1500 Miles in 4 Days R3T

Why do you guys jump on people for "taking their hands off the bars" and "not wearing a helmet", or "driving fast" and "weaving in/out of traffic" all the time? You sound like their mothers. Nag-Nag-Nag.

HellFire said:

Why do you guys jump on people for "taking their hands off the bars" and "not wearing a helmet", or "driving fast" and "weaving in/out of traffic" all the time? You sound like their mothers. Nag-Nag-Nag.

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Yea, bollocks, do what you like, just don't take me with you

rockethead i got 11000 miles on my rear tire on my r3t and when i had my classic got bout the same mileage

Rainman, you are absolutely right....let's just say some of us on the board (not me) are a little (well, maybe a lot) more agressive in their riding than others.


Dennis

83 dtg Dubai
84 dtg Home

Sounds like a great ride, McRocket.

We weren't there so shouldn't comment on your braking technique. Skip is correct in stating that a 70/30 front/rear braking technique is best "most of the time." In terrain where loose gravel is an issue, I go 70/30.

I live just south of you (San Diego) and haven't been up that route in some time. Just beautiful, though and i've gotta get back and do it again soon.

Lastly, I also get the wobble now and again. The dealer thinks it may be the front tire, though I've experimented with different PSIs, to no avail.

Thanks for the write-up.

dandiego said:

Sounds like a great ride, McRocket.

We weren't there so shouldn't comment on your braking technique. Skip is correct in stating that a 70/30 front/rear braking technique is best "most of the time." In terrain where loose gravel is an issue, I go 70/30.

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I disagree. Advising someone on proper braking techniques may someday save their life. Using the rear brake to the point of failure is both incorrect and dangerous. I don't think anyone was criticizing the OP, just offering information based on their training and experience.

To my way of thinking its no different than if someone stated they preferred to run their tires at 20 lbs of air pressure because the ride was more comfortable. I suspect people would point out the dangers of low tire pressure and the possible consequences.

I also hope you meant to say that in loose gravel situations you would recommend 30/70 front to rear.

McRocket said:

I left SoCal for regions north. Rode up the coast to Monterey then through the Central Valley to the Feather River Canyon up to Bucks Lake (until the snow stopped me). Did a few side trips in the Plumas National Forest and then back down the canyon (75 miles of the most delectible two wheel riding in the world). Spent the night in Monterey and then rode the infamous Hwy 1 through Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Ventura, through the pass to Malibu fininsing up in San Clemente.

I only had 2 small problems. I completely overheated my rear brake trying to road race a couple of BMW's just south of Big Sur. I held my own for a couple of miles but all of a sudden, my rear brake went right to the bottom...nothing there. I am not sure what happened, but they came back after a stop for gas and a breather.

The second problem was a high speed wobble (65-70mph) but only when I removed my hands from the bars.

I averaged 35 mpg but ran the bike hard. Almost all hwy miles were at 80mph. I had the bike fully packed and she still handled smooth and stable.

I am thinking about adding a batwing fairing with sound system. I am concerned about how it will affect the handling. Any comments?

Anyway it was a great ride and I would be more than happy to share the route if any one is interested.

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I hope you learned your lesson. The BMW's had an unfair advantage, technology

Old Ladies

A couple of you guys are Old Ladies. I asked two easy questions. Has anyone experienced overheating of the rear brake or a front end wobble. For the record, I found the wobble because I have a throttlemeister so my speed was set and I was unzipping a vent in my Jacket

I was running hard through the twisties using my front and rear brakes. You can't go too hard on the R3T front brake because it causes the front suspension to dive in a turn. Also anyone who has run the Rocket hard knows you can't go too hard on the rear or you would lock up and wash out. The rear brake "failed"...very simple. I should not have to worry about it. I was keeping up with a couple of GT's because I think I am a better rider that those guys. They could have been newbies for all I know. I really doesn't doesn't matter. If they knew their equipment, I would have lost sight of them in a minute or two.

For the record, I have raced scrambles, hill climbs, mud races, flat track, and amateur road racing. I have been very fortunate to have been able to own dirt bikes, street bikes, naked bikes, cafe` racers, BMW's, H.D.'s (hardtails, softails, & touring suspensions). I started riding when I was nine and have had a MC license 44 years.

Thanks for the riding lessons though, I really don't mind and I am still open to new ideas especially about my favorite subject and pastime...motorcycles.

I like my R3T and would rather ride long distance on the Triumph than any H.D. on the market. If I was really putting on the miles I would be sporting a Goldwing, BMWGT or an LT.

I agree, McRocket. There are a few ol' biddies posting here.

How about the BMW comment?! Classic! Selling us on the virtues of a BMW on a Triumph Rocket III owner's site.

Some folks just love to tell other how great they are...

"I hope you learned you lesson." That still cracks me up.

I typically don't wear a helmet ..... Is my Mother here? **** did I say that out loud?