Triumphrat

kwajazz · 06-01-2005

I'll jump in on this one. Good choice in bikes. Don't sweat it too much, but do keep a slight nervous tremor in your stomach. A little bit of nerves will keep you sharp and more importantly, alive.

Keep your head on full swivel and look for ways for someone to do something stupid (they eventually will and you'll be ready for it). Be prepared (fingers on the front brake and proper gear selected) to either stop quick, go fast or flick out of harm's way. Understand counter steering. It's how things really work. Knowing that will make you better.

Smooth, smooth, smooth. Even racers are smooth first, fast second. Roll the gas on, squeeze the brakes. Do everything deliberately but always smoothly.

Remember the Thrux will run out of gas on you unexpectedly (no gauge). It'll start sputtering, and you'll think "oh know what's happening!!!". This could happen at a bad place and time, so practice reaching down and flipping the petcock over quickly.

Just stay up and alive. Time will take care of the rest if you remain humble.

Best of luck, Kerry

Mancha · 06-01-2005

I loved your introductory message as I had much the same experience with my wife. It's difficult to finally say "Oh well, screw what you think" (and even more difficult if she eventually gets to say "I told you so"), but you've done what you had to do. Welcome to the motorcycle and to the group.

My biggest note of caution/advice is to avoid looking at that which you fear the most. It really is the case that you will go towards whatever you are looking at. This becomes dangerous when you're looking at the lane divider, the approaching truck, or the curb that you're desperately trying to avoid. Look at the point at which you want to end up. My MSF instructor didn't say a thing about this (!!), but it accounted for both of my falls (thankfully long ago).

Take care and have fun.

dialysis · 06-01-2005

good advice here.

from another group: Riding the twisties should feel natural, graceful, and "easy". The pace should be enjoyable for whatever your skill level is. If it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming, slow down.

06-04-2005

Thanks for the replies and advice. I've put 215 miles on this week, riding around on the back roads- it's a blast!

I've removed the AI, added TORS, bar end napoleans, and flyscreen. The bike runs great, but since I installed the TORS, I do get a backfiring blatt-blatt sound when I let off the throttle and engine brake. Is that normal, or do I need to adjust the idle mixture or something?

The TORS sound really loud to me, but I don't have experience with anything louder. Sounds excellent when accelerating.

Tarmac · 06-04-2005

[/quote]

Tarmac,
It sounds dramatic and all, but what kind of crappy advice is that to give a new rider?

Ryan,
Enjoy your Thrux! It's a great bike.

[/quote]

It's real world advice. The truth of riding motorcycles is that sooner or later you ARE going to dump the bike. It could be something silly like your foot slipping in oil at a stoplight, or something crazy like a car pulling out of a driveway right infront of you.
The best advice I can offer a new rider is to wear a SNELL approved full faced helmet, a leather jacket with armor or padding, full fingered gloves, heavy pants and over the ankle boots.

Dave67 · 06-13-2005

Hey Ryan,

Congrats on the new bike .

As also a new Thruxton owner, lets us know how you are going.

cheers dave

CYNCRZR · 06-13-2005

There is alot of great advise here, but probably the best is to ALWAYS wear the best protective clothing you can.

There are alot of things you can control & some you can't. So do the best job of the things you can.

Cheers,
Cyn-

dirtyworm · 06-17-2005

Hey everybody. I recommend to anyone planning or learning to ride or who is still in the early stages of riding to read the book by David L. Hough (pronounced Huff) called Proficient Motorcycling. Its even good for the long time rider to refresh at times. It definitely helps a new rider learn the dynamics of a bike. I've got almost 2k on my 05 thrux and am starting to miss my wife at times. Ride safe and above all, have fun.

06-21-2005

Thanks for the advice guys. I have a full face HJC Symax helmet- not snell, but they won't test the flip fronts at all. I have a Joe Rocket Sonic 2.0 jacket, partially armored, so I am trying to be as safe as possible. I went with the flip-front because I need to show my face at a security gate, and figured that would be better than having to remove a standard full-face.

Here is a pic of my bike, by the way:

Blue Thrux

Pipes already blue, too.

Atom

karter257 · 06-21-2005

I wondered how long it would be before you started to change it and now I see you have already changed the mirrors!

The Blue looks pretty cool too