Triumph Photos.

[Chako]

In another 3 hours I will be out there. Going to be a wet miserable day though...and I do not have any rain gear yet. Somehow I do not care. 

During our short intro last night (only 10 students), the instructor wanted to know if we had any experience, and if we had a motorcycle. Many of the students stated they had a Kawasaki KLR (That seemed very popular), one had a V-Star 650. Several others didn't have a motorcycle yet. When I told him I had the Triumph, his eyes lit up and then proceeded to tell me that I had to become a professional motorcycle rider simply because I was one of the luckiest devils to take his class in a long time, and that I had to do the bike justice. I told him I had it in my garage and refused to ride it until I got the course finished (I was worried as I am one of only two with 0 motorcycle experience in the course). He told me I did the right thing. 

It appears that Triumphs have a mystique in the motorcycle world.

[DaveK]

I've never owned a motorbike, but Triumph is a name with a proud heritage around here for sure.

That might be because I live just down the road from the factory though

Are they all still made in Hinckley does anyone know?

[eodtech]

First bike I owned in 1960 was a Triumph, best of the lot.

[Chako]

Wow! What a brutal day. I think I might be sore for a week. We started at 9am, and finished at 5PM with an hour break in between for lunch. The morning started with us pushing and getting pushed, then a quick lesson on starting the bike, and shutting it down. Afterwards, we received another short lesson on changing gears. After that, we were basically thrown to the wolves lol doing courses around pylons in super slow speed and then faster. It was all so fast and furious that everything I did today is sort of a blur. They tell me tomorrow is even more complex.

These 125s are not made for tall people (They have a mix of Honda CBRs and Yamaha dirt bikes – I was given a dirt bike which are a bit larger than the CBRs). I struggled the whole day trying to change gears and keep my legs on the pegs. I was bent up like a pretzel. Even got two leg cramps from keeping them like that for periods of time. These bikes suck. I will say though that a 125cc has plenty of power.

Well tomorrow, we start at 8:30 and there might even be a bit of lightening later in the day.  I just hope I can muster myself for another grueling day. I think I won’t be much use at work on Monday.

[Gareth]

Best of luck mate, I hope the rain holds off for you.

[Mr. Whippy]

Remember, you go where you're looking.  Don't look down, look where you want to be. btw, do they really have CBRs on range? That's pretty awesome...

[jim guy]

I've never owned a motorbike, but Triumph is a name with a proud heritage around here for sure.

That might be because I live just down the road from the factory though

Are they all still made in Hinckley does anyone know?

some of them are made in Thailand also

[Chako]

Yeah they do. Just made for midgets. 

[jim guy]

look at the vin # on the neck of the frame, I cant remember which spot on the vin but if it has a J its made in england, T for thailand

[AHB]

Drive carefully Chako.. 

[Chako]

Mine says J. Just looked off the ownerships. Still a bit sore. 

[Mr. Whippy]

You're so gonna love the first time you fire that bad boy up...

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I've never owned a motorbike, but Triumph is a name with a proud heritage around here for sure.

That might be because I live just down the road from the factory though

Are they all still made in Hinckley does anyone know?

Some are, but since the big factory fire I believe most are made in Taiwan

[AHB]

I've never owned a motorbike, but Triumph is a name with a proud heritage around here for sure.

That might be because I live just down the road from the factory though

Are they all still made in Hinckley does anyone know?

Some are, but since the big factory fire I believe most are made in Taiwan

John..?     

[Neil]

 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I've never owned a motorbike, but Triumph is a name with a proud heritage around here for sure.

That might be because I live just down the road from the factory though

Are they all still made in Hinckley does anyone know?

Some are, but since the big factory fire I believe most are made in Taiwan

John..?     

Distinct possibility

[ryan1835]

i wonder how much pain chako's in right now? 

[Chako]

I just got back. I was super sore this morning...but once I got going, things became fine. That is until I stopped again....and then rigor mortis set in. 

But good news. Everyone of the 10 students in my class passed. Better yet, we did it in a downpour!

Now I just have to wait till July 17, which is the 60 days mark, to hand in my pass to the local MTO to reach M2 level.

I would love to drive it to work on Wednesday...last day before holidays. That would fulfill a personal goal of mine since I embarked on this crazy venture. Time will tell. If I don’t make it, I am happy either way.

[Mr. Whippy]

If you're going to ride it to work, then go a time or two when the traffic is the lightest.  You want to focus on the traffic around you, not on where you want to be in the lane, where potholes are, tar snakes, etc...

[Chako]

Well morning commute is devoid of traffic. Getting back home could be a bit scary though. I am going to take baby steps first. Get used to the bike and then once I am comfortable, start to drive it on the streets. This is why I am sure I won't make my bucket list. Happy either way though.

[Gareth]

Congratulations on the pass mate.

[Neil]

Well done chap

[Chako]

Thanks. 

[cgk]

Do some parking lot driving (empty--full lots can be challenging).  I have the itch for a long ride....time to plan an overnight with the boys.

[Chako]

I agree.

[Smitty44]

Congrats mate,and happy riding,after the 17th. &

[Chako]

I can ride it now...but the weather is not cooperating. Not so sore today. Actually feel rather good. 

[Chako]

I rode it for the first time this morning. I took it out for a 3 block spin X2 around the house before going to work. I was surprised at how much more comfortable this bike is compared to the smaller bikes. I had no problems getting my boot under the shifter, and the floor boards are a lot more comfortable to the pegs on the Yamaha dirt bike. Because it was my first maiden voyage, I was unsure what to expect...so I took it very easy. I stalled it on 3 corners. I was not giving the bike enough gas and would stall in first on takeoff. I will admit I was a bit intimidated at the larger motor, not knowing what to expect. I am sure that once I get better acquainted with it, we will both get a long a lot better. Even though I stalled her 3 times, I was very happy that I didn't drop it or keel over, or do something real stupid like let go of the clutch. I now know I did the best thing and waited the month for that safety course. I know I am still not ready for traffic yet. Going to practice my clutch work and take offs before I want to merge into traffic. I am on my way to what I think will be a wonderful voyage of learning and experience.

[Mr. Whippy]

This may help:

That bike has an oil bath clutch.  It makes engagement smoother and the clutch cooler.  It is NOT like a car clutch.  You can "slip" the clutch as much as you want.  The oil will keep it from burning it out.  Variable application of the clutch is a TOTALLY legit action on a bike. 

To start out, give it gas, and let the clutch out a little until it takes up drive.  Hold the clutch there until you're ready to fully engage the clutch.

A really good drill to practice this is the duck walk.  Slip the clutch enough to "paddle" the bike around on your feet with engine assist.  It is a good skill in parking lots and gives you the feel of the engagement point of the clutch of your specific bike.

Good job!

[Chako]

Thanks for the tip. We did something like that at the course. It involved having both feet planted on the ground; let the clutch out slowly until the bike moved forwarded gradually until you’re on your toes. Pull the clutch in, roll the bike backwards, and repeat. On day two of the course, we were doing the duck walk to cue up in a line for our exercises.


No, I was a bit intimidated with the power of the 800cc motor over the 125cc. I was surprised at how much power the 125cc had, and I figured I would be very gentle on the Triumph for my first time to get a feel for it. I was being too gentle with the throttle. Next time out, I will work on that.