View Full Version : Hey dudes, can I get your help with motorcycles again? :)
TITTIES AND BEER, TITTIES AND BEER, TITTES AND BE-- oh hi there.
So I just bought my first bike about two (three?) days ago. There's just one problem:
It has a really *REALLY* high idle speed. It idles at about 5000RPM when the engine is disengaged (i.e. clutch in or in neutral); however, when I start riding the RPM's are normal. I've tried messing with the choke, the idle screw, made sure the throttle cable cleared to the carburetor correctly - which it did - and made sure the choke cable cleared correctly - which it did too. So now I'm down to a hole in the vacuum tubes (I don't even know what those are[ROFL1]), disconnected vacuum tubes, hole in the intake manifold, something screwy with the clutch cable, or possible carb adjustment. Anybody else have any ideas?
Here are some pictures if it helps! Don't worry about the fluid spots on the ground, that's just from changing the oil. And if some a$$wad says "you're having problems 'cuz your gas tank is missing" well, I dunno, I'll fart in your general direction! [Coffee] I took off the side fairings and the gas tank to get a better look at all the inner workings. Anyway, I'd really appreciate any advice you guys could offer! [Beer] First time working on a bike, and I feel like an idiot! [Tooth] *a-hilk*
__Here's a hole I found, the tube that connects to this plastic canister connects to a big black plastic thingy I found under the gas tank.
http://s4.postimage.org/fej94fa33/IMG_6122.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
upload image (http://www.postimage.org/)
___Is there supposed to be a tube connecting to this? The spout (circled red) is on the air intake.
http://s4.postimage.org/4rphmjeft/IMG_6123.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
image upload (http://www.postimage.org/)
___Is this supposed to be only connected to the big black thingy I found under the gas tank?
http://s4.postimage.org/4rpml5fxz/IMG_6125.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
image host (http://www.postimage.org/)
___These were connected to the gas tank, and I assume it's normal for them to be hanging down. But, what is their function?
http://s4.postimage.org/x4l7moqm4/IMG_6127.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
adult image hosting (http://www.postimage.org/)
____Last but not least, what is that black housing for? The thermostat? I had some coolant leaking out of there when the engine warmed up, so I'm guessing that's what it is.
http://s4.postimage.org/feikbd2ox/IMG_6143.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
upload image (http://www.postimage.org/)
Well if you guys could help me out I'd really appreciate it. I'm kinda stuck in a mire here...and I have "Bicycle Race" stuck in my head.. [ROFL1]
*I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bi- DAMNIT GET OUTTA MY HEAD!*
What is the year/make/model? From those pics it looks like a sport bike. On most sport bikes there is an idle adjuster on the left side just below the seat. Turn it counter clockwise to decrease the idle.
Try that and let us know if it works.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/pic1.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/pic2-1.jpg
Go to TFOG, I highly recommend him. He is also a member on here TFOGGER is his screen name. They do great work and he treats other members very good. He is off 6Th ave and indiana
___Is there supposed to be a tube connecting to this? The spout (circled red) is on the air intake.
http://s4.postimage.org/4rphmjeft/IMG_6123.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
image upload (http://www.postimage.org/)
Liquid drain for the air box. just a hole for any rain that gets sucked in.
___These were connected to the gas tank, and I assume it's normal for them to be hanging down. But, what is their function?
http://s4.postimage.org/x4l7moqm4/IMG_6127.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
adult image hosting (http://www.postimage.org/)
Drain tubes, one should connect to the radiator overflow, one should go to the pan around the gas cap (incase of overfill) etc OH and your idle adjustment knob can be seen in this pic.
Your questions need a bike model, and more specifics. There's 3 black housings in the pic asking what the black housing is. The one with the large tube coming to it is your t-stat for the motor. The one with the bleed valve looks to be a hydrolic clutch in. The one with the shift pattern is trans inspection?
Looks like a pretty stock gixxer but that's just a guess.
If you need a shop TFOG is the one I'd recommend also.
gnihcraes
03-03-2011, 23:20
Sounds like the jets are plugged up a little.
Remove and clean. Re-install and ride it to the srip club.....
