And other ramblings.
So, time for the 20,000 KM service on the Tiger, it has the 1050 engine, pretty much the same as the S3 & Sprint.
20K service is a biggie, grease headbearings, new oil, filters, change brake fluid/Radiator fluid, check valves, balance throttle bodies, lots of other little bits and pieces.
It will cost large.
This will be the last service before the warranty runs out, so its off to the dealer, after this, most work will be done at home.
Off I toddle to Nerang, pissing down,drop the bike and pick up the loaner.
Now last time, they gave me Teh Awesome Aquila,
LOOK AT ME ON TEH AWESOME AQUILA MOTHERFUCKERS!
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h223/klavdy/Aquila/Roomy.jpg)
This time, an entirely different paire de manches.
Ta Da!
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-UXXOZI2I/AAAAAAAADF8/XyucqMhILqg/P1000686.JPG)
LOOK AT THE MOTHERFUCKER TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE AWESOME
Ooh, its little, hmmm,
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-Ul73NYII/AAAAAAAADGI/GwW5FY9_Vug/P1000689.JPG)
Bloody hell, its not just little, it feels tiny,
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-UnlltAlI/AAAAAAAADGM/EhynbkkHi9A/P1000690.JPG)
Least the sun was out by now.
So, couldn't help but compare it to that most inoffensive of cars, the rental Toyota Corolla, see, the rental one?
Thats cause some "P"plate cock ran up the back of my car.
It matches the Bonneville.
Thats not meant in a disparaging manner either, the wee Triumph is a little beauty, that is if you want a bike for just putting along on.
Took it to the closest approximation of its natural environment, the English country lane, that we have 'round here, the Tomewin road.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-UyB7HqCI/AAAAAAAADGg/Je7XtAtoXm8/P1000695.JPG)
English right down to the Gatsos,
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-UuLthmZI/AAAAAAAADGY/J_1qiA623o0/s576/P1000693.JPG)
Its small, fairly nimble, light, pegs touch down in a most satisfying manner, the brakes initially felt too soft, but then I realised that they are meant to be like that so its target market don't grab a big fistful and inadvertently lock up the front end, the suspension is O.K, don't think it has any adjustment but so my 6'4" & 100KG kinda overwhelmed it.
It gets along alright, nice feel to the motor through the bars and stuff,like, not an annoying harsh vibration , but you feel the engine, its got a really quiet exhaust, (you would get pipes) um, the gearbox is a bit graunchy but then I worked out you need to take just a little bit of time with it.
Everything about it felt , hmm, soft?
Yeah, soft I suppose, its a very non-threatening, polite sort of a bike.
The chrome bits around the bars (mirror stalks and suchlike) reflect into your eyes a bit too much, but all in all I kinda like it.
Dunno if I'd buy one, maybe to have as an extra Sunday sort of bike.
It would be difficult to get in too much strife with the Cops on it, it sits on 120(kmh) nicely but any more is a bit of a chore with the wind and all.
Yep, just the ticket to go see your Insurance Agent on.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-U1p_ekcI/AAAAAAAADGo/YBzefdXv96Q/P1000697.JPG)
Seems well made too,
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CgP_DGSV4U8/S2-TywIHncI/AAAAAAAADFs/BeXyDoNJkgI/P1000701.JPG)
I'll go for another ride on it, might have some more on it.
Then again, maybe not, dunno if its the type of bike any one on here would really be into.
It looks fairly original except for the pool of oil that should be underneath it when it is parked!
Imagine a reliable Triumph whoda thunk!!
first thing you do with any of the new triumphs, bonnies especially is to take the return springs out of the foot pegs, weight the outer peg when cornering and keep your foot light on the inner peg through corners, setup correctly they can be a very quick bike.
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 04:21:59 AM
Off I toddle to Nerang, pissing down,drop the bike and pick up the loaner.
Now last time, they gave me Teh Awesome Aquila,
Oooooo, the word "the" is misspelled.
You''ll do time in spelling hell for that one.
Bailiff, whack his pee pee!
Dan
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 04:21:59 AM
Thats cause some "P"plate cock ran up the back of my car.
So what's the "P" plate mean?
Randy T
Indy
Triumph did a great job re-creating the Bonneville look – mock non-unit gearbox, tank badge, pea-shooter silencers etc then spoilt it with that odd kink in the exhaust behind the footrest.
Stuart
Provisional licence, stage 1 (P1 - red)
A Provisional P1 licence (commonly called Ps and Reds) is gained after a minimum twelve months of holding a Learner Licence, 120 hours of on-road driving experience, and successful completion of an on-road practical driving examination. The licence holder can drive unaccompanied, but is limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h, towing trailers of up to 250 kg, and a zero alcohol content. They must display red-on-white 'P-plates' while driving. P1 drivers are limited to a total of four demerit points during the term of the licence, as compared to the 12-point limit on unrestricted licences. P1 drivers must hold the licence for one year before progressing to the next stage.
