A newbie asks

Hi All.

My names Andy from Plymouth in Devon.

I've joined this forum because I need to ask some R3 related questions as I'm thinking of taking the plunge.

My local dealer is Bridge bikes in Exeter.

I was in there on Saturday loking around the bike which I've long admired when the salesman offered me a demo ride.

I was a bit nervous.

I've been riding 25 years but found the prospect of just pulling away on this beast quite intimidating.

However I needn't have worried because I found the bike to be amazingly manageable even at walking pace - that really suprised me.

From then on I knew I just had to have one but I have questions which may seem a bit daft coming from someone considering a 2.3l motorcycle but are nevetheless relevant to me due to the high mileages I do.

Firsty - what sort of tyre life can I expect ?

I don't expect to drag starting it everywhere and most of my mileage is country roads and dual carriageways.

With this in mind I was also wondering what sort of mpg to expect.

I was amazed to see the tacho floating just above 2,500 rpm at 70mph which made me think that possibly this beast might be frugal on juice on a run ?

What are Triumph servicing costs like and after warranty, what's this bike like for home servicing by a reasonably competant home mechanic.

Lastly - the bike I rode was in standard trim and I found it very un-comfortable at motorway speeds.

I felt sort of doubled up on it, like I was on a rowing machine at the gym and at 5ft 11 I'm not particularly small.

I felt all that was needed was for the bars to be pulled up a couple of inches and back a few more to address this issue for me.

Does anyone produce aftermarket risers for this purpose ?

After my demo ride I was introduced to the Rocket classic which of course does address these very issue's but, (and no dis-respect to anyone who owns one), I prefer the raw street bike look of the standard model.

Your help would be greatly appreicated.

Cheers.

Andy.

Andyals said:

Firsty - what sort of tyre life can I expect ?
With this in mind I was also wondering what sort of mpg to expect.
I was amazed to see the tacho floating just above 2,500 rpm at 70mph which made me think that possibly this beast might be frugal on juice on a run ?
What are Triumph servicing costs like and after warranty, what's this bike like for home servicing by a reasonably competant home mechanic.
Does anyone produce aftermarket risers for this purpose ?

After my demo ride I was introduced to the Rocket classic which of course does address these very issue's but, (and no dis-respect to anyone who owns one), I prefer the raw street bike look of the standard model.

Andy.

Click to expand...

Tyre life varies dramatically judging by other posts on here, but it seems 4 - 6k is norm so better than a sportsbike.
£10 took me about 120miles today (I have the classic) touring at 80 -100mph
Servicing costs I've not found out yet cos its only every 10k - or annually, Ive only had mine 9 months and 4k
Loads a products - go to the techy section of the forum and enjoy - loads of links advertised there.
Oh and welcome 8) 8)

Andyals ,
Welcome the to the site ,
milage will be 33-35 mpg , tire average 7500 to 8000
some have lasted 5000 hot rodding to maybe a little
over 10000 babying it .
You can set up bike how you like it, ride wise , there are
enough aftermarket stuff to change ....
bars / risers
seat / windscreens / bags
exhaust / headers
pegs / floorboards
or anything else you want :!:
Other then first service ( triumph has to do )
and 1 rear tire change, I've had no cost other the oil
changes. in 14500 miles .... pretty much for me anyways
a trouble free bike :wink:

33-35 mpg also is not conservative

wayne

Hello Andyals. Good to have you aboard. Have you introduced yourself on the Meet the Members forum?

I have jsut returned from a 3600 mile road trip and averaged 32.8 MPG High of 38 and low of 28...all depends on speed. My best mileage was at 55 MPH normal cruising speed was 70-80. Worst mileage was over 90, but that could be expected.

Tire life...there are 5300 miles on the bike and service tech said there are 800-1000 miles left. Tire is flat in middle due to much highway driving and too much throttle twisting on take off. It all depends on how much you like to zoom off and grind the twisties. If you take it easy pulling out and don't pound the twisties, then there are members who've gotten over 10k miles. Others have gotten as few as 3000. Your mileage will vary.

I'm 6'1'', 245 lbs. Mine is dressed for touring with windshield, foot boards front and rear, and two-up seat. I intend to install the Rivco Risers to bring the bars to a more comfortable level. I opted for the two-up seat with back rest 'cause standard seat is too small and hard.

My first service cost a little over 200 USD. Oil changes, 10w40 or 15W50 synthetic, are every 10K. Valves need adjusted around 15K mile service, I think...someone else correct me if I'm wrong.

Fuel is my biggest expense 'cause I can't quit twisting the throttle, although it is a bit easier not to do it now that it's in the shop getting put back together.

Enjoy your new girl, but always respect her, and the road. She may be forgiving, but...

Be safe. Ride safe.

Hi Andyals, & welcome to the forum.

I also ride mostly country roads & dual carriageways, and have just replaced my rear tyre at 6500. Front still has plenty of mileage in it.

Petrol consumtion varies from 150 miles a tankful at playful speeds to 185 at fast touring.

Rivco make risers that others have found pull the bars back & up, but I've gone towards the T bar look.

Hi Andy and welcome,
Don't know about tyre life yet coz I've only had it four months and it had been replaced before I bought it. 4,000 mlies later it looks as though it's not got much left on it.
I get 33mpg but ride it like I stole it. Trying to get some practice in for the "Run What Ye Brung" at the Bulldog Bash in August. Are you going?

Welcome mate, and like they said!

Thankyou for the replies and for not shooting me down for posting what might be considered naive questions, but I firmly believe that the people who own the bike are the best to ask rather than putting your faith in a journalist who's only had to keep the bike a day or two.

I must admit I'm surprised and encouraged at what people are saying about rear tyre life.

I thought maybe this bike would chew back tyres but judging by what you've said I may at least be able to get a lot better than my current CB1300 which does about 4,500 on the back and only a little more on the front - and I ride it like a granny :shock:

Fuel consumption I guess shouldn't be of too much concern for someone considering a 2.3 litre bike but I just wanted to be sure I wasn't buying the bike equivalent of a Dodge Ram (8mpg) as that would get a bit depressing on a long trip.
I do go with my Wife on jaunts to Europe fully loaded.

One thing I have to say about the Rocket is that during my test ride it really did grab attention.

I parked in a village and within minutes was in conversation with total strangers wanting to find out more about this bike.

I did have an embarassing moment though when it came to setting off again.

I mounted the bike and couldn't start it.

The embarrasing part was that a small audience had gathered to watch and presumably hear this beast awakening.

I had to get off rather red faced and phone the dealer to tell them their demo bike had broken down about 20 miles from the shop - except it wasn't that - it was the salesman who forgot to tell me that with Triumphs you have to pull the clutch in even in neutral to start them.

Doh

Everyones done it Andy - some even leave the Kill Switch on and call their wives out to help.................... :lol: :lol:

Well,since you've had your questions answered I'll just say welcome to the forum Andyals