Could be a number of things, pretty much all simple to straighten out. If the bike sat idle for several months, then the most likely answer is that the pilot jets in the carbs are clogged, and someone cranked the idle speed way up to keep the bike from stalling when the throttle is closed. Another possibility is that the choke bar was assembled incorrectly and is hanging one or more of the choke plungers open. A vacuum leak of that magnitude would normally cause surging, and the bike would not ride at all well. Gimme a call @ 303-216-2400 after 9 and I can probably narrow it down some more. [Beer]
Great-Kazoo
03-04-2011, 10:11
1) sell your tools if you are not mechanically inclined
2) call tfogger, already mentioned
3) as tfogger mentioned if it sat more than likey gummed up carbs.
My suggestion is to fork out some cash for a tune up including having the carbs sync'd.
4) ride to your hearts content
What is the year/make/model? 1995 Kawasaki ZX7R From those pics it looks like a sport bike. On most sport bikes there is an idle adjuster on the left side just below the seat. Turn it counter clockwise to decrease the idle.
Try that and let us know if it works. I gave that a shot, but it doesn't seem to do much.
Liquid drain for the air box. just a hole for any rain that gets sucked in. Ohhhh.
Drain tubes, one should connect to the radiator overflow, one should go to the pan around the gas cap (incase of overfill) etc OH and your idle adjustment knob can be seen in this pic. Exactly right sir! Thank ya'!
Your questions need a bike model, and more specifics. There's 3 black housings in the pic asking what the black housing is. The one with the large tube coming to it is your t-stat for the motor. The one with the bleed valve looks to be a hydrolic clutch in. The one with the shift pattern is trans inspection? Once again sir, 10 points! Thank you!
Looks like a pretty stock gixxer but that's just a guess.
If you need a shop TFOG is the one I'd recommend also.
Could be a number of things, pretty much all simple to straighten out. If the bike sat idle for several months, then the most likely answer is that the pilot jets in the carbs are clogged, and someone cranked the idle speed way up to keep the bike from stalling when the throttle is closed. Another possibility is that the choke bar was assembled incorrectly and is hanging one or more of the choke plungers open. A vacuum leak of that magnitude would normally cause surging, and the bike would not ride at all well. Gimme a call @ 303-216-2400 after 9 and I can probably narrow it down some more. [Beer]
+1 for clogged pilot jets. The guy I bought it from left it sitting in his garage for for 3 dang years!
I checked what I think was the choke plunger.
http://s1.postimage.org/60ubcjcc5/IMG_6132.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
http://s1.postimage.org/gnornhfc6/IMG_6133.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
It looks to be clearing correctly, if that really is the plunger.
Anyway, I'm gonna take a few days to tinker with it get it registered etc. etc. And if I'm not able to do anything with it you're the first person I'm going to call. I've been asking around for a reputable motorcycle mechanic for a few days now and everyone here is singing your praises, that's good enough for me!
1) sell your tools if you are not mechanically inclined
2) call tfogger, already mentioned
3) as tfogger mentioned if it sat more than likey gummed up carbs.
My suggestion is to fork out some cash for a tune up including having the carbs sync'd.
4) ride to your hearts content
1) I would rather cut off my left nut. I may not be mechanically inclined yet, but I still want to learn and get to a point where I AM!
2) You're number three to tell me that! [ROFL1] Sounds like a good idea!
3) I agree, the thing sat for three years in the guy's garage who I brought it from.
4) Damn straight! The thing needs a tune up anyway, especially the chain needs to be replaced.
Byte Stryke
03-04-2011, 10:43
Three years?
Those fuel bowls are going to look like Jello shots
[LOL]
Three years?
Those fuel bowls are going to look like Jello shots
[LOL]
Wh...whe...where are the fuel bowls? *begins to cry* [ROFL1]
Seriously though, do you mean the float bowl on the carb? Unless I'm a major 'tard (not discounting that) I've never heard of fuel bowls before.
http://s1.postimage.org/nuuym0qpd/IMG_6146.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
*Pfft* couldn't possibly be that the jets are clogged, could it? [Coffee]
Okay, so what should I take off this thing before I start soaking it in carb cleaner, and then boiling it? Oh by the way, I now know what TFOGGER meant by "choke bar." I thought there was only one choke plunger, turns out there are 4! Fortunately though they all clear just fine...
http://s1.postimage.org/d813t261z/IMG_6154.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
http://s1.postimage.org/nuv09k358/IMG_6153.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
Do not submerge the carbs in carb soak. All of the irreplaceable rubber bits will be destroyed. Don't disassemble the carbs from the rack, as any future synchronization will be hell. remove the fuel bowls from the bottoms of the carbs and remove the jets, clean the jets and their passages with spray carb cleaner, followed by high pressure (shop) air. Spray the air bleeds on the carb mouths and blow through with air. If the slides move up and return on their own, no further disassembly should be necessary.
