ZX12R to 1200GSA Rookie - Questions.

[SR71]

Mornin'

I recently traded the big bore 12R for a '09 1200GSA with about 10K miles on the clock. Trying to ride 130 miles/day on a 210hp Kwaka which only does 110 miles on a tank got old.

I'm getting used to the BM.

A few questions for the gurus though:

1) Brakes. Being used to some serious brakes on the old ride, I'm still getting used to the effort required to generate the required stopping power on the BM. My opinion, thus far, is that to get the stopping power I'd like, I'm having to apply more effort than I'm used to. Fair enough. However, when braking, as the speed bleeds off, I increasingly get the sensation that the ABS is working even when it shouldn't be. The sensation is almost like the discs are warped but, contra-intuitively, you only notice at low speeds. The discs obviously can't be warped (surely, if this were the case, the vibration would reduce as the speed bled off?), but I wonder if there is something up with the ABS? Its only a very slight jerkiness, but nevertheless noticeable. Is it normal?

2) The controls on the bike are not illuminated in the dark. Is that right? Obviously one gets to appreciate where they all are after some time on the bike, but I wondered if this was correct? You can just about pick up some outlines from the green illumination which the fog light ON switch throws out but....

3) I know the headlight is adjustable, and I have yet to fiddle with it, but, I'm not 100% happy with the way the high beam pattern illuminates the road. I feel its angled "up" slightly too much. I wondered if people upgrade their headlights? Maybe I should just slow down.



4) Is there a good waterproof casing/holder for an iphone to be hooked up somewhere visible from the cockpit? I'm often on the bike whilst I'm on standby and I need to know when the company are trying to track me down.

Much obliged for the help and looking forward to racking up some good miles on a super comfortable bike.

[WoodButcher]

1. Brakes. I read that sometimes your brakes can get a build up of brake pad material in spots and it sounds like what you are describing. Basically after some hard braking the pads heat up and if you keep the brakes on firmly in one spot then a thin layer of pad material gets deposited on the disc. It makes for a sensation similar to a warped rotor, but not as bad. The way to clean it off is fine grit sandpaper on the disc, used lightly. I believe I read about this on the ADVrider website so you may want to check there for more info.

2. Yep, you are correct.

3. There is a toggle on the headlight that lets you do a quick adjust up and done. It is a lever that you can just reach from the left hand side of the bike reaching in towards the headlight. The owners manual shows it, if I remember correctly. I got headlights flashed at me from on coming traffic when I bought my 09 and flipped that down. Recently flipped it back to the high position because it seemed just a little too low. There are adjustment screws for fine adjustment. The lever is to compensate for when you have a load. I'll have to adjust using the adjustment screws now to get it right, but that lever might be in the high position on your bike and the lower might be the ticket to fix your problem.

Hope that helps.

[SR71]

Thanks Woody.

I rode a friends 1200GS today and his brakes do not manifest the same tendency. I'll head back to the shop and get them to check it out.

Regards the lights I've gone for a HID conversion to try and solve the problem although I'll have a fiddle with the adjuster. I want to "see and be seen."

Need to tell the insurance company though.

[Ken]

Hi, to solve the headlight brightness issue. I run Phillips Xtreme Vision 55w globes. They are heaps more brighter and have lasted much longer.

Cheers

Aussie Ken