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How do you handle changing between bikes?

J

Junkie

gone for now
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Aug 23, 2006
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Not too long ago I picked up a WR450 supermoto to compliment my naked SV1000. It's fun around town and on goat trails, not so fun on the freeway, much higher maintenance, etc.

When I go from the SV to the tard it isn't too hard of a change. Sure, it's higher off the ground, the seat is uncomfortable, and it doesn't go too fast on the freeway... but those don't make too big of a difference.

When I go back to the SV, it feels like an enormous pig. Seeing as it weighs an extra 150lb, that's not a big surprise. The brakes aren't anywhere near as good (not that they're bad, but they don't compare to a Brembo master and Braking 4pot claiper). It's extremely smooth, though, and I end up going significantly faster than I should on the freeway if I'm not paying attention.

For those of you who have two (or more) significantly different bikes... how well do you transition between them? Maybe I'll get more used to it but I'm sure not used to it now.
 
I don't know what to tell you (helpful, right?) but I've had the same question in my head for years. My husband and I have exactly the same street bike, but his is terrible for me to ride--it's set up really differently. I really struggled to learn my 748 (set up for me) and FZR400 (set up for me) and never got it right. Jumped on the R6 and that felt really natural (it was set up for my husband). His Superhawk--so-so. Borrowed some guy's little 400 somethingorother at the track and put down one of my better times the first lap out. It makes no sense. The thing that the "good rides" have in common is that I forget about the bike being under me. I don't know what makes that happen though.
 
In this case, the one that's harder for me to adapt to is the one I've been riding for a couple years and quite a few miles, which seems strange.
 
Long story short...
I had an R1 when I bought my first DRZ-SM. in 07'.
I've always really liked sportbikes, between my R6 and the R1 I have about 80k miles.
However the upright, light DRZ felt so natural and instantly comfortable it became the default go to bike every time fun riding was involved.
The R1 became less and less used and eventually, just freeway transportation.
At that point, I ended up selling it, buying a cheap truck and a dirtbike instead.
One of the best decisions I ever made.

I'd still love a sportbike as a dedicated track bike, not much interest in them as streetbikes anymore.
 
To be honest, sounds more like the new bike has made you see the old one in a new, less flattering light. I've always had a few bikes at a time and the braking force and distance is generally the biggest thing to adjust to. The only real issue was the Triumph with right-hand shift, left-hand brake. After riding it for the day, I'd jump back on something else and fishtail the back end with a sudden accidental downshift the first time I had to slow down. Never happened the other way around, not sure why.
 
I ride the fun one 99% of the time, which happens to be the little 250. Then when I hop on the 150 hp big Duc it takes a few starts to keep the front wheel down. Either bike it's all throttle control :2cents
 
This has defiantly been discussed before. Just jump on and go:ride

I take it easy for the first mile just to get reacquainted to the machine. Muscle memory kicks in ASAP.
 
I have several bikes. I only notice an unfamiliarity if I switch bikes mid ride. If my brother and I go riding and we switch, It takes about 5 miles to get used to the new bike. Even on the same bikes with different types of tires/suspension setup is very evident and it takes some time to get used to the feel.
 
bcv_west said:
To be honest, sounds more like the new bike has made you see the old one in a new, less flattering light. I've always had a few bikes at a time and the braking force and distance is generally the biggest thing to adjust to. The only real issue was the Triumph with right-hand shift, left-hand brake. After riding it for the day, I'd jump back on something else and fishtail the back end with a sudden accidental downshift the first time I had to slow down. Never happened the other way around, not sure why.
Click to expand...

Just the opposite happens to me after riding the right shift bike, Ill jump on a modern and try to shift the foot brake into 1st.
 
They have different purposes. For a long ride there's no way I'd want to ride the new bike. For around town, the new bike works better... except it doesn't exactly enjoy 880 or the Bay Bridge, and doesn't have a fan.
 
I have no problem switching between bikes unless I've just been riding one, then immediately switch to a different one. In that case, it usually takes me a couple of miles to adjust.

If I ride all of them a lot, it's much easier to make the adjustment than switching to one that I haven't ridden for a few weeks.

It usually takes me about 1000 miles to completely adjust to a different bike to the point where I know what it will do in every circumstance. As long as I keep riding that bike regularly, I'll adjust to it quickly after spending time on a different bike.

I'll have to report back when I finally get my XR650L engine rebuilt. I haven't ridden that one for a few months.
 
Lucky13xx said:
Just the opposite happens to me after riding the right shift bike, Ill jump on a modern and try to shift the foot brake into 1st.
Click to expand...

That probably happened too, but the back end walking on me coming into a turn, I remember more vividly than failing to up-shift. :laughing
 
Just ride it more and more. I go in between my KLR and CBR every weekend. Maybe the most extreme classes of bikes you can go switch from?

To add, I actually think riding two bikes provides even greater safety because you're respecting the bikes characteristics after having a break from it.

The novelty will wear off sooner or later . . .
 
The big swap for me is the race bike to the street bike (or more the other way around). It's not too bad when I'm regularly at the track, but my upcoming trackday it will take me most of the morning to readjust to the track bike after not really being on it since October.

I'm getting better at making the transition (better technique is making it easier than it used to be) but I still take a little time to get back into the groove with each bike.
 
At one time, I was riding a Triumph Bonneville, right hand shift, real shitty brakes, a Bultaco Astro, flatrack bike, right hand shifter and brake, and an old Z1, plus a CR500. After a while, you get used to it, the Triumph was worse, since it had really shitty brakes. Had to leave a lot of room to stop. The Bultaco took a lot of getting used to, the brake lever was below the shifter, had to think about that a bit, luckily, on a short track, you don't shift if you've got the gearing right.
 
Lucky13xx said:
I take it easy for the first mile just to get reacquainted to the machine. Muscle memory kicks in ASAP.
Click to expand...

I think this is the best answer.

I'll switch off between my SV650 and R6 session to session on the track. Or ride my XR250 in the dirt one day and my Tiger 800 on the street the next. Doesn't ever seem to be a problem.

It think if you switch off between bikes that you are already familiar with, muscle memory takes over quickly. It's when you jump on a brand-new-to-you bike that takes a little bit of adjusting.

Junkie said:
It's extremely smooth, though, and I end up going significantly faster than I should on the freeway if I'm not paying attention.
Click to expand...

I recommend paying attention.
 
Lucky13xx said:
This has defiantly been discussed before. Just jump on and go:ride

I take it easy for the first mile just to get reacquainted to the machine. Muscle memory kicks in ASAP.
Click to expand...

^^^ This... Just don't think about it. Your body will remember. Same as riding a road bicycle vs a Mtn bike.
 
After you have owned a bazillion bikes you adapt pretty quick. The only thing I do sometimes is shift 5 speed bikes into 6th gear but that is about it. Oh, and I take an extra second before I jump on the front brake to make sure I have the feel of it.
 
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