Byte Stryke
03-05-2011, 11:17
Three years?
Those fuel bowls are going to look like Jello shots
[LOL]
Wh...whe...where are the fuel bowls? *begins to cry* [ROFL1]
Seriously though, do you mean the float bowl on the carb? Unless I'm a major 'tard (not discounting that) I've never heard of fuel bowls before.
Do not submerge the carbs in carb soak. All of the irreplaceable rubber bits will be destroyed. Don't disassemble the carbs from the rack, as any future synchronization will be hell. remove the fuel bowls from the bottoms of the carbs and remove the jets, clean the jets and their passages with spray carb cleaner, followed by high pressure (shop) air. Spray the air bleeds on the carb mouths and blow through with air. If the slides move up and return on their own, no further disassembly should be necessary.
as I Said... Fuel Bowls.[ROFL1]
the floats in the bowl are secondary to the purpose of the bowl.
But yes, they are one in the same.
and I will second what TFOGGER said about breaking the bank(of carburetors), don't do it unless you want hell on earth and eternal mental torment.
I have seen people sell a nice bike for pennies on the dollar because of the anguish it causes.
And yes, if you soak the entire carburetor, you are going to have the disassemble and reassemble the carburetor bank. (see above)
now if I just new this much about newer trucks :(
as I Said... Fuel Bowls.[ROFL1]
the floats in the bowl are secondary to the purpose of the bowl.
But yes, they are one in the same.
I'm an idiot... Fuel bowls, fuel bowls, fuel bowls. Not "float" bowls, fuel bowls. Thanks!
By the way these are the fuel bowls before I cleaned them.
http://s4.postimage.org/jeh1317tz/IMG_6158.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
They look suspiciously spotless for sitting for three years... That, and some stripped screws were present in the disassembly process. This leads me to believe the owner before me may have tried to clean the carbs to fix the idle problem too... *is suspicious* Or maybe he just stored it really *really* well.
So now that I've cleaned the carbs, jets, valves, slides, pins, and checked the air screw adjustment turns, it's back to square one. I'm going to assemble it and see how - scratch that - "IF" it runs!
Once again, thanks for all your help guys! Wish me luck [Help]
And tell me about the problems you're having with your truck (we really need a sticky for vehicle issues, even if this is a firearm forum).
Byte Stryke
03-05-2011, 11:48
And tell me about the problems you're having with your truck (we really need a sticky for vehicle issues, even if this is a firearm forum).
2004 Blazer. 4.3l
starts fine, idles fine.
25mph max sounds like the timing is off, but its controlled by the ecm.
I have checked every cable, wire, and vacuum line I can think of.
its almost a "you have to test drive it." thing
2004 Blazer. 4.3l
starts fine, idles fine.
25mph max sounds like the timing is off, but its controlled by the ecm.
I have checked every cable, wire, and vacuum line I can think of.
its almost a "you have to test drive it." thing
I'm sorry to hear that, but since I'm a kid who needs advice on cleaning his carbs, I doubt I'd really be able to give you any meaningful advice. Heck, you've probably already thought ten steps ahead of me! [LOL]
But just the same, I hope you can get it to run okay. There's nothing that p****s me off worse than vehicle trouble... [Mad]
2004 Blazer. 4.3l
starts fine, idles fine.
25mph max sounds like the timing is off, but its controlled by the ecm.
I have checked every cable, wire, and vacuum line I can think of.
its almost a "you have to test drive it." thing
Is it throwing codes and how's your spark? have you checked the coil?
Whew, hoa-boy. So I tentatively think I fixed my idle problem. At least I got the carburetor back in and the bike still runs. So that's a plus...
On the flip side, now I'm curious about fairing repair. And what is it about your first motorcycle crash (even if it's a small one) that leaves you quiet, humiliated, not wanting sugary foods, tired, and cranking up Rick Steve's travel program just for the sake of white noise?
I know this is just unquieted nerves and the adrenaline let-down, but suddenly I feel horrible for the people with PTSD, it must be ten times worse.
