Triumph Photos.

cgk · **Reply #60 on:** June 30, 2010, 05:59:53 AM

Whippy would know better but when I had my old bike I use to park in an underground lot. I had to get good in a hurray working the clutch after needing to stop on a steep incline, then start forward again.

Chako · **Reply #61 on:** July 02, 2010, 05:52:39 PM

Well I just came from my second maiden voyage with the Triumph.

<----Big Grin here.

Well I must say I even impressed myself somewhat. I had rented 4 DVDs and it was time to take them back. I figured since it was a beautiful day, it was time to take the bike out again. I drove there with no problems. I was very proud of myself as this was the first time I had to deal with other vehicles. However, once I finished handing in the movies, and it was time to take off, I kept stalling it in first. I did this several times until I figured out my error. I was leaving the kick stand in place, Doh! I won't be making that mistake ever again. Emboldened with my newfound mistake, and realizing this was the issue on my first maiden voyage, I decided to do some at speed riding. I set my goal of visiting a friend in the country side. I reached him with no issues. This was a landmark ride for me full of firsts.

First time I figured out why I was stalling it.
First time I rode in traffic.
First time I reached 4th gear.
First time I reached 50 miles an hour.

This was a huge confidence builder. Now I know I can do it, and safely.

Neil · **Reply #62 on:** July 02, 2010, 05:56:27 PM

Admit it, how many people were watching outside the rental place

stay safe

Chako · **Reply #63 on:** July 02, 2010, 06:28:42 PM

2 people. I could care less. I am learning.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #64 on:** July 02, 2010, 06:46:23 PM

Quote from: Chako on July 02, 2010, 05:52:39 PM

Well I just came from my second maiden voyage with the Triumph.

<----Big Grin here.

Well I must say I even impressed myself somewhat. I had rented 4 DVDs and it was time to take them back. I figured since it was a beautiful day, it was time to take the bike out again. I drove there with no problems. I was very proud of myself as this was the first time I had to deal with other vehicles. However, once I finished handing in the movies, and it was time to take off, I kept stalling it in first. I did this several times until I figured out my error. I was leaving the kick stand in place, Doh! I won't be making that mistake ever again. Emboldened with my newfound mistake, and realizing this was the issue on my first maiden voyage, I decided to do some at speed riding. I set my goal of visiting a friend in the country side. I reached him with no issues. This was a landmark ride for me full of firsts.

First time I figured out why I was stalling it.
First time I rode in traffic.
First time I reached 4th gear.
First time I reached 50 miles an hour.

This was a huge confidence builder. Now I know I can do it, and safely.

Nothing to be ashamed of there. EVERYBODY does that from time to time. The reason there's a kill switch is, if you make a left hander with the kickstand down, you WILL high side. No chance at saving it. Outcomes were so bad, that it became mandatory (in the US at least) to have a kickstand killswitch.

The one to be embarassed about is taking off with a brake disc lock on. When it hits the forks, you go over the bars (or drop the bike

).

You did great.

cgk · **Reply #65 on:** July 02, 2010, 07:50:42 PM

Oh I have done the kick-stand stall. Just make sure you dont get off the bike without putting the kick-stand down, that does happen (thankfully I have not done it....yet)

Chako · **Reply #66 on:** July 03, 2010, 12:16:36 AM

Yeah. Now have it as part of my mental check list...check kickstand!

ryan1835 · **Reply #67 on:** July 03, 2010, 12:25:54 AM

chakos becoming too cool with all these multis AND an awesome bike

glad its going well for ya

duckman1975 · **Reply #68 on:** July 03, 2010, 12:36:32 AM

Love the Bike!

Ride safe

markn951 · **Reply #69 on:** July 03, 2010, 04:52:35 AM

Quote from: ryan1835 on July 03, 2010, 12:25:54 AM

chakos becoming too cool with all these multis AND an awesome bike

glad its going well for ya

Yeah, all he needs now is an awesome mustache and he's set!

Chako · **Reply #70 on:** July 03, 2010, 04:57:44 AM

Had one, but I shaved it off.

MultiMat · **Reply #71 on:** July 03, 2010, 03:52:21 PM

The kill switch linked too the side stand sounds like a great idea. Not sure if it a requirement in Oz

. During my practical training one of the instructors told a storey about a friend of his that had a ZXR750 & who was a very experienced rider/racer, he had pulled over too the side of the road to make some suspension adjustments. The fellow forgot to retract the side stand & consequently had a crash & died.That safety feature is a very good one.

Sounding good Chako

. Riding a motorbike is a lot of fun , I am quite jealous

.

Chako · **Reply #72 on:** July 03, 2010, 06:11:01 PM

Well, visited a good friend yesterday who is also into motorcycles. I told him about my learning fun and he got a few laughs. He then informed me that his not so old Harley does not have the kickstand safety feature. Do you think it isn't a requirement here in Canada?

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #73 on:** July 03, 2010, 06:13:38 PM

Dunno, but some people bypass the switch. (Usually because it's become wonky and is causing starting/running problems)

Chako · **Reply #74 on:** July 04, 2010, 05:41:20 PM

I did not know that.

Well, took the bike out for another round. This time, I was on it for about an hour. I am starting to figure out the gearing ratios due to motor sound. I also filled it up at the local gas bar. It cost me only 12 Canadian!

