REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL
VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => Bikes Motorcycles, S x S's, Tractors, and Mowers => Topic started by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2016, 06:11:50 PM
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Well as if I'm not knee deep in other projects I have been quietly behind the scenes putting my Adventure-Bike together for fun times, not necessarily the implosion of planet America.
The DR-650 is definitely the bike to take snakin' around the wood and the hood, but I really love adventure riding with my friends and by my lonesome..
For years I have looked at the BMW offerings, often vacillating from the big GS 1200 back to the twin cylinder German twin, the GS 800 bike. Knowing that I want to tour back roads to dirt roads, to two tracks and the occasional across field running, the big bikes were just too big, bulky, and heavy.
So as I settled in on a mid sized bike, and knowing that I had a "big-small" bike in the DR-650, a water cooled euro bike in the 100 horsepower class would still be light enough to hit the trails but could also cross the continent.
While looking at the BMW, I one day strayed upon the Triumph Tiger. An adventure bike in it's own right, it had "That certain look" I was after. So I started to learn more. The reviews were usually split over which was the better bike, the GS or the Tiger, but they were always at the very top of the heap.
Turns out the Tiger had a road variant, the XR, and a trail oriented bike, the XC. So, as I started to focus in on the Tiger, I ran across a left over 2014 Tiger XC at the Harley store of all places! The sales guy there had sold me a Harley in years past and when he saw me, he said he had something really cool in the back to show me, since I liked all that dirt riding crazy stuff. Well, there sat a brand new 2014 Triumph Tiger XC in white. The asking price was a give away, so I became intrigued.
A call to the Triumph store which the Harley guys also owned, intro'd me to a Shawn, a sales woman I knew from before. She went on to tell me they had them in OD green and one was on the showroom. That bike was a 2015 Explorer, a 1200, which sure did look cool, but was just too big. We started talking and they got to learn a bit of what interested me, and would you know it, Triumph had just created a super off roader, the Tiger XCA, and they had one in the crate still.
I researched it, just loved what I was reading, so I bought it sight unseen!
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It was white as well...
Thing is these XCA's are rare. The dealership only gets one. They have to sell it before Triumph will ship them another one!
It is just like this:
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The Cincinnati Triumph dealership is definitely a cool place to hangout! Shawn did the paperwork and even gave me a Triumph T-Shirt
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that is a nice looking machine, and triumph is a very respectable machine with proven combat experience.
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I'm a huge fan of Triumph. Dad had 69 or 70 tr6 I'd like to get back some day. Enjoy!
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Super cool, nice poser pic w/ the box btw
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I got some old guy to stand in my stay!
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We all have heard of coming out of the closet...
Well this is "Coming out of the box!"
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This is uncrating and assembly day:
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And its free!
Very comfy seats...and they are heated!
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Love Triumphs. My last bike was not so offroad capable. A Daytona 955i super tricked out....in......you guessed it.....blood red!
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Love Triumphs. My last bike was not so offroad capable. A Daytona 955i super tricked out....in......you guessed it.....blood red!
That is a cool bike.
I'm not so much into the street or superbike scene, used to be, but since I started this adventure touring/riding, I'm all the way in and not lookin' back.
That white paint is messin' with me some. Not a white paint sort of guy I guess. Have to start covering that up!
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I hear ya. I'm learning that only bad things can happen at 190mph on two wheels.
Hell any number of wheels at that speed.
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I hear ya. I'm learning that only bad things can happen at 190mph on two wheels.
Hell any number of wheels at that speed.
Or with skids or wings!
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That thing looks sweet, with a ton of attitude!!
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So now that you brought another bike home the green one is going to get jealous.
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Wow- Don gets quiet and then BOOM another thread......next comes tank wrap.....tiger stripes maybe......lowered pegs......side car........med kit & Glock holster......more aggressive tires......rims.....look out Washington/Oregon- Don's Squared trail adventure thread staring Big and Lil' Don!
Very nice bike Don!
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So now that you brought another bike home the green one is going to get jealous.
The green one is gonna get ridden! Heck, you ever come down, you can ride it!
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Wow- Don gets quiet and then BOOM another thread......next comes tank wrap.....tiger stripes maybe......lowered pegs......side car........med kit & Glock holster......more aggressive tires......rims.....look out Washington/Oregon- Don's Squared trail adventure thread staring Big and Lil' Don!
Very nice bike Don!
Thank ya!
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That thing looks sweet, with a ton of attitude!!
It is really nice...
Truth is the frau was wanting me to grab a big Harley bagger, but I just couldn't commit to something that big. I may get one some day, but it wouldn't get used much, not when I have the fun dirt bikes. So this will sort of force the issue to her riding on this with me.
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That's one fine looking piece of hardware.
I don't see the white lasting...
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That's one fine looking piece of hardware.
I don't see the white lasting...
You could be on to something...
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Go with grey, that way you won't have to paint the frame and bars to match.
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May not need paint at all.
Have a tank bag coming and I'd like to get Mike to make a Molle cover for it...
That only leaves the beak and mud should cover that pretty nicely!
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Starting to go together
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This tool kit is going to get improved!
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The engine looks great, is all black
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The XCA version comes with these CNC milled footpegs and the factory LED fog lights and guards
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Front and rear suspension is full adjustable
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On the left is the heated grip switch, two positions of heat and the fog lights. On the right is the front and back heated seat switch, and the cruise control over neat the starter and throttle
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This screen is all the selectable and programmable stuff. This top of the line model has custom modes I can create for traction control and throttle crispness and anti-lock braking depending if I'm on dry road, in the rain or off road.
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This model is also factory equipped for panniers, which I will install
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The seats are really well constructed. On their underside is a moveable bar which adjusts seat height for "regular" sized riders, or tall guys like me
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Windshield and bark busters going on
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Next up we did the first mod...Well, Bob did it I suppose. Replacing the stock gear shifter with a billet folding piece should ensure I can still shift gears after the inevitable upcoming spill
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Then the bark busters are checked for fit, and they do!
