Ep 66 | It had to happen (again). How to handle coming off a motorcycle!
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- Опубликовано: 11 апр 2024
- Finding seclusion has its downsides. We take a tumble but getting the bike out is the worst part.
Hello and welcome to the Great British Biking Adventures Coast Series. In this series we are travelling around the coast on our motorcycle, a Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer.
A lot of our viewers are bike enthusiasts but this series will appeal to a wider audience. Why? Because there’s so much more to the Coast series than motorcycles. There’s the challenges, the journey, geography, history and people. You get to travel the entire coast of England and Wales with us, see how we did it, share our ups and downs, experience English culture, the history and hear about the people that made Britain ‘Great’!
What’s also good about the coast series is it doesn’t matter when you start watching, it’s like one of those open top bus tours - you can get on at any point and just keep going until you arrive back where you started.
Who are we? We’re a husband & wife living in an unremarkable coastal town in England. We’ve been married 35 years and were brought together by motorcycles. One day, Esther’s Honda Melody broke down and she brought it to Jarrod’s motorcycle shop - the rest (as they say) is history.
One cold February day, we started riding along the seafront and just kept going. We wanted to record the experience to have something to watch in the future - the RUclips channel was an afterthought. Take a look at those first few episodes to see just how novice we were, cobbling together what little phone footage we had to try to make a story. To make up for our amateur recording and shyness we added information in the editing. This set the tone and style of our videos, we hope you like it. We like to think we’ve improved and hopefully you’ll agree, take a look, compare our earlier videos with the later ones and let us know in the comments.
There’s also the filming and production journey. When we started we knew nothing about filming, video and audio production, editing, RUclips and the like. We’ve learnt loads and spent loads in time and money along the way but it’s been almost as enjoyable as the journey itself. You’ll hopefully appreciate how far we’ve come.
But what’s with all those bible verses we hear you say. We know some of you don’t appreciate this aspect, one or two have told us in the comments! That’s fine - it really is. All are equally welcome here, believers and unbelievers. It would be a pity if you enjoyed everything else but just stopped watching because of the Christian references but we completely accept you’re free to do as you please.
Our faith has prompted us to include a bible verse in our videos and sometimes a Christian perspective on the things we talk about. The channel is not about Christianity but our faith cannot be separated from it. We hope and pray that it will make you think, inquire and even bring you into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Sorry to watch and listen to fall, we’ll all learn something from it
I’ve learnt about turning off the traction control when going up hill on slippy, gravely surfaces - thanks 👍
Yes, I've been caught out a couple of times with the traction control. It's my first bike with either TC or ABS. The first time it kicked in was trying to get off a sandy beach and it literally wouldn't move because every time it sensed the rear wheel breaking traction the TC would kick in and cut the power. In fairness, there's 3 levels. If I know what I'm about to encounter I switch it off but this hill took us by surprise. Just checked out your channel. Do you have a Deauville, an NC750 or both?
Thanks for reply. I didn’t intend having a YT channel, I signed up to be able to leave comments, added a Nick Name and they confirmed I “now have a channel” 😂😂 I had a few videos so I added them just to gain some experience
I had the Deauville for 3 years, great touring bike, very comfy and would run all day. Unfortunately, the arthritis in my hands, particularly my left hand worsened to the condition where, if it wasn’t for the NC750X DCT I wouldn’t still be riding. Not having a clutch to operate on 200/300 mile days is brilliant
The NC Traction Control has 3 switchable levels too. I was only thinking of switching it off, but I might try the other levels
The flute music at the beginning was The Roast Beef of Old England. Played at Officer dining in nights as the Officers took their places in the Mess. Played it too many times to count lol. Glad you're both okay
We've used it as our signature tune since the start of the Coast series. It now rings in our ears too😄
The amount of luggage people carrying with is mind boggling. Unless your off for weeks no one need all this crap. Keep it light.
The side boxes are barely half full.
The top box is empty and is used to store the helmets and for pillion comfort.
The boxes keep our stuff secure and can be kept attached to the bike.
They allow us to 'travel light' when off the bike, we don't take everything into our accommodation.
They actually do a pretty good job of protecting us when things like this happen.
There are two of us!
We choose to take a few unessential things that make our trips more comfortable.
On other occasions, we do 'travel light' and have soft luggage.
@@greatbritishbikingadventures Looked very heavy as you carried them Sir.
