Triumphrat

TallRocket · 05-30-2006

TallTx,

A couple of guys have called BS on how increasing the shock height helped the foot control relationship. Guess the best way to explain the change is I moved from the cruiser to the motorcycle cop rider position.

On stock shocks at riding position, your butt is lower than your knees and your feet are slightly ahead of the bend in your knees. Your knee caps point up. Right? Guess this is the classic cruiser position. This results in a very small portion of your rear working as a pivot point on the seat which means that after 50 miles you have to stand up. You also have to lift your knee to work the foot controls. Plus you have a tough time getting underneath the shifter. If you want to keep the cruiser position, then you need to move the foot controls forward and the seat back. This is exactly what I wanted to do before I added the 1" of shock height.

With the higher shocks, my butt is closer to level with my knees. My knee caps point down or are near vertical. Working the foot controls no longer require lifting my leg (especially so with your tip on adjusting the rear brake pedal.) My size 14 army boots fit. And I can ride way past 100 miles before needing to stretch - I did 6 hours on Monday with only the last 30 minutes really sore. This is more like the straight up and down style of the old motorcycle cops.

The thicker seat you planning on getting might accomplish some of this. And writing this reminded me of that wool seat cover I use to have on my BMW r90/6. I am continually amazed at how long the gel seat will remain hot.

05-30-2006

Guys,
Just for interest, I notice Draggin jeans were mentiioned as being "nearly" long enough. I found the same thing. (36"inleg)

Don't know about the US Draggin' but the Aussie Draggin' guys added 6" of leg length, extended the kevlar over the knee by an extra 6" and increased the crotch rise by a couple of inches for me at a very small cost increase over stock price. Worth a look.
http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/faqs/index.htm

and if I can, i'll always get Harley gear coz it's the only stuff that fits off the rack (obviously not too many tall riders out here!). Price is a problem though. I saw the FXRG textile jacket in 3xl out here at $1150 aussie. Sheesh !
regards, Pete.
Sydney.

06-05-2006

OK, I'm now very close to moving to the R3 from the V2k thanks to the info on this forum and after sitting on a classic. Those footboards are perfect. I do need to set it up for a pillion however, so is it worthwhile looking at getting some of the Triumph dealer accessories, namely -
Gel Rider and Pillion seat,
Sissybar,
Rack,
Risers,
A liitle more "roar",
or am I better leaving it stock and buying aftermarket from Rivco etc.
At 6'7" I,ll probably need an aftermarket windshield.
Thanks again, Pete.

bigbadjoe · 06-05-2006

I'M ONLY LITTLE, AT 6'4", BUT GO GET A UTOPIA BACKREST, SOME RIVCO RISERS AND YOU'RE ALMOST THERE .EVEN WITH MY REACH, THE BARS ARE TOO FAR FORWARD.
I'M STILL LOOKING AT FABRICATING F/CONTROLS FROM THE EXISTING ONES, BUT HAVE RUN OUTTA MONEY!
AS A MATE SAID, 'THE ROCKET LOOKS NORMAL WITH YOU ON IT', SO JUST GET ONE, THEY'RE GREAT

Racertex · 06-08-2006

Hi guys!
Thanks for all the info. I'm 6'2" @ 350# (I know, desperately in need of a diet) and was looking at a Suzuki M109R when I noticed the BEAUTIFUL R3 Classic sitting across the showroom. It was love at first "sit." Then I heard about the power.....I was sold! The bars and floorboards fit me real well. And the seat was Great!! So I made a deal with a dealer in Tennessee, and hope to pick mine up in a couple of weeks.

One question, in your opinion, do the stock shocks have enough adjustment for a guy my size?

Again, it sure is nice to see I'm not the only full size rider around! I know my weight will affect performance quite a bit, but I can't wait for the dude on a new softtail decide to pick on the big guy ridin the Triumph!!! WoooHooo!! :wow:

[ This message was edited by: Racertex on 2006-06-08 20:48 ]

Ugarte · 06-08-2006

Racertex, the Rocket will haul your arse at license losing speeds with ease...and in comfort. Congrats on a very smart puchase....you will love it!

RocketEd · 06-09-2006

Good choice, Racertex! Now prepare for the longest 2 weeks of your life....
If by your question about the shocks, you mean do they have enough preload available for your weight, IMO the answer is yes. Now, do they have enough rebound damping for that much preload so the bike doesn't wallow? I don't know, but kinda doubt it. How about you be our guinea pig? :-D

TallRocket · 06-09-2006

Hey there little fella.....

There are 5 settings on the stock shock. The dealer sent my 340 - 6'9" mass set on 1 - which I rode that way for 500 miles. Then at the 500 mile check up they upped it to 3 - well at 3 there was the suggestion of a suspension. Moving it to 5 and I stopped being bucked off the seat.

I opted for the Progressive Suspension 440' 13.5 inch HD shock. The extra length lifted the seat height which I wanted and the shocks are really good at handling my mass. The shocks really let the suspension move and the ride is very good.

So - right out the door set it to 3-4-5. If you are getting bucked off the seat on road bumps - move it up until your not. If at 5 and still have this problem go with another shock.

rocket3rider · 06-12-2006

BigW,

I am 6'4", 325lbs, with a tall upper body, 32 inch legs. The regular windshield did nothing for me. I bought a shield from Clearview Shields @ www.clearviewshields.com where they make a shield for the Rocket that is 1, 3 & 5"s higher, and 1" wider. Excellent shield. HOWEVER, they do not sell the mounting kit or brackets to attach to the shield. You would need to pull those off a regular Roadster screen.

Buy the Rocket...the only thing you'll be looking back at in your rear view mirror is every other motorcycle...

TallRocket · 06-12-2006

Thanks for the post of the taller windscreen.

I installed the jumbo gel seat pad last weekend - and man do I need all of that extra screen height you mention.