Newbie question about low speed riding

WyldCFH · Jul 28, 2020

Pete T said:
Some people switch to a 520(?) chain and sprocket set (somebody correct me if I got that name wrong). This lowers the gearing a bit. I haven't bothered.

Swapping to a 520 chain and sprockets is to lose weight. You can keep the stock gearing if you like.

Phl · Jul 28, 2020

swap the front sprocket to one tooth less.

done.

Duc-rider · Jul 28, 2020

Pete T said:
Yes it is normal.

I've just had my 1000km service. the only change is the warning lights don't come on at 6k revs. NOTHING is "locked" on this bike. It is not like the BMW which physically restricts engine revs during run in. Some v4 riders choose different run in procedures - some ride to maximum revs. Nothing restricts them.

My driveway is 150m of fine recycled asphalt. The back wheel flicks little stones onto my back, peppers the tail tidy, and the stock muffler has a dish on top that is a rock collector. I can't go slow enough!

Some people switch to a 520(?) chain and sprocket set (somebody correct me if I got that name wrong). This lowers the gearing a bit. I haven't bothered.

Another person suggested winding the clutch lever closer to the bar. I did this and it has helped with standing starts so it engaged at a point where your hand still has fine control.

Search on throttle spacers. Couple of current and recent threads relevant to the v4. I'm going to try them but apparently there are potential downsides.

There is a setting for engine power in Street, Sport and Race modes. This and other settings probably do affect throttle response at low revs but to be honest I had mine dialled in to all the dumbest settings, programmed them into Street mode, and left the bike like that for the first 1000km. No idea if it helped - I still had trouble getting used to the throttle at low revs and did stall at the lights once. Now it's in Sport mode, medium engine power selected, and slightly less safety on all other settings, and I'm actually finding it easier to take off. I think the biggest change is simply I'm getting used to it, getting a better feel and able to anticipate any stuttering.

Going down my driveway at walking pace I do have to ride the clutch and brake a bit. I'm getting good at that too.

Best advice I got was to spend some weeks riding the bike before spending money to make any changes. Use the run-up period to get used to the bike.

"Best advice"
"Use the run-up period to get used to the bike"
Very sound!

ArcticWhite · Jul 28, 2020

I find no issues with the V4 and slow speed riding. Min ran cleanly from about 3000rpm up with the stock tune. The only issue I have seen with the V4 slow speed is that on/off/on throttle at slow speeds is abrupt. You do not want to go on/off/on throttle in a slow speed corner. The fix for this is to use your clutch and slip it. Way better control. Any time you get into an issue in slow speed, you should be using your clutch. With proper clutch control, there are no slow speed issues.

Eenybear · Aug 14, 2020

Hmmm. Dialled back the engine brake one notch and it’s a completely different bike.

On a related issue, I know there are pros and cons galore regarding the throttle spacers... but I installed them and prefer the surgical precision, even on the street. Now I really notice the “slop” on my BMW R2100s and I never noticed it before. According to some who track their bikes exclusively, and have poo/pooed the spacers, I see your point but have decided I like them. Can’t wait until it’s fully broken-in.

Eenybear · Aug 31, 2020

Hmmmm... live a day, learn a fact.
When I posted this, I had the EBC set on 3. Overkill IMHO.
It is now set on 1 (after experimenting with 2).
Still plenty downshifting to a stop light.
Very smooth(ish) around the parking lot and where low speed riding is required.
Clutch feathering solves any residual smoothness issue (ranging from non-existent to slight).
And yes, by the time the bike hit 500kms a while ago it was noticeably smoother overall.
Nice to have a bike where the experience just keeps getting better and better.

Paul G · Aug 31, 2020

These bikes are not made for slow speed riding they put up with it and you have to as well, around town they all suck.

Nadsy · Sep 23, 2020

Nadsy said:
I have ordered the throttle spacers just to see what difference they make (particularly down low when on and off the throttle)... will let you know.

I know it’s been ages, and this is an old chestnut... but I installed the spacers over a month ago but didn’t get to ride till yesterday!! I’ve gone from a 400km a week commuter, to nothing!

anyway... love the spacers, very noticeable difference, particularly at low speed. It’s completely eliminated the jerkyness.
That’s just my 2 cents on them ;-).

Newbie question about low speed riding

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