Free Wheeling!

Tornado

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While out on another test ride after head gasket replacement on my Commando, running the HiRider tank, I decided to take a quick run up a local mountain. Made it about halfway, loads of power on demand out of the single Amal. Then it started getting too chilly as the altitude increased. So thought it best to turn about and come down (thinking there'd be salt on the pavement further up). After about two or three minutes of downward travel, engine started popping a little and sputtering, then died. This has happened before on this same stretch with the HiRider tank much below 1/3 full....so wasn't unexpected. I guess the downhill slope is enough to slosh fuel away from the petcocks (I was running on the stand-piped petcock, not reserve). So I though to pull over, switch to reserve and re-start, but while coasting along looking for a safe pull over spot, I realized I was easily gaining speed from the gravity well I was in. Also, restarting with lots of downhill still to do would of meant likely running out of fuel again....so Flipped into neutral and just let her keep going...What a HOOT! Was up to 45 mph at times, all I could hear was the tires on the pavement, wind on my helmet. A real magic carpet ride that lasted more than 5 minutes, through some twisties.
 
A mountain would be nice..... I've not ridden one in 30-some years.
 
Can't do this over here, it is as flat as a pancake where I live. :(
 
Stumpy mountains are an all day drive for me to an even hotter climate, so I'll stay with flat.
 
Used to do all this, coast to a red traffic light with clutch pulled in, - no point in wasting gas, moving off downhill in second gear to save myself a upshift. Wouldn't pass my driving test these days! :)8
 
While out on another test ride after head gasket replacement on my Commando, running the HiRider tank, I decided to take a quick run up a local mountain. Made it about halfway, loads of power on demand out of the single Amal. Then it started getting too chilly as the altitude increased. So thought it best to turn about and come down (thinking there'd be salt on the pavement further up). After about two or three minutes of downward travel, engine started popping a little and sputtering, then died. This has happened before on this same stretch with the HiRider tank much below 1/3 full....so wasn't unexpected. I guess the downhill slope is enough to slosh fuel away from the petcocks (I was running on the stand-piped petcock, not reserve). So I though to pull over, switch to reserve and re-start, but while coasting along looking for a safe pull over spot, I realized I was easily gaining speed from the gravity well I was in. Also, restarting with lots of downhill still to do would of meant likely running out of fuel again....so Flipped into neutral and just let her keep going...What a HOOT! Was up to 45 mph at times, all I could hear was the tires on the pavement, wind on my helmet. A real magic carpet ride that lasted more than 5 minutes, through some twisties.
You'll be on an electric bike next.
 
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