TechTOC with Foreman Oh Archives

TechTOC with “Foreman” Oh: Throttle Free-Play

The throttle grip should have some free-play before the initial reaction.
Failure to adjust the throttle’s free-play could result in dire consequences.
Here “Foreman” Oh answers about throttle free-play.

In this fifth instalment of TechTOC, “Foreman” Oh Kah Beng (KB) answers the question about throttle free-play and initial action.

Please keep sending in your questions and KB will answer them. You may enquire anything about motorcycles. The best question wins a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym (MFG) worth RM300.

QUESTION:

I need to twist my throttle a lot before there is any reaction, why is this so and is there any way I can fix it?

– Wan MT-09, Alor Setar, Kedah

ANSWER:

It’s quite normal to have some free-play on the throttle twist grip to compensate for throttle cable stretching. The free-play eases multiple steering manoeuvres at walking speeds, such as to move bike in tight parking spots or tight turns.

However, there is a tolerance for the amount of free-play . The general tolerance , for non-ride-by-wire bikes, is 3 to 5 MM of outer cable movement with the steering pointing straight and there should be still some tiny free play when handle bar is steered to maximum anti-clockwise (left) as this when cable is most stretched. If it’s too tight the bike will accelerate unexpectedly and cause panicky situations, as turning to one side will pull the on the cable. Chances are you could end up dropping the bike.

The method of adjusting the throttle free-play is quite universal for all bikes albeit with some specific variations, so refer to your Owner’s Manual.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

Please visit the TOC Automotive College Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

Please click on the links below for the previous editions of TechTOC with Foreman Oh.

Engine operating temperature https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/techtoc-technical-answers-foreman-oh-kah-beng/

Motorcycle suspension https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/techtoc-foreman-oh-answers-suspension/

Squealing disc brakes https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/techtoc-foreman-oh-squealing-disc-brakes/

When to replace tyres https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/techtoc-foreman-oh-replace-tyre/

TechTOC with “Foreman” Oh: When to Replace Tyres?

“Foreman” Oh Kah Beng answers a good question about tyre wear in this edition of TechTOC with “Foreman” Oh.

It goes without saying that your bike is only as good as the tyres it wears. Tyre wear must be kept an eye on at all times.

QUESTION:

How do I know when is the right time to change my tyres? Manufacturers say when the threads are worn to certain depth but my friends say I could use them until they look like racing tyres. Out of curiosity, how does one check the wear on racing tyres?

Ahmad Sukri – Johor Bahru

ANSWER:

On street tyres, there are small “TWI” prints embossed on the outer edges of the thread surface to specify the locations of the respective “thread wear indicator.” Now, move your sight directly across the width of the tyre from the TWI print and you should spot a little “knob” which protrudes inside the tyre’s groove. If the surrounding tyre threads have worn down to this knob, it is time to replace the tyre. Allowing the tyre to wear beyond that indicator isn’t a good idea as there isn’t enough groove depth to evacuate water. This is considering normal wear.

As for a slick racing tyre, the wear indicators are signified by visible pin holes from left to right across the tyre.

There are other factors that you should also consider such as age of the tires (5 years from time of manufacture), signs of abnormal wear (one side worn more than the other), signs of heavy damage (parts of the thread peel off, for example), already patched too many times, obvious signs of deterioration such as cracks.

Just one word of advice, please remember to check your tyre pressure at least once a week. This is the time when you may pick up on the condition of the tyres, also.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

TechTOC with Foreman Oh: Squealing Disc Brakes

No one likes squealing and squeaking brakes.
We’ve had a follower sending this good question.
Here Foreman Oh gives his answer on what causes it and how to remedy it.

The question for TechTOC with Foreman Oh Kah Beng today is about squealing disc brakes, something that none of us like. What could be the cause and what would be the solution? TOC Automotive College Motorsports Consultant and Most Fun Gym Principal Instructor, Foreman Oh Kah Beng answers.

QUESTION:

My brakes are always squealing when I apply them. I have tried cleaning them but it still happens.

— TAN SUAN HOR, Melaka, Kawasaki ER-6n

ANSWER:

May I assume that you clean your brakes (disc brakes?) with commercially available brake cleaner solutions? You may try to do so if you are not already. Spray onto the discs directly and wipe off the residue. Be careful to not spray onto painted areas such as the rims and leave it on!

Cleaning brake discs – Courtesy of rideapart.com

However, if you have already done so and they still squeak, the discs are most probably “glazed.” Sand and dirt picked up during rain storms will get trapped between the brake pads and discs. Then as you brake, enough heat is generated to embed the sand and dirt into the discs. This is glazing. As such, you need to either “skim” the discs if they are within their wear tolerance or replace them altogether if they are not. There are workshops who provide this service.

Other conditions that can cause brake squeal are worn pads, broken securing clip (which holds the pads in place at the back of caliper), pads with insufficient insulation or insulation shims, and no surface cut (which is common on motorcycle brake discs).

Hence, you may also try different brake pad compounds. Those with high metallic content (usually those marked “FOR RACING”) will scour the discs and squeal. Keep an ear out when a racing superbike comes to a stop in the pits.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

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