[pananth]

Hi SJ,

Great Review of the Training Program. You have captured the entire 2 days brilliantly. Pleasure meeting you in the program and getting connected!!

Regards,
Ananth

[Raskolnikov.R]

Thank you, @Crazy dRiver!

Your post made my entire Diwali weekend!

Salut!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by t3rm1n80r

Thank you for sharing your experience @CrAzY_dRiVeR.
The first image on your post #232 is gorgeous. The golden sand accentuates the tyre grooves. It reminds me of Tron

I feel off-roading and getting comfortable with the feeling of the bike sliding around is an essential skill for all types of riders. It would help in not panicking in uncontrolled environments. Top MotoGP riders are also very good dirtbike riders.

Thank you!

All credits for that image goes to the School of Dirt photographer Teny. I wish he had shared more pictures of when I had not fumbled my way too

Absolutely true about learning these essential skills - in the past I have not been so keen on learning since I always thought I'm just going to ride on the roads and more seat time is what matters there - but now consciously trying to upskill when possible.

Originally Posted by pananth

Hi SJ,

Great Review of the Training Program. You have captured the entire 2 days brilliantly. Pleasure meeting you in the program and getting connected!!

Regards,
Ananth

Hey Ananth,

Glad to meet you here - and wish we realized the Team BHP connection earlier in the trip there.

Please do share your experience when possible / you get time. My perspective is purely from the perspective of a Tiger Sport 660 owner - would be great if you could add from your perspective later.

May be here or in the Scrambler thread too!

Regards
Sujai

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov.R

Thank you, @Crazy dRiver!

Your post made my entire Diwali weekend!

Salut!

Hey buddy!

Thank you! Been sometime since we met, but my STriple friend had informed that you both met in the service center two months back.

Signing up for any of the events? The upcoming "Epic Ride" is open to Speed 400 owners as well.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Service Experience #8: Annual Service @ 22,388 kms
Keerthi Triumph

Yes, you read that right! The infamous Keerthi Triumph - took the risk because of the two year service plan expiring this month. The below activities were carried out -

1. Spark Plugs were changed, worth Rs 854.69 each = 2564.07/-
2. Oil changed with fresh Castrol 10W50. Worth Rs 2052.54/- along with 880.51/- for the Oil Filter.
3. Air Filter changed, worth 2358.47/-

Valve clearance check is mentioned for this service, but Keerthi didn't do it citing it is required only if there is any sound noticed from the head - else not recommended to open up the head. This was recommended before I mentioned about the AMC, so I don't think they were trying to reduce their costs by not doing it.

With service charges of 450/- and Spark Plug R&R charges of another 450 - the total came to 8862.37/-, of which I was asked to pay Rs 191.16/-

Thanks to the previous owner for this service







The bike also desperately needed a proper wash after the last offroad outing -

Upcoming work:

1. Chain and sprocket set has been ordered with Gear Gear Motorcycles
2. Coneset needs to be removed and greased, which I will try to get it done while the chain/sprocket set is being replaced as well.
3. Wheel bearing greasing (just preventive maintenance - during coneset greasing)

4. Brake fluid replacement (just preventive maintenance - during the next brake pad change)
5. Fork Oil replacement (just preventive maintenance - during the next brake pad change)

6. Coolant replacement (just preventive maintenance - will decide timeline after checking in Gear Gear)
7. Throttle body cleaning (just preventive maintenance - will decide timeline after checking in Gear Gear).

[MadRasTan4986]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Triumph Training Academy Chennai with The School Of Dirt

(... continued)


Attachment 2675724

Some good memories with the group and Ouseph too! He is a very good coach and I surely would try to attend some of his courses back in Vattavada, but that would need to wait till a more specialized vehicle joins my garage:

Attachment 2675723

Hi SJ, it was great to meet you there and you have covered this event very nicely with your posts. It was a wonderfully organised event indeed and it was great to meet and interact with Chacko especially. Let me know when you are going to his place for future training sessions.
-Regards JT Singh

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by MadRasTan4986

Hi SJ, it was great to meet you there and you have covered this event very nicely with your posts. It was a wonderfully organised event indeed and it was great to meet and interact with Chacko especially. Let me know when you are going to his place for future training sessions.
-Regards JT Singh

Hey JT Singh

Was really great meeting you as well - wish I had realized earlier about this Team BHP connection! I'm skipping the November Epic Ride, hoping to see you for another event soon.