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Then Mirrors
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The bike is fitted with three electrical outlets for the GPS, and two pieces of heated clothing. This Triumph is also fitted with a 450 watt alternator
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I'll be adding a factory tank bag. The one I'm getting will be all black and hadn't come in yet. It has a 16 expandable to a 20 liter size
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Next we fitted the panniers, 37 liter each. These cleverly lock into the factory racks and show a green tab when properly secured and a red tab is not completely locked in
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This thing is starting to look like a proper adventure touring scooter
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Bob hooked up the computer which unlocks the computer on the bike making it useable until it gets this all important initalization
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Then pushed the start button, and just like that it fired right up!
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Unfortunately all that moving the bike around the shop wore out the stock tires, so we will be changing the stockers out for some new ones next
I will run a Continental TKC-80 front which is the stock tire for the big German GS world tourer and a Shinko 705 rear which is a bit more aggressive that the stocker but should serve well while I break in the bike mostly on the open road
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And then it was time for the test ride, which I might add, went very well. I hopped a curb right away and tried to spin it in some mud, but the traction control wouldn't let me.
One word about this bike:
Glass
I have never felt anything so utterly well refined and smooth. The engine is like liquid. Incredibly silky compared to that hammering and thumping DR-650 steam powered bike I own. And the grips and seat warmed right up. It was in the low 40's for the ride so heat was welcome.
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Holy storage batman!
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I like it.
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One word...Frigginawesome.
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One word...Frigginawesome.
That's a word??? ;-)
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Got those worn out tires replaced!
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Don, Hillary lovers have a different dictionary. It's a derivative of Ebonics I think...... :o
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And added the tank bag
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Don, Hillary lovers have a different dictionary. It's a derivative of Ebonics I think...... :o
Got it!
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You gunna like that big bag up in your business on top of the tank like that? Really liked this bike until I saw that..... ???
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All together now and awaiting Saturday, the first warm9ish) day on the weather clock.
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You gunna like that big bag up in your business on top of the tank like that? Really liked this bike until I saw that..... ???
Put a concrete block in there and have an automatic mobile fighting position!
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I put this one together to put some miles on.
One word: KAT
Kentucky Adventure Trail
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Gotta bring what cha want to use, cause you aien't gonna find it enroute!
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That white beak isn't gonna last long...already have my plans for it...
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Neither is this purdy white tank...
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But you can bet your bottom these will be staying
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And this...
Not messing with that motor (Much)
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That's a really nice piece of equipment there. Maybe I'll upgrade some day to something similar......
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That's a really nice piece of equipment there. Maybe I'll upgrade some day to something similar......
Do like I did
Keep and develop the one you have which is great for tight off road technical trails, but add something like this if you decide on driving down to Moab or up to Wyoming.
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Possibly once I get current one built (ordered more parts today). Wife unit wants a bike but she wants something more street able so this may be a good middle ground (of course in something her size of 5' nothing! ;D)
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I'm struggling with the tank bag too; my thoughts are you're going to paint the tank, get a molle(sp?)bag and call it done, and that thing will become your new lunchbox.
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Gotta bring what cha want to use, cause you aien't gonna find it enroute!
im with you on this one don, but lets be real! that thing is all up in your face to the point of being able to smell your own breath while driving down the road at 100mph............. ??? ?!
I concur that the white has to go.
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I'm struggling with the tank bag too; my thoughts are you're going to paint the tank, get a molle(sp?)bag and call it done, and that thing will become your new lunchbox.
What Tate said.....
Edit: for the sake of argument Don, let's say you gotta take evasive maneuvers with your big ol noggin down. Now you got this bag bumpin ur chin like a (well I'll save that for your imagination.....)
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I'm with them. If you're going to MOLLE the tank up, go that route. That bag that is on there just doesn't flow with how you have everything else set up. Yes I'm looking steps ahead, it's what I do.
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That tank bag could be setup as a bug out bag
Follow me on this
Triumph did their homework on this thing
There is a harness that is made for the bike that is attached to the tank, then has four attachment points. The bag simply snaps to these points. In maybe 5 seconds one could (I did) detach the bag, and know what else? It has a shoulder strap, so grab the weapon, sling it and go
Ordered a sheet of a weird chameleon camo pattern in grays to cover the beak and screamin' WHITEtank. It will be all subdued out and I won't have to ruin the factory paint. If I don't like it or want to change later on, I'll peel it off and start anew.
So let's review:
Tank bag: Stays
White paint: Gets covered
Listening to all your advice: Disregarded
And I am: CM
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I guess you can take that windshield off now, since it appears that someone stuck a building on your fuel tank. :)
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Read it and weep boys (Well look at the pics)
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I guess you can take that windshield off now, since it appears that someone stuck a building on your fuel tank. :)
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Just a small shed!
Besides gonna put one of those big Harley air dam, air smashers with extensions on it!
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What's an Harley air dam?
...or was that humor
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What's an Harley air dam?
...or was that humor
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This:
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Oh. I like it. Hahaha
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I thought the Harley air dam was that Hoover sweeper you had mounted on top of the tank!
On a side note: you know the difference between a Harley & a Hoover? That would be the position of the dirt bag....... ::)
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Brought it home, after a couple hour familiarization ride.
It's smooth, handles well, but is not all that powerful. Power sort of builds, although I am limited on the RPM I can use. No more that 6000 RPM for the first 500 miles... Honestly I just start to feel the power starting to come alive in the mid five grand range.
My middle boy rode with me...He is hooked!
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While picking it up, they told me they were selling all apparel at 50% off, so I scored a his and her Steve McQueen inspired Triumph leather riding jacket.
I was wearing a bunch of layers underneath for the cold, but turned out I overdressed and it was quite nice outside.
