[jay_blu]

Ok since my back tire slid out soo easy I was wondering if there were some things I should do to give the rear a bit more grip. First off my rear tire pressure is at 32 is that where it should be? I took my girl on it out to movies and what not and it felt sooooo much more stabile with her on the back she’s 5' 2" 115lbs. I would like it to feel more like that when I’m riding it. I am 6' 2" 185lbs I think the rear spring is set to the second lowest notch...? Also what about a wider rear tire or would that mess with the handling too much? And what about rear spring/shock upgrades and the tail lifters they sell?

Is there a decent kind of race-ish tire that would be good in the rain and cold like it is usually here in Tacoma? I would like to get one that’s like what’s on it but a bit better for some rain and cold?

Just so you know when I was getting on the HWY I rolled on the throttle a little bit after striating the bike up and before I could feel it the back tire slid out and the bike was sliding sideways down the on ramp I put 20 miles on it since I bought it.

Now when I look at the tire since I have put about 200 miles on it there is a clear line where the outside of the tire has shiny ass oil on it about 1inch from the rideable outside edge inward. I worry that I’m going to get in a corner and lean it over on that and have it slide out again.

My bike is a Honda 919 with 1000 miles on it. I crashed it after I put 20 miles on it. I’ve been riding for 3 years on the street I had a cx500 I’ve been riding dirt bikes since I was 4. I really don’t believe it was my fault lol of course not right.

[sheepofblue]

Here is a few guesses:
1) the shiny oily stuff is just the tire that has not been used. Some call them chicken strips but leaving a bit on the street just shows you are not at 100% in an environment you should not be (1" might be a bit though)
2) 20 miles on a ramp cranked over on a new bike.... just a guess but your tires were not scrubbed in (that shiny stuff is mold releases and is slick until burned off) and on a bike that is about double the horsepower of your old bike. To much throttle on the tires for the condition they were in is my guess.
3) you are smart to be concerned about the shiny edge. It will be slicker but if you gradually use it up you will not even notice it. If you come into a turn and wack it over to the edge yep you are gone. Just scrub them and it is fine. Of course it sounds like you are not used to the difference in the bike and will naturally do this as you get used to it. Oh and if you leave an 1/8 or so unused that is fine, if you have buddies that dog you a bit of 1200 grit will take care of the mold release.

Sorry to hear about the crash on a new baby but from the sounds of it there is not a terrible concern. Also consider a track school or even MSF as you will likely learn a couple of things despite your long experience (for one you don't push a 919 under like a dirt bike you pull it down)

[jay_blu]

thanks for the advice! what tire pressure do you run? I have done the msf coures scorred 100% on the written and the riding... not that it helped me out lol I was riding my friends 05 r6 for a few months before i got the 919 i was thinking about buying his r6... oh and im dong the sport bike class next month too so im sure i will learn a few things there. I would love to do some track days too we will see on that one though

I was pretty tore up about it mostly cause it happend when i wasn't trying to mess around i think. but now when ever i take a corner im scarred as hell that the tire is going to step out especially when it was raining like it was...

[sheepofblue]

32 should be fine (not sure what comes on a 919). Although I think I run 36-42 on my street bike (whatever the manual said). If you get new tires a bit of lazy figure 8's in a parking lot will get the center scrubbed then just take it easy a bit to let them come in. On the track a lap is all you need pretty much and mold release is gone though watch out the first lap (I did have the RC come around a bit with some zero mile Dunlop Qualifiers one time at Barber )

[jay_blu]

I didn't get a manual so thats why i was asking the bike had a few hundred on it when i got it from the dealer and apperantly the guy kept it when he brought it back.

Is there any way to adjust it so it feels more like when you have some one on the back?

[sheepofblue]

You might look at www.helminc.com they have manuals and the shop manual at a reasonable price for all Honda's. I have one for all of mine. That said I cannot help much as I don't have a 919 and never ride two up.

[ratdog]

set the rear shock to the third notch

better yet, adjust it through the range, test riding it on the same course after each adjustment and learn what it can do

pilot powers do all right in the wet and warm up quick

don't worry about the shiny stuff, it'll go when it's time and if you have a problem at lean, it won't be because of the tire

[vville123]

I'm in your area man, I love the pilot powers. I rode from lacey to puyallup in a freaking down pour, up the 5 to 512 to puyallup.

1. I ride 2 up with the wife and yeah it feels bit different.

2. We have sh*tty roads the "5" forget I ride it everyday from Puyallup to Seattle. All I can say is get used to it, and the feeling changes from bike to bike.

3. Sounds like that new tire was the reason you went down. I do figure 8's or spin the rear tire a bit and turn the rear tire left to right to scrub it in. And for the front I get the shine off right away with some sand paper. I've lost it in the front (new) tire. I wont do that again.

4. Tire pressure, if I dont have manual I'll run it 4 to 5 pounds under the max psi on the tire. Like my 929 is 42psi max I run 39ish, you can tell alot by the feel of the bike where your pressure is or should be.

[ldavis]

32 is a fine pressure that is typically what i run in mine, don't worry about the tire giving out, if your throttle hand is controlled and responsible the tires will be fine.

[jay_blu]

I only worry in slow sharp turns not long winding fast ones lol. Its been alot better recently i have been having alot of fun with it.

[vville123]

Hit the 167 south exit to sumner 410, perfect long tight in and out. Hit it slow then power through dragging a knee. So sweet, I look foward to it at end of everyday

[jay_blu]

I ride out to that puyallup sonic all the time we'll have to meetup some time lol.

[vville123]

And wait in that huge line, I grew up around sonic and I'm not a fan of waiting.

But the wife did want a cherry limeaid so I guess I'll have to make the trip anyway. I'll PM you some weekend when we go and see if you wanna meet up.

[denzee]

Keep in mind, any tire not up to temperature is deadly on turns especially powering the throttle. Combine this with cool morning temps and moisture from the night on the road surface and you'll be on your ass quicker than a dog can lick his cajonies. Always allow your tires to warm up before pushing even a little through any turns. 15-20 minutes of riding is usually good. The difference in traction is like night and day!

[zookmor]

go with the third highest setting on the rear shock, and try it out, and then try the second highest. Im 6' 195 and riding the 2nd highest setting. Also the stock tires on the 919 are crap,and you will fall in love with the bike all over again with a good set of tires on the bike.

Recommended rear pressure is 42, but I run around 38 on a Pilot Road 2ct. Also a wider rear tire will actually reduce your contact patch.

[Lone Wolff]

Originally Posted by zookmor

Im 6' 195 and riding the 2nd highest setting. Also the stock tires on the 919 are crap,and you will fall in love with the bike all over again with a good set of tires on the bike.

+1

I'm also on the 2nd highest setting and contemplating going to the highest. 6' 210.

You may want to consider Dunlop D616 when you get around to replacing the OEM tires. Supposed to be kick ass tires for wet roads.