Good evening, everyone,
Well, here I am back on the Rat Net after being away for 10 years (I never should have sold that Legend TT).
I purchased a Street Twin (red) last week, and hope to pick it up this week after the center stand, crash bars, luggage rack, and fender extender are installed. I will be using the bike for commuting, local day rides and tours of a week or two at a time. I've been riding for 50 years, and have had some big touring bikes in the past, but I decided that at 71 it was time to downsize a bit. Besides, I really prefer riding nimble bikes.
What have you done with your Street Twin or other TR twin to adapt it for touring? What experiences have you had with windshields? I would like some wind protection, but I want to avoid helmet buffeting. Also, what do you you use for storage, e.g. top boxes or rack bags, tank bags and panniers?
I considered the nylon OEM bags which look just right on the ST, but the fact that they do not lock to the bike is a bit of a deal breaker for me. I'd like luggage that I can lock, and that locks to the bike, but is easily removed without leaving an ugly hunk of bracket hanging about when I'm not on tour. I am considering C-Bow luggage. Anybody have any experience with those?
Has anyone mounted tank panniers on a Street Twin? I have those on my dual sport. I like the way they centralize weight, and the way they keep cold wind off my legs, but fear they might be too close to the engine on the ST.
Has anyone added an after-market seat for longer distance comfort?
Also, I'd like to hear what kind of gas mileage Street Twin riders are getting in the real world? Given Triumph's mileage claims, the Street Twin should be good for about 150 miles without concern (about my distance between pee stops). But, what kind of mileage have you actually been getting, especially loaded for travel? What is the farthest you have gone between fill-ups, without running dry?
Thanks,
Ray
2017 Triumph Street Twin
2007 BMW F650 GS (on the market)
2002 BMW 1150 RT (on the market)
1989 Honda NT 650 Hawk
1977 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1999 Legent TT (gone but not forgotten)
1964 Triumph Tiger Cub (my first love)