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First thing after getting it home was to sticker it up
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I'm more of a 4-wheeler type of guy but that is pretty sweet.
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Didn't take HH6?
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Didn't take HH6?
She worked...
But she told me not to "Red-Neck" the bike up!
She said "Just keep it sophisticated and don't change it like everything else."
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She worked...
But she told me not to "Red-Neck" the bike up!
She said "Just keep it sophisticated and don't change it like everything else."
She does know you yes?
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Sophisticated.
Funnnnnny.
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Nice Don. Bikes have come a long way in 20 years. Wow
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She worked...
But she told me not to "Red-Neck" the bike up!
She said "Just keep it sophisticated and don't change it like everything else."
She does know you yes?
Apparently not as well as I had hoped!
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Sophisticated.
Funnnnnny.
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Concur...!
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Nice Don. Bikes have come a long way in 20 years. Wow
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Everything has...Just look at our society!
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Nice Don. Bikes have come a long way in 20 years. Wow
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Everything has...Just look at our society!
^ Some not for the better, though
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Nice Don. Bikes have come a long way in 20 years. Wow
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Everything has...Just look at our society!
^ Some not for the better, though
Kinda what I was saying...
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Well, I've had two days and close to 500 miles seat time now. Anyone considering a true dual sport bike, you owe it to yourself to try out a tiger XC. Following Gerry who powered away with his 1100 BMW, and me being limited to just 6,000 RPM due to engine break-in requirements, I was not as fast as he was by any stretch of the imagination. But I was just as sure footed. Carving corners in back woods Kentucky was no problem at all. With somewhat slick road conditions the Tiger handled every thing I threw at it, to include my dragging my boot in a corner a time or two.
The engine is not as powerful as I thought it would be, but again this is a 800cc machine which would have preferred to be spun up a bit higher than four grand, but the roll on is anything but sudden. Actually the DR-650 with about half the horsepower feels stronger rolling on the throttle out of a low speed corner. The DR cannot go fast enough to actually experience a higher speed corner, so that part is all academic. The engine although having praise heaped upon it for it's torgueiness, is not torquey. It is more like the high revving sports machine engine any self respecting dual overhead cam four valve per cylinder of mid displacement engine should be. It has power but it doesn't come on all at once like a diesel truck. Limited to 6,000, I feel a urgency start to build about the time I upshift and lower the RPM.
All in all, an off road bike does not need a ton of power, and the bike easily cruises at 77 MPH while respecting the 6,000 RPM max for now limit. In another couple hundred miles (Tomorrow???) I'll be allowed 7,000, then in a few hundred more, 8,000 and so forth until I reach the bike's 10,000 RPM redline.
I'll get more info on the bike with upcoming rides, well as long as this warmer than normal February weather holds out!
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I'm guessing the rpm limit goes hand in hand with some sort of detune that prevents harsh acceleration. I bet she'll wake up after break in.
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After that many miles you still liking the tank top hat?
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How far can you go on a tank o' gas?
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After that many miles you still liking the tank top hat?
It's not a problem and pretty handy
Ran around yesterday with my wallet, sunglasses and glock 19 in there. It makes you fish for the key, but that's no real problem, and when I mount the GPS, I think it may interfere with seeing it, but, yea, it's definitely handy.
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How far can you go on a tank o' gas?
Well, it's still figuring itself out, one of those computers that constantly learns...
It is advertised to get 74 mpg at 55 mph, constant speed and all that, but That doesn't represent real world. If I had to guess, riding back roads where you shift a lot, I would feel comfortable saying it could get 50 mpg, so with a 5.5 gallon tank, you ought to be able to cruise up 250 miles and still have enough to stretch if the refuel option failed you...
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I'm guessing the rpm limit goes hand in hand with some sort of detune that prevents harsh acceleration. I bet she'll wake up after break in.
I was wondering about that...
Triumph controls everything via that computer. Now it doesn't have a rev limiter per se set at 6 grand, but it could easily have some valet like map in there for now. They want it back at 500 miles (Like now) to tighten the chain, check torques, change the oil and filter and do a core dump to maintain a good baseline on their product. Interestingly, they run a special break in oil then at 500 miles, install a pure synthetic.
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I ordered three cammo pattern sheets because I can't decide which one I want to use. I think any of them would get the job done, so I thought I'd try out all three.
The Frau is pretty much against me "Red-necking out" this bike, and is insisting I leave it alone!
What me...Leave something alone!!!
Are you freakin kiddin' me!
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I like the Kryptek typhon looking stuff.
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X 2
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The first one is my favorite. Bet the wife even will like it
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I like #3, but 1 or 3 would match the bike better than 2.
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I like the Kryptek typhon looking stuff.
Bobby, is that the black/gray or the snake skin color?
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The first one is my favorite. Bet the wife even will like it
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I'd like to do the Chevy in the first one to be frank!
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I like #3, but 1 or 3 would match the bike better than 2.
Copy. Same-Same as Bobby
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Couldn't stand to sit and do nothing, so after the workout, I got the now rusty wrenches out for a run at the bike.
First of all I was on a weight removal tirade!
I must have removed 4 ounces, possibly 5!
I don't like safety sam stuff, so off with the reflectors!
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And the back one, along with a bit of fender!
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Next I improved the exhaust. Kinda caveman, but it works. The muffla' is all baffled up to keep the EPA Kool-Aid never had a girlfriend types happy. So I poked a couple holes in the baffle!
Like I said, caveman
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Keep in mind, this ain't no carburated '60s Hog you're working on. I would think that the exhaust is fine tuned to the engine.....could be wrong.
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And then it sounds like this:
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Keep in mind, this ain't no carburated '60s Hog you're working on. I would think that the exhaust is fine tuned to the engine.....could be wrong.
Yep, You're wrong! ;-))
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Only you would jam a steel rod through your muffler before the break-in period is over.... love it LOL
MO BETTA right?!