[Raskolnikov.R]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Hey buddy!

Thank you! Been sometime since we met, but my STriple friend had informed that you both met in the service center two months back.

Signing up for any of the events? The upcoming "Epic Ride" is open to Speed 400 owners as well.

CD, I'm gonna reach our STriple friend, ask for your number, and give you a call.

Let's grab a coffee soon.

I'll discuss with you before I sign-up for the Epic Ride.

Cheers,

RR

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

End of the road for this Rynox (Storm Evo Noctex) riding gear - that has served me for 2.5 years now. Could have lasted better, but this Noctex membrane which was it's highlight is also it's downfall. This Noctex, that looks dark grey in the morning, also lights up like a Christmas tree when direct light falls on it. But then it also started tearing off when the rest of the jacket was intact.

Not sure if I'm sticking with Rynox in the future. Back to Dainese for now:

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov.R

CD, I'm gonna reach our STriple friend, ask for your number, and give you a call.

Let's grab a coffee soon.

I'll discuss with you before I sign-up for the Epic Ride.

Cheers,

RR

I had only PM'ed you the number, but anyways grateful to see you taking the effort to go the longer route.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Riding Gear Update: Clan Stealth Shoes

No major rides happening recently as I'm still waiting for the new jacket to arrive. Back in early November, i rode down the Yamaha Aerox 155 from Bangalore to Trivandrum and took a flight back. Dumped the Rynox jacket that I had at Trivandrum because of the issue mentioned in the above post.

Hence I'm sitting without a jacket now

Unfortunately, Dainese India has messed up my shipping quite a bit through DTDC. 17 days have passed since the order and apparently DTDC sent it back from Bangalore without delivery due to some technical issue, and again re-dispatched from Gurgoan. Bad luck.

Anyways, meanwhile:

Picked up this Clan Stealth Shoes for office commutes. I was a bit weary of this brand earlier but recently they seem to have achieved CE L1 certification. So picked these up for regular use in office.

Good part is that it doesn't look much like a riding shoe if the ankle portion is covered under jeans. Have been using it to office for the past couple of days and it really can do long days with not much discomfort.



Also,

Query: Anyone here with first hand feedback on BBG Leather Suits?

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Riding Gear Update: Dainese Herosphere Jacket

Ordered the Herosphere from Dainese India (Moto Madness) on the 2nd and finally got it delivered on the 21st after some drama by DTDC.

Herosphere has a comfortable, relaxed fit as compared to the slim and short fit of the earlier Dainese Speed Tex I had during the Versys days. It has a ton of mesh all around for excellent ventilation, and is light weight thanks to the use of the Dainese Pro Armours on the chest and elbow. Pockets are provided for the back and chest protectors (which I'm not going to opt for).

The shape doesnt feel very youthful (not that I'm getting any younger! Lol) but the colours do!

Couple of improvement areas though - this being their entry level jacket doesnt come with an external slider for the shoulder, the jacket to pants connection is just a loop buckle and not a zip, and there are no adjustments provided for the arm - the only adjustment is the Velcro on the waist.

But then- quite a nice and breezy summer jacket and I'm certainly going to use it, combining with an inner vest with L2 protection for chest and back.

Riding Gear Update: Royal Enfield Tso Kar WP Pants

Ordered on the 20th and got it delivered on the 22nd (and posted a classifieds ads on the 23rd - will get to that!).

Once unboxed - it felt good to wear in the room and i removed the tag with overconfidence. But with the full gear on the bike - I realized the fit doesnt suit me at all.

The size i ordered is 36 (which is my jeans size), but somehow for RE - that means a size 38 almost. However, that should have been ok if the velcro adjustments provided were of any use! But the scope for adjustment is much smaller than what the other brands provide and doesn't help in any way for me. Moreover the relaxed fit feels 1.5x the size near the knee area compared to waist, and it doesn't come up at the back unless you use zipper and tie it to the jacket.

I should have tried it in the showroom by sitting on a bike, was too lazy and and paid for that! Waiting for the classifieds ad to come live before putting this on the Riding gear thread as well.

Meanwhile if anyone is interested in a size 36 waterproof pant, do check the sizing calculator properly on their website and let me know.

Short Breakfast Ride: Kolar

Went for a short breakfast ride to try the new gear, the choice of breakfast being Mulbagal Dosa at Aaradhya Grand, Kolar. Two friends joined for this ride - BHPian ebmrajesh on his Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and our friend Maha on his Kawasaki Versys 650.