In New South Wales the minimum age to be eligible for a P1 Licence is 17. As of 1 July 2007, new laws for P1 drivers have been introduced, including a limit of one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am, and instant suspension for 3 months for any speeding offence. Furthermore, it is also now a requirement that red 'P-plates' be displayed on the outside of the vehicle.
Provisional licence, stage 2 (P2 - green)
A Provisional P2 licence (commonly known as Ps and Greens) is gained after one year and successful completion of a computerised hazard perception test. The driver is restricted to a speed limit of 100 km/h, a zero alcohol limit, and a maximum of six demerit points; however, they are eligible to upgrade the class of their licence, such as those for heavier vehicles. P2 drivers must display a green-on-white 'P-plate' at all times. P2 drivers must hold the licence for two years before progressing to the next stage.
Full, Unrestricted Licence A full, unrestricted licence is gained after two years and successful completion of another computerised test. Unrestricted drivers licences are coloured gold
There are several common complaints about the NSW licensing scheme. The relatively high number of road accidents and traffic offences (such as speeding and drink-driving) involving P-plate drivers has prompted calls for further driving restrictions, such as curfews and passenger restrictions, as implemented in other countries. Also, the blanket speed restrictions on Learner and Provisional drivers can pose problems on country roads and freeways, where learner drivers are restricted to 80 km/h while other drivers may travel up to 110 km/h. Another common complaint is that it takes too long to progress to your full license. In Queensland and Victoria, this problem is avoided by not imposing speed restrictions on newly licensed drivers. There has been some criticism, especially amongst holders of provisional licenses, that the new laws punish the majority whilst it is only the minority that are the offenders.
Quote from: Dan Filetti on February 08, 2010, 08:34:57 AM
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 04:21:59 AM
Off I toddle to Nerang, pissing down,drop the bike and pick up the loaner.
Now last time, they gave me Teh Awesome Aquila,
Oooooo, the word "the" is misspelled.
You''ll do time in spelling hell for that one.
Bailiff, whack his pee pee!
Dan
Dude, Srsly,
U don't know the Internets.
That is how you spell TEH AWESOME
Quote from: mz_rider on February 08, 2010, 01:22:27 PM
Triumph did a great job re-creating the Bonneville look – mock non-unit gearbox, tank badge, pea-shooter silencers etc then spoilt it with that odd kink in the exhaust behind the footrest.
Stuart
Did you get the Kawasaki W650 over there?
(http://www.thaiscooter.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=766525&stc=1&d=1229854279)
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 05:44:41 PM
Quote from: mz_rider on February 08, 2010, 01:22:27 PM
Triumph did a great job re-creating the Bonneville look – mock non-unit gearbox, tank badge, pea-shooter silencers etc then spoilt it with that odd kink in the exhaust behind the footrest.
Stuart
Did you get the Kawasaki W650 over there?
Yes, but it wasn't a big seller.
Stuart (Glasgow, Scotland)
Quote from: mz_rider on February 08, 2010, 05:59:55 PM
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 05:44:41 PM
Quote from: mz_rider on February 08, 2010, 01:22:27 PM
Triumph did a great job re-creating the Bonneville look – mock non-unit gearbox, tank badge, pea-shooter silencers etc then spoilt it with that odd kink in the exhaust behind the footrest.
Stuart
Did you get the Kawasaki W650 over there?
Yes, but it wasn't a big seller.
Stuart (Glasgow, Scotland)
Sorry Stu old chap, I forgot you weren't one of the damn colonials.
Wonder if the Seppos got them?
To them, a Bonny or the W650 is a learners bike.
We got the W650 as well. cool bike, not a big seller.
I wouldn't mind one but Bikes over 600cc scare me.
Quote from: the fan on February 08, 2010, 06:33:51 PM
We got the W650 as well. cool bike, not a big seller.
I wouldn't mind one but Bikes over 600cc scare me.
I think you got that back to front, you scare bikes over 600cc.
dunno 'bout that, but I know I scare stock suspension.
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 05:29:33 PM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on February 08, 2010, 08:34:57 AM
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 04:21:59 AM
Off I toddle to Nerang, pissing down,drop the bike and pick up the loaner.
Now last time, they gave me Teh Awesome Aquila,
Oooooo, the word "the" is misspelled.
You''ll do time in spelling hell for that one.
Bailiff, whack his pee pee!
Dan
Dude, Srsly,
U don't know the Internets.
That is how you spell TEH AWESOME
You forgot the
:good2: :gamer: :cray: :morning1: :yahoo: :yes: :blum1: :nyam1: :shout:
Trumpet dealer in Norfolk Virginia did a series of cafe racers using the Bonnie - looked like they-'d be a lot of fun for day cruising and going places just for the heck of it. You know, just riding for fun!