Please take care of yourselves and soldier on. I have enjoyed every episode as most of them pulled at my heartstrings reminding me of my early years living in a boarding school in Shoreham on the south coast. You have covered the most intriguing destinations that piqued my interests for so long. I know your coming to the conclusion soon but I will always keep these videos forever. Yours truly the chap in Colorado
What a lovely comment, thank you John.
I did the Honda two day off road course an Africa Twin DCT. It didn't make me an expert in any way but we did practice what needs to be done to get a bike dropped going uphill to point to downhill so you can remount. Get on nearside, get the bike vertical and then waggle the handlebars to work the front wheel from pointing up the hill to down hill.
Glad to see both of you and the bike survived!
I've seen a vid of that course, looks very good. Thanks for the tip. presumably, you have an AT? We test rode one before opting for the CT. We really liked it but believe it or not it came down to pillion comfort and the CT won out. The AT was just a bit too 'perched' up and slightly less room. Lovely bike still.
@@greatbritishbikingadventures Hi, I had the AT for 3 years, Honda offered the first DCT version out on a 0% finance deal with £0 down and I wanted a winter bike. It was very good but I'm looking for a DCT VFR1200X now so watched your series. I think I missed the putting the rear brake on when waggling the handle bars t get the bike facing downhill.
If I do get a VFR1200X I might well do the Honda Off Road course again
Be interesting to hear your comparison of the 2.
I have an Africa Twin DCT and find situations like that can be a bit difficult without a clutch. In particular, not being able to lock it in gear to stop it running down the hill while manhandling the bike, and having to rely on the handbrake. You did well to get that far, and also on the hill in Harlech! Glad you are both ok, thanks for posting your adventures 👍
I know what you mean, there's certainly pros and cons to the DCT. On the whole though I find it helps in these situations because there no risk of stalling. Traction control didn't help in this situation! Thanks for your comment and kind words.
I sold my dct because whilst encountering very steep, very sharp switch backs it could never decide on 1st or 2nd. Always used the paddles but didn’t like it enough to keep it. Never again. However scooters belt drive are perfect
Glad you are both okay. Great review as always.😊
Cheers Paul 😁👍
Wow an emotional rollercoaster! Lovely things like the history of the cardigan and cute place names, then BOOM out of the blue the CrossTourer is having a lie down. 🙈 That was far too stressful just to watch, I can’t imagine what it have been like being involved. Glad everyone & the bike is ok 🎉🎉 I reckon Tiddlywink is a better place name, it’s near where I live 🙂
I don't know about the CT having a lie down, I've just got back from 4 hours of karting and laser quest and need to go to bed! I've got a busy day tomorrow 😉
Very glad you weren't hurt (badly) after what looked like a very awkward tumble. Are you able to turn off rear traction control on the Crosstourer? You are a very competent rider with a ton of experience so I would back you to get up that gnarly section of road if you were able to maintain forward momentum. Once the engine cuts power it is incredibly difficult to keep upright.
You can adjust and also switch off the traction control on the CT but we were not expecting what came and it was too late to do it. I'm sure TC is a life saver in other situations but we've had quite a few times when it's worked against us such as soft sand. Like you say, when it kicks in there's no drive and that's not good for keeping a bike upright.
I put my bike down in an Asda car park once.
I don’t even know what happened.
I was doing about 10mph.
A little old lady ran over to help.
It was the loss of dignity that hurt more than the drop 😂🤣
😂 It happens, like you say your pride tends to take a bigger dent than anything else.
Very brave riders, our sidewalks are wider than that road😎😎
Hi Alex, I don’t know about brave, we got caught by surprise and just had to give it a go but, unfortunately, it didn’t work out. All’s well that ends well 😁
That's one hell of a lot of weight to be using roads like that Sir.
Most of the time we see this sort of fall its down to being in to high a gear.....and the bike then running out of steam.
Well put!
So glad nither of you was hurt more than a little brusing! As with previous videos love the historical facts and the model at the entrance to the church was amazing, I do hope at the end of the journey you don't test us on said facts i would fail miserably.Enjoy your weekend see you next week TTFN.
I had to watch it again to see the 'model' at the church 😂. I missed my true vocation!!! See you nest week John.