*ugh*
clublights
03-05-2011, 19:53
Best way to fix fairings?
Don't crash it in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
I've bondo'd a fairing here and there.. guess it depends on what ya did and how bad.. I've heard of "plastic welding" if you can find someone that does it it apparently works very well .
otherwise .. fire up google and find new stuff the aftermarket is pretty good for fairings.
Best way to fix fairings?
Don't crash it in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
+1
Byte Stryke
03-06-2011, 07:12
Best way to fix fairings?
Don't crash it in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
I've bondo'd a fairing here and there.. guess it depends on what ya did and how bad.. I've heard of "plastic welding" if you can find someone that does it it apparently works very well .
otherwise .. fire up google and find new stuff the aftermarket is pretty good for fairings.
this
Depending how hard you creased it, you might want to just replace.
Nothing says Suck for your ride like shit coming apart on you at 70+mph.
Best way to fix fairings?
Don't crash it in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
http://s4.postimage.org/xz63pdgoo/IMG_6186.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
http://s4.postimage.org/5madp84k1/IMG_6182.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
http://s4.postimage.org/ufjr3q9kj/IMG_6187.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
A lil' late for that mi amigo! [ROFL3]
I've bondo'd a fairing here and there.. guess it depends on what ya did and how bad.. I've heard of "plastic welding" if you can find someone that does it it apparently works very well .
It's really not horrible damage; it's just the paint. I don't really think it warrants getting out the ol' soldering iron and reworking the plastic. But I am wondering how to re-paint the fairing!
Anyway, can you say "practice, practice, practice?" I'm gonna visit a church parking lot tomorrow, when the religious peoples is all gone yo'. And I'm going to practice.....practice.....practice! (and wear gloves! lol)
patrick0685
03-06-2011, 16:47
http://s4.postimage.org/xz63pdgoo/IMG_6186.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
http://s4.postimage.org/5madp84k1/IMG_6182.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
http://s4.postimage.org/ufjr3q9kj/IMG_6187.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
A lil' late for that mi amigo! [ROFL3]
It's really not horrible damage; it's just the paint. I don't really think it warrants getting out the ol' soldering iron and reworking the plastic. But I am wondering how to re-paint the fairing!
Anyway, can you say "practice, practice, practice?" I'm gonna visit a church parking lot tomorrow, when the religious peoples is all gone yo'. And I'm going to practice.....practice.....practice! (and wear gloves! lol)
look up triggerhappy, he can do a vinyl rap for it, make it look all new and good, im gunna get mine done here soon
look up triggerhappy, he can do a vinyl rap for it, make it look all new and good, im gunna get mine done here soon
Ah, I didn't know vinyl raps would work on hands! Will they make the scarring less apparent? *wink*
But seriously, that sounds like good advice, do you mean a user called "triggerhappy" here on the forum?
patrick0685
03-06-2011, 18:35
Ah, I didn't know vinyl raps would work on hands! Will they make the scarring less apparent? *wink*
But seriously, that sounds like good advice, do you mean a user called "triggerhappy" here on the forum?
oh ya...great on the hands, but if the scars are less apparent how will the chicks dig them?
Ya here (http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24158) is his info
Thanks for the lead on Triggerhappy, Patrick0685! His work looks really good. Tell me how your bike turns out will ya'?
Anyway, it's my thread so I'm going to hi-jack it. Let's go with advice for turning. I dumped my bike turning right onto a two lane highway. The road I was turning out of had a lot of gravel on it, and I was afraid I'd overshoot into the oncoming lane (yes, when I'm practicing I make sure no one is around before I pull out). So no cars were coming from either direction, but I still didn't want to overshoot the turn. Anyway, as I'm pulling out I
A) Forgot to follow the turn with my head
B) Hesitated like a p***y when it came to the gravel on the road
C) Didn't lean enough
D) Didn't pick my feet off the road soon enough
E) And dumped my bike, obviously
So what are some tips or tricks for turning? I've heard various opinions from LEO's and other professional riders on several forums. But since you guys have been the most helpful so far (even more so than the Kawi forum itself, ironically) I'd like to know what your views are.
Actually, now that I think about it, the Kawasaki forum is chock full of squids and idiots, with a few reasonable people sprinkled in. So I guess that makes sense...
Have a great day! [Pepsi]
clublights
03-08-2011, 16:15
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course.