Quote from: Klavdy on February 08, 2010, 05:44:41 PM
Did you get the Kawasaki W650 over there?
We got the W650 in the US for 2000, and 2001. I read where the Kawasaki had lackluster sales and it was thus pulled from the US market in 2001. Interestingly, I have read where some folks feel it the perfect bike if you're not pushing it. One article I read was written by an old timer, who had owned and ridden many many bikes, and he settled on the W650 as the perfect middle ground for what he wanted to do on bikes. The writer, can't remember who it was, or where it was published, raved about the versatility of the bike. At the time, I made a mental note that it may be an interesting ride-when-I'm-old, kind of bike...
Dan
Have to agree with all that you say Klavdy. I took one for a quick test ride just before Xmas and my old mate Phil "the leader of the opposition" Goff has just bought one after years without a road bike.. To be honest I remember my original '69 650 Bonnie as having just as much oooomph! The new one corners better and as noted there was no pool of spare oil on the floor where something leaked and I'd imagine it doesn't cough out after a few hours riding in the rain 'cos it hasn't got ign points behind a leaky little cover. Always carried a can of WD40 or similar in the 70's. I like the Thruxton better it's more like what I turned almost every Triumph I owned into.
And I think Teh is a perfectly acceptable spelling - you all knew what it meant!
Ned
Yeah, what Nid said.
Fags.
Hey Ned....how are ya mate? :hi:
After having sat on the pillion seat of a 2007 model for around 40Kms last year when I had a blowout just south of 'bumfuck', I can tell you they are not meant for 2 up riding!
I also swapped with my mate for an hour or 2 on the way down to Melbourne........not withstanding the above, they are a pretty comfy jigger......I wouldn't want to push it as hard as I can the FJ, but I wouldn't sneeze at one if it came my way.
He's been talking about trading it for a new Thunderbird.
Harvy
Quote from: Harvy on February 10, 2010, 08:03:16 PM
After having sat on the pillion seat of a 2007 model for around 40Kms last year when I had a blowout just south of 'bumfuck', I can tell you they are not meant for 2 up riding!
PLEASE tell me there was a CHICK up front! Anything with 2 wheels has a 2 nut limit!
Bloody Seppos, what sort of Fag would let a Chick ride up front even if it was her bike?
They sit on the back with titties squashed up agin you.
Nope, its perfectly acceptable in an emergency situation like Harveys to get a dink from a bloke.
It's only gay if you make eye contact or crack a fat.
Quote from: Klavdy on February 10, 2010, 09:59:37 PM
...what sort of Fag would let a Chick ride up front even if it was her bike?
They sit on the back with titties squashed up agin you.
I'll give you that one! But I could still put the titties to good use - where else would you hold on to?!
Trumpets - they are British and they are good. That's official. Well done John Bloor, you rescued a throughly decent company from the evil clutches of the capitalist system by beating that very system at it's own game. You rock and so do your bikes. I'd buy one if Fjs hadn't been invented. Probably.
Thanks for the review. I sometimes ride with a group of friends who are all have cruisers, which becomes frustrating on the FJ. I have often thought it might be fun to show on an old UJM or even better a Triumph and have a little fun, but I figure one antique motorcycle is enough. Now if I only had some extra cash.
Quote from: andyoutandabout on February 12, 2010, 01:02:15 AM
Trumpets - they are British and they are good. That's official. Well done John Bloor, you rescued a throughly decent company from the evil clutches of the capitalist system by beating that very system at it's own game. You rock and so do your bikes. I'd buy one if Fjs hadn't been invented. Probably.
All credit to John Bloor for producing a nice range of British built bikes but he certainly didn't save Triumph. He bought the name after the Meriden factory shut and started building bikes at Hinckley eight years later.
Stuart
G'day Harvy
"Hey Ned....how are ya mate? "
Well I'm in good health thanks Harvy - Mrs Ned and I are still officially on leave and only working part time so I can get some work done on teh house. Haven't had much riding time really - ogt more when I was at work - you know, teh old ride the long way home trick sort of thing. Making do on very small income isn't that great either.
"He's been talking about trading it for a new Thunderbird."
Can't say Id like teh T'bird - too cruiserish like a lot of teh new Trumps. Bloke across the road from us has just bought a new Rocket 3, and had some special extra noisy mufflers fitted to it. It sounds like crap now whereas before it sounded quite cool. The guy's a born again last week biker, total wanker, won't even let his wife go out to work, small pecker type so that would explain teh need to make lots of noise!
Apart from a tendency towards cruisers I'd agree Mr Bloor has done a great job - it's a pity he's calling things stuff like "Bonneville America" though - kind of denigrates the old Bonnie. It may have been named after teh salt flats but it was a pommie bike through and through.
(Note teh use of teh word "teh")
Ka kite ano
Ned