Hi Jarrod it’s me from go karting I hope you enjoyed it I can’t wait to watch this video
We stayed on for 3 games of Laser Quest!! The karting was great. I'm not going to make a public video of it but if RUclips allow, I'll post a link to a video in these comments.
Ye that would be really cool to see
ruclips.net/video/FKyT4jaZnr8/видео.html
Oops I feel your pain, at least both of you were OK. Tight and steep roads like that are hard enough with a good surface but looking at that road surface the odds were against you, nothing you could have done. I would have blamed my wife.
So apart from that incident the video was good with some great roads (not that one) and amazing scenery to be enjoyed.
Well done for overcoming the experience and continuing with the journey.
Don't worry, Esther gets her fair share of blame for other things 👍 but I think I would have been pushing it a bit too far this time 😁. It's all part of the adventure, we knew the risks of taking on little coastal lanes and we accepted the consequences!!
Another good reason in most situations bikes don't need traction control.
Tend to agree with you on that one. 😀
I think as well it’s a big bike and pretty heavy so you was in an impossible position thankfully your not hurt and the bike looks ok. I suppose on a smaller lighter bike it would be easier.
All's well that ends well! Solo on a smaller bike would have been challenging but a lot easier, yes!
This is where a clutch works well
Yes, as with most things in life, there are 'pros and cons'. 😀
I live 2 miles from the Cliff Hotel in Cardigan
Lovely part of the world.
I'm glad you are both OK. Such nice folk that helped you, perhaps they have read Hebrews 13 verse2. Edward
They were lovely weren't they? I think they were not only showing hospitality but they were the angles as well!!
@@greatbritishbikingadventures Angles ?
😁🙄Angels!
…easy done on the big x-tourer… once it’s gone past that key angle it’s going over and no stopping it. Still the best bike I’ve ever owned. 👍
Sounds like you're about to trade it in, even for an Africa Twin 😉
@@greatbritishbikingadventures we’ll have to wait and see now won’t we 😂👍 I can neither confirm nor deny that I may or may not have been (back) to Bournemouth Honda in the last few hours. 👍👍
Ooh, how exciting! Good review BTW. Honda have definitely back away from innovation and are (shall we say) being economical with their build quality of late. Funny thing is, it reminds me of the mistakes made by the British bike industry, in particular resting on laurels and relying on a basic range of models and engines types.
@@greatbritishbikingadventures …couldn’t agree more. 👍
Crosstourer worst bike ive ever owned and also first bike ive went over on with my passenger, was pleased to get rid of it
Wow…… what an hill!!!
Indeed
It happens!
Absolutely. Let's face it motorcycles are inherently prone to falling over!! 😁 Wouldn't have it any other way.
You cannot argue with Physics.. Heavy tall bike, twisty (very)narrow switch back roads... riding 'two up'...l rest my case. l ride on some of Spains very twisty mountain roads on a Triumph Street Triple...solo and no luggage...even that test ones riding skill of Gear, Throttle and brake management ... getting it wrong is so easy...From one Biker to another continue ride safe.........and peruse maps first...with the little yellow man if possible...Motociclistas, la ultimo de los Espiritus Libres...
Thanks Brian, couldn't agree more and love the motto - 'Motorcyclists, the last of the Free Spirits...' I've had a look at your content, do you live in Spain? We love riding in Spain although not been for a few years. Have you seen our video here - ruclips.net/video/-v3OGFMpWkk/видео.html
@@greatbritishbikingadventures Yes, have lived in Spain for over twenty years. l ride a good deal during the year, mostly in Valencia, occasionally in Murcia and Castilla La Mancha…l mostly film the ride to show what a great biking road I’m riding..(I’m no great cine photographer).. that’s why l usually put the number of the road on the video…so those interested can find it on maps….The roads in the mountainous region inland from Alicante are especially wonderful. BMW and Triumph Tigers are a very common touring bike in Spain.
U past your test😂😂😂
40 years ago!
