Noob looking for guidance....

Hyp Noob · Apr 13, 2017

I've just bought a used '13 HS. Only test rode it for an hour on some good roads and 10 min on Freeway. Very impressed ... save that jerky clutch. Suspension has been re-valved at both ends ... it's quite good and now adjustable.

I'm new to the HS, but not to riding. Owned about 50 and tested bikes for City Bike magazine for 20 years.

I'm wondering what are the best threads here and best members to learn key important things about this bike?? I'm not a HP junkie but DO love a good handling bike.

Hope to do some 1 to 4 day tours on this thing ... possible?

I found the HS very stable but does not turn in quickly (I'm used to DR650). But I think I just need to learn this new to me bike, maybe change tires, raise fork tubes up in Triples, Raise rear preload?

Brakes are fantastic, love the power ... and I already figured out the grabby clutch (NOT ideal!

).

I've read the thread about ongoing solutions to this. Good on you guys for pursuing this ... I will be following along will try the few simple things put forward to help with engagement. (oil, adjustment)

Suspension is quite PLUSH ... a pleasure after the FJ-09 I just sold. Hated it.
The Duc motor kicks butt. So light. Has nice Termi pipe, not too loud.

So any links to good Noob threads for knowledge, please post them up. I'm here to learn.

Thanks in Advance!
Patrick
San Fran Bay Area

RSL · Apr 14, 2017

Put on a couple thousand miles and decide about the seat. I chose to change to the race seat to allow fore aft movement.

Ride Skaggs Springs and Kings Range a few times and see if you think the suspension needs to be upgraded.

Get rid of the dumb gas vapor canister.

The tire selection decides the turn-in feel. Switching the the Pirelli Diablo Rosso III will change your mind and bring a smile to your face.

dragoontwo · Apr 14, 2017

Are the fork tubes not in the stock position?

appliance821 · Apr 14, 2017

It's agile for a midsized street bike, but it weighs maybe 100lbs more than the DR. That might be what you're feeling.

The clutch shouldn't be too bad. This might be voodoo, but I think it helps to center the threaded lever adjustment , do a global adjustment at the second adjuster (on the right beneath the small black plastic panel) ad fine tune at the lever.

Also - if the chain isn't properly adjusted , there will be a lot of driveline snatch.

Do you know which aftermarket suspension was added. Could be good feedback for the forum. Plush is not an adjective used for the standard set up.

Just had my first proper ride of the season here in friendly sunny New England - I love this machine. Hope you do too.

Hyp Noob · Apr 14, 2017

Thanks for the feedback!
If the 427 lbs. Wet figure is correct for HS, then DR650 is "only" 60 lbs. lighter weight than the HS.

Probably the biggest factor for light feel of the DR is it's 21" front wheel and Dual Sport Geometry.

Thanks much for the adjustment tips on clutch and chain ... will try them ALL!

I'm not sure at this point who did suspension but sales guy thinks either Catalyst Reaction (San Carlos, CA) Catalyst Reaction | for the love of two wheels

... or Super Plush Suspension (San Francisco, CA)
https://superplushsuspension.com

I hope to pick up the bike either late today or tomorrow. They had a problem with the rear brake ... needed bleeding they said. Said this is common issue when the bike HS sits ... anybody heard anything about this? Anyway, they are going over the bike in detail. Good news is it's just had THE Major Service.
So saved about ...??? $800 to $1000 there???

I would like to extend the seat room a bit more to the rear too. Just need another inch of two. Seat foam and density seem very good, just need an inch or two more to move round a bit.
Thanks!

Hyp Noob · Apr 14, 2017

dragoontwo said:
Are the fork tubes not in the stock position?

I believe they are ... I will check and confirm. Mine have adjusters on top of them. I may raise up tubes to quicken steering. Done this on several bikes with reasonable success.

Hyp Noob · Apr 14, 2017

RSL said:
Put on a couple thousand miles and decide about the seat. I chose to change to the race seat to allow fore aft movement.

Ride Skaggs Springs and Kings Range a few times and see if you think the suspension needs to be upgraded.

Get rid of the dumb gas vapor canister.

The tire selection decides the turn-in feel. Switching the the Pirelli Diablo Rosso III will change your mind and bring a smile to your face.

Thanks for the tips RSL.
How's a Texas guy know about "MY" roads!

