Nitrogen in tyres??

[JWG]

Okay, I put nitrogen in my tires for my car, but I haven't ever heard anything about doing it to bike tyres.  Does anyone know if this os okay?  The only reason I would do it it because nitrogen tends to be more stable than air in tyres.  The pressure doesnt vary as much.  Any help would be appreciated. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

Unless you're racing, it shouldn't matter at all.



In other news, nitrogen is fine in motorcycle tires.

[somegirl]

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/070216.html

[JWG]

cool thanks for the replies.  And thanks for the link to that article too!  I didn't realize that it made that little difference, however, it couldn't hurt.  Maybe I'll do it.

On another note, as stated before in the "introduce Yourself" forum, I am new to riding motorcycles.  I feel pretty good on my 696 but the only thing I am having trouble with is leaning at slower speeds for 90 Degree turns.  My tyres still have some new tyre slickness on the edges (chicken strips?) and they seem to get real slippery.  Scares the crap out of me (don't want to lay down my new bike).  Should I use some sandpaper to get rid of the waxy coating??  And will it make that much of a difference?  Basically, is it that big of a deal, or am I just a puss?

I just feel like by bike is going to slide out from under me.

[Popeye the Sailor]

cool thanks for the replies.  And thanks for the link to that article too!  I didn't realize that it made that little difference, however, it couldn't hurt.  Maybe I'll do it.

On another note, as stated before in the "introduce Yourself" forum, I am new to riding motorcycles.  I feel pretty good on my 696 but the only thing I am having trouble with is leaning at slower speeds for 90 Degree turns.  My tyres still have some new tyre slickness on the edges (chicken strips?) and they seem to get real slippery.  Scares the crap out of me (don't want to lay down my new bike).  Should I use some sandpaper to get rid of the waxy coating??  And will it make that much of a difference?  Basically, is it that big of a deal, or am I just a puss?

I just feel like by bike is going to slide out from under me.

You should just work on being smooth and controlled.

The leaning way over will come with time.


And at that point, the mold release will be off the tires.


in summation, stop worrying about it, just get more comfy on the bike, and watch out for idiots.

[somegirl]

^^ Good advice ^^

When you very gradually increase your lean angle, you will wear off the tyre compound (tire compound in the US ) without getting into that slippery territory. 

If you feel that your bike is sliding around, then you are probably trying too hard to lean it.

[JWG]

Im not so much trying to lean a lot, more like not be vertical through the turn.  I just have to slow down way too much to feel comfortable, which makes me uncomfortable because I typically have cars coming up behind me at street speeds while im trying to finagle a simple right hand turn.

Should I go get a cheap 250 or something I don't mind crashing so I can practice more?  I only have about 350 miles under my belt total.

[somegirl]

Should I go get a cheap 250 or something I don't mind crashing so I can practice more?

Not a bad idea, it will really help build your confidence quickly, and then your new bike will be waiting for you and you won't be so nervous on it. 

I reviewed the Ninja 250 here: http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=2613.0

[jdubbs32584]

Im not so much trying to lean a lot, more like not be vertical through the turn.  I just have to slow down way too much to feel comfortable, which makes me uncomfortable because I typically have cars coming up behind me at street speeds while im trying to finagle a simple right hand turn.

Should I go get a cheap 250 or something I don't mind crashing so I can practice more?  I only have about 350 miles under my belt total.

Yes, get a bike you can throw around and get comfortable with.

And congrats on the new bike!

[JWG]

Thanks a lot Ms. I really appreciate it!  

..oh and thanks to someguy and JBubble as well!

[Popeye the Sailor]

Im not so much trying to lean a lot, more like not be vertical through the turn.  I just have to slow down way too much to feel comfortable, which makes me uncomfortable because I typically have cars coming up behind me at street speeds while im trying to finagle a simple right hand turn.

Should I go get a cheap 250 or something I don't mind crashing so I can practice more?  I only have about 350 miles under my belt total.

At this point, I'd say no. Just practice more on deserted city streets. Less pressure.

Early mornings are your friends.

Read "proficient motorcycling" (david hough (I *think*)) and "total control" (lee parks). Practice. Don't overanalyze. Be patient.


Try posting in "riding techniques" http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?board=8.0

[somegirl]

By the way, have you taken the MSF course?

[JWG]

@ someguy,  I love riding in the early morning.  I ride to breakfast just about every day! And I have been planning on getting "total Control"

@ Ms.,  I sure have.  It was actually a blast and I learned a lot.  Im just a bit off.  I have trouble walking a straight line... but I also want to take the advanced riders course, however I think I'll wait until I'm confident that I wont kill my bike doing it.

[somegirl]

@ Ms.,  I sure have.  It was actually a blast and I learned a lot.  Im just a bit off.  I have trouble walking a straight line... but I also want to take the advanced riders course, however I think I'll wait until I'm confident that I wont kill my bike doing it.

Just takes practice...best to do it with no traffic around to creep up behind you.  I agree, wait on the advanced course until you have more miles under your belt.

And I really liked Proficient Motorcycling and think it is beginner-friendly.

[aaronb]

if you want to practice slow stuff just go find a big empty parking lot.  the local college has a park and ride lot that must be 10 acres, and is always empty on sundays.  i still go practice hard braking and slow speed avoidance manuevers whenever i am in the neighborhood and have some time to burn.