- Details
- Category: Owner's Handbook
- Hits: 1478
General Driving Hints
It is quite impossible to drive well and without fatigue unless the controls work properly, are operated instinctively without being looked for, and the rider is quite comfortable.
Time spent in setting the control levers on the handlebar, and adjusting the handlebar and footrests to suit the rider will be well worth it and will prevent the rider tiring unduly on a long journey. These adjustments are readily made and the effect tried at the outset by moving them about when seated on the machine at home.
A little riding experience may show that further adjustment is wanted and the alterations made accordingly.
Do not open the throttle too far when starting a cold engine. It is best, after setting the throttle, to keep the hand off the twist grip. The action of kick starting often causes the hand to open the grip involuntarily. A large throttle opening on starting weakens the mixture and makes starting difficult.
Feel the kickstart engage before putting full pressure upon the footpiece.
Use the prop stand to park the machine in preference to leaning it against walls, posts, or kerbstones. See that the stands work freely on the pivots.
Do not forget to open the air valve fully after starting, or to keep it full open.
Do not race the engine unnecessarily, or engage the clutch suddenly on moving off. This wears the tyres and trans¬mission prematurely. Try to start off unobtrusively.
Change gear at the right time according to road conditions. Do not let the engine ' slog ' at low speed, but on the other hand do not exceed the safe maximum engine speeds in the indirect gears. To obtain maximum performance the full use must be made of the gearbox.
Do not kick, or stamp down the gear pedal. No excessive force is ever needed. Do not change gear with the heel.
Keep the feet clear of the gear and brake pedals when not actually operating them, and keep the hand off the clutch lever.
Keep the elbows close to the body when riding.
When brought to a halt at traffic lights, etc., do not continually " blip " the throttle and race the engine. All carburetters are capable of being set so that the engine will idle slowly and quietly in such circumstances with the throttle almost shut.
During the running-in period keep an eye on the clutch cable and re-adjust at once if the free movement decreases. See page 42.
Drive as much as possible on the throttle, making the minimum use of the brakes. Do not be afraid to use the front brake, but use both brakes in preference to the rear only. Do all braking when running straight and avoid all braking when turning.
Make allowances for slippery road surfaces, both when accelerating and stopping.
During cold weather when icing can be expected go care¬fully and be alert to the possibility of changing road con¬ditions due to sudden drops in temperature.
Roads may be icy on high ground when others lower down are merely wet.
The edge of the road where grit tends to collect is often less slippery when the roads are icy, but should be avoided in dry warm weather.
Close fuel taps at the end of a run.
Tighten screws and bolts, etc., when required. Neglect often causes loss or damage.
Do not assume that the machine is undergeared. A higher ratio than standard will not increase the maximum speed.
Do not in any circumstances tamper with the silencer. More noise may make the machine seem faster, but it has been found that alterations always reduce the performance. The silencer has been carefully designed to give the best possible power output consistent with a reasonable degree of silence. Excessive noise annoys the public and causes prejudice against motor-cyclists.
On completing five hundred miles running on a new machine have it inspected and checked over by the dealer. See page 20.