We have those ... and a LOT more next time you come out. Let me know, I'll draw up a route for you.
But your point is WELL TAKEN ... I know I need time on the new (to me) bike before making any changes. After a month or so hopefully I will adapt to some things and come to LIKE others. By then I should have a clue about what it might need.

Initially I loved the bike ... always a good sign. Hope it will just get better.
I'm totally open on subject of tires. I prefer soft, compliant tires like some
Avon's I've used, the Rosso lll's sound very good too!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll keep reading the forum!
Patrick

appliance821 · Apr 14, 2017

Hyp Noob said:
Thanks for the feedback!
If the 427 lbs. Wet figure is correct for HS, then DR650 is "only" 60 lbs. lighter weight than the HS.

Probably the biggest factor for light feel of the DR is it's 21" front wheel and Dual Sport Geometry.

Thanks much for the adjustment tips on clutch and chain ... will try them ALL!

I'm not sure at this point who did suspension but sales guy thinks either Catalyst Reaction (San Carlos, CA) Catalyst Reaction | for the love of two wheels

... or Super Plush Suspension (San Francisco, CA)
https://superplushsuspension.com

I hope to pick up the bike either late today or tomorrow. They had a problem with the rear brake ... needed bleeding they said. Said this is common issue when the bike HS sits ... anybody heard anything about this? Anyway, they are going over the bike in detail. Good news is it's just had THE Major Service.
So saved about ...??? $800 to $1000 there???

I would like to extend the seat room a bit more to the rear too. Just need another inch of two. Seat foam and density seem very good, just need an inch or two more to move round a bit.
Thanks!

I think 427 is optimistic. One thing on seating - you might want to go up, rather than back. The front end's a little light, and it's designed to have you up on the tank. YMMV

Just had my major service - so yeah, you saved some scratch

kuksul08 · Apr 14, 2017

Try Motul 7100 10w40 oil. Really helped in my bike for the clutch.

The hyper takes a lot of commitment to turn well. Because it's so tall and you're seated up high, you need to transfer your weight a lot to get lean angle. It doesn't turn as quick as some but is still very nimble.

Get the recalls done if they haven't been done yet - CAN Protection Cable, and Throttle Control Unit.

I'm also in the bay area - where abouts are you? I'm in the south bay. There are a number of other local riders on this forum. It would be fun to one day get a hyper group ride together.

Enjoy the bike, and welcome to the forum. This bike is super fun. It's somewhat narrowly focused in my opinion, but still a great bike all around.

Hyp Noob · Apr 14, 2017

appliance821 said:
I think 427 is optimistic. One thing on seating - you might want to go up, rather than back. The front end's a little light, and it's designed to have you up on the tank. YMMV

Just had my major service - so yeah, you saved some scratch

I wish I could go up ... but I'm only 5'6" with 29" inseam ... so as of now, on the balls of my feet. Can't go much higher without Frankenstein boots! :roll eyes:

gatdammit · Apr 14, 2017

Noob (are you planning on changing that after a few posts?)

I'd say you got a gem with the upgraded suspension. When new, I was punch drunk with the motor. My native roads (north FL) were all very nice and new, so didn't focus too much on suspension woes.

Still, motard mindset, you can wrestle this bike through slow stuff like a dirty bike. Turn that traction control off, watch the Nicky Hayden promo video, and become a total hooligan.

As Kuksul states, it does have a lot of geometry to spare with body weight. My PR3's are scrubbed to the bitter end and I've never drug a metal part (just boot tips). I've never been compromised in a turn on this bike like I was on my sport bikes back in the day. If I start fading to the outside of a turn because of excessive speed, less throttle and more lean has always got me back on line. It prefers you up on the hilt like riding a horse. It's crazy different if you rode crotch rockets growing up and I love it!

Throttle and clutch embody "Hyper". That 1st gear clutch release can make you look straight stoopid when learning, especially if power mode is set to "HIGH". But the slipper when banging back down through the gears is fantastic. Oh, study the DTC/ ABS modes, if you haven't already. Lots of wisdom on here regarding those, as well.

You're bike is set. Pipe and adjustable fronts is 2 of the top check-off on the basic list. It took about 9K miles for me, but if that motor starts to bore you, look into MWR power-up kit and Rapid Bike or Rexxer tunes. Those also help in smoothing the power delivery out, which you've already noted as being on your list. Not much on this forum about full system exhausts, but I didn't see the Akra adding much for the price.

