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265,000 miles
#592098 03/08/2018 2:09 PM
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Just read a posting on RAT ( facebook). Gentlemen is 65 and has ridden his Rocket 3, 265,000 MILES.
Impressive to say the least


It's not speeding till you get pulled over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqa1s4jhkQ8
1 member likes this: Calkins
Re: 265,000 miles
mikemm03 #592099 03/08/2018 3:06 PM
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Very impressive.
It would be lovely to have the time to put those sort of miles on.
Tyres on my R3 were flattening off at a little less than 3,500 miles so at that rate, I'd have gotten through 76 sets and at about £450 a set, tyres alone would've been about £34,000
Yikes.
I sold mine before going on the Euro Rally to Romania (2014?). I doubted if id get there and back on a set of tyres plus the fuel !!
Sheesh, it would've probably been cheaper going in my car

.


"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
Re: 265,000 miles
Funkletrumpet #592100 03/08/2018 5:48 PM
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I know that line of thought.... I have it often.
My current main ride is a Honda VTX 1800.... Love it but frankly at 40 mpg and a tiny tank?
I regularly travel to the west coast of Scotland from home in Tunbridge Wells.
I can do that run so very much cheaper in my old Skoda Superb diesel than I can on any bike I've ever ridden.
But, hey, if it were all about practical we wouldn't be riding bikes at all.
On the other hand I did baulk at the running costs of a Rocket 3.....I do 18k every year......and I too did the maths.
Al


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592101 03/08/2018 10:58 PM
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So I don't understand the tire longevity (or lack of) on a Rocket 3. Are we saying that it is just impossible to ride the darn thing without spinning the tires or what other reason?


Fidelis et Fortis
Re: 265,000 miles
arstaren #592102 03/09/2018 4:20 AM
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Quote:

So I don't understand the tire longevity (or lack of) on a Rocket 3. Are we saying that it is just impossible to ride the darn thing without spinning the tires or what other reason?




So it would seem.....I've never yet met anyone with a Rocket who didn't complain of ruinous tyre life


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
arstaren #592103 03/09/2018 5:02 AM
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Weight and torque eats them right up


It's not speeding till you get pulled over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqa1s4jhkQ8
Re: 265,000 miles
mikemm03 #592104 03/09/2018 6:45 AM
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If you're not going to be heavy on the throttle, what's the point of buying a Rocket? It's certainly not for looks


Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
Re: 265,000 miles
mikemm03 #592105 03/09/2018 11:11 AM
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Quote:

Weight and torque eats them right up




in addition to the power, the shaft drive is the real killer of tires. no slack, and with all that torque every up shift is a chirp and every down shift a little flat. adds up.

throw some burnouts in and riding 2 up. and there goes the tires.

for comparison, my T-bird going 2 up is a only good for 6-7000 miles on a rear tire vs the speedmaster at 14000 plus!


05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
Re: 265,000 miles
mag10 #592106 03/09/2018 2:33 PM
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Aa far as mine was concerned, no wheelspins or burnouts, just ridden enthusiatically.
I know Martyn off here used to get many more miles out of his than I could.
The problem is (and it's a nice problem !) is the acceleration and power is addictive.
Once you have experienced the arm straightening acceleration once, you're like a kid ... "again, again".

.


"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
Re: 265,000 miles
roadworthy #592107 03/09/2018 2:34 PM
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Quote:

If you're not going to be heavy on the throttle, what's the point of buying a Rocket? It's certainly not for looks




You can't see how butt-ugly it is when you're on it

.


"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592108 03/11/2018 6:41 AM
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Quote:

I know that line of thought.... I have it often.
My current main ride is a Honda VTX 1800.... Love it but frankly at 40 mpg and a tiny tank?
I regularly travel to the west coast of Scotland from home in Tunbridge Wells.
I can do that run so very much cheaper in my old Skoda Superb diesel than I can on any bike I've ever ridden.
But, hey, if it were all about practical we wouldn't be riding bikes at all.
On the other hand I did baulk at the running costs of a Rocket 3.....I do 18k every year......and I too did the maths.
Al




You got rid of the America again then?


Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592109 03/11/2018 10:46 PM
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I am still trying to figure this on my 2015 R3T.

First there seems to be an addiction of gaining performance.

I am in the process of doing the intake, exhaust, and tune. I should be pushing about 160 hp this spring.

The bike is a torque monster.

Fully loaded on a trip with Ema and I is probably 1400 lbs.

I have been surprised at how well the bike handles and this does not aid in preserving tires.

I put some 5000 miles on the bike last summer. I got a 2 inch flat strip on the back and the front has some signs of cupping. They are Metz so I am putting that on them.
Yes I am religious about air pressure. I can probably squeeze 8K out of them, but I doubt it.

