Curing Ophidiophobia

[RaYzerman19]

A Z6 front tire should/might cure your anxiety......... PR2 front tread is way too symmetrical. But, one must be vigilant and as above, loosen the death grip on the bars and ride on!

 

[HaulinAshe]

ophidiophobia

Part of Speech: n

Definition: a fear of snakes; also called ophiophobia

Etymology: Greek ophidion 'small snake'

 

[user 213]

alternately? write your representatives.
use phrases like "platicised crack sealant" and "inappropriate use" and "applications that violate manufacturer's published guidelines".

FHWA spent quite some time distributing advisory information to ALL state DOTs that spelled out how and when plasticised crack sealant was appropriate for repairing roads. This was back in the 90's and states should be held liable for creating unsafe driving conditions.

As an example of the documents I saw (and the faxed confirmation of reciepts) it spelled out limiting its use on cracks that run parallel to the direction of travel, not overspraying (iirc no more than 2" past the edges of the crack), and not more than x% of any one area (large area repairs using PCS were flat out inappropriate according to the manufacturer).

States that continue to mis-use PCS are doing so with the assumption that the cost in legal bills will be outweighed by the savings seen over proper repairs.

Funny thing, in Canada they put sand over the tar snakes as they put them down. Sort of adds to the cost and time of the process, but their tar snakes aren't slippery/greasy. IOW, it's simple and it works.

FWIW, running the car tire on the back also works. Doesn't help the front, but the back does NOT step out unless you're in a pool of tar.

 

[RadioHowie]

the back does NOT step out unless you're in a pool of tar.

A Gen II that ignored Eric's advice: :rofl:

 

[Silver Penguin]

Try some off-roading (on a suitable bike) and learn to tolerate, if not even enjoy that slip-sliding feeling. It certainly reduces the pucker factor when your street bike gets a bit wobbly.

The MSF holds beginner dirt bike classes with bikes and all gear supplied, for a pretty reasonable cost.

 

[FiveG]

So let me broaden the inquiry (given the crappy New England roads I was on this weekend): any suggestions on suspension setups, suspension upgrades, etc. to help the FJR handle roads with lots of ruts, deep tire groves, and pretty much crappy pavement? Not going off-road (at least intentionally), but certainly a lot of the secondaries need some TLC once you get north of the CT border (and even in CT, come to think of it).

(Or is this an excuse to get the Wee-Strom second bike?

 

[madmike2]

If your OEM suspension parts are nearing the end of their life cycle, any suspension upgrades are going to make your bike handle/feel like a different machine.

None of that will help when you temporarily lose traction.

When riding in areas where "tar snakes" are used (and that means ALL of the smaller twisty Sierra highways) I simply slow down 5 mph or so. That's the easiest and cheapest method. Even then I know the front may "step out" a bit . Of course, I'm known for riding at a grandfatherly pace to begin with.

 

[SDMac]

When we were kids we used to pull them up on a hot day, see who could get the biggest tar ball. Seeing as I've been off the job for 50 some years you'll just have to slow up a bit.

Thanks Kids...

The last loose snake put my nose about two inches further North than it belonged quite instantly at about 95mph and 30+ degrees... UGH... Dinna go DOWN but SURE *******' FELT LIKE I was GONNA!!!

Nice Sized Chunk of my new Boot's Toe missing now!!!

Scott

 

[kolonial72]

Just remember to ride through it, and most importantly, enjoy the ride! (Little excitement never hurt anybody.)