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Love the bike Don. What idle hands get into!!! I bet the saddle tanks and pack cost more than my Honda!
I like the #1 grey cammo to.
I bet without the TC and limiters during the break in you will plenty of power. I am sure it can be tuned somewhat also to match the muffler.
I used to carry my 1911 in my tank pack on my old suzuki 750.
That empty space opposite the muffler needs a gun mount,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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I thought you'd be outfitting those coolers with tea and ice and that tank pack was the lunchbox.......the iron spike in the muffler baffles......homage to the Frau's redneck comment??
The tech guys at the dealership will be scratching their heads wondering.....why is there this wild drop in back pressure readings in the performance log..... :o
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Only you would jam a steel rod through your muffler before the break-in period is over.... love it LOL
MO BETTA right?!
MMB
Much Mo-Betta'
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Love the bike Don. What idle hands get into!!! I bet the saddle tanks and pack cost more than my Honda!
I like the #1 grey cammo to.
I bet without the TC and limiters during the break in you will plenty of power. I am sure it can be tuned somewhat also to match the muffler.
I used to carry my 1911 in my tank pack on my old suzuki 750.
That empty space opposite the muffler needs a gun mount,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I've had a Glock 19 in that tank bag since I picked it up!
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I thought you'd be outfitting those coolers with tea and ice and that tank pack was the lunchbox.......the iron spike in the muffler baffles......homage to the Frau's redneck comment??
The tech guys at the dealership will be scratching their heads wondering.....why is there this wild drop in back pressure readings in the performance log..... :o
Bob the mechanic over at Triumph wasn't born yesterday...He's a sharp one
He'll notice that right away
Aftermarket exhausts start to generate some appreciable noise. All you can hear of the stock exhaust is the slightest of a hint which is overwhelmed by the sound (Whistle) of the cam chain and valve gear
Now I get a bit of exhaust noise. But, riding it afterward, when I got to maybe 25-30, I couldn't hear the exhaust anymore.
Well, I can't hear much anyway, so maybe it sounds like a Rolling Stones concert but I just can't tell!
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I like the Kryptek typhon looking stuff.
Bobby, is that the black/gray or the snake skin color?
Pic #4 Black and gray. The snake skin stuff was basically the same colors, but laid out in a different pattern.
I just happen to like how the Kryptek patterns and colors look.
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Well I got all three sheets of cammo in
I think the harvest moon would look right at home on the Chevy and I'd have to go along with the crowd here, the black snake skin would look best on the Tiger.
Maybe that brown shakes kin will look the part on the DR650 when Mike gets the Tank molle cover done
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Yep, that grey/black will break up the lines nice.
To many things are realtree, don't go there and we aren't in a desert,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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OK, lets cammo a bike, shall we?
The start:
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I partially pulled the bike down to get good access, knowing I would be mud wrestling with that stick mess of vinyl sheeting.
Oh and those safety Nazi decals were removed with extreme prejudice!
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Starting the sheet anywhere is a mess. There is no easy way to get this stuff on. It's going to stick to everything, even you!
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You have to work a small area, then move on to the next one and so forth. I had to make numerous relief cuts, and I have no idea how someone would get a sheet of this stuff down without doing so. Even so, I always end up with a few small creases. Not the best job, but it's the very best I could lay down
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After some time and a lot of patience, I did manage to get the wrap onto the tank, then the "beak"
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After heating it with a hair dryer and working it in and trimming
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Getting close to being done
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With the tank bag back on.
Definitely subdued the shot out of the bike!
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Wow! That looks fantastic.
MMB than the obnoxious white.
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That does look good. Bet the DR and SD are getting jealous.
These guys who wrap cars and other things are artists, but that does have a few curves to it!
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It appears I voted for the correct choice.
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Looks much better Don- did you use a water and soap spray to aid in application? If not, you're a sticker wizard!
Not even remotely "red necked" as Ms. K worried about.......Bobby was spot on in his camo pick too! 8)
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It does not look as good close up. Those darned wrinkles...
I'm going to redo the beak as it is the worst piece on the bike, but have to purchase a bit more cammo. And yes, Bobby has an eye for good patterns!
Mike, didn't use soapy water. Was thinking of trying that technique on the next part of the cammo process or maybe on the beak re-do.
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If you do use soapy water, and you get a bubble, you can poke it with a pin and force out the water.
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Wow, did I ever pull a bonehead maneuver today
I was scouring the interwebz for an exhaust for the bike.
I was on Ebay
I had this cool Italian exhaust can up examining it
I hit the green button that would send me back to the previous page
But, wait a minute
That's not what the button said
I think it said Commit to buy!
Yea
So I own an exhaust now.
Gotta admit, I might have chosen it. The thing is light, high tech, Italian made, yada, yada
So, yea, I own it...
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Gonna shove a bar down its throat too?
Sure is purty,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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^^^My exact question too!^^^
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LOL
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Won't need to...It's straight through,
Just like anything illegal Obama wants to do around congress!
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the real question don, has HH6 authorized you to make this modification since you have been instructed to not REDNECK UP this piece of equipment?
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the real question don, has HH6 authorized you to make this modification since you have been instructed to not REDNECK UP this piece of equipment?
Short answer: No
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the real question don, has HH6 authorized you to make this modification since you have been instructed to not REDNECK UP this piece of equipment?
But, it's an Italian exhaust, so it's classy.. I think?
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the real question don, has HH6 authorized you to make this modification since you have been instructed to not REDNECK UP this piece of equipment?
But, it's an Italian exhaust, so it's classy.. I think?
Well, the cars and the ladies sure are! I wouldn't expect anything less from a muffla'
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Well, the cars and the ladies sure are! I wouldn't expect anything less from a muffla'
Then in this case I think you are IAW HH6's personal directives to not redneckify the bike.
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Did it come with the complimentary shoes?
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No but free hair styling for life, pilut thing I guess...... :o
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No but free hair styling for life, pilut thing I guess...... :o
What hair?
