Q:The parking garage at my work has a steep decline that terminates at a control arm. After the rain, it gets EXTREMELY slick and oily. Unfortunately, on account of the momentum the slope generates, it‘s very difficult to only lightly apply the brakes because you‘ll crash right into the control arm. Any tips for safely slowing down a motorcycle on a slick slope?

LOL do you work in my building? My building is like that as well and I hated it. eventually I just found another nearby lot for parking lot to park in because i wasnt too comfortable in mine. If you dont have that option then the two Dans above me pretty much said it. I just ride my brakes and coast as slow as I can until I reach the bottom. Avoid the middle of the driveway as mentioned, ride where the car tires usually will make contact with the ground. Some one had suggested staying in gear but that really wont matter because youll need to ride slower than idle speed anyways and I rather just be in neutral so I have no chance of having a panic moment and dropping the clutch and stalling on the slope. From personal experience I really have no tips other than riding as slow as you can and staying off the middle of the driveway. Its just really one of those non bike friendly situations that you need to just avoid or deal with it. Heres a funny story I dont mind sharing, I left work late one day after the gate at the bottom of the slope shut, and because I was avoiding the oil spots on the drivway I missed the god damn trigger to open the gate and beleive it or not i got stuck at the bottom of the driveway which was still way to steep for me to just push myself up to trigger the sensor lol. Thankfully I had the number to the security guard and had him come open the gate so I could leave. So keep that in mind as youre riding down the driveway.

Q:Question is straight forward, but if you want a reference on which to base your answer, I‘ll explain. If not, answer away :)As in: To handle. To get up to speed. Clutch control. And other ways,

It's a straightforward question, but the answer is anything but. For the most part, a smaller motorcycle is much easier to ride at slower speeds and shorter distances. It's a weight thing and it's much easier to balance a lighter bike at slower speeds. Everything at slower speeds is easier on a lighter bike: starting, clutch control, slow speed maneuvering, high speed maneuvering, braking, turning, stopping, everything. Off roading is much easier on a light bike. One thing bigger heavier bikes do well that smaller lighter bikes can have trouble with, it handle heavy winds and just cruise for hours on end on the open roads. Bigger heavier bikes have big heavy engines and run into headwinds much easier than light bikes. They generally handle side winds better too, though the shape of the bike makes a difference there too. Bigger heavier bikes tend to be smoother and quieter too, especially at speed.

Q:today i went on craigslist on a saw this used 2008 Honda Varadero XL1000VAmotorcycle for a pretty cheap price for a its condition. i ended up buying it bc it looked so cool.However, as i took errands and drove it back home the engine was sort of quivering a bit and the and the tires and brakes looked like they have never been replaced. My question is whether this bike is suitable for daily commute for me in florida key west. i might plan on taking it to school Florida key west community college.

It seems like a reliable bike. But, seeing as how you live in Jacksonville and plan to attend Florida Keys Community College in Key West, FL, you are looking at a 500 mile commute. Driving a motorcycle that far everyday would be far too tiring. I'd stick with your Nissan for that long of a drive.

Q:is there a way to touch/feel/see if disk brakes are worn out?thanks all!

If there are grooves in them, too thin, warped an/or wobbly and shaking when you brake, squealing excessively, or discolored, then they need replacing.

Q:whenever i pull the lever for the front brake. It really doesn't do anything. It does work a little but not effective at all. The lever feels tight and stiff. What do I need to fix? I was thinking to change out the pads, will that do the trick? Do i need to bleed the brakes as it feels a bit tight? any input would be appreciated. it's a 1997 suzuki intruder 800.

If you are not confident to fix it, get a professional It might be that you can lubricate the lever pivot, or the pistons on the pad or the handle, if they are stiff or corroded. Or disassemble them and clean them and polish them with fine sandpaper if required and reassemble them with some lubricant. Don't get grease on the pads (though it will burn off quite quickly). You bleed hydraulic lines if they have air in them - that makes the brakes squishy, not stiff. Changing the pads (the braking surface) would not help, though if the back is corroded and sticking it may help. I forget how the pads are assembled; it's been a while since I changed mine.

Q:I know there two brakes. Front and Back.How do you break from 50mph on 5th gear.Please tell me step by step and how to brake and shift the gear when slowing down. which do you use most front or back and do you have to use both.

Start riding on a dirtbike so ya aren't kild in traffic

Q:would spraying it with silocone lube help to unfreeze it?

Do you mean they are binding on the rear disc or is the piston(s) seized in the caliper? If you are suffering from jammed pistons then, having disassembled the caliper, some lube on the outer walls of the piston(s) will help prevent the problem occurring soon – make sure the lube you use will not affect rubber seals – some silicone sprays will. Replace the seals and the bleed nipple. Otherwise avoid any lubrication in the brake assembly (except some copper grease on the reverse of the pads to prevent squealing). Silicone especially is a nightmare to completely remove if you get it on the disc – and will contaminate the pads. Use brake and clutch cleaner it will evaporate and leave no residue.

Q:I do not have a suzuki dealer near me, just a yamaha, and some general auto stores. Anyone know what oil I can use in the trans case? Keep in mind it is a 2 stroke. And don‘t tell me to use automotive oil because im not retarded.

A production facility RM 250 from 2002 became into approximately 51hp, that would probable be as low as 40 -42hp on a enjoyed ones launch motorcycle. I doubt your motorcycle has c/f grasp, production facility pipe, crank, rod and all the little go rapid mods accessible to communities from the Suzi production facility. In my adventure (been using 2strokes for over 25yrs) your motorcycle might have not to any extent further than 38hp, no remember how rapid you think of it truly is. Its 6yrs previous atleast and wouldnt be working everywhere close to as tight because it became into whilst it became into new. 2002 RM 250's have been sick by potential of ways, I enjoyed the suspension on the motorcycles 2001-2003.

Q:okay.... soo u know how riding a dirtbike if u brake with the front one... u eat mad ****. now if ur on a motorcycle... in traffic which would u recommend braking with the front or the rear... this is a huge fear of mine... to ride in traffic and having to brake fast.... the eating **** with a 600 pound bike... any recommondatons

You HAVE to use the front brake for motorcycles it is at least 70% of the stopping power. (ie if you had to choose between front and rear choose front or you will be choosing to crash in to something). Remember there is NO WAY you will flip forward also practice braking with the front brake while not in an emergency mode eventually you will see how nice it works.