@greatbritishbikingadventures I have the vfr1200x dct and sometimes it changes down at inappropriate times on roundabouts n hills etc. Get a bit of a jolt as I ride mainly in s2 mode
@@garryburns2061 Hi Garry and thanks for the comment. I know what you mean but I find I've adapted my riding around the DCT and completely embraced it now. For instance, when I first tried the 2 modes I thought I'd never use drive because my riding style was to rev and hold on to gears. Sport didn't do this as much as I would on a manual bike but at least it didn't shift as soon as drive. However, I use drive pretty much all the time now!! I also though I would use manual mode a lot and even got a foot shifter so it would feel like a manual. Again, I don't find myself using it. Just done over 300 miles in last 2 days - all in drive!! I appreciate it's not everyone's cup of tea but I love it!!😁
@@greatbritishbikingadventures I find drive very vibration effected, feels like the gears,are struggling
Morning Garry. I know what you mean but the bike's not struggling. Would Honda design the default 'drive' in such a way that the engine couldn't handle it? As for the vibration, some would say that's 'character'. I quite like it and it's nothing compared to a twin at low revs.
I would say try it with an open mind for several hundred miles. Maybe, like me, you'll end up appreciating it. If not, keep it sport.
Just to be clear, I'm no 'plodder' (see link below) and, if needed/wanted, the CT can be pushed. But, if you're wanting that kind of experience most of the time then maybe you should not only be looking at a manual but a different type of bike completely.
ruclips.net/video/-v3OGFMpWkk/видео.html
That's a bend and a bit
Just a bit! 😃
Manual gearbox all the time
Hi Frank. Maybe but we’re still loving the DCT, makes life soooooo much easier 😁
not so good difficult road . ok but you tube ride like a pro by jerry paladino . he gave good tips to ride a motor
Cheers Danny, I'll check that out.
Road looks fine, heaps of excuses. maybe just a little inexperienced. Funny 😢😢
🙄
Fail and wasted afternoon.
Explain
🤔 Not sure where you're coming from? Are you suggesting that we were in some way failing and wasting our time? If so, think about all the inventions, discoveries etc. that have been made possible because of hours of commitment and overcoming failure. “It is better to make a thousand failures than to be too cowardly to ever undertake anything.”
Been lovin yer content but in this one I despair.
Quincy Jones once said paralysis through analysis. WTF four of you to get the bike up !!.
Wrong method for a heavy bike.
Approach with your back facing saddle, crouch, shoulders back, position yourself against bike and lift using legs which are powerful levers, it works for Goldwing's, okay it was a steep hill, but I guess it introduced that almost essential component of modern content "JEOPARDY"
I have a rule which covers fitness and technique, if I cannot lift the bike I don't ride it and I've been riding for 53 years, current smoker's XB9R, R1, 748 ye ken, RGM Rickman Trident Metisse.
But I'm.... aaah that's enough .
P.S. It's only a motorbike...don't get "damage anxiety" and don't take me too seriously. It's just a "RUclips" rant and the "snowflake" comments... what can I say 🤣
💕
😀 Hello again Eric. Love your comment but there's so much you've missed and got wrong in your analysis. Maybe watch the vid again, if you can bare it 😁. That said, you're spot on with the Jeopardy, but at least it's not fabricated.
A great stable of bikes you have, makes me wonder what other's you've had over the years. But that conversation deserves a proper chat.
P.S - Nice RUclips rant 😁, see you next time. ❤
Going off track here a little but need some advice So one of your vids reviewing the bike and you said if you were not two up you would get a smaller bike but never mentioned the cross runner which is something I am looking at was is there a reason if like me I only ride one up that you would not buy a crossrunner ?? cheers!! Glad to see neither of you were hurt !!
I've never ridden the Crossrunner but researched it in the past. It seems like a great bike to me and I wouldn't rule out having one. A couple of key differences from the Crosstourer are it has chain drive (not shaft) and I don't believe they did a DCT version. These aren't criticisms, just observations. Ultimately, we opted for the bigger bike so that it could cope with the extra weight effortlessly but if you're solo then the 800 is ample. Not sure which of the VFR800 motors it uses (do some research because there are many types with significant differences such as V-Tec and gear and chain driven cams). It's typical Honda, reliable, engaging to ride and yet underrated by the motorcycle journos. Unless you really need/want a lot more power than you will probably use don't rule out bikes like the Honda NC750X (there's a great review by a journo who ends up admitting it's his favorite bike). Honda CB500X. Yamaha 700 Tenere, Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki 800 V-Strom. All good offerings. Remember it's more about the ride than the bike.
As my father always said "if nothing happens when on holiday there is never a story to tell " Never sure if they were wise words or not ???????????
Wise words indeed I would say 😁. Who wants their holiday to be boring? Hours spent pool side on an all inclusive is not for us 👎