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Owner of place I used to manage was bald as a babies butt. So we're attending lunch / golf outing for local chamber of commerce. He wins door prize which was a basket full of hair care products..... ::)
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You know how to play golf????
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Not well! Lol
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Going to hit 60F tomorrow, so I'm going to hit the trail...First off road tryout!
I ordered an upper tank area crash bar, a slightly taller windshield, and a headlight protector for it. Would have been nice to get that tank guard on before slippin' and sliddin' in the mud tomorrow!
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Next you'll be pulling a trailer,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Side car!
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so how many miles do you have on that thing now?
have you been given more RPM's?
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so how many miles do you have on that thing now?
have you been given more RPM's?
I'm approaching 500 where I will get a 1000 RPM jump
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Saturday was a wash. High (really high) winds. We were under a wind advisory and many trees here recently dead from that darned beetle were blown down.
But today was a different story. Winds abated somewhat, to gusts no more than 25mph so off to the races I went!
First, though I adjusted the suspension for what I believe it should be for my carcass and while doing that the mail man showed up with a box from Italy
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The box contained just what was needed to get the job done!
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This is quality stuff. A straight through design but with enough mufflin' to keep me and the constabulary happy. Funny really, because me being a helo pilot, I can't hear anyway!
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Hmmm, just realized that is an Italian flag on a british bike located in America, ridden by a hillbilly! Sort of makes me feel like having a multi-cultural experience!
That came off ricky tick! Like insert key, pull latch, watch box bounce off my big toe!
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Only two bolts holdin' that thing on!
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The stocker is HEAVY
I'll bet that Italian part is a quarter of the weight of that substantial stock piece
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It went on in a flash as well. It literally took more time getting the rubber sleeve fitted to the band than it did mounting the muffler!
It fit well. The pipe and muffler are held together by two strong springs, and the lower pipe fits back into the factory seal, and the muffler is held by a clamp and a single bolt
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It has a decibel killer, which I am using to keep the sound level down but give it a sweet triple sound.
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Just collapse the snap ring and the DB killer pipe comes right out
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And with that, things get rude!
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All buttoned up and ready for business
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I took it on dirt roads and it was fine.
Rocky wet roads, fine as well, but slow
Muddy roads NOT GOOD
Note to self: Shinko 705's are not mud tires. Riding back country roads the combo of the Shinko 705 rear and the Continental 80 fronts were outstanding. I was bending the bike down until that big 21" front gyroscope pushed back, saying, "That's quite enough, please!" I didn't get into peg to road contact, but I bet I was pretty close at times.
Overall, I would not give a bike this size high marks as a dedicated off roader. It will get along quite nicely on any highway back or dirt road, but slow it until you're creepin' along in the numba one gear, and you suddenly realize you brought a 450 pound motorcycle where 200 lb ought to be. I didn't drop it, but I nearly did maybe fifty times! When it got into gooey mud or slippery mud and grass, it would sink right in and want to start mining for limestone! I did a lot of trenching today. The fact that I can no longer see the oil filter nor tell if my riding jacket is black or desert tan (Dried mud) testifies to just how much of the state of Kentucky I was roster tailing! When you're in it, the only way out is to hit the gas and let the Shinkos negotiate with the traction molecules, hoping all the while the two can come to some sort of agreement!
I think when I change this rear tire out, I'm going all the way to a good 50/50 tire. Either that or ride this bike to the driveway, then park it and fire up the zuki and complete the trip on it!
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I saw loose unsecured threads hanging off the muffla, that bike is now ruined. Plus I saw the elusive black dog.
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No surprise, tires are everything.....
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I saw loose unsecured threads hanging off the muffla, that bike is now ruined. Plus I saw the elusive black dog.
It's true Bobby
The bike is mud covered and now totally useless!
And of course those fibers caused the engine to fail!
Black dog just had his testicals donated to science!
Want to hear a good one? Well the neighbors (Obama lovers) hate that dog. He barks and makes them feel uncomfortable ;-))))))))
I just got done explaining to them that it is not a "Right" to be safe and feel comfortable! It is their right not to be bitten or attacked. But it is not their right to walk past my house without Ranger demonstrating some "Kick-Butt" attitude toward them.
Well they were complaining and threatening to call the police on me, yet again and Nate, my oldest made the observation, "Dad these people don't even have the courage to come and talk to you face to face. Maybe we should go get Ranger's balls and give them to Mr. _____! I about choked when he said that!
I was trying to decide if using the word "Balls" was cursing?? But it was so funny and well said that I just gave him a big slap on the back!
It was fun while I owned it!
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Funny & appropriate.....
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Very funny!
...and in other news.......
The apple didn't fall from the tree.....my gramps used to say.
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Tell them that falling to their knees and grabbing their attackers legs while screaming pleas don't hurt me is not an affirmative defense.
Nice bike Don. Glad you are getting it sorted out.
Now get your arse back to finishing square D
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;DI would say the tire performed as designed. Not an off road tire at all.
What is a roster tail?
Have them come say hi to the dog, then give them some mountain oysters as a gift.
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;DI would say the tire performed as designed. Not an off road tire at all.
What is a roster tail?
Have them come say hi to the dog, then give them some mountain oysters as a gift.
They won't come...Like Nate said, no, well, no gumption lets say.
You guys don't know the story, because I didn't share it, but Ranger took out a neighbors dog. And the neighbor is an Obama supporter. I have found that type to mostly be haters. No God in their life and at their core, just selfish control freaks. I guess this one is center of mass for the type. He walked past my house during the cold spell. That froze the ground which caused my electric fence to fail. Ranger figured it our PDQ. For some reason Ranger does not like his dog. Well he came Ranger bit and "The offended ones" came out of the woodwork. Well sorta. One guy started cussing, threatening and saying all the neighbors felt like he did that I shouldn't have a dog like Ranger but they were all afraid to confront me.
I said if a man only has the courage to talk about another behind his back, then he is not a man at all. I said that since no one said anything to me, it was all hearsay and spineless women/men chattering and to me that equals nothing having been said.
Well they amped up their attack...! They started by de-friending us on FB! Again doesn't reach a .01 on my importance meter, but I think by girly man standards that equates to a shove in the chest.
I brought back Ranger and the libtards exploded. Now they openly complained to each other...apparently
I'm appalled! Well, actually not, and in fact it doesn't matter to me. What does Blaine say. The affairs of sheep are of no concern to lions. Not that I am a lion. But apparently the affairs of sheep are of no concern to hillbillies either, because I do not care.
I am doing the responsible thing keeping Ranger in the house and walking him on a leash. But I am apparently not so well liked in my hood any more...Such sorrow!
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If I had a problem with your dog & it came after me or my dog your dog would be gutted at worst & shot at best. Either way I probably wouldn't tell you unless you asked. But that's me, this getting together & openly complaining to each other behind your back doesn't register with me either. Sounds like you addressed the problem by keeping dog inside & walking on a leash. So what's there to discuss at this point?
On a similar note our first house was a ranch just outside of this small town right next to a crick. Town folk when they got tired of their pets would drop them off at said crick. Mainly cats, I hate cats & as such used them for target practice. Had a Marlin bolt action 22 Mag that took care of them nicely. So anyhow these cats always ended up in our compost pile. One day I shot a black one after spotting him hanging around for a week or two. Following week neighbor (I actually liked this guy btw) came over to ask if I shot a black cat lately because his grown son who lived a couple houses down was missing his cat. My response "yep I killed it & if it was his cat why was I feeding it out of my compost?" That ended that discussion in a hurry......
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If I had a problem with your dog & it came after me or my dog your dog would be gutted at worst & shot at best. Either way I probably wouldn't tell you unless you asked. But that's me, this getting together & openly complaining to each other behind your back doesn't register with me either. Sounds like you addressed the problem by keeping dog inside & walking on a leash. So what's there to discuss at this point?
On a similar note our first house was a ranch just outside of this small town right next to a crick. Town folk when they got tired of their pets would drop them off at said crick. Mainly cats, I hate cats & as such used them for target practice. Had a Marlin bolt action 22 Mag that took care of them nicely. So anyhow these cats always ended up in our compost pile. One day I shot a black one after spotting him hanging around for a week or two. Following week neighbor (I actually liked this guy btw) came over to ask if I shot a black cat lately because his grown son who lived a couple houses down was missing his cat. My response "yep I killed it & if it was his cat why was I feeding it out of my compost?" That ended that discussion in a hurry......
In response to your first statement. Ranger is no longer a threat to any law abiding person. But with liberals, and liberals who don't know God, it's about control and hatred. People like that aren't benevolent at heart, they are hateful. They are cowards for the most part and obviously sheeple since they lace the courage to just confront me. But maybe it's psychology that they want to hurt the sheepdog. They tolerate us, but left up to them they would rather do something for themselves than honor someone who served protecting their cowardly butts.
I see them conspiring...in secret of course, because evil dwells in the darkness, to try to do something to me and ranger because in their heart of hearts I think they know they are cowards and inadequate and lack all the things real men have. Kinda like a little lap dog comes in from the rear, then nips at your leg then runs. It lacks the courage for a frontal attack, but revels in the bite.
I was told just now that one of the neighbors was actually trying to coax the sled dog into his yard. This same poc (Piece of crap) threatened to shoot Ranger, although Ranger never attacked any of his family.
Oh Lord, can't you please come back soon???
I don't want to talk about this any more
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or send in the marines...
(http://www.blackframefame.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Demotivational-Posters-Army-13-665x532.jpg)
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At the top of the page I thought "sheeple". Funny how so many libs fit into that category.
He is here and boy is he testing us.
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or send in the marines...
(http://www.blackframefame.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Demotivational-Posters-Army-13-665x532.jpg)
Someone changed that
That is a pic of Somalia, after the 160th tore it up.
Dem's Armee holes you're seeing there
But Marines are just as wasteful with ammo!
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Let me try and stay ahead of those despicable DOTs wreckin' my thread!
OK, got some more boxes today:
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Here's some dirty pics:
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First part is all about protecting my already banged up headlight lens. That trip to the farm took a bit of a toll. So on with a good protector before I go down there again
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Easy 5 min job!
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Next Will be the upper gas tank and side cover guards.
These steel parts hail from Deutschland. For fun I tried to use the German language instructions, but quickly discovered I now lack that skill!
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Off with the radiator shroud and side plastic pieces
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I guess they did an OK job of keeping Kintuckee farmland out of the critical areas
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They have to come all the way off
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The triumph Tiger uses the engine as a stressed member...Just like a sinner in church right before communion. So some really hard to get to bolts and nuts are next in play
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That second pic is of the aft mount and hardware stack-up going back into those ungodly holes!
I then temporarily hung the guards to check out clearances
It clearanced
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Next the front mount was bolted in place
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Then the side plastics were reinstalled and the new side guards rotated into place
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Got a place I can weld stuff to some day!
Cool!!
So the things don't stick out too far, and feel pretty stout.
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Next up a Frenchie windshield adding it's sparkle to this multi cultural mud collector!
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The hardware is gettin' pretty small...
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The Frenchie is a tad bit wider and 10mm taller, but who's countin'?
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And it fit like it was meant to!
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I fired it up, but the Ranger did not like that so much!
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It was barely holding onto 50F when I strapped the bike on and went for a 15 mile loop. I have to say that little increase in windshield height made a big difference. My head wasn't getting buffeted side to side as much and I was able to handle the cold with no problem
Success!
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It actually looks better without all the plastic and I like the blacked out area above the headlight. Does it affect visibility close in?
Kinda looks like its about 10cm taller vs 10mm.