Brakes are amazing but suffer some stock maladies. Definitely read the brake threads if you haven't already. Short version - oil the bobbins on the floating rotors; install EBC HH pads.

The note above about drive-line snatch and chain play is very real. About 1.5" is the sweet spot for play. If it's on the center stand and the chain can contact the upper guide when applying pressure, take some slack out. Similarly, get a good idea of what "2 mm" is and use that as a reference for clutch play. If neutral starts to become a pain in the ***, start with the clutch play.

Enjoy. It's discontinued, so I hope we all meet at a Duc collectors ball in 30 years.

zibbit u2 · Apr 14, 2017

Besides the high cost of replacement parts, I'm hoping to keep mine until I can put collector plates on it

RSL · Apr 14, 2017

I used to pick up City Bike when in SFO, and enjoyed reading it.

As for roads in the neighborhood I've collected a few myself:

Here are 5 recent ride tracks:

Hyp Noob · Apr 15, 2017

gatdammit said:
Noob (are you planning on changing that after a few posts?)

I'd say you got a gem with the upgraded suspension. When new, I was punch drunk with the motor. My native roads (north FL) were all very nice and new, so didn't focus too much on suspension woes.

Still, motard mindset, you can wrestle this bike through slow stuff like a dirty bike. Turn that traction control off, watch the Nicky Hayden promo video, and become a total hooligan.

As Kuksul states, it does have a lot of geometry to spare with body weight. My PR3's are scrubbed to the bitter end and I've never drug a metal part (just boot tips). I've never been compromised in a turn on this bike like I was on my sport bikes back in the day. If I start fading to the outside of a turn because of excessive speed, less throttle and more lean has always got me back on line. It prefers you up on the hilt like riding a horse. It's crazy different if you rode crotch rockets growing up and I love it!

Throttle and clutch embody "Hyper". That 1st gear clutch release can make you look straight stoopid when learning, especially if power mode is set to "HIGH". But the slipper when banging back down through the gears is fantastic. Oh, study the DTC/ ABS modes, if you haven't already. Lots of wisdom on here regarding those, as well.

You're bike is set. Pipe and adjustable fronts is 2 of the top check-off on the basic list. It took about 9K miles for me, but if that motor starts to bore you, look into MWR power-up kit and Rapid Bike or Rexxer tunes. Those also help in smoothing the power delivery out, which you've already noted as being on your list. Not much on this forum about full system exhausts, but I didn't see the Akra adding much for the price.

Brakes are amazing but suffer some stock maladies. Definitely read the brake threads if you haven't already. Short version - oil the bobbins on the floating rotors; install EBC HH pads.

The note above about drive-line snatch and chain play is very real. About 1.5" is the sweet spot for play. If it's on the center stand and the chain can contact the upper guide when applying pressure, take some slack out. Similarly, get a good idea of what "2 mm" is and use that as a reference for clutch play. If neutral starts to become a pain in the ***, start with the clutch play.

Enjoy. It's discontinued, so I hope we all meet at a Duc collectors ball in 30 years.

Thanks SO MUCH for all the wisdom! I have some reading and studying to do ... hopefully will catch up in a month or so ... and get some learning rides in too!

Will read ALL the threads you mention. THANKS!!!

I've been off sport bikes for years. Latest bikes were Triumph Tiger 1050,
2 Vstroms. Had a string of Ninjas throughout 80's/ 90's. CBR's, GSXR's too.

I tested all the BMW GS's (through City Bike magazine) from R100GS up to R1200GS. This got me more into ADV travel bikes ... when I realized my my $4000 DR650 was FAR better than the $20K BMW GS at this duty ... especially off road.

60K on this, my 3rd DR650. Loved the BMW's on highway and great of rough twisty back roads too. But HEAVY ... and EXPENSIVE. The DR650 is cheap, tough and expendable. :roll eyes:

Cheers,
Patrick

Hyp Noob · Apr 15, 2017

RSL said:
I used to pick up City Bike when in SFO, and enjoyed reading it.

As for roads in the neighborhood I've collected a few myself:

Indeed! Good to see you've been exploring our roads. I can't really read your maps ... but did you ever ride the little road ... I think it's called Indian Creek? ... goes from Happy Camp up into Oregon. Fun little twisty bugger.

