Triumphrat

IrishJohnny · 09-28-2005

Hi,

Two easy ones probably...

1. Riding in the rain...how do you find the Thruxton in the rain. I've only had mine a few months and haven't had it rain yet while I've been out.

2. Tyre pressures with a pillion...I'm on the standard Metzlers and normally have front and back on 33psi. However, I'm looking at a weekend away with my son, a big 11 year old, plus tankbag and rucksack. What tyre pressues would you recommend/have experience with ?

Thanks,
John :-D

RandyDTFR · 09-28-2005

1. Riding in Western Washington (weather sim. to UK) I had zero problems with the bikes handeling in the rain. However, I tend to ride a little slower in the wet stuff.

2. 440lbs is the max load recomended. The owners book calls for a psi 33f / 38 rear. I've ridden with my wife on the back and had to adjust the shocks to full (setting 5 I think?). No problems...

Hope that helps

TonUpMike · 09-28-2005

Mine has been great in the rain, no problems

Tarmac · 09-28-2005

The Metler front is one of, if not the best rain tires around.

Jeff-G · 09-28-2005

Hi John, I've ridden my Thrux rain and shine, heavy load and not. The traction in the rain with the stock Metzlers is great. Never a feeling of lost grip, but I do slow a bit entering and leaving corners as Randy suggested. With the preload at max on the rear the ride has been good. I like to run max allowable tire pressure. Jeff :-D

IrishJohnny · 09-29-2005

Ok, three questions then not two.

Sorry but I did warn you in my very first post about my lack of mechanical knowledge.

How do I adjust the rear shocks then to take a bit more weight ? :hammer:

And thanks for the replies too :-D

John

Jeff-G · 09-29-2005

Johnny, against the bottom of each spring on the rear shockis a collar with "stepped" ring that sets on a pin. By twisting the collar you can add or reduce preload in the spring. There are special tools to grip the collar but I was able to twist mine with my bare hand by lifting up on the rear of the bike to take the weight off the wheel and stretch the spring to maximum. You may need help to steady the bike. I've also used a pair of channel lock pliers and a rag to prevent scratching when I couldn't get a good enough grip. I like to run my preloads at the second strongest setting most of the time. It's a little stiff on the butt though. Good luck. Jeff

:razz:

Ozmarty · 09-29-2005

I do a lot of riding on bad road with lots of potholes. I found that with my lady on the back I was bottoming out quite often so I adjusted the rear preload to the max. As well as sorting the bottoming problem I noticed an immediate improvement on the back end handling both one and two up.

In the August '05 issue of Classic Bike Guide one of the journos was writing about his Thruxton and mentioned he'd abandoned the Metzlers and put other tires on and got a major handling improvement. I can't remember what he went for but will look it up when I get home and post it here.

It's interesting that both Clasic Bike Guide and Classic Motorcycle carry ads for all sorts of things but the only modern bikes they advertise are Enfields (from India) and Thruxtons.

Each month some of the journos talk about experiences with the various classic bikes they own and the only modern one ever featured is the Thrux