|
|
Post by wobbly on Aug 22, 2009 18:58:13 GMT
Hi all, had the divi for a while and the only real issue for me is the weight of it! I'm really struggling to turn it round on the drive every time I use it.
I know I can't do much about the engine or frame (made from scaffold poles?) but I was wondering how much I could save by ditching the fairing, air control, and all brackets. I could then fit a mini speedo and lightweight headlamp.
I was also wondering if there is a 4-1 collector box that I could fit my Art can onto.
Any other ideas on how to reduce the horrendous 265Kg would be welcome.
|
|
|
|
Post by CD on Aug 24, 2009 9:18:02 GMT
You might knock 20kg off by dumping the bits & bobs, but none of that stuff is especially heavy. YOu could spend the cash on a centre stand turntable so the bike can be parked and then spun around.
My only real moan about the Divvie is its weight but for what it costs. I'm not moaning.
|
|
|
|
Post by beeblemaster on Aug 24, 2009 11:32:01 GMT
Perhaps you'd be better off with a substantially lighter bike... like a 600, Fazer 600 or a TDM ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Flymo on Aug 24, 2009 11:53:19 GMT
You still trying to flog one of your bikes to some sucker fine club member, Beebs ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by billywhizz on Aug 24, 2009 14:01:06 GMT
one of them bike park thinghies, park the bike up and push it around. can't remember what they are actually called, was a link to it on the old site, ( I Think!) OR widen the drive  always come home on an empty tank  |
|
|
|
Post by humey53 on Aug 24, 2009 18:51:05 GMT
FWIW I also have a problem with the weight. BUT, as time goes by you get used to it.
I have to bring mine out of the garage & drive in reverse. It has been known for SWMBO to push me out (nearly typed "give me manual assistance" but there's some people on here who'd take it the wrong way).
Persevere, they're a great bike
|
|
|
|
Post by m40man on Aug 24, 2009 19:44:34 GMT
.... there's some people on here who'd take it the wrong way..... ..... must resist ..... . |
|
|
|
Post by Flymo on Aug 24, 2009 19:52:23 GMT
.... there's some people on here who'd take it the wrong way..... ..... must resist ..... . Oooer missus... The urge for manual assistance feeling strong today then Martin ;D |
|
|
|
Post by teejayexc on Aug 24, 2009 20:29:10 GMT
.... there's some people on here who'd take it the wrong way..... ..... must resist ..... . Unusual for you to resist ...thought your back door was always open?  |
|
|
|
Post by Flymo on Aug 24, 2009 20:44:29 GMT
..... must resist ..... . Unusual for you to resist ...thought your back door was always open? There you go Martin... an offer not to be missed  |
|
|
|
Post by Pool Boy on Aug 24, 2009 21:15:39 GMT
Stop it you two !! (I don't know.... the minds some people have !) Weight saving - get off the bike  Seriously - you WILL get used to it. When you have the time, try manouvering the bike whilst stood alongside it (if you don't do that already) - stand on the right and leave the sidestand down, that way if it starts to fall away from you the stand will catch it, and if it starts to fall towards you, you will catch it. Take your time and remember it's not about speed but control. Keep it slow and under control and with practice you'll get more confident at it. (I can move the FJR now - as long as the ground's flat !) Roger |
|
|
|
Post by CD on Aug 25, 2009 8:29:08 GMT
I always park with the side stand down even when using the centre stand. It well worth doing on any bike. Even 170kg of sports bike will be well heavy when it goes over too far and more than enough to hurt yourself if you try to catch it. The D9 is of course much heavier but you'll soon get used to it.
Once its on the move, the weight isnt an issue. Some folks say D9s fall into bends, but if you accelerate through bends the bike picks itself up. I only notice the effect (which is mild anyway) when stuck behind Mr Micra Slow and that's never for very long. ;-)
|
|
|
|
Post by 5watt on Aug 25, 2009 8:55:48 GMT
I only notice the effect (which is mild anyway) when stuck behind Mr Micra Slow and that's never for very long. I had a 1.3 Micra. I was Mr Micra Fast. ;D Unfortunately because of it's short wheelbase I was occasionally Mr Micra Scared Sihtless. |
|
|
|
Post by CD on Aug 25, 2009 11:00:48 GMT
I've got a Fiat Seicento 900 with all of 40bhp - not fast but driven right it can nip along> The biggest hold up is slow drivers who doddle around bends then go just that bit too quick for me to get by. If I'm in front of one of those folks I never see them again but I can't get past them.
Short wheelbase, small wheels, "budget" suspension = interesting handling if you hit the brakes and it's not going dead straight. Not moaning though its was cheap and it does the job.
My mum has a Fiat Panda 1200-60 automatic. That is a cool car its like a mini selespeed. Boot it and it does racing gearchanges. :-) Change down at quite high revs and it blips the throttle! Knowing my mum I'll bet she already does that sort of stuff with it.
It still gets at least 50mpg and it handles ok. The "Sei" is crude and fairly basic but Fiat hit the spot with the Panda.
|
|
|
|
Post by wobbly on Aug 29, 2009 23:04:55 GMT
Mmmm...
Thanks for all the interesting input....
Yes, a lighter bike is easier. Already have a fazer 600.
I do know how to push a bike around. I teach people this for the new mod1 test.
My driveway is rough finish concrete with a thin layer of pea gravel on top
so the spinaround thingy probably won't work, shame, that would be easy.
I do like the divi when its moving, its just so blooming heavy.
Anyway I've decided the fairing and bits are coming off, plus the main stand. That
been welded up and will hang in the garage until needed. If as suggested a saving of about 20Kg can be a achieved that should just about do the job.
How many middleweight bikes with shaft drive nowadays?
I can only think of two...The Honda Dullvile, and the 750 guzzis.
After 36years riding I'm fed up with c&s agro/muck/cleaning/replacing.
I'm waffling.......sorry........BOING.
Richard.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sean on Aug 30, 2009 9:31:20 GMT
Not being funny here but I don't think you will notice any weight difference when you take the fairing off but it will seriously alter the handeling and ride experience of the bike for sure - pretty certain it will be for the negative in my opinion - but that all depends on your riding style of course
Sems to me the bulk of the dead weight of the bike is in the engine block...
I sure would be interested to here how you get on after it's done...
|
|
|
|
Post by CD on Sept 1, 2009 9:03:37 GMT
I agree the plastic and underframe is not especially heavy, but the frame engine and transmission most definitely are.
I welded some strong brackets to the frame top tubes under the back ends of the fairing. These take a pair of crash bungs so if the bike does topple there's no damage. The fairing even has convenient mounting dimples. :-) However the underframe brackets are weak so you cant avoid the metalwork. I also have engine protector bars and I'm looking to fit some hand lever shields.
If you want to be really fussy, the exhaust cans can be protected with alloy covers.
Do I often drop my bike? No, but its mega bucks if I do so I took out some insurance.
For a turntable on the driveway, could you perhaps put in a concrete slab at a convenient point.
|
|
