Triumphrat

DrewDesign007

So I did 400 from the outer metro to our beltway here 285 in morning traffic - I think I'm getting over the "fear factor" - one issue the concrete highway slabs that have those rain grooves that run parallel to the tires.

Those freak me out - they make the bike skip and jump a little, just enough to be unnerving at 70 MPH.

Any suggestions or techniques I can try to handle these better?


love always -

Smoove B

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Scored as a rocker!
75% rocker - 50% mod

Baltobonneville

The grooves are unnerving but don't do anything. Slow down a bit if they bother you. Some tires handle them better than others.

One thing I won't try is jumping the height difference between a re-paved lane and the ground-down lane next to it (looks like two inches or so). I had to skip my exit a few weeks ago and ride a few miles extra to avoid one of those.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes RC, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.

jerryb

Just like the gratings we have on many of the bridges over the waterways down here in FL, those grooves are a bit nerve racking. Just loosen your grip on the bars a bit and don't fight the bike, it will wander a bit but you will be OK. Even after 35+ years of riding, I still have to steady my nerves as I approach a bridge or the dreaded hiway grooves.
And as far as the drop between new lanes and repaved lanes, if you need to do it, just don't waste your time during the cross over, make the "jump" and be done with it. going down is much easier and safer than going up. Remember not to let your tires ride parallel to the new pavement, that'll get you in trouble big time in a hurry.

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2006 T100 Tangerine
1984 BMW R100RS
1972 NORTON COMBAT COMMANDO
1966 R60/2

dazco

This is where the cruiser range excels. I can run over those w/o hardly a twitch. It's even better at it than some cars i've had ! The rake is likely the main reason.

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2005 Speedmaster, Neon Blue, Thunderbike pipes, snorkel removed, UNI filter, drilled airbox, 130 mains, TBS needles.(2 shims) And speaking of Speedmasters, HERE'S MINE

Skint

Mine would get the wobbles on those transitions in the asphalt, but usually straighten right up after the transition is past.

rain grooves.....well, you have already been given good advice there. loosen up and let the bike do the work....

innominate

1+ don't fight the bike or tighten up. and btw, did you ever sign up for that MSF course?

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you can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning.

Bonnebret

+1 This is covered in the MSF course.

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2005 Bonneville Black: Tank Pads, Centerstand, Tachometer, Snorkel Removed, AI Removed, Gaiters

DrewDesign007

A slight delay in my scheduling...

They are booked through November but I have put my money aside.

I need to hurry up and get it done, my girlfriend is ready for some two-up riding - plus her parents live 8+ hours away in NC so I need to get my skills on to make a trip with her.

oh, that reminds me - she likes fitted gear not bulky stuff and the Triumph gear is a tad outside of our range - any sugestions on web sites?

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Scored as a rocker!
75% rocker - 50% mod

nick_t

Drew --

www.newenough.com has been very good to me. they have excellent customer service, and a decent range of gear. their online descriptions answer most questions, too.

no, i'm not associated and this is not spam. simply recommending a good site.

thanks.
nick

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"Each day is a journey, and the journey itself home."
-- Matsuo Basho

06 Bonneville T100 (AI removed, snorkel IN, stock otherwise)