Throttle transition

Post by **deilenberger** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:20 pm

On my ride from NJ to Asheville NC - I've been trying to stay on all back roads - and very twistie back roads (Rt 33 & 66 in WV for instance - probably 200 switchbacks between the two), Rt 28 WV, others in VA and NC.

One annoyance - it's hard for me to get smooth transitions from power on to power off and the reverse. I get a decided clunk and a bit of a lurch when I make the transition, no matter how hard I try to be smooth.

In flatland NJ - I never really noticed this.. on 9% grades with 270 degree switchbacks - it becomes really pretty annoying and makes it hard to be smooth.

Anyone else noticed this? It seems the power is ON and then OFF - with off being all power off, I suspect with the FI turning itself off on decel. I've tried keeping the R's up - 1st gear is good to 40MPH.. but that may be making it worse - or at least not helping any.

Ideas?

Other than that - the bike has been great for the trip - hasn't missed a beat, handles great, and the stock low seat actually works for me - who never kept a BMW seat more than a week.. I'm carrying my FreedomAir cushion - and haven't used it - haven't felt the need.

Best,
Don

Post by **celticus** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 3:53 am

Are you in Asheville for the RA rally? If so maybe I'll see you.
Coming from an 98 K1200RS the throttle transition seems very smooth to me.
Mark

Post by **deilenberger** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:22 am

Staying at the Sleep-Inn Asheville.. registered under my name. Give me a ping if you'd like to get together.. or - I'm giving a K-tech seminar (classic 2-valve) on Saturday...

Post by **qgaex** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 8:50 am

Hi Don

I believe that's the price we pay for engines with ever so much more torque and low mass and low fuel consumption.
These optimizations always have to cut one corner....

But if your problem boils down to taking hairpin bends in good style then why not try the ancient (and well proved) technique of slightly stepping on the rear break all through the bend and at the same time always opening the throttle for just a little bit to regulate the pull. Thus you have continuous pull through the bend and no "transition lurch".

Cheers

qgaex
*allinfavourofmodernengines*

Post by **deilenberger** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:59 pm

I got better at it on the Blue-Ridge today. Switch-backs weren't as extreme. Wonderful 3rd gear road - 25-60MPH and never have to shift..

You're right - I've been ignoring the rear brake since the linked brakes work SO well..

Don