Triumphrat

Grumpymann

Hello all.
I'm new to riding took the rider safety course. First time on a bike sense I was about 8 years old. I'm in love with my 02 Thunderbird! And so ... impressed with the way that not only the biking community but most especially Triumph riders have received me. I'm sure that I will have more than a few silly and stupid questions about the bike and ridding in general over my time here on this board.

Any pointers anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I always have a helmet, boots, long sleeved shirt and pants. (For now) I try to keep it under 45 mph. until I have at least a year or more "seat time". I am VERY intimidated by the highways so I avoid them like the plague. I try to ride for at least 10 mins. a day to get more comfortable. I do in fact feel very comfortable when I'm out. But I still get a few "Hairy" moments (Almost getting clipped in a parking lot. Slight shaking on an open grated bridge. ect.). But I keep going.

I have a "Mentor" a man that has been ridding for decades. He helps when he can. But the more I know the safer I am, right?

So anything you think I should know about ridding or the bike please let k=me know.

Grumpy.

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Keeping the tradition alive for 3 generations.

xspalding

Welcome to the world of two wheels,It's the best world.I started riding on the road in 1971 and believe I'f done all the dumb carless ect things out there. I have how been back riding for three years ( after a ten year absence)I believe to be seen (it's not cool) is the best way you can still be riding into your 80s if you want to. I know my yellow helmet & yellow insert vest has stopped more than one car as it started into my path. The fact that you are riding one of the best looking bikes in the world should count for something to the Gods that look after use. Be carefull and ride smart.

JhuFrank2

Just remember that the tbird is a bike with a split personality. It is one of the best handling (though a little tall in balance), comfortable bikes that I have ever ridden. However, don't let those characteristics fool you, it is also one of the most dangerous bikes I have ridden. Twist the throttle, and your moving like a S3 towards the ton, and you get there quick. It will take twisties like a demon at 75-80 mph (done it, riding with a thruxton). I'm reminded of something my dear departed stepfather said, "Always remember no matter how much you love her, that bike is trying to kill you." I love my thunderbird, but I respect her too.

Always be extra careful at intersections. Never trust a cager to follow traffic laws. ATGATT. Always lookout for yourself. Alcohol and bikes don't mix. Wave to other bikes even if they are grumpy. NEVER TRUST A CAGER TO FOLLOW TRAFFIC LAWS!!! Gee, am I being redundant with that?

flybiker251

Welcome and congrats on your bike choice. I started back riding in '03 and it's the best thing I've done in the last 25 years. 80% of the time we ride two up. We have 48,000 miles on our Legend and 9,000 on a newly acquired '03 Trophy. The best advise I can give is wear protective clothing armored jacket, gloves, boots and helmet and ride every chance you get. The more you ride the more situations you have to contend with. Think about what happened because things will happen. Think about what you could do better to keep whatever happened from happening again. Ride your own ride. Use your front brake. It's at least 70% of your stopping ability. Be humble even though you are riding the best marque on the planet.
Flybiker

Gdsila

Jhufrank wroteTwist the throttle, and your moving like a S3 towards the ton
Err,umm as the owner of a jetted, re-geared, K&N Filtered Legend and an 03 Speed Triple I'm gonna have to disagree with ya.:
Not that I dont love my Legend I've got almost 50,000 miles on the old girl and intend to take her to 100k at least.
But as an Associate Professor at the "Institue for Hooligan Sciences" I feel its my duty to point out your error!

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No quarter asked, none given

JhuFrank2

2 seconds on a quarter mile would be splitting hairs for a new rider, he would be scared ****less doing 13.5 or 11.5.
Remember, a tbird looks passive, but aint. You know exactly what your getting when you sit on a S3, it's no sleeper for sure.

And also in the english language, when you are working in simile and metaphor, it's nice to compare with something that's on a higher level, it's poetic. I don't know any men who "move like a cat", or are "as fast as a rocket" but both are very nice comparisons, you see.

Tbirdnz

It's all about time under your belt Gman, the more you ride the better you will be, good that you have done the course. Here's a little reading for both riding and survival skills which is very useful. Counter steering in particularly if you are not already doing this will improve your cornering.

http://www.survivalskills.clara.net/..._skills_10.htm


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Ride on !

Grumpymann

Thanks for all the info. I feel very at home here on the message board all ready.:

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Keeping the tradition alive for 3 generations.

jp99tbirdnm

Welcome aboard and congratulations on your T-Bird. To get better it's ride,ride and ride some more. Have fun.

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I'd rather live one day as a Lion than 1000 years as a sheep.
Jerry
99 Triumph Thunderbird
05 H-D XL1200C
73 Honda CB 750K3

Silverado57

Grumpy, welcome & congratulations on getting your license and a very cool Triumph.

A wise man taught me: Ride like you're invisible and everyone else is crazy.

My Speedmaster was my first bike when I got it in November 2005 after passing the MSF course. I rode it whenever possible, starting slow and working my way up to more challenging rides. The first time I got on I-80, I was scared stiff. 13,000 miles and 19 months later, I did the ton today 2-up with the wife on the Kingpin. It'll come to you.

Ride your ride, enjoy your bike and ride safe.

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Kevin
Luceo Non Uro
NJ USA