Stopped off at TriumphWorld in Chesterfield for a coffee and a chat and somehow came away with this. Must have been something in the coffee
Collected it first thing this morning. Two hours and 100+ miles later I can report that my wrists and upper arms are aching a bit (previous bike was a 'sit up and beg' T120) - hopefully my muscles will soon get used to the new riding position, but that is more than compensated for by the better handling, more power, the sound or those V&H cans and the grin factor. My only comment so far is that it feels like it needs another gear. 70mph in top = 4000rpm whereas with the T120 it was just over 3000rpm (iirc) so it feels a bit buzzy to me. I'll get used to it
I used to have a Bonneville T100 that was setup with a pretty aggressive riding position (rear sets and low slung clip-ons) and it definitely took some adjustment. FWIW I found that adjusting my riding position to focus more on using my core muscles to keep my weight off the wrists and shoulders helped immensely. It took a while but I spent a couple of weeks very consciously focusing on having as little weight as possible on my wrists and it ended up being very natural. I think that is what the sport bike guys do. Congrats on the lovely new bike! Hoping to take one of those out for a test run one of these days, but I know how dangerous that is...
Thanks Ryguy - That sounds like a good tip. So use muscles in the lower torso to keep position and not rest on one's arms? I'll give it a go.
Yup, that’s it. And like I said it really helps me to focus very consciously on using those lower torso muscles. I try to keep a relatively light hold on the bars...generally better from a control standpoint anyhow and definitely helps with countersteering.
look's like i'm in the same boat as you,i could end up with another ride, a pal of mine has a honda CB1100rs,i like the look of it, we went out the other day for a ride,i was amazed on the acceleration,he must have gave it a good handful,need to get on one for a test ride, my dilemma is, i like the kawasaki gtr 1400 & the thruxton 900 efi,i honestly can't see me getting rid of either of them.
You won't regret it Pasher; had mine two years now and I'm never letting it go. Fit US spec Vance & Hines pipes, with the db killers removed, then replace the catalytic converter with a Tec-Dcat balancer exhaust insert. The sound is orchestral, especially on overun. Took mine to the tt races this year and the sound just reverberated off every building and rock face I passed by. You're going to have loads of fun, enjoy
