Hi. I'm Reluctant Biker, and I am a NYC-based motorcyclist. Welcome to my channel and thanks for tuning in 🙏 . I began this channel because I wanted to help beginner motorcycle riders like me, because I love motorcycles, and because I love the open road and the vibrant community of motorcyclists.
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Be well, ride safely, enjoy life.
Instagram link: instagram.com/rbikernyc/
A quick disclaimer here: On this channel, I do share tips and strategies on various aspects of riding a motorcycle. However, I am not a motorcycle instructor, so I encourage you to please take a motorcycle safety riding course and follow their instructions carefully. Ride at your own risk. Reluctant Biker disclaims any liability incurred in connection with the use of the strategies outlined on this video and channel. You alone are responsible for your own safety, so please ride safely, my friends.
I’ve been releasing the clutch smoothly but then when I realize the bike isn’t moving due to insuffienct throttle, it’s already too late. Cars start honking once u stall. I learned to take off at higher revs and it makes more sense. Ithis is probably the only video that answers my question
I took a 2019 for a test ride today, just under 3K miles, and committed to buying it. Pricey Corbin seat. It was still solid and smooth at 80 mph, faster than I usually go on the interstate. Some twisty back roads, including packed gravel. Just a lovely modern classic. I have my Road King for the long hauls, but this is ideal for the country road scoots. I was impressed. I’m paying half of what a Triumph T100 of the year would cost me (yes, it’s fit and finish is better on the Bonny, but not $4K better). As they say, horses for courses.
Been getting ready for my riding class watching tons of videos and this has been an issue and learning curve for me and this video has helped me out the most. Fantastic job explaining the process and techniques!
Hi Stanley! Well, sort of. I had it briefly; had to give up biking. Having multiple vehicles in NYC got to be just too expensive and frankly a liability. But no bike has come to giving me so much joy riding it as this Harley Dyna did. I have never enjoyed riding a bike as I did this one, though I had so much fun with the TU250X, the Guzzi, and the Interceptor--all of which were such good bikes, and I would not mind having them back again. They are such gently and tame bikes and take very good care of you. But the Dyna has such character and personality that one feel very different riding it as opposed to other bikes--at least, that is my take on it. Of course, it goes without saying, I have not given up biking. Never will. Thanks for dropping by, and I hope life is going well for you.
Hi there! I"m sorry for the late reply. The company that makes it is a Japanese company that is no longer in business. I made a video where I discuss the mods I made on the TU: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Y-WJEEmN7Gw.html. All the best to you, my friend.
I have been riding since wheel was invented. If I make a video for every crash I will be a featured film. We don’t have control of road conditions so dress for the slide not the ride. Was it a low side? There are damages on both sides that indicates the bike had flipped at one time after one side touches the ground makes me wonder. I also noticed the snapping throttle response when I first took delivery especially when the idle was high, I always engage lower gear before the lean so the shifting does not upset the chasis at lean. Cheers.
Hi there! Thanks for the comment. No, it was not a low side, but it had just started to rain. I was also informed later that that part of the road floods a lot.
Hi I would like to ask what to do if you're in a situation requiring EMERGENCY BRAKING like when a kid suddenly crosses the road or any vehicle suddenly blocks your way or any vehicle applies sudden brakes.
Hi there! It all depends on the situation and the environment, that is, the setting. In any case, you have two options: Stop quickly or swerve. You should always consult the motorcycle manual for your state and what you have learned in the motorcycle safety course. Here's from the NY State manual: "No matter how careful you are, there will be times when you find yourself in a tight spot. Your chances of getting out safely depend on your ability to react quickly and properly. Often, a crash occurs because a rider is not prepared or skilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers. Know when and how to stop or swerve, two skills critical to avoid a crash. It is not always desirable or possible to stop quickly to avoid an obstacle. Riders must also be able to swerve around an obstacle. How you determine the skill necessary for the situation is important as well. To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Do not be shy about using the front brake, but do not “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake lever firmly and progressively. If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately then reapply it firmly. At the same time, press down on the rear brake. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control the motorcycle on a straightaway if it is upright and going in a straight line. Always use both brakes at the same time to stop. The front brake can provide 70 percent or more of the potential stopping power." Here's the link: dmv.ny.gov/driver-training/motorcycle-manual-ride-within-your-abilities#:~:text=At%20the%20same%20time%2C%20press,going%20in%20a%20straight%20line. Hope this helps.
Sorry for the late response! Always be in the neutral when you start the bike. Always. Safety first. However, your bike should also be able to start in first gear if necessary. Hopefully you have resolved the issue. Let me know. Be well.
Hahaha! You and me both, brother! Hope all is well and that life has been good to you. Took a break from motorcycles and had to focus other aspects of my life. But all is well that ends well, as the saying goes. Thanks for dropping by.
You are one of the few who made an issue of the off center placement of the dial. It should be in the middle. It's just stupid. The current placement looks like a drunk has assembled the bike in the factory. The only thing around this would be to get a special with two classic dials. Who knows, maybe someone has come up with a way of fixing this lcd dead center. 😂
I've been dreaming of adding a Moto Guzzi V7 to my garage for some time now. It's refreshing that none of your gripes are any worse than what I'm already used to with my Harley. I think I'll still go ahead and get the Guzzi.
This video was a huge help even over the msf course class work and training ! I have been stalling under the msf training style… the moment I tried your method compared to what the instructor taught me…. Just wow man. Thanks !
Cool bike. For a quick second I thought you had got another TUX. I have a 2015 and considered selling a few times, I always then recall previous TUX owners say they wished thay hadn’t sold. Thus, mine is still with me and I love it. Keep videos coming. You gotta nice relaxed style.
