Triumphrat

jwolf · 04-18-2008

Snow finally melted, and the small drive next to the cedar swamp was beginning to dry up (a bit of engineering a drainage trench helped). So there was to be no further delay. I had spent the previous day cleaning up the Legend and was ready to give her the acid test for the much anticipated first ride.
Now came the apprehension. All those posts I had read over the winter about the triples being top heavy. Add to that - had been a dozen years since the last time I was on a motorcycle, so my confidence level was suspect. And oh yes, turning sixty in a few weeks didn't help either.
I got her started and slowly pulled away. Navigated the half mile out to paved roads and then slowly got her up to speed. With 31000 miles on her I wasn't sure if there would be "issues", but she pulled smoothly and without hesitation.
A few seconds of wide open throttle in third gear convinced me there was more than enough power in this machine for a guy my age - or any age. Although I did not wind her up to redline, it sure seemed like a very wide and smooth powerband. No noticeable turbo effect like my 78 Kawasaki.
Only two concerns became apparent. My ten and a half boot size seems too large for the distance between footrest and shift lever. I need a conscious effort to pull the boot back and slip the toe under the lever- dont remember that from years ago.
Legs seem a bit cramped - and I'm just under 5' 10". It's okay, but maybe it explains why a lot of guys my age go for the laid back cruiser style.
All in all it was a test ride with a very good feeling, and I believe the choice of the Legend as a good fit for me is one I will not regret.
Let the improvements begin!

musicisinmysoul · 04-18-2008

I have a Thunderbird and at 6ft I also feel very cramped, so much that I occasionally get crap in my thigh which means that I have to stop no matter where I am,size 12 boots dont help either with gear selection. But all in all I just love it.

classicbird · 04-18-2008

I have a t bird and am 6ft 4 ins. you have to live with the cramp , but you know what they say ( no pleasure without pain) .A king & queen seat makes the ride more comfortable,for me anyway.
good luck safe riding.

BigAl8295 · 04-18-2008

You have chosen the classiest of all the triples!

I added the black engine guards from Ma's Cycles and some footpegs. It makes it possible to stretch out a little while you are cruising.

Gdsila · 04-18-2008

This may be a statement of the obvious to some, however these bikes were "meant" to be ridden sort of like a jockey rides a racehorse.
that is with the b a l l s of your feet on the footpegs and your knees against the tank.
This may help with the shifting issue some.
Of course your feet should be "snug" against the engine cases if possible and
your hands all the way "in" on the grips.
Elbows level with either the tank or the road. Or as close as you can get to this position.
Hope this helps.

jenglandtoyman · 04-19-2008

Cramps on the Legend at 5'11" for me too. Right at the junction of the thigh and hip.
First I tried a sheepskin gel pad on the stock seat which also effectively raised me up an inch or two. Better than nothing.
Then I swapped to the T-Bird seat which is higher and with no step lets me sit back more and move around more.
Then I had a layer of gel added in there.
Coupled with the Highway bars as somebody said it made it much better.

jwolf · 04-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenglandtoyman

Cramps on the Legend at 5'11" for me too. Right at the junction of the thigh and hip.
First I tried a sheepskin gel pad on the stock seat which also effectively raised me up an inch or two. Better than nothing.
Then I swapped to the T-Bird seat which is higher and with no step lets me sit back more and move around more.
Then I had a layer of gel added in there.
Coupled with the Highway bars as somebody said it made it much better.

I've been thinking about the gel inserts - have read about Spencer seats doing this for a reasonable price. Did the gel improve the ability to stay in the saddle for a longer ride?

jonathanrsr · 04-20-2008

Jwolf,

Welcome back!! As one who is also "chronologically challenged" (turned 63 last week in spite of myself) and has had a 37 year hiatus between rides, I feel your pain - literally!! At 6'2", had to make some serious adjustments from the Kawa VN 750 I started riding last Sept. Bought the T-Bird 4 weeks ago, and I assumed the pains were all part of "working my way down the other side of the mountain", especially after how comfortable the Vulcan had been. Like you, also had problems fitting my 10 1/2 boot into the shifter. It may help you to raise your shift pedal a notch or two - made a world of difference on the TB. I haven't ridden a Legend, but since it seems we're all swimming in the same gene pool (TB, Legend, Adventurer) IMO the trade off on the foot positions (compared to the more laid back VN 750 cruiser) is a dramatic improvement in handling - and I mean DRAMATIC!! I can't believe how much easier it is to carve the turns in the twisties! Only have 700 miles on the TB so far, but I hope your Legend gives you the same sh*t-eating grin the TB had given me.

roady03 · 04-20-2008

At 6'1", I find myself much more "crouched" on my '99 Legend than my '03 TB (lower stock seat than the stock TB seat.). Of course, the Legend sits lower anyway. I like the arm positioning better on the Legend but find that the TB fits me better. Needless to say, I love them both.

jenglandtoyman · 04-20-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwolf

I've been thinking about the gel inserts - have read about Spencer seats doing this for a reasonable price. Did the gel improve the ability to stay in the saddle for a longer ride?

It has not been warm enough, or me home long enough to give you an answer yet. I had the modification by Spencer done late season last year and have put no more than 45 minutes on the bike at a time yet. Didn't get sore in 45 but I am hoping it lasts longer than that.