A modern motorcycle is equipped with numerous functions. With each new launch, a new feature in terms of mechanics, convenience, or connected tech is introduced. OEMs are also working to include adjustability elements in their vehiclesthat allow users to customize their rides to their preferences and needs. These features enable riders to customize or change their ride experience based on their unique requirements, albeit they are not yet accessible on all major motorcycles. We'll go through some of these adjustability options and their advantages in this article.
Adjustable Levers
On the handlebars of most motorcycles, there are two levers. The left one is for clutch engagement, while the right one is for front brakes. Both of these levers usually have a standard position. However, this typical position may not be ideal for all cyclists. Longer-fingered riders may find the position too close to the handle, while shorter-fingered riders may find it too far away. The rider's grip on the levers will be exceedingly uncomfortable if the reach is not correct, reducing the riding experience. In some situations, not correctly engaging the levers can result in a mishap.
To address this issue, some motorcycles include span adjusters for the levers. For example, the TVS Apache 200 4V and TVSApache RR 310 motorcycles from TVS Motor Company have span adjusters for the levers. For example, the TVS Apache 200 4V has 3-step adjustable levers that may be modified without the use of any additional tools. Most such adjusters have a knob on each lever with indicators for the lever position. Simply turn the knob to adjust the position of the levers and increase or decrease the reach to your liking. This is a useful feature because it can make riding more pleasant and lessen finger tension.
Next, scan the area for victims and attend to those who appear to be the most seriously injured. Check for bleeding from the head, nose, or any other crucial body locations, such as surrounding organs. They are apparently in better condition if they are conscious and can speak than those who are unconscious or unable to communicate. Prioritise the latter ones. Your first concern should be to halt the bleeding, especially if the damage is to a vital bodily area (e.g. head). Apply gentle pressure to the wound with a cloth or a first aid kit, and use cotton to stop the flow. Hands are far superior than a cloth, cotton, or bandage. Using a tourniquet to halt excessive bleeding from a limb is recommended, but only if done correctly. Turn the person to their side if they are bleeding from the mouth or vomiting blood so they do not choke on their own vomit. Only move on to the next victim after the current one has been stabilised. If there are other persons on the scene, ask them to assist the others.
Suspension with preload adjustment
Gone are the days when you had to stay with your motorcycle's stock suspension arrangement. Preload adjustment is now available on a wide range of motorcycles. Preload adjustment allows a rider to experiment with the sag or ride height of a bike to ensure that it is acceptable for the load or weight they want to carry. A heavier rider, for example, would benefit from lowering the preload, whilst a lighter rider would benefit from increasing the preload. Preloading is also advantageous when riding with luggage or a passenger to compensate for the additional weight the motorcycle must carry.
If you see bleeding from the victim's head while he or she is wearing a helmet, do not attempt to remove it. It's possible that the helmet is assisting in stopping the bleeding and holding the head in place. Furthermore, the helmet provides some support in cases of neck injuries, and attempting to remove it could result in irreversible damage to the neck, which is a vulnerable location.
As previously stated, many motorcycles come with preload adjustment for the rear suspension, which is available in both twin-shock and mono-shock configurations. A shock adjustment spanner or wrench can quickly modify the setting in most preload-adjustable rear suspensions. The preload on the suspension is increased or decreased as the suspension adjuster is adjusted right or left. This can be readily altered based on one's needs, and the values can be saved for future reference.
THE TVS Apache RTR 200 and the TVS Apache RR 310 are the two exceptions in this context. The front suspension on each of these motorcycles can be preloaded. Preload adjustment for the rear suspension is a very common function, however in India, hardly no popular motorcycle offers it as a front suspension option. To adjust the preload on the front suspension, all you need is a simple tool like a screwdriver or a wrench. The preload can be adjusted by twisting the screw or nut clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the number of stops or steps available. While the preload on the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V may be set with a screwdriver, the preload on the TVS Apache RR 310, which has compression and rebound damping, must be adjusted using a spanner. In both circumstances, the process is simple to complete, and you may sometimes make the changes without a screwdriver by using the motorcycle's key or a coin.
Damping in compression and rebound
While preload adjustability on the front suspension is uncommon on everyday motorcycles, it is nearly non-existent on Indian motorcycles when it comes to compression and rebound damping. The TVS Apache RR 310 is an oddity, as it has both compression and rebound damping in the front suspension and rebound damping in the rear. Compression and rebound damping on the front suspension can be adjusted by rotating a screw head clockwise or anticlockwise. The rider chooses which setting best suits his wants or preferences. While preload primarily affects ride height or sag, damping adjustment can help a motorcycle adapt to different settings, such as city streets, rugged highways, or race circuits. A rider can adjust his suspension to make it more sporty or more absorbent. The pace at which compression or rebound occurs is referred to as damping. A rider can experiment and play around with different setups to discover the greatest fit for the environment they will be riding in.
With a basic instrument like a screwdriver, you can modify the compression and rebound damping on the TVS Apache RR 310's front fork, and there are up to 20 stages to choose from. The motorcycle's rear suspension system also has a 20-step rebound damping adjustment. The rebound damping of the TVS Apache RR 310's rear mono-shock may be modified by rotating the circular dial on the shocks. Surprisingly, the rear-end system requires no additional tools and can be modified with the motorcycle's normal key.
Riding modes that can be changed
Riding modes have recently become popular on motorcycles of all sizes. This technology allows the user to tailor the performance and brakes of the motorcycle to the conditions. While there is no universally accepted way to categorise riding modes, they are frequently referred to as Urban/City, Sport, and Rain/Wet. Here's a quick overview of what these modes are for.
Urban: This is typically the default riding mode, with a balanced power delivery and throttle response, as well as mild ABS involvement.
Sport: In this mode, the power delivery is unrestricted, the throttle response is sharper, and ABS is activated at a later point.
Rain: This setting dampens throttle response and reduces power to minimise wheelspin in wet, low-traction, slick situations. In this mode, the ABS also engages early to prevent wheels from locking up and losing traction.
Riding modes, in essence, allow you to modify the personality of your motorcycle with the push of a button. The modes described above are available on motorcycles like the TVSApache RTR 200 4V. Additional settings on more advanced machines, such as the TVS Apache RR 310, include a 'Track' mode that provides even faster throttle response and the least amount of ABS intervention possible.
To summarise, having personalization possibilities onmotorcycles is a huge plus. It allows the rider to experiment with numerous settings in order to achieve the greatest possible riding experience. If you don't believe in one-size-fits-all, look for a motorcycles that has a lot of adjustability. Ride carefully!
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