Personally, I never shift in a curve or turn, and the only throttle is a slow roll. I usually downshift before the curve, then upshift after successfully navigating the turn
It's hard to tell. Are you keeping the clutch at the friction zone when rolling on the throttle from a stand still? Then while still at the friction zone you pull clutch all the way back in to shift to second then back to the friction zone with steady throttle?
Hi. Let's address the first question: "Are you keeping the clutch at the friction zone when rolling on the throttle from a stand still?"--Yes, I am, sort of. The clutch is not kept in the friction zone; rather, it is released into it slowly. As you release the clutch, you simultaneously must roll on the throttle. You also ask, "Then while still at the friction zone you pull clutch all the way back in to shift to second then back to the friction zone with steady throttle?" The clutch has been released entirely and the bike is moving, and when you're ready to shift, then you pull in the clutch all the way, shift gear, and then as you reengage the friction zone, you roll on the throttle again--but you must be very careful, especially if you are riding a powerful bike. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need further clarity on this matter.
Great learner bike, but for anything beyond an urban commuter, it's just plain too slow. I had one back in 2018 and the lack of acceleration made me nervous. I now own a new Triumph Speed 400. Same basic idea.... light, agile, etc....but brought up to date. The ability to hold its own on a highway or fast 2 lane road is a major plus.
I’ve been riding since the 80’s. I can’t think of a better introduction to motorcycles, and will be picking up a pair of them for my sons. I’m excited to ride with them, and can’t wait to see them ripping around town together!
Hi! I have a video on the modifications made to the bike. The exhaust was custom made by a Japanese company that is, unfortunately, no longer in business. I absolutely loved the exhaust. I'm sorry I could be of not much help.
Sounds like first time new bike owner. I have been riding for over 50 years and am still looking for that bike that checks all my boxes, but I am still an enthusiactic not reluctant rider😂
Hi Kent! I totally understand you, and it would be naive, if not foolish, to expect to find anything in this life of ours that checks all our boxes :). I hope your enthusiasm never dies and wish you the best. Side note: I truly loved the Guzzi despite its imperfections, and I think I might return to it eventually.
heres a tip buddy, turn down the fucking music would ya? i dont wanna hear ur stupid band playing in a hole in the wall while ur wife sleeps with me. mkay?
Operator error, pure and simple. Neither the bike nor the road was out to get you. You are missing one of the greatest riding lessons if you continue to blame the bike or the conditions.
You do make a valid point, and I am not going to try to argue otherwise. It definitely was an experience that caused me to reflect on my riding skills, yet I have ridden in such conditions--and even more challenging conditions !--on other bikes without ever feeling that my life was in danger.
WHEN IT RAINS…..the first hour is the MOST dangerous. The oils on the road get released by the water and cause it to be EXTREMELY slippery and dangerous. After it rains for a while, the oils get washed to the side and road becomes “stickier”
The trick for finding neutral on these bikes is to trust your leg's muscle memory instead of the light on the dash. Whatever sensor MG uses to detect gear position is just not accurate. Once you've had the bike a while, you can distinctly feel when it is in neutral rather than second. Even if the green light doesn't come on, it is in neutral.
V7ii Stone here. 1) The suspension likes being soft - wind the rear preload down as far as possible. The front is governed by the fork oil, it is supposed to be serviced and changed every two years. 2) The stock Pirelli tyres are evil, positively demonic. They had so little grip they would fire up the ABS lamp even on dry roads. Changed to Avon Roadrider and the ABS has not been seen since, no tram-lining, no bump steering, handles like a cat in rails. 3) The clutch is a bit more complicated. It's not heavy just set up wrong. You have to release the cable and set the push rod just-so. Retrieve the little cable return spring from the floor and put it in your pocket. Then put the cable back on and set the slack on the clutch lever, without the cable return spring to confuse the issue. Finally put the little return cable spring back in place. Keep the clutch arm pivot scrupulously clean and oiled, the back wheel flings filth at it. 4) Overheating. It is air-cooled. Whilst they are supposed to run at nominal 98C like water-cooled, they can run hotter, like to 110C, but 115C will be overheated. And this is why they run on special ENI 10W-60 full synth oil, because it can take higher temperature without becoming too thin. Do check air filter, all the plumber's nightmare breather hoses for splits, and for breather sponges full of oil, all of which can upset the mix. The breather sponges grow in Lake Como, retrieved by native divers and distributed to dealers by roman ox-cart, delivery is that slow. Then the back end of the bike has to be stripped out to change them, arrgh! 5) Accessories are expensive. Made in Italy not China. 6) Finding neutral is related to the clutch. It must free off to find neutral. Thing heat up after a ride and not so easy to free off - adjust the clutch. The cable return spring confuses setting the free play at the bars, it pulls the free play out. 7) Mirrors, yeah. Get a Halcyon bar end. 8) Exhaust note. Cars are sound proof, they cannot hear loud pipes. Not at all, even when they're talking on their phone. Their minds are off with the fairies, we have to anticipate idiots. My other bike has loud pipes, after some miles it just annoys me. And don't say use ear plugs, I do want to hear what is going on around me. 9) I get 65mpg, proper british gallons.That would be like 80mpg in short-weight US gallons. I don't think I have ever seen it drop below 60mpg (UK), it has gone up to 80mpg on a long steady run. The engine pulls from nothing, use a higher gear. Your bike returns 20mpg and over-heats? Get it sorted. Get that AFR checked. Have you done the valves? - annual ceremony for mid-winter when it is cold, arm chair job, dead easy. Plug gaps 0.700mm spot-on, not out of box 0.9mm! 10) The styling, is italian, perfetto. The Topolino ears could be laid down though.