It will be the best few bucks you've ever spent. Plus you'll get a discount on your insurance so the class will pay for itself !!!!!!
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course.
It will be the best few bucks you've ever spent. Plus you'll get a discount on your insurance so the class will pay for itself !!!!!!
+948938459384..
Seriously... low speed maneuvers is where most noobs eat shit, well that and trying to be a bad ass. Start of every season I hit this church parking lot by me and run through the concrete dividers.
patrick0685
03-09-2011, 01:12
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course.
It will be the best few bucks you've ever spent. Plus you'll get a discount on your insurance so the class will pay for itself !!!!!!
this
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course.
Been there. Done that. Passed with flying colors (not that it means much). Good advice though, I'd tell a new rider to take a MSF course too.
Yes, I know, I'm breaking all the rules of being a kid and actually attempting to be responsible....go figure. [LOL]
Nah, I'm just trying to find some general tips and tricks. Like, do you steer with the handlebars or do you just lean? Do you stop far enough short of the sign to get some speed for the turn? How do you go about turning on gravel? And will the motorcycle fall over if I lean to steer?
........
I get the feeling this is one of those things I'm going to have to learn from personal experience. I just would really rather not high five the road again. Oh well, Cest La Vi.
*note to self* WEAR GLOVES THIS TIME DUMBASS!
clublights
03-09-2011, 06:57
Been there. Done that. Passed with flying colors (not that it means much). Good advice though, I'd tell a new rider to take a MSF course too.
Yes, I know, I'm breaking all the rules of being a kid and actually attempting to be responsible....go figure. [LOL]
Nah, I'm just trying to find some general tips and tricks. Like, do you steer with the handlebars or do you just lean? Do you stop far enough short of the sign to get some speed for the turn? How do you go about turning on gravel? And will the motorcycle fall over if I lean to steer?
........
I get the feeling this is one of those things I'm going to have to learn from personal experience. I just would really rather not high five the road again. Oh well, Cest La Vi.
*note to self* WEAR GLOVES THIS TIME DUMBASS!
Sorry I assumed with some of the questions you had not taken a MSF class yet. I suggest it EVERY new rider as it has saved my bacon a few times since I took it ( got in direct scenarios that the class went over and dealt with them "correctly" because of the class, Also handled one WRONG... and led to a screw in my shoulder for 8 weeks when I "knew" better)
countersteering is done at "speed" in low speed ( parking lot type speeds) you turn the bars the bike goes that way. at higher speeds countersteer ( push on the inside bar) the bike goes the direction you intend.
Depending on where and when and at what speed you hit the gravel dictates how you handle it. at low speeds( again parking lot) I'd drop my feet to the deck.. drag them like nuts turn the bars as little as I could and get the bike where I wanted/needed.... at higher speeds I'd counter steer as LITTLE as I could to make the corner ( trying to go thru straight as possible ) then lean hard and fast as soon as the tires cleared the gravel if needed.
ALL stop signs should be treated with a COMPLETE stop. on a bike that means stop .. feet ( well one foot ) down to the ground.. a 2 count then start to move.
I know I'm being VERY basic and kinda jerkish on the answers here but the situations your asking your not expanding enough on to let me give more wide answers.
In my opinion Countersteering starts AROUND 10MPH+ ... below that you have to point the wheel where you want... above that you push on the inside bar and the bike "falls" into the turn and goes the way you meant.
Hell again . not trying to be a jerk... but if you Motorcycle Course instructor didn't teach you all of this .. you got JACKED on your course and had a really shitty instructor. [My only major accident..2 days after finishing my course with a 100% on the written and 1.. ONE point deduction on my riding test.. the EXACT cause of my accident was the EXACT same thing I got the point deduction on the riding test for.. I had ( still kinda have.. I smack myself around in my head for it every time) a bad habit of watching only a few yards in front of my front tire in turns rather then looking father ahead to deal with whats coming seconds away rather then milliseconds away... a wreaked bike and a massive scar are my reminder]
I'm not a teacher so typing this out is really hard to explain.. I could hop on my bike and show you a CRAPLOAD better.
Maybe someone else is a better teacher then I on this board.
(I'd hope so... I'm a HORRIBLE teacher. )
ATGATT
ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME!!!!
