Triumphrat

traveler501 · 10-15-2009, 05:43 AM

hi,
just got back from a 5 hour ride on the interstate to get my Tbird's 500 mile oil change and checkup (probably just oil change

). man I gotta tell you...70 mph through the mountain switchbacks and alleyways with all the cross winds and gusts took the fun out of it for me. I don't know how you guys who do the long hauls do it. I was hanging on for dear life...from the forward blasts and the impossible to predict sideways blasts. Plus the speed limit is 75 and plenty were passing me doing higher...I just wasn't going any faster regardless.

maybe I'm getting old, and maybe I'm a wuss (in truth despite riding for over 35 years, it's all been dirt bike or smaller road bikes like Bonnevilles on twisties...so this was my first time for protracted high speed)...but hey...that was an experience. I have considered a windshield but really like the bike open, and by far most of my riding will be on smaller roads than the interestate. so mostly I just wanted to tip my hat to the more adventurous of you out there. Wow...
John

Birdy68 · 10-15-2009, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveler501

... just got back from a 5 hour ride ...

Switzerland isn't that large!
I'm on the Northern boarder - in 5 hours South I'm down by Parma in Italy, East - I'm over by Salzburg in Austria, West - I'm nowhere where I want to be because that's where France is

(No offense intended), North - I'm up by Köln in Germany!

I just never go more than 4 hours running around the lakes here - with lots of coffee stops!

Hope the service goes well.

OKCTriple · 10-15-2009, 08:53 AM

Here in Oklahoma the wind definately kicks up now and again, so I have experience riding in wind. I believe if the wind was not blowing you would have enjoyed the ride much more. Fighting wind in an upright riding position is tiring, the thing to do is get the Bird setup with a wind screen. You will enjoy the rides much more on windy and cold days with a wind screen so that you're not fighting the wind to hold yourself on the bike. Plus once you get some miles under you belt on the Bird you will have built up the core strength of your body and you won't notice it nearly as much.

hypervista · 10-15-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdy68

I'm on the Northern boarder - in 5 hours South I'm down by Parma in Italy, East - I'm over by Salzburg in Austria, West - I'm nowhere where I want to be because that's where France is (No offense intended), North - I'm up by Köln in Germany!

Damn Birdy!! You make me miss living in Europe..

As you know, there are some great roads and vista between where you are and Salzburg (Kitzbuhel area Tirol ... man!!). Speaking of Köln have you had a chance to check out the road that follows the Mosel river from Koblenz to Trier? If not, it's definitely a must do. It's a bit off the beaten path, which means you won't see many American tourists. Mostly locals and it's a great bike route.

KingOfFleece · 10-15-2009, 09:06 AM

Try using the rear pegs on the 'Bird when fighting the wind. Most are very pleased with how this works. I'll do this with both the America and Bonneville and it really helps. And costs you nothing!

Birdy68 · 10-15-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypervista

...As you know, there are some great roads and vista between where you are and Salzburg (Kitzbuhel area Tirol ... man!!)...

No, actually I didn't!
If truth be know, I've only just started riding last year - on a Speedmaster! Did 11'000 km on it and now have traded it for the Black Bird.
So those there Austrian valleys will be a treat to see the first time round!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypervista

... Speaking of Köln have you had a chance to check out the road that follows the Mosel river from Koblenz to Trier?

Nope! Only been as far as the Schluchsee (40 minutes away) where we have a caravan. But I do hope to be getting myself into a small club and going off for some nice rides next season.

But first thing first:
- Collect the Black Bird and ride it till the first service (oil change) is done.

Ooh - I am excited about the surrounding areas I have. Will report back (over at the other place) with my tour experiences. Just wait till the snow goes now!!!

hypervista · 10-15-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingOfFleece

Try using the rear pegs on the 'Bird when fighting the wind. Most are very pleased with how this works. I'll do this with both the America and Bonneville and it really helps. And costs you nothing!

Holy crap KoF!!

Maybe because I'm new to riding, but I'd be scared sh!tless riding with my right foot so far off the brake. I know I've got the front brake and it should be the predominate brake, but still.

I lean slightly forward and tilt the head down slightly (keeping eyes forward and up, of course) to get a steady aerodynamic effect and simply hang on when fighting high speed wind.

@Birdy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdy68

Quote:
Originally Posted by hypervista
... Speaking of Köln have you had a chance to check out the road that follows the Mosel river from Koblenz to Trier?

Nope! Only been as far as the Schluchsee (40 minutes away) where we have a caravan. But I do hope to be getting myself into a small club and going off for some nice rides next season.

Take a weekend, pile the family into the car and scope it out this fall. You won't be disappointed and you won't be able to wait until spring to head back there on your T-Bird, I assure you.

engage · 10-15-2009, 09:56 AM

Traveler - I feel your pain, but you have several options:

Get a Triumph screen. They are the quick removal type so you just yank the screen off when not needed
Get a Windvest screen - some say they buffet less, but I'm not sure if they remove quickly
Get the long haul seat with the backrest. The backrest reduces arm strain from the wind

Also, keep in mind that wind affects the Tbird much less than the other bikes you mentioned. From experience I can tell you that 75 mph on a Bonnevile is a lot difficult than 75 on a Tbird

dazco · 10-15-2009, 11:04 AM

First of all, i'd never ride 5 hours of interstate ! Thats just punishment on any bike at my age. But i do sometimes ride for hour or 2 on freeways often running from 80 to 90 mph, and yes, it beats the he** out of me. But lately i've been trying to keep the speeds down because of that. It's just so easy to find my speeds creeping up on me because this bike cruises at high speeds so effortlessly.

Anchorbend · 10-15-2009, 12:43 PM

I think you may be slightly disappointed because of unrealistic expectations. The T Bird is a big bike and should ride well on the highway but that doesn't prevent the elements from getting to you. As yours sits, IMO, you have a crusier, not a tourer. There is a difference. The addition of a good screen (somebody will eventually produce one). lower screens etc will eventually move your bike closer to a Tourer. Add some good bags, more comfortable seat, floorboards, plus whatever else appeals to you will make it into a tourer. Not a full fairing Electra but close enough. All it takes is money

. Eventually there will be aftermarket farkles that will transform your bike but, it is a new model, so it will take longer.

Somebody mentioned core strength in an earlier post. That is a great observation. It is amazing how much your enjoyment can improve once you are in riding shape. You didn't mention what kind of helmet you use ,but a full face will really give your neck a workout until the muscles get stonger. I am sure you will grow into the bike and it will grow on you.

I test rode a T Bird and was very tempted but ended up with an 07 Tiger instead. Now I have to decide if I want o get rid of the Bonnie or not, in exchange for a T Bird. Decisions, decisions decisions.