Oh ain't that Versys so familiar!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Service Experience #9: Chain+Sprocket change and Coneset greasing
Odo Reading: 23,000 kms
Service Center - Gear Gear Motorcycles

During the last service at Keerthi Triumph, they had mentioned the below two work needed to be done and I promptly ordered the parts with Gear Gear Motorcycles.

Tiger Sport 660 has a slightly unusual chain and sprocket size and the same was not available on any of the Indian websites. The specs are:

TS660 Chain sprocket:

• Front- 16T
• Rear- 51T
• Chain- 122 links, 520 pitches

Triumph quoted 16k for the chain and sprocket but then better quality could be availed for the same price outside.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Upcoming work:

1. Chain and sprocket set has been ordered with Gear Gear Motorcycles
2. Coneset needs to be removed and greased, which I will try to get it done while the chain/sprocket set is being replaced as well.

After trying to source DID chain through websites and through distributors, I finally went with RK chain and Esjot sprockets which Gear Gear was able to arrange. RK is again a Japanese manufacturer which has a good reputation abroad for quality and hence i thought its worth a try.

The main part - RK 520 Gold RX-Ring Motorcycle Bike Chain 520 XSO, 122 Links with Rivet Link:



Esjot sprockets - 16T front, 51T rear:



Mom always wanted me to flaunt a Gold chain:



With the chain sprocket done, getting the coneset checked and clutch cable lubed:



Coneset and Forks dismantled, cleaned and put back. There is a slight wear damage on the coneset but this should run more - feels much more light and slick after the greasing. Have anyways asked Gear Gear to source the part, will keep it in reserve for when needed:



Back home:



Costs involved:







Quick question though - None in my friends' circle have used RK before IIRC. How long does it last in Indian conditions?

[Motorfanatic1]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Riding Gear Update: Dainese Herosphere Jacket

Congratulations for a nice update and an important investment for riders. The main challenge with online purchase is the fitment issue and hence I always prefer to try it out at shop and then purchase either at shop or online, depending on the offers . On the contrary, I like the products of Solace India as it comes with 700D fabric, are snug fit and airy, and are proudly Made in India by an Indian company.

Cheers to miles of adventure rides in your new gear!

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Quick question though - None in my friends' circle have used RK before IIRC. How long does it last in Indian conditions?

Possibly as long as DID. Almost everyone in the 390 adventure circle has moved onto RK now and those bikes are ridden very hard in very hard places. Its a no-brainer.

Just switch out your front sprocket when you see some wear on it (thumb rule is 7.5k-10k kms). It will help extend chain life by many thousand kms. The front sprocket is a relatively cheap thing to switch out regularly.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Back on the west coast for this weekend:

Originally Posted by Motorfanatic1

Congratulations for a nice update and an important investment for riders. The main challenge with online purchase is the fitment issue and hence I always prefer to try it out at shop and then purchase either at shop or online, depending on the offers . On the contrary, I like the products of Solace India as it comes with 700D fabric, are snug fit and airy, and are proudly Made in India by an Indian company.

Cheers to miles of adventure rides in your new gear!

Thank you

True the Indian brands are catching up fast in terms of quality. Never tried Solace personally though - will check it out. Next gear purchase should be discreet riding jeans for office use - someone recommended Bykeit because of their fabric.

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Possibly as long as DID. Almost everyone in the 390 adventure circle has moved onto RK now and those bikes are ridden very hard in very hard places. Its a no-brainer.

Just switch out your front sprocket when you see some wear on it (thumb rule is 7.5k-10k kms). It will help extend chain life by many thousand kms. The front sprocket is a relatively cheap thing to switch out regularly.

Thanks Ramana - I had never heard of this front sprocket change trick, but will keep a track now. It is indeed much cheaper to replace the front sprocket alone if that helps prolong the chain life better.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

[

Riding Gear Update: Royal Enfield Tso Kar WP Pants

Ordered on the 20th and got it delivered on the 22nd (and posted a classifieds ads on the 23rd - will get to that!).

Have decided to retain the pants after trying it out in the precious ride with custom velcro straps. The biggest pain point with these pants were the stupidly miniscule adjustment and the velcro straps solved that. Was using strips from Amazon for the ride, but will be getting them stitched in the coming week.

The stock adjustment :