I'm not perfect about this myself .. but gloves, brain bucket , proper jacket, proper pants, and good footwear can mean the difference between life and death. or at the LEAST the difference between having fingers/toes and typing with a pencil in your mouth.
Don't "dress out" for how you think you can ride.... dress out for how bad it's going to hurt when the jackass in the BMW SUV lane changes into you at 65 MPH because he/she was busying texting.
I'm an excellant rider. I've dragged knees at 100mph in corners. I've gone at speeds that would land me in jail if I got caught. I'm no Gran Prix Racer... but I damn well don't trust ANY car out there. Not even cops. ( I had a very near miss with a cop car one day.) Ride... and dress.. like EVERY Cager ( slang for car's, truck's and SUV's) are TRYING to kill you. Trust me .. they are.
Sorry I assumed with some of the questions you had not taken a MSF class yet. I suggest it EVERY new rider as it has saved my bacon a few times since I took it ( got in direct scenarios that the class went over and dealt with them "correctly" because of the class, Also handled one WRONG... and led to a screw in my shoulder for 8 weeks when I "knew" better)
countersteering is done at "speed" in low speed ( parking lot type speeds) you turn the bars the bike goes that way. at higher speeds countersteer ( push on the inside bar) the bike goes the direction you intend.
Depending on where and when and at what speed you hit the gravel dictates how you handle it. at low speeds( again parking lot) I'd drop my feet to the deck.. drag them like nuts turn the bars as little as I could and get the bike where I wanted/needed.... at higher speeds I'd counter steer as LITTLE as I could to make the corner ( trying to go thru straight as possible ) then lean hard and fast as soon as the tires cleared the gravel if needed.
ALL stop signs should be treated with a COMPLETE stop. on a bike that means stop .. feet ( well one foot ) down to the ground.. a 2 count then start to move.
I know I'm being VERY basic and kinda jerkish on the answers here but the situations your asking your not expanding enough on to let me give more wide answers.
In my opinion Countersteering starts AROUND 10MPH+ ... below that you have to point the wheel where you want... above that you push on the inside bar and the bike "falls" into the turn and goes the way you meant.
Hell again . not trying to be a jerk... but if you Motorcycle Course instructor didn't teach you all of this .. you got JACKED on your course and had a really shitty instructor. [My only major accident..2 days after finishing my course with a 100% on the written and 1.. ONE point deduction on my riding test.. the EXACT cause of my accident was the EXACT same thing I got the point deduction on the riding test for.. I had ( still kinda have.. I smack myself around in my head for it every time) a bad habit of watching only a few yards in front of my front tire in turns rather then looking father ahead to deal with whats coming seconds away rather then milliseconds away... a wreaked bike and a massive scar are my reminder]
I'm not a teacher so typing this out is really hard to explain.. I could hop on my bike and show you a CRAPLOAD better.
Maybe someone else is a better teacher then I on this board.
(I'd hope so... I'm a HORRIBLE teacher. )
ATGATT
ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME!!!!
I'm not perfect about this myself .. but gloves, brain bucket , proper jacket, proper pants, and good footwear can mean the difference between life and death. or at the LEAST the difference between having fingers/toes and typing with a pencil in your mouth.
Don't "dress out" for how you think you can ride.... dress out for how bad it's going to hurt when the jackass in the BMW SUV lane changes into you at 65 MPH because he/she was busying texting.
I'm an excellant rider. I've dragged knees at 100mph in corners. I've gone at speeds that would land me in jail if I got caught. I'm no Gran Prix Racer... but I damn well don't trust ANY car out there. Not even cops. ( I had a very near miss with a cop car one day.) Ride... and dress.. like EVERY Cager ( slang for car's, truck's and SUV's) are TRYING to kill you. Trust me .. they are.
Firstly, thanks for the detailed answer, it was good advice - especially about the gravel turns and stops.
I think I'm having the same problem you had; namely, the issue I screwed up on my test is the one coming back to bite me in the a$$. I wore mirrored shades for the test portion so the instructor couldn't see if my eyes were glued to the immediate pavement in front of me for balance. I believe that's my problem; now I need to concentrate on keeping my eyes up, and letting the bike balance itself.
And definitely ATGATT! When I'm in Denver on Thursday I'm going to stop by Grand Prix motorsports. I've been borrowing a helmet for immediate riding, but I really do need to get my own.
So it looks warm enough out there... and a little too quiet. I think I'm off to church to practice!
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