What I did, when I was very far from home, is put the bike on the centre stand and get a friend to push the back end down. If I grabed on to my forks and i could move them from front to back a little, maybe 1/4" or so. I'd say if your forks move at all it's a problem...
Made it to 5600K (3500 miles) before they were toast. I never wheelie. Really loosened up when I was 500 kms from home. That was a nervous ride.
The mechanic kept my bearings because he was so amazed at how bad they were. All Balls now.
If the guy really doesn't want to go through insurance because of his rates, he always has the option of buying down the claim. He just needs to let his insurance company know that he'll cover the costs.
One thing is for sure, you owe your neighbor some beer.
From my limited experience, I would say let off the break super slowly.
I locked mine up going down Macleod trail a few weeks ago. Back end slid right pretty hard. Was pretty sure I was going to dump it. Felt pretty similar to a RWD car in the winter. Got my senses together as I was...
Didn't even think about construction. Seems to be a common thing on any mountain road for some reason...
Also thanks for the heads up about the cold at the top.
I'll be sure to take and post a bunch of pictures.
Talk to you guys in a few days!
On Friday I'm diving down to Montana and doing the Going to the Sun Road through Glacier National Park. I've wanted to do this ride ever since I bought my bike. :D Everything I've read says it's an epic ride.
Going-To-The-Sun Road: Montana Motorcycle Rides
Anybody done this ride before...
I might be interested. Any idea if you need a different unit for different bikes or are they all the same before they are programmed. My roommate has been talking about getting one for his CBR954.
Let's share our favorite rides. Post a Google map if you can.
Having ridden for 7 monthes ( 6 of which were winter) I can say my favorite is highway 762, lots of nice curves. One crazy bump, you'll know it when you see it. Should be a mandatory ride for anyone from Calgary. Keep an eye out...