Oh, I will be happy to clean it up for you. Just let me bring it home to give it the TLC it deserves.
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Nice Don. I guess you'll do anything to keep your mind off Sq D?
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I am doing the responsible thing keeping Ranger in the house and walking him on a leash. But I am apparently not so well liked in my hood any more...Such sorrow!
You should just put a Sanders bandana on him and all the lib neighbors will love him
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You guys don't know the story, because I didn't share it, but Ranger took out a neighbors dog.
Similar incident happened to my parents a few years back. It was a warm day, so they had the front door open with only the storm door to combat the elements. Their dog, Cervesa, was chilling out in the entryway, observing the front yard through the glass door. Well, the neighbor's cat came by and started trying to attack Cervesa through the door. She took offense to that, hopped up, and hit the door latch with her paw, opening the door. Cervesa took one step out, the cat lunged, Cervesa chomped, and the feline ended up with crushed neck. Cervesa was a collie mix-mutt. My parents tried to locate the owner of the cat to let them know, but no one came forward. A month later they got a visit from Animal Control. They explained the situation to the AC folks, and they had no issue. Didn't find out who the cat owner was until a month later at the next HOA meeting, where a petition was filed to have my folks get rid of their "evil, vicious, dog". They told the cat owner to pound sand. The cat owners threatened to sue. My folks said, go for it! Drama went on for a few more months and ended when the cat owners moved away because they felt the neighborhood was not safe for their children. SMH. Sheeple.
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Sheeple = Cowards
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Sheeple = Cowards
Nail on the head.
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Don sounds like nice additions to Tiger for sure. But I have to agree it sounds like some new tires are in the offing....
DOT On....(based on your Ranger experience so I blame this all on you...). Our Shepherd has been known to run out to the extent of her underground fence (which doesn't freeze mind you? ;D) barking with her hair up etc. And while she is a smaller Shepherd (East German and Czech) it doesn't seem to matter to the walkers who freak when she does it. And I cant say that I blame them necessarily if they didn't know the fence would stop her about 10 feet from the edge of the yard. But we do have a neighbor who is "that one". Now this is not a typical liberal walking a foo foo dog. No....this is a woman walking a 120 lb bull mastiff but has absolutely no, and I mean NO control of this dog. I believe she is on constant panic when she walks it, and as a result said mastiff senses her pure panic and is on steroidal overload for every walk she takes it on (now mind you because she cant control the dog when I say "walk" in reality I mean the dog simply drags her through the neighborhood ::)). So having seen this occur where Nica (our Shepherd) runs out barking like an attack is imminent (and for all I know she smells the mastiff owner's adrenaline too) and the mastiff dragging this poor 100 lb woman towards our yard. I try to keep Nica inside if I see her out and about. But one day we get a knock on the door. I go down. Nica barks appropriately (when its someone she doesn't know its the "go ahead....make my day" bark). I open the front door....put Nica on sit right next to me. The guy standing there is the dog officer in town. Seems he's had a complaint about a Shepherd wanting to attack people walking their dogs as they come by the house. So we chat a few minutes about that....after said time chatting (the whole time Nica is on sit right next to me not saying a word) he says "so where is your other Shepherd?". I laugh an say "we only have one....right here" (pointing to Nica). He says (incredulously) "that's the only dog you have?" I say "yep"...he says "well she's obviously well trained....a great dog...etc." I say yep. Then I say "Let me ask you, and I know you probably cant say because complaints probably need to be anonymous, but is it possible that the person who complained owns a bull mastiff? And if that's the case you might want to go up the hill to the people that live at such and such place where said mastiff pinned their dog to the ground by the throat so much that the owner had to get a pry bar to open its mouth to get the mastiff to release the dog from the mastiff's grip. All the while the owner, who complained about MY dog, could do nothing. "
He just smiled and said " I am sorry for bothering you. You have a great dog. I don't think I will be back to see you." I wished him well.
Now that all being said. I do have another neighbor who's dog ended up at the vet to get BB's removed from its hind quarters. Seems they would let the dog out at 6AM to go s**t wherever the heck it wanted. I don't like other dog's s**t in my yard. Not saying I placed the BB's under its skin. But it no longer comes to my house. Just sayin'....
DOT off. ;)
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My Ranger is a much more obedient dog after training. I put him in "Place" or sit and he stays there for awhile. He still needs additional training, but I am working with him all the time now.
I've had a lot of neighbors who didn't control their dogs. One guy thought it was OK if his dog chased me when I went jogging, which I did all the time. That dog developed a pattern, He would see me come out the front door, and circle around back. When I finished stretching and took off, he would come up behind and give me a nip.
I had enough. So I got on my running shoes and went outside to stretch. I saw the little guy go around the house. This time I went toward him and waited by my garage. He came around the corner, looking down the driveway and just saw me as I leveled my 1911 on him. I doubt he heard the shot.
Same owner maybe 6 months later. Has two dogs now. These two will launch on my truck, a big 4 X 4 Chevy K10. They would actually latch onto a lug of my gumbo mudders! I told the owner again, but he chose not to listen again. Very next morning I back down the hill with my window down. as they approach I nailed the first one killing him instantly, same 1911. Second dog barely got turned around when I put one through his back side. I think he would have died anyway, but I aimed a second shot and stopped him.
I placed both dog carcass and an extra leg that the second shot almost separated on his sidewalk. When I came home, I went over knocked on the door and told him I shot both his dogs. I told him I was tired of getting chased by his animals and I guess he agreed because he never got any more dogs.
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Bike is still exceeding my expectations. Went for a ride along the Ohio River today. Wind was howling with gusts as much as 50 mph. Made for a difficult ride at higher speeds.
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Bikes, Trucks, winter mess, OD green paint, dogs, cats...What a mess!