Some others in that area too, not well known. We do a ride up there every year. One coming up in June. Big group, old man hooligans ... infamous Sunday Morning Ride and East Bay MotoBro reprobates.

Most ride KTM 1290's or similar. No, not a commercial for Aerostich!

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Hyp Noob · Apr 15, 2017

kuksul08 said:
Try Motul 7100 10w40 oil. Really helped in my bike for the clutch.

The hyper takes a lot of commitment to turn well. Because it's so tall and you're seated up high, you need to transfer your weight a lot to get lean angle. It doesn't turn as quick as some but is still very nimble.

Get the recalls done if they haven't been done yet - CAN Protection Cable, and Throttle Control Unit.

I'm also in the bay area - where abouts are you? I'm in the south bay. There are a number of other local riders on this forum. It would be fun to one day get a hyper group ride together.

Enjoy the bike, and welcome to the forum. This bike is super fun. It's somewhat narrowly focused in my opinion, but still a great bike all around.

Thanks for the welcome! I'm in San Rafael.

Would love to get together for a Bay Area HyperStrada ride!
Thanks for the info on recalls. If my dealer (Marin Speed Shop ... formerly Hattar) have missed this, I'll be very disappointed ... will let everyone know outcome and updates as they happen.

Rear brake update:
They bled the rear brake ... but are NOT happy with it's performance. So, I get a WHOLE NEW master cylinder ... Gratis. The rear brake works but is weaker than it should be. Part will be in Thursday. I get a loaner while they do the work.

RSL · Apr 15, 2017

Hyp Noob said:
Indeed! Good to see you've been exploring our roads. I can't really read your maps ... but did you ever ride the little road ... I think it's called Indian Creek? ... goes from Happy Camp up into Oregon. Fun little twisty bugger.

No way do SFO riders make it up to Happy Camp. Why 96, the fast sweeper highway from gas in Willow Creek to Yreka, then up and over into Oregon the fun way on the narrow Forest Service roads from Happy Camp?

How about Sawyers Bar, Salmon River and Somes Bar? The endless narrow twisty backroad heading west to east, then the track quality blast uphill to Hwy 3?

Or south of 299 on Titlow Hill down to Mad River? My favorite traffic avoidance route.

Oh, and what about my favorite alternative to Gazelle Callahan, that being up and over on 3 then Stewart's Springs over the mountain again, with the stunning views of Shasta coming east?

So many roads, so little traffic, my kind of favorite riding.

RSL · Apr 15, 2017

Hyp Noob said:
No, not a commercial for Aerostich!

My first thought was that ANDY Goldfine was your ride sponsor.

In 2013 there were forest fires in the area. Made for cool views from almost the same spot you took your group photo.

RSL · Apr 15, 2017

My issue with the Strada was the suspension, nothing else. Heck, I've never even ridden in Sport mode, nor high engine output.

I find the brakes, fueling, race seat, and everything just fine.

Now with Mupo front and back, I expect my 2017 Spring Northern California ride to be a hoot. Much better bad road surface absorption and tire contact.

What will be interesting will be how the TKC70 tires perform on the 7 long days of backroads.

Thinking about trying high engine output setting too.

Hyp Noob · Apr 20, 2017

RSL said:
No way do SFO riders make it up to Happy Camp. Why 96, the fast sweeper highway from gas in Willow Creek to Yreka, then up and over into Oregon the fun way on the narrow Forest Service roads from Happy Camp?

Sure we do. Been riding that area decades. That little road used to be called Indian Creek, but now shows it as Grayback rd. Wonderful little road!

RSL said:
How about Sawyers Bar, Salmon River and Somes Bar? The endless narrow twisty backroad heading west to east, then the track quality blast uphill to Hwy 3?

ALL great roads! We sometime stay in Callahan or Willow Creek. Common routes for us, all great and the best in Trinity Alps area.

Vstrom group ride I led back in 2003. Here we are at the Somes bar turn off along highway 96. We rode the whole area for 3 days. Started riding this area in the 80's with San Francisco North Stars. Chuck Wood was route Guru ... mapped out most of the great routes around NorCal, over 20 years back. We still ride Chuck's rides today.

Noob looking for guidance....

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