'm thinking about getting one. The instructor in my MSF class said most people get out of his way as he goes through traffic thinking he's a cop. I think that any way of being more obvious and visible to people is a good thing, so I'd like to find out any information on them.
As beansie (watch the Sopranos?) said:
quote:
Headlights
In regards to your question about headlights, I purposely leave my headlights on high-beam no matter what. I've always done this with every moto I ride.
It doesnt matter if it's day or night either. Cops and traffic never flash their lights to complain.
The way I look at it...the high beam catches people's attention more, which means hopefully they will see me. I havent been in a wreck yet (knock on some wood).
While I have been in a couple of wrecks, I still agree with this mentality. More visibility = less likelihood of someone pulling in front of you, etc. Thank God most of SoCal has <-- turn arrows, and doesn't leave it up to the discretion of the horrible drivers out there.
Thanks for the warm welcome and the assistance, everyone. Now I just need to find some people to ride with.
Tim
|
redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
|
posted June 05, 2002 05:10 PM
RaceTech part #
FRSP S382710 (1.0kg/mm - OEM is 0.86kg/mm)
Thanks. I'll be calling my dealer tomorrow.
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
|
rs
Expert Class
Posts: 137
|
posted June 05, 2002 06:12 PM
Welcome.
Sorry, but no answers for your problems.
Have you tried the road (San Dia Creek Road?) that goes over the mountain and ends up on the backside of Fallbrook? Drove it numerous times a couple of years ago while I was in school in San Diego. My wife and kids were staying at her sister's place on top of one of the mountains and I had a blast driving my '66 912 on that twisty little road. Lots of curves and elevation changes. Some times there is a roadblock on the Fallbrook side to catch the illegal farm workers, so be on the lookout for that.
|
DaveInDaytona
Pro
Posts: 1696
|
posted June 05, 2002 06:31 PM
Edited By: DaveInDaytona on 5 Jun 2002 19:33
To adjust the lights on the '02 remove the small panels to the left and right of the instrument cluster. You need to remove the phillips screw, slide out the holder that goes into the fairling stay, then pop the cover out of the grommet. The first time you may wrestle it out but as soon as it's loose you'll probably say "oh, that's how it works". Pull the cover from the bottom and straight back to pop it loose.
You need a phillips to adjust the height, the previous years used a hand adjust. Best idea is to line up with a blank wall and make sure each is level, you may want to follow a car and make sure you're not lighting a rear window, a little at a time until you get it where it works for you but doesn't blind anyone.
FYI - all RedElk's stops were for riding below the posted minimum speed.
Dave
____________
DaytonaSportbikes Forum
|
TReMor
Expert Class
Dazed and Confused
Posts: 115
|
posted June 05, 2002 10:27 PM
Thanks for the info, Dave. According to the manual, the adjusters are able to be turned by hand. Good to know it's accurate, eh? Anyway, I appreciate it.
BTW, thanks for the tip on the road. I usually take 78 down to Oceanside...I guess next time I'll try going via Fallbrook.
Tim
|
22348bCVC
Zone Head
Posts: 798
|
posted June 06, 2002 01:22 AM
Edited By: 22348bCVC on 6 Jun 2002 02:28
quote:
Since I'm in the Extended Academy for the Sheriff's Department right now, running from the cops wouldn't exactly be a bright idea. I too have a clean record, and much of that is from treating those who have pulled me over with respect and courtesy. To be clear, running from the cops is just plain stupid, IMHO.
Tim
...cool...so which extended academy are ya' at?...we're riding this Friday...I'll PM you with details if you want to join us...there's usually three or four of us 00' green 12s...two of us are with SDSO...we ride, uh...safe ...I have 20,000+ miles on this bike alone since 0-mile on Feb. 06, 2001...WE RIDE!!!
____________
...just relax...my dog wants to use only one of your legs...
|
redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
|
posted June 06, 2002 05:50 AM
Can't you get ANYTHING right, Dave?
It was for "Impeading the flow of traffic". Geez!