I was gettng about 42 mpg out of it on the highway until I put a performance tune in it. I am now about 32 mpg.

I got the bike for touring and it does this exceptionally well. Ema and I have done a couple of 600 mile days on it no problem.

It is a niche bike and an addiction, but it is not a bike you want to get out of the garage everyday.

The America is still my favorite bike to just ride. She saw 3800 miles last year. I just ordered a full TTP ignition system for her as well as the Stage 1 and the Safe start.

Last edited by BillyIndiana; 03/11/2018 10:49 PM.
Re: 265,000 miles
BillyIndiana #592110 03/12/2018 8:06 AM
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Quote:

I got a 2 inch flat strip on the back ...



Stupid question here ... why did you let it get that bad?
Handling must be a pig.
As soon as a flat starts occurring you can tell without even looking, for one you will you get a slight wobble as you cross a line on the road.
Taking into account the power these have and the weight, IMO having a 2" flat is very bad.
Unless of course you go over to the dark side ...


I considered it but no doubt every insurance company will throw the fact you're fitting tyres not designed for the vehicle at you if you ever made a claim.

.


"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
Re: 265,000 miles
BillyIndiana #592111 03/12/2018 8:52 AM
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Quote:

I can probably squeeze 8K out of them, but I doubt it.
I was gettng about 42 mpg out of it on the highway until I put a performance tune in it. I am now about 32 mpg.

I got the bike for touring and it does this exceptionally well.




I don't see you getting 8k on a MC rear tire on the Rocket
From 42 mpg to 32 mph I would go back to the stock tune.
As you stated, the R3T is is a touring bike, not the Roadster


It's not speeding till you get pulled over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqa1s4jhkQ8
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592112 03/12/2018 12:22 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

I know that line of thought.... I have it often.
My current main ride is a Honda VTX 1800.... Love it but frankly at 40 mpg and a tiny tank?
I regularly travel to the west coast of Scotland from home in Tunbridge Wells.
I can do that run so very much cheaper in my old Skoda Superb diesel than I can on any bike I've ever ridden.
But, hey, if it were all about practical we wouldn't be riding bikes at all.
On the other hand I did baulk at the running costs of a Rocket 3.....I do 18k every year......and I too did the maths.
Al




You got rid of the America again then?



Reluctantly....It acquired a slight misfire which I spent ages trying to track down and eventually just got fed up with crawling about in my front garden.
Just bought a thunderbird this morning...pick it up Saturday and still enough in the slush fund to go look for an older simpler tba


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
mikemm03 #592113 03/12/2018 2:35 PM
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Quote:

I don't see you getting 8k on a MC rear tire on the Rocket



You can if you ride it until you have a 2" flat



.


"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
Re: 265,000 miles
Funkletrumpet #592114 03/12/2018 8:31 PM
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I should clarify the back tire is wearing evenly it is just that about a 2 inch area in the center has worn profoundly compared to the rest. Guess I need to work on my cornering.

I have thought about going dark side on the back tire. I have a couple friends running car tires and I might give it a try. For the cost of a tire it would be worth the experience.

I will get them changed in May so they will never see 8k I was just sayin.

As far as the mileage and the tune I can run the performance tune or the economy tune. I have TuneECU on my phone and can pretty much change it on the fly.

It is a Boss bike.


Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
Re: 265,000 miles
BillyIndiana #592115 03/12/2018 8:59 PM
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Billy, you should ride the Rocket to GA for the Rally this year


It's not speeding till you get pulled over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqa1s4jhkQ8
Re: 265,000 miles
BillyIndiana #592116 03/13/2018 2:39 PM
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Quote:

I have thought about going dark side on the back tire.



The life of the tyre is greatly improved.
Watching someone corner on a car tyre is a weird thing to see.
My only concern was that car tyres aren't designed to drive on the edge so questions about tyre wall strength come to mind.

.


"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
Re: 265,000 miles
Funkletrumpet #592117 03/13/2018 9:46 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

I have thought about going dark side on the back tire.



The life of the tyre is greatly improved.
Watching someone corner on a car tyre is a weird thing to see.
My only concern was that car tyres aren't designed to drive on the edge so questions about tyre wall strength come to mind.

.




Totally agree, but I have been on a number of rides with them and they perform great. It is something to see.

Also for the cost of the tire if I don't like it I am not out a lot.


Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
Re: 265,000 miles
BillyIndiana #592118 03/14/2018 12:32 PM
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On my Rocket Roadster I went 13,500 kilometers on the rear Metzeler before I replaced it. Down to the wear bars. The front went close to 16,000 and the main reason for replacing it was cupping. I replaced the original rear Metzeler 240/50 R16 with a Bridgestone Excedra Max 240/55 R16, which was slightly taller. The bike handled better, corrected the speedo error and the tire lasted several thousand kilometers longer. The Bridgys are almost half the price of the Metzelers. Also put a Bridgestone on the front and never ended up with any cupping. It will be replaced this spring having gone 5000 kilometers further than the Metzeler.

Punching the Rocket hard will either give you a wheelie or spin the rear tire out until you back off. This is so easy to do when you first get used to the bike that the first tire usually doesn't last long.

Another contributing factor regarding tire life is temperature. Where I live it's relatively cool contributing to extended tire life.

Fuel mileage? With 24 liter tank I have driven 350 kilometers nonstop and only added 19.5 liters. Done this multiple times. That translates about 38 miles to the US gallon. Not bad. My car can be better but I don't get the same thrill.

I didn't buy the Rocket to save on gas and tires.

265,000 miles on a Rocket..... Curious to see what maintenance was needed.


12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592119 03/14/2018 2:17 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I know that line of thought.... I have it often.
My current main ride is a Honda VTX 1800.... Love it but frankly at 40 mpg and a tiny tank?
I regularly travel to the west coast of Scotland from home in Tunbridge Wells.
I can do that run so very much cheaper in my old Skoda Superb diesel than I can on any bike I've ever ridden.
But, hey, if it were all about practical we wouldn't be riding bikes at all.
On the other hand I did baulk at the running costs of a Rocket 3.....I do 18k every year......and I too did the maths.
Al




You got rid of the America again then?



Reluctantly....It acquired a slight misfire which I spent ages trying to track down and eventually just got fed up with crawling about in my front garden.
Just bought a thunderbird this morning...pick it up Saturday and still enough in the slush fund to go look for an older simpler tba




A T/Bird Again? wow! After the last one I hope this one's kinder to you.As you said Lots of people love them and don't have the problems you had.I still haven't totally rejected the 1200 Speedmaster yet.I just got home from Thailand yesterday,so I'll go and get my America from the local shop today.


Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592120 03/14/2018 5:08 PM
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Mike I would love to come to the rally, but this year I am taking my family to the National Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio for the unveiling of the Memphis Bell. I always have an issue with the Georgia Rally because the weather is so iffy that time of year in the Midwest and I do not trailer.

I love going to the Kentucky Rally and have made it the last 2 years.

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/

Last edited by BillyIndiana; 03/14/2018 5:15 PM.
Re: 265,000 miles
BillyIndiana #592121 03/14/2018 7:34 PM
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Quote:

Mike I always have an issue with the Georgia Rally because the weather is so iffy that time of year in the Midwest and I do not trailer.



.

Rain suit?


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: 265,000 miles
PES #592122 03/14/2018 9:46 PM
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I love you too Paul


Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592123 03/15/2018 2:10 AM
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Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I know that line of thought.... I have it often.
My current main ride is a Honda VTX 1800.... Love it but frankly at 40 mpg and a tiny tank?
I regularly travel to the west coast of Scotland from home in Tunbridge Wells.
I can do that run so very much cheaper in my old Skoda Superb diesel than I can on any bike I've ever ridden.
But, hey, if it were all about practical we wouldn't be riding bikes at all.
On the other hand I did baulk at the running costs of a Rocket 3.....I do 18k every year......and I too did the maths.
Al




You got rid of the America again then?



Reluctantly....It acquired a slight misfire which I spent ages trying to track down and eventually just got fed up with crawling about in my front garden.
Just bought a thunderbird this morning...pick it up Saturday and still enough in the slush fund to go look for an older simpler tba




A T/Bird Again? wow! After the last one I hope this one's kinder to you.As you said Lots of people love them and don't have the problems you had.I still haven't totally rejected the 1200 Speedmaster yet.I just got home from Thailand yesterday,so I'll go and get my America from the local shop today.



I know, I know...after all I've said about my last one too.....but She doesn't like Jap bikes, I'm out of love with Harley's and this Tbird didn't rattle when I test ride it....time will tell


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592124 03/15/2018 3:37 AM
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You have got to stick with Triumph Al old boy!
I was foaming at the mouth waiting for the 1200 speedmaster to arrive but it's a disappointment.Great engine but they say Triumph aren't covering the aluminium finish on the cases now.It shouldn't worry me in Australia as there's no road salt etc.but not a good look for Triumph IMO.I'd need different bars and the touring seat ASAP if I bought one.Oh well,I still may get one but it would compliment not replace my America.Unfortunately the T-bird is just too heavy and wide for me .


Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592125 03/15/2018 6:18 PM
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I know and agree with your sentiments.... Triumph is probably lettered through my long bones like Blackpool rock.
I too reject the 1200 series as they're just a bit too small physically and not practical for my touring needs( let's not even mention the hipster image).
I've also missed the the contact with my well respected Triumph shop ( Jack Lilley).....
So I pick up the tbird on Saturday and, guess what, snow is forecast.


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592126 03/16/2018 12:22 AM
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Snow for Saturday? Poor Bugger.We are having a late burst of summer.30C plus for the next week .It should normally be Autumn here and starting to cool slightly but I have no complaints if this keeps up.
I got back home on Wednesday and just got my America delivered this afternoon.Great local shop.I was going to pick it up today but circumstances.Lots of jobs to take care of so they ran it around for me.It was running rough before I left and they suggested I leave it with them,they had it the 7 weeks I was away. Cleaned it and tuned the carbs,pulled the petrol petcock and cleaned it, found the one way valve to the main breather restricted so cleaned that..$150 .Terrific.Anyway,I SHOULD get out for a ride tomorrow!


Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592127 03/16/2018 1:13 AM
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That sounds like really good service from your shop....Will they come and pick up my bike please?


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592128 03/16/2018 3:10 AM
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Your Thunderbird?


Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592129 03/18/2018 8:52 AM
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Quote:


Just bought a thunderbird this morning...pick it up Saturday




OMG Al. Please tell me it wasn’t another LT!?! The very bike you said was the worst you ever owned and that the 1700 engine should be buried in the ground? I hope your old one didn’t talk to the new one about your comments. Could be some hurt feelings down the road. Got to give you some razzing,mate. Hope you have some good trouble free miles with the new Bird. You are even welcomed back to the Thunderbird Forums.

Re: 265,000 miles
PES #592130 03/19/2018 1:51 AM
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Yes, I admit it...I really have bought another one...getting short of bikes I like...even shorter of one's my Beloved likes.
I have some hesitation about another Tbird given the awful woes of my last LT....but a friend has been running his Tbird a while now with no problems so I'm hoping I just bought a lemon back then.
As it is, heavy snow prevented me picking it up on Saturday so I'm making another attempt this morning.
Incidentally I met a guy yesterday who also had major engine problems with his LT.....so I wasn't alone...let's hope that wasn't an omen.


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592131 03/19/2018 5:44 AM
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Well I got out for my ride and I fell in love with my bike all over again.It ran so smooth .I went to the shop and thanked them again.The workshop bloke reckoned they ditched this one way valve thingy in the airbox all together.It was left over from the pollution crap apparently anyway it's running very nicely and pulls strongly.I'll give it another run tomorrow.


Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
findlay13 #592132 03/19/2018 9:01 AM
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That sounds like a result......me, frozen solid after an hour and a half ride in zero temperature.
My new bike though is pretty good.....so far...no nasty noises, knockings and such like.
Now to thaw out


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: 265,000 miles
arstaren #592133 03/19/2018 3:03 PM
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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The Rocket is a very heavy bike and just like the Vaulk or any other bike of that size weight it wears tires relitivly fast and that why a lot of guys run a car tire on them bikes . And include the fact that them guys love doing burnouts it's no wonder n if you do run a car tire run it at about 12-15 lbs

Last edited by newt; 03/19/2018 3:16 PM.

ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592134 03/19/2018 4:43 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:

That sounds like a result......me, frozen solid after an hour and a half ride in zero temperature.
My new bike though is pretty good.....so far...no nasty noises, knockings and such like.
Now to thaw out







Dinosaur.

"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland

"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson

"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
Re: 265,000 miles
Alatamoc #592135 03/20/2018 6:56 PM
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:

Yes, I admit it...I really have bought another one...getting short of bikes I like...even shorter of one's my Beloved likes.
I have some hesitation about another Tbird given the awful woes of my last LT....but a friend has been running his Tbird a while now with no problems so I'm hoping I just bought a lemon back then.
As it is, heavy snow prevented me picking it up on Saturday so I'm making another attempt this morning.
Incidentally I met a guy yesterday who also had major engine problems with his LT.....so I wasn't alone...let's hope that wasn't an omen.




Yeah I agree there were plenty of bad ones. I never denied that there were problems. I bet Triumph spent a fortune on warranty rebuilds. I was just lucky I guess to have 2 with no problems. There was a guy on the Tbird forum that got 120 k miles from his SE and it was still running great when he traded for an Indian. He never adjusted the valves and ran it on Shell Rotella non synthetic. He claimed it made the engine quieter.


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: 265,000 miles
PES #592136 03/21/2018 2:59 AM
Joined: Jun 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I'm hopeful.....the rumour is that the LT and Commander models are particularly noisy.


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?

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