Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Basic Riding & repair, kawasaki vulcan 750, bar clamps

Question
Hi Bill,

I just purchased a 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 750.  This is my first bike and decided to get one instead of always being the passenger.  I seem to be having trouble with the basics.  I accidentally increase the throttle speed while going for the front brake.  Is there anything you can suggest that would help me out with that?  Also,The bike didn't come with a manual, and I seem to be having a headlight problem...it doesn't work.  I did replace the battery.  My brother looked at the headlight filament and said it is okay.  Before I take it in for repairs, I was wondering if by some chance you knew where the fuses are on this particular bike?  They don't seem to be in an obvious place.  Since it's the almost the weekend, I was going to try that first before the dealership so that I don't lose out on valuable learning time.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Jody

Answer
Hi Jody,

Thanks for the question.

Without seeing you actually ride the bike and not knowing how the bike is set up (type of handlebars, etc), it's hard for to say exactly what you are doing wrong. But it could be a few things.

First off: Adjust the position of the handlebars you have now. If you're not the same size as the previous owner (especially if it was a guy), the bar may be too far forward. Loosen the bar clamps (near the speedometer) and move them back and forth with your eyes closed until they feel comfortable. You need to able to turn them all the way side to side without stretching your arms all the way out.

If the handlebars on the bike now are still too much of a reach, this could be the problem. Solution: get different handlebars, and make sure you are comfortable with them. Work with a dealer on getting a different set of bars, and have them install them for you.

Second, the brake lever may be at the wrong angle, probably “up” on the bar too much. Loosen it a bit, rotate it forward, tighten it up, go far a test ride, see if that helps. You may have to try several different lever positions. Keep adjusting until it feels correct to you. There is no “right or wrong” lever position. That's why they're adjustable in the first place.

You need to solve the headlight problem immediately as well. The headlight is an important daytime safety feature, as well as a doing its job at night. Sometime a bulb won't “burn out”. Instead, the bulb filament will break from vibration. The break can be very small and hard to see. This is very common with V-twins. I would replace the bulb with a new one (they are less than $20) and see what happens. If a new bulb does not solve the problem, then you have other electrical problems. I can't diagnose an electrical problem without being there, so again, get the bike to a dealer or mechanic you trust and have them track the problem down.

But definitely get it fixed ASAP. Same with the front brake issue: most likely it's the bars or lever position. Have someone help you move the bars and levers until this stops happening. It is a dangerous problem.

Good luck, ride safe.

Bill Roberson