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
|
RS
Expert Class
Posts: 137
|
posted June 06, 2002 07:37 AM
You can fing a map of Sandia Creek Drive at the following link:
http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=Sandia+Creek+drive&city=Temecula&state=CA&csz=Temecula,+CA+92590&slt=33.477614&sln=-117.208913&name=&zip=92590&country=us&&BFKey=&BFCat=&BFClient=&mag=6&desc=&cs=9&newmag=7&poititle=&poi=&ds=g
|
beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
|
posted June 06, 2002 08:13 AM
About that brake light question
My 12 is a new 02 model...so when I was riding last night, I was checking out my brake light relative to hitting my breaks.
The front brake lever doesnt activate the brake light, just the foot peg for the rear break does.
However, if you push VERY HARD on that front brake lever, it does eventually come on...but you can very easily loose your balance on the bike, cause I has to push that front brake lever down extremely hard to get it to turn the light on.
This Saturday, I'm taking my 12 into the dealership to have the first service at 600 miles done, so I was going to bring it up to them and see what they say.
I am curious now if its just the 02 models, or the last 2 years of models have the same issue.
|
RS
Expert Class
Posts: 137
|
posted June 06, 2002 08:37 AM
No such problem with my 00.
|
TReMor
Expert Class
Dazed and Confused
Posts: 115
|
posted June 06, 2002 09:31 AM
quote:
...cool...so which extended academy are ya' at?...we're riding this Friday...I'll PM you with details if you want to join us...there's usually three or four of us 00' green 12s...two of us are with SDSO...we ride, uh...safe ...I have 20,000+ miles on this bike alone since 0-mile on Feb. 06, 2001...WE RIDE!!!
I'm at the Ben Clark Training Center on Van Buren, near the 215 and March Air Reserve Base. Been going since January, and I'll be done in September. I'm currently doing background with R.S.O.
Fridays are tough for me, unless you leave early enough for me to squeeze a couple of hours in before 10am. This Friday I actually have an appointment at the DMV in Temecula. Thanks for the offer, at some point I'll be able to hook up and ride with you all.
Tim
|
TReMor
Expert Class
Dazed and Confused
Posts: 115
|
posted June 09, 2002 10:04 AM
Sorry to drive this back to the top, but I worked on my bike yesterday afternoon and have a couple of updates.
Front Brake Switch. One of the leads going into the switch was not on the actual spade and somehow not making contact with it. Pulled it off, reseated it, switch fixed.
Headlights. Still cannot move the headlights adequately. I'm convinced there must be something wrong with the headlight assembly. Since the assembly is assembled before the bike is crated, I assume I'll have to go back to Chaparral on this one.
I did some of the mods from the link on Easyrider's site (originally written by Y2kZX12R and Fish_antlers, from what I can tell) and it seems to really wake the bike up. I haven't done the ignition or TPS mods and don't know if I will, but the exhaust mods are very nice indeed. It took me about an hour from start to finish, and it has a much nicer tone at idle, and as the revs go up, so does the snarl. Looks like I'll be able to wait a little longer on a full system. Also, although I haven't tested the peak horsepower change claimed on the instructions, power "below the curve" has obviously been increased. It also seems to have improved the torque by a bit, as in the midrange it pulls harder and much more smoothly. Since my bike rarely sees 8k, much less redline, this is a very good thing.
At some point soon I'll be starting a thread regarding suspension settings. With a bit more tweaking (in turns of 1/8th or less) I've really got my bike exactly how I like it for my style of riding. I really think a lot of people could benefit from having discussion on it, myself included.
Thanks for all the replies and the PM's, everybody. It's great to have found a community for my bike which is as kickass as www.corral.net or www.moparchat.com.
Tim
|
Hells Dark Lord
Needs a life
living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
|
posted June 18, 2002 05:38 PM
brake light woes
I have not had a problem with my brake lights comming on with teh front lever on my 02, the dealer may have to adjust the brakelight switch on the front lever.
____________
When in doubt, lean farther and go faster....
|
beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
|
posted June 18, 2002 05:41 PM
Yeah...I'm going to bring it up to my dealer this week. I noticed that my rear red brake light is really lose. The entire plastic piece has a lot of flex movement there...maybe its supposed to be like that. I'll ask the dealer though cause I wouldnt think so.
Just hit 145mph on my 12 here in Spokane...thank goodness the break in period is over...just hit 1100 miles on it.
|
|
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC