 Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
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I have never been a speed freak. I have never felt compelled to go fast. I have scoffed at all the talk of the "TON" (why would anyone even think about that). Hey, I am a respectable middle-aged guy who rides pretty much every day as a commuter, I am not some hot rod kid on a sport bike.
And yet...
Yesterday I was passing a truck on the super slab (first time since I got my America) Gave the throttle a twist and when I looked down and I was passing quickly through 85 and climbing...without straining...
And so now my head is filled with BAD thoughts like
"Where can I try this?", "Where is the nearest abandoned airstrip?", "What if my wife found out?"
Not saying I would do it... but still...
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
I have scoffed at all the talk of the "TON" (why would anyone even think about that).
And so now my head is filled with BAD thoughts like
"Where can I try this?", "Where is the nearest abandoned airstrip?", "What if my wife found out?"
Not saying I would do it... but still...
There are two types of Triumph riders, those who have and those who will. Pick a safe place 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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but still........ So where did you find to do the TON then 
Ray(UK)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Well Ray, there's still a heck of a lot of Out-In-The-Middle-Of-Nowheres in this big ol' country over here, and I'm sure Thom found one of 'em to perform this maneuver. Right, Thom?! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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For me, it was Interstate 85 near my home in Anderson, SC. Hey, the traffic normally flows at 85mph anyhow, so what's an extra 15mph. At that point, ANYTHING that happens at 100 that might kill you will also kill you at 85mph. The biggest thing besides keeping an eye on any cars is keeping an eye out for Smokey!! (so that you can pull over out of his way when he comes up your rear doing 105, without sirens, flashers, etc...!!!) 
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I was really surprised last night how easy it was to get to 70mph and faster. Although in the Detroit area, if you are not going 85, you are toast.
2007 Custom America with BUBs
I make my own parts cause I cant afford to buy theirs.
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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On the modern twins, the concept of the ton is a load of crap. 100 is easily accessable for ANYONE. Any highway, any condition, no problem. Heck...you can do it with a friggin windshield, which strips all credibility right there. I hit 110-115 every morning going to work and it's not hard, dangerous, or even thrilling for that matter.
Our equivalent would be at least 125, probably faster.
Mark
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I do it too, almost every time I go out especially if I am on the slab.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
but still........ So where did you find to do the TON then
My friend owns the local drag strip. No cages, no deer, good surface. I'm big on the adage that "if you wish to race you should find a track", although I'll admit to certain moments of joy at over 80mph.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Wait a minute Mark...110-115 EVERY MORNING going to WORK???!!! Now while I don't doubt these bike are easily capable of these speeds(in fact, I've done it a few times myself OUT-IN-THE-MIDDLE-OF-NOWHERE usually) but DUDE...maybe you should leave for work a little bit earlier each morning, ESPECIALLY if you're goin' 110-115 in or near TRAFFIC!!! (I'm just lookin' out for ya kid...You may never attain the high exalted status of "Wordsmith" if you keep doin' THIS on a regular basis!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I'm not in NYC anymore so the cars we have around here don't really qualify as traffic as far as I'm concerned...especially at 6:15 when I'm headed to work.
Mark
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
On the modern twins, the concept of the ton is a load of crap. 100 is easily accessable for ANYONE. Any highway, any condition, no problem. Heck...you can do it with a friggin windshield, which strips all credibility right there. I hit 110-115 every morning going to work and it's not hard, dangerous, or even thrilling for that matter.
Our equivalent would be at least 125, probably faster.
Some one wants to talk to you.
Couldn't find a bike being chased by LEOs
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Well....OKAY! It's YOUR backside!
(BTW...I'm still a little confused here...I was always under the impression that ANY cager ANYWHERE poses a threat...Now, I'm NOT sure how far Westport is from Boston, but I've has the distinct "pleasure" to have driven in Beantown a few times, and I'm tellin' ya...THEYS SOME CRAZY-A$$ DRIVERS THERE DUDE!!!)
Last edited by Dwight; 01/09/2008 2:56 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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The whole point of this isn't to tell people about fast I travel, but making a point that the concept of fast has changed.
Back in the day, on vintage bikes, only a handful of riders had bikes capable and balls big enough to see speeds that high. With todays refined engines, frame geometries, and suspension setups, the simple act of going 100 mph doesn't hold the glory that it used to.
I don't think I'm a hooligan rider JUST because I hit triple digits on a regular basis, but if I'm wrong, then so be it.
Mark
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Nah! I got your main point, Mark, and you're right. Motorcycles today CAN travel a heck of a lot faster and with more competence than when I started riding them back some 40 years ago. I was just trying to make the point that in those same 40 years those cars out there haven't gotten any less unpredictable or any more "cushiony", that's all. I hope I didn't offend you here...you darn yute!!!
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
For me, it was Interstate 85 near my home in Anderson, SC. Hey, the traffic normally flows at 85mph anyhow, so what's an extra 15mph. At that point, ANYTHING that happens at 100 that might kill you will also kill you at 85mph. The biggest thing besides keeping an eye on any cars is keeping an eye out for Smokey!! (so that you can pull over out of his way when he comes up your rear doing 105, without sirens, flashers, etc...!!!)
Dude! We should commute together. That's my daily race... I mean commute route!(At least between exit 46a and 35 southbound) My 904 BA with free flowing exhaust forces me to do ton up at least once daily. I think the resonance of the exhaust note under wide open throttle has become an addiction.  Is there an antidote?
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Don't get too excited. Your speedometer is likely as much as 15mph off.
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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you mean I'm going 125 instead of the indicated 110?! 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
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Mark
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Sorry mrt202, I don't live there anymore (and I was down around exit 21, now I live in lovely Connecticut.(where my bike sits in a garage during the winter (and a large part of the summer too!!)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
Don't get too excited. Your speedometer is likely as much as 15mph off.
I know, so taking into account the slightly oversized front tire (110/90 vs 100/90) I push it on up to 110 to 115 just to satisfy my conscious. I'm pretty sure I've got 100mph in the bag....And i've still got a bit in reserve!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
Sorry mrt202, I don't live there anymore (and I was down around exit 21, now I live in lovely Connecticut.(where my bike sits in a garage during the winter (and a large part of the summer too!!)
Too bad. I moved from Anderson to Liberty so now I rarely enjoy that extra 15 mile stretch or the upper Carolina speedway. LOL
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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These bikes will run a ton all day long. Stock at that! Okay, average close to 78 mph for 10 hours and 50 minutes...843 miles...  Ride em not like you stole it, but like you need to. They love to purr.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
These bikes will run a ton all day long. Stock at that! Okay, average close to 78 mph for 10 hours and 50 minutes...843 miles...
Ride em not like you stole it, but like you need to.
They love to purr.
Moe,
Remember the ride from Niagra Falls to Canandaigua, NY following Ed? I think we did 95 for close to an hour.
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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Yes I do.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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This is what I see in my mind when I read Mark's post: 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
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I did the imperal ton once on my 03 speedie and even though I have one of those really small fly screens fitted the wind pressure was terribble I much prefer the legal metric ton going up to 130-140 when ovetaking the big truck guys or girls.
Blessings
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 Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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On a Speedy with 16T gearing, the ton is about 6000rpm. And they'll pull it through a full tank and ask for more. You only need about 400 yards to hit 100 anyway, and less than 100 yards to stop, so there's plenty of places to fly. Hard acceleration does mess with rear tire mileage, though, my Marathon is shot after only 5000 miles.  But it's worth it. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Must be casual Friday.
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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This whole "ton" thing has always confused me. If a ton is say roughly 2,000 lbs, wouldn't the term correctly be 1/20 T? Not as sexxy, but more accurate. I must be missing something obvious  Fortunately Robert will soon shut down the site for maintenance  jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I think he means a ton = 2,000 lbs but a tonne up doesn't = 2,000 miles an hr. So where is the correlation.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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i seem to remember a sweet smooth strip of I-75
Keith, John and me
one at a time
major league grins
3 happy Triumphs
3 happier riders
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
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If you want an "overdrive" effect, drill the airbox and filter, up the needles, and hold on....before, I was shifting into 5th around 60mph, now, after the chop, I don't shift into 5th until around 72 mph....just like an overdrive....
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111 |
O dear me a ton or a tonne neither apply as we all know a motorcycle imperial ton is 100 mph and a motorcycle metric ton is 100 km\ph
either way blessings
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
I did the imperal ton once on my 03 speedie and even though I have one of those really small fly screens fitted the wind pressure was terribble
If ya think that's a bugger - Lift a foot off a peg at that speed and struggle to get it back where it was.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Quote:
I did the imperal ton once on my 03 speedie and even though I have one of those really small fly screens fitted the wind pressure was terribble
If ya think that's a bugger - Lift a foot off a peg at that speed and struggle to get it back where it was.
Yep, once I moved my foot I couldn't manage to get it back where I could shift into 5th so I never found out where the speedo and rev limiter collide.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I did the imperal ton once on my 03 speedie and even though I have one of those really small fly screens fitted the wind pressure was terribble
If ya think that's a bugger - Lift a foot off a peg at that speed and struggle to get it back where it was.
Yep, once I moved my foot I couldn't manage to get it back where I could shift into 5th so I never found out where the speedo and rev limiter collide.
So THAT'S what happened to Rollie Free that day long long ago there at the Bonneville Salt Flats when he rode that there Vincent, HUH?!(as pictured above)
(I always wondered about that!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
So THAT'S what happened to Rollie Free that day long long ago there at the Bonneville Salt Flats when he rode that there Vincent, HUH?!(as pictured above)
(I always wondered about that!!!)
Legend has it that Rollie had torn his leathers and was certain it was holding him back from topping 150mph so he shed them for a speedo and slippers...effectively riding the bike naked and hitting 150.3 mph in the process.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yep! The story goes that he made a couple of runs at 149MPH, but the goal was 150, so as you said, he shed his leathers and got prone on the bike and finally met his goal.
(that dude was NUTS!!!)
BTW, did you see "World's Fastest Indian"? I thought that cigar-chompin' guy who played Rollie in it was PERFECT!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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