Newbie: protecting the engine when I drop the bike. Expected "travel" on rear brake pedal. Maintenan

Anyone?

Inevitably I will drop the bike at some time. I would like to
protect the engine as much as possible when that happens. I have seen
some training bikes that have bars that form a "cage" around the
engine. What are these called so I can find ones that fit the Suzuki
EN125 I am buzzing around on?

What's a good book to take me through basic bike maintenance?
Should i just buy the Haynes manual for this model Suzuki or is there
a better / clearer "generic" maintenance manual for all bikes?

What's the expected "travel" on a rear brake pedal before the
brake begins to bite? Should I just adjust the screw thread to shorten
the cable or should I get the brake opened up to check the condition
of the drum pad? Is this something I can do or is it a work shop
jobbie?

Does anyone have experience of RAM handle bar mounts for PDAs? I'm
toying with the idea of attaching the PDA/GPS somewhere on the handle
bar.


I scraped the front of my expensive SIDI boot on day one. I was
gutted. The scrape wasn't big but had exposed the leather underneath.
I went to the shoe repair wizard, Costas on East Barnet Road, and he
has stuck a "dimpled" rubber strip to the front of each boot, just
above the sole and wrapping down the side. Really neat, smart job and
looks as though it is meant to be there. Happy now with the boots -
except I'm always worried when I pull them on the zip will explode.
When the boots are on, they are snug but comfortable - great to ride
in.

Thanks

Clive

 

They're called 'engine bars', you can get 'crash mushrooms' too. Crash
mushrooms are better if you have a higher speed off. Although not all
crash mushrooms are equal. I'm sure one or two of the locals will tell
you which brand(s) to go for.

I've always bought a Haynes manual for the model of bike or bikes I
owned.

There is a wear marker, it may tell you the how and the why of it in
your owners manual.

I had a RAM mount for my Garmin GPS. They're good.

 

you won't do much damage, stop fretting

Haynes will be fine. Some workshop manuals are online, although a hard
copy is often handier to take to the shed.

If it's anything like my GS125 the travel will be a long way and very
spongey. My GS125 had a reasonably good front disk brake so I just used
that.

I use a RAM handlebar mount with a GPS. I works fine.

Again, stop fretting. The boots are protective wear not a fashion
accessory. They will get worn and dirty!

 

Ta, Clive.

 

Rear brake, what's a rear brake?

 

If there's a Haynes then it's better than nothing. I find going to a
mate's place and having the phone numbers of people with the same bike
who've worked on theirs works well. You might also find the factory
workshop manual on the net.

If you're new to bikes then don't bother. Plan your routes before hand,
or enjoy getting lost. It's all part of the adventure.

 

I remember racing at Pembrey and our rear brake was only there for show. I
commented on it and was promptly told to SHADDUPPP.

I teach student to use rear brake for slow speed control, it's the DSA way.

 

That's it. I suppose I can use the pedal as a foot rest without worry
of actually operating the rear brake ..... ;-)