I rode it onto side roads which maxed out at 6oKm/h. I have noted that not many people are willing to follow a motorcycle. I had some nuts pass me like I was standing still...and I was a little above the speed limit by a few Kilometers at that.

I do need another jacket. I get soaking wet wearing the one I bought off eBay. It is a nice 3/4 jacket with armor, but it does not breath. So I think next week, I am looking for a few essentials. I will need some oil, a motorcycle cover, and a jacket.

It amazes me just how quick I am picking this up. On my first day at the course, I was struggling something terrible. On the second day, everything started to mesh except for some clutch issues. On my first time out on the bike, I stalled it on 3 corners. On my second time, I forgot the kickstand and it wouldn’t' go into first. On my third time, I actually felt like a biker. I didn't stall it once.

cgk · **Reply #75 on:** July 04, 2010, 05:49:15 PM

I got my coat from leatherup, it was cheap, had a zip-out liner, and has pretty good zipper venting. Dont-cheat-in-the-heat WEAR YOUR GEAR!!

Chako · **Reply #76 on:** July 04, 2010, 05:56:23 PM

No worries. Even though I sweat a bucket full wearing the jacket, it is still highly preferable to losing skin or worse in an accident.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #77 on:** July 04, 2010, 05:57:08 PM

Quote from: Chako on July 04, 2010, 05:41:20 PM

I did not know that.

It amazes me just how quick I am picking this up. On my first day at the course, I was struggling something terrible. On the second day, everything started to mesh except for some clutch issues. On my first time out on the bike, I stalled it on 3 corners. On my second time, I forgot the kickstand and it wouldn’t' go into first. On my third time, I actually felt like a ~~biker~~motorcyclist. I didn't stall it once.

FTFY

In the heat, mesh jackets are really great. Much cooler than a regular jacket with a vent or two.

Chako · **Reply #78 on:** July 04, 2010, 06:11:46 PM

Do they make mesh motorcycle jackets with body armor?

If they do. I do like the idea.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #79 on:** July 04, 2010, 06:13:44 PM

Quote from: Chako on July 04, 2010, 06:11:46 PM

Do they make mesh motorcycle jackets with body armor?

If they do. I do like the idea.

Yes. Check www.newenough.com. They spell out exactly what is in each jacket

Chako · **Reply #80 on:** July 04, 2010, 06:38:38 PM

Thanks for the link.

Chako · **Reply #81 on:** July 09, 2010, 01:01:26 AM

I just got home from another ride on the Triumph (4th time). This time, I decided to brave heavy traffic to give some support to a good friend who is currently taking the same course I recently finished (we were originally supposed to take the course together, but the registrar’s office messed up). I figured I would be brave and merge into heavy traffic. Well I took a wrong turn, and ended up on a road that does 80km/h. I decided to lay back, relax a little, and enjoy the ride and killed a good half hour. I did make it back to the College just in time for the 5:30 class start. I call that a not missed opportunity in gaining experience.

The same instructor hadn't seen the bike and he was over in a flash. My friend was there, and unbeknownst to me, another supply teacher who I knew was taking the course (right on!). Well, apparently there was an accident last night at the course. One of the trainees somehow went over his handlebars, and cracked his helmet. They had to call an ambulance. The instructor told me it was the worst accident he had ever seen in all the years he taught the course...he said they almost lost him. When the ambulance arrived, he still didn't know his name. I hope he is ok.

Today, I played in heavy traffic. I was super cautious and it all went well. I also managed to get a nice country side ride out of it that was fantastic. Didn’t like the bad news at the course though. I was there for a half hour quietly cheering my friend on, when I witnessed another trainee drop his bike at a standstill. He wasn’t moving…just waiting in cue to do the course.

Well figured I would give you all a mini update. I still haven't figured out on a mesh jacket yet.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #82 on:** July 09, 2010, 01:48:32 AM

Most bike drops are at a standstill. If the forks are turned, the bike tends to crumple and fall.

Remember, space is your friend when riding. Since traffic tends to travel in a nodal fashion, I like to ride between the nodes. Speed up (usually) or slow down to avoid the large bunches of cars. And of course, the left lane is safest (limited entry and exit from the lane).

Chako · **Reply #83 on:** July 09, 2010, 02:26:09 AM

I hear you. Still surprising considering the motorcycle’s diminutive size and weight.

Not as embarrassing as the story my friend told me a week ago of the time he had his wife on the back of his big Harley Touring motorcycle in a lineup at Sturgis, and the bike keeled over in front of thousands. To add insult to injury, she rode it down like a stack of cards and just escaped having the bike fall on her. On top of that, he couldn't get it back up and needed the help of a few onlookers. He told me that was his most embarrassing moment...and he was not new to motorcycles.

Chako · **Reply #84 on:** July 10, 2010, 07:30:10 PM

I went out for a mid morning ride and decided to stop and visit a good friend that lives out of town somewhat. I still do not have saddle bags, and wanted to bring a camera, so I just wrapped it around my neck and had the case nestled on my back. That worked out great. I love my windshield.

She has a beautiful place that backs out onto Lake Superior. She even has her own little beach. The opposite shore is Michigan. The Great Lakes levels are a little low. The last time I visited, that little sand spit was surrounded by water. Now it has a land bridge to it.

And you guessed itI just had to take a photo.

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