Crampbusters, Top Boxes and 125cc Bikes
I got my first bike (YBR 125) a few weeks ago and have so far spent a few hundred miles happily roaming around east Norfolk, cursing hidden pot-holes and interfering with bicycle races. I have run into a couple of things I'm slightly confused about.
Firstly, Crampbusters. I bought a Scottoiler crampbuster (thin curl of plastic ~1" wide) in anticipation of a few long-ish journeys that I've got ahead. Ever the good little learner, I took it out on a trial ride around town. As I had set it for top speed, it was expectedly awkward at 30mph. Unexpectedly, it was also awkward at full throttle.
I placed it as left as it would go on the throttle. Anywhere else, and it would get in the way below 40mph. Where it is at the moment, I can only hold it with the knuckle of my thumb. I don't have particularly big hands, but they do seem to take up most of the handles. Can anyone tell me what am I doing wrong? Or is it just that crampbusters aren't really usable on 125cc bikes?
Secondly, my top box. The previous owner threw in a top box (and leathers, lovely bloke!) with the bike. Again, being a good little learner, I chucked a few pieces of ballast into it and went for a trial run. The bike felt... different. I can't quite put my finger on what the problem was exactly, but I could feel that the centre of gravity had moved slightly. Should I be adjusting the shocks for ≤10kg loads?
Thanks in advance!
Posted Jul 1, 2014, 2:55 PM UTC
Never used a cramp buster, but I'd be a bit wary of them on a 125. You can rest your hand on the throttle and use the grip of your gloves to keep it in place. On a bigger bike you need to use less throttle to maintain speed, and don't need to be so aggressive.
In terms of top boxes, they are usually either designed for 3kg (monolock) or 10kg (monokey) loads, but can usually take more. They will move the weight off the front of the bike, which may make it feel a bit skittish on a lighter bike. No need to put any ballast in them.
The ballast was just there to simulate a load, so no worries there.
As for monolock vs monokey, I'm not sure which kind I have. The box is completely unbranded. I'll probably end up carrying a pair of boots, some coveralls and some paperwork, adding up to about 5-6kg. The box clips into its holder with two wide, plastic tabs at the back and one metal latched hook. Do you reckon that'll be safe?
yeah it should be, I have a monolock, which is only supposed to carry 3kg, but I have a 42l box and put way more in there.
It probably depends how sturdy the support frame is
You may also just be feeling the wind blowing you around a bit too
Could be. Could also be the completely irrational worry that the thing has fallen off. From the looks of things, I seem to have something similar to a monolock, so I should be fine. Thanks!
I know the feeling, use your mirrors or elbows to check it's still there ;)
I had a Givi E52 Maxi monolock for years and had loaded it up massively. One day on a sunny Saturday afternoon doing 30mph on a B road around Chilterns escarpment, in it not more than a book and a couple of apples, it decided to get loose and passed me on the right.
It takes a lot of abuse until you get to that point. :)
A heads up, the topboxes fz6greg were referring to were Givi topboxes.
There are other brands, and they don't follow the same system.
After searching for both, I think I have something similar to a monolock. It could be that it is Givi and the sticker had fallen off, but there doesn't appear to be any markings elsewhere.
Either way, thanks.
The givi system is most common, and a lot of other brands use it too. You can normally swap the base plate if you want to switch to a different system.