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I see the hood up on SD! Does that mean BD is working to resuscitate her??? :o
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I see the hood up on SD! Does that mean BD is working to resuscitate her??? :o
Dust accumulated in the hinges. It's now permanently stuck open. It appears to be a total loss. ;D
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Dust accumulated in the hinges. It's now permanently stuck open. It appears to be a total loss. ;D
Such a sad day. What a loss! :'(
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I see the hood up on SD! Does that mean BD is working to resuscitate her??? :o
Dust accumulated in the hinges. It's now permanently stuck open. It appears to be a total loss. ;D
It's close to being totaled
But if I could only get that dust off, well then it would be restored once again.
But alas, I fear for the worse...
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Oh, and this is the T-I-double-Gurr-Err thread, not the SDGF! (Square D Gossip Forum)
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Square D Gossip Forum (not thread 8) ), so be it
The DOTs are working on it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Oh, and this is the T-I-double-Gurr-Err thread, not the SDGF! (Square D Gossip Forum)
My apologies, sir. I was under the impression that RMT&S was the SDGF. I hereby stand corrected, and am the position of attention awaiting a proper dressing down or the application of the principles outlined in FM 22-102.
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Well, on your first point, you are correct sir!
On the FM reference, I can't remember my FM's from my AM's anymore ;)
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On the FM reference
That would be the unofficial Wall-to-Wall counseling FM.
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On the FM reference
That would be the unofficial Wall-to-Wall counseling FM.
My PSGs favorite FM. Glad to know that it is still at least recognized by the NCO Corps, if not in regular use. ;D
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My PSGs favorite FM. Glad to know that it is still at least recognized by the NCO Corps, if not in regular use. ;D
8)
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actually the only folks that know that FM number are the old crusty ones. we have not been allowed to speak of that since 2005ish.......SMH!
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Whare's that ther um sq d harrassment forum at again?!? ::)
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actually the only folks that know that FM number are the old crusty ones. we have not been allowed to speak of that since 2005ish.......SMH!
Well, I guess I'm getting a little crusty. LOL! When I was teaching my college ROTC leadership block, I'd give my Cadets extra credit if they could research and brief the class on that FM. :)
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I wanted a bit more of that deliciously addictive triple exhaust note these Trumpets are known for
So I pulled this out:
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And did this to it:
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It didn't get much noisier really (could be that I just can't hear anymore...!)
But I noted that it added 15-20 horsepower and an extra 55 ft/lbs of torque. Has me eyeing those coffee cans used on the pesky jap/ricer cars running around that make a reputed 300 extra horsepower!
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Don, Very nice build you got going. You previously mentioned a 50/50 tire. I am on my second set of Mitas E07's. I have completed the eastern half of the (KAT) twice with them and they are now my primary tire. I have not sacrificed any of the asphalt performance I've been accustomed to running a Metzlar Tourance set up. I just mounted a set of E10's for the upcoming March Moto Madness event in Tellico Plains, TN. on 31March. I hope you are ready to ride the (KAT) this season or a portion of it and would keep me in mind. I enjoy the area down in KY.
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Don, Very nice build you got going. You previously mentioned a 50/50 tire. I am on my second set of Mitas E07's. I have completed the eastern half of the (KAT) twice with them and they are now my primary tire. I have not sacrificed any of the asphalt performance I've been accustomed to running a Metzlar Tourance set up. I just mounted a set of E10's for the upcoming March Moto Madness event in Tellico Plains, TN. on 31March. I hope you are ready to ride the (KAT) this season or a portion of it and would keep me in mind. I enjoy the area down in KY.
I've been hearing good things with that Mitas tire. This rear tire I have now is great on street and gravel, but I literally dug a mile long trench which was still there today out at the farm. That line ends in a hole where all movement stopped and I just mined KY mud. I'm def up for a 50/50 tire for now on.
How far from the Cincy are you located? I head up there regularly and am going up for a service and wait on the bike maybe this week or next...
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I am located in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Just outside of Logan SR93. In one of the great motorcycle riding areas of Ohio.
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Took a ride out in 45 degree weather. Single layer pants...I would make note that 45 is about the limit, especially if you plan on getting wet and riding.
Love those heated grips and my heated seat!
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I just retrieved the Tiger from the dealership. They did the first service and I have to say they turned up the smoothness meter just a tad. That bike is like glass to ride.
But it has a pretty good buzz in the handlebars, something not uncommon to triple cylinder bikes. I wanted to raise the bars a bit and while searching found these cool bar riser fitted with a rubber bushing!
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So with that, off with the bar clamps!
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The riser blocks weigh about nothing but still feature a good sized rubber bushing
After a bit of cable adjusting for routing, the bar fell right into its new cradle
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That mount pushed the bars up two inches and allows me to roll them forward or aft, then tilt the bar itself independent of the longitudinal positioning. I like it!
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I've been getting a bunch of helmet buffeting at speed on the highway, so I decided to do something about that
This slick wing mounts to the existing windshield and allows the rider to direct airflow as he sees fit. This is a German part.
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There's a lot of precision plastic parts with this thing!
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This template is meant to adhere to the windshield to provide a template to drill the required 4 ea holes. Considering the windscreen is curved, precision is difficult to achieve. Expect to apply it, then peel it off and repeat about five hundred times before by pure chance the thing falls on the screen correctly!
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I built up the hardware stack first then went for a fitment check prior to jack hammering some holes!
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After torquing the small screws to 140 ft lbs, or newton meters or PSI or maybe a bit more than hand tight, I called this cat to be "In the bag!"
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Well, ain't that interesting........
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What did the dealer guys think about the new cammo skin?
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Next will be NACA scoops.
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What did the dealer guys think about the new cammo skin?
Bob liked it. It looks like crap, all patch-work quilted lookin' and all...
He said, "What the heck, it's original, I like it."
It does the job of "Making the bike mine" that's for sure. The chrome crowd never gives me a second glance anyway, and that is just all-right with me!
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Smacked into a wait-ah-minute tree!
First scars!
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That caused me to apply another decal!