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Motorcycles

Nader393

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Then relocated the work to the temporary workbench in my driveway to re-capitate the engine. Fresh gaskets give me a good feeling inside. Hopefully the engine will feel the same way.

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Nader393

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Looks awesome!

Thanks! While the bike was out of commission for engine work, I fabricated both axles and the suspension pivot bolt out of titanium. Hollowing them out was the worst part. Used up a lot of long aircraft drill bits. Ti is a *****. Here's the front axle:

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Bromley

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gnatty8

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I didn't, but it went like this...

I had about 4 days available to ride from Tennessee to Vermont to visit family. I don't really like quick, straight routes, so I figured I'd follow the MABDR (a route from TN to Upstate NY on a mix of forest service "roads" and the backest of back roads). The people who created this route have created similar routes in other parts of the country as well. I believe they're best known for their Southern California route.

The MABDR passes through a lot of historic Civil War sites. It's probably a lot of fun to take your time and visit these places, but I only had 3 days to finish the 5-6 day ride, so I only saw the roads and gas stations.

My motorcycle is a small displacement dual sport-- a Yamaha WR250R. It's perfect for this kind of travel-- light, nimble, and reliable, but with enough power to get through stretches of highway. I wouldn't have been able to do this ride as quickly or easily on the kinds of bigger ADV bikes I encountered on the ride.

I rode from 8am to 8pm each day. The route goes through a part of the country that was much more remote than I really knew, so I was able to camp wherever I ended my day. My camping set up takes up very little space. It consists of a hammock, a light tarp, and a blanket. After the 5-minute set up, I would sit down each night and stare into the darkness until it was time to sleep. It was exhausting to push my personal speed boundaries for 13 hours each day, and so I slept very well.

I was surprised at how beautiful and grand the mountainous regions of Virginia were. Some areas had the feel of Montana. I had expected to enjoy the curvy mountain trails the most, but I ended up preferring the sections of the route that passed through the small towns. A lot in Amish country, as well.

If you're on the central East Coast, you're likely not far from this route. I'd highly recommend the ride.

Thanks man! I lived in east Tennessee for most of the last 20 years, and very familiar with that part of the country! Would love to do this ride one of these days, and I will see what I can find on it. Sounds like a great way to spend a week or more!
 

Rumpelstiltskin

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@Piobaire


2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R
1215942


2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT
1564641096500.png


1215967



New motor: 2458cc triple (164cc larger)
165 hp (+16 hp)
163 ft/lbs torque @ 4000 rpm vs 163 ft/lbs torque @ 2750 rpm (that's seems like a step backwards)
Dry weight: 642 lbs (R), 648 lbs (GT) vs 736 lbs 2019 model
Cornering ABS & traction control
4 rider modes
Cruise control
Hill assist :crazy:
Brembo monoblock brakes
Keyless ignition
Heated grips
Turn by turn nav
Bluetooth integration with gopro cameras
Single sided swingarm (for people who like looking at them)

A much lighter and better handling powercruiser with modern electronics? This is shot across the bow of Ducati's XDiavel, Suzuki's Boulevard M109, Honda's Valkyrie and Harley's Sportglide, Breakout & FXDR. Damn!

 
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Piobaire

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That is ******* gorgeous!

Something might happen where Mrs. Piob actually breaks down and stops denying me a ride. Not going to hold my breath but it's moved out of the impossible category. Never thought this would be a marital sticking point, as I rode when we met up 20-some years ago, but where we live now is notorious for running over motorcyclists so I get it.
 

Nader393

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That Rocket is amazing. You'd think it were an American bike, like a more civilized Boss Hoss. It's also $29K, which is also how much a Harley Livewire costs. It has half the torque, but it's available at zero RPM. Can't believe I'm thinking half-seriously about Harleys. But that's a good thing.
 

imatlas

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I
Yes it is.

Bam!

Plastic Yamaha indeed.

It’s the twin of my first bike, at least until I stripped and clear coated the valve covers.
 

Duly Noted

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Picked up a few more... after seeing what the resale value of vintage Hondas is in Europe I'm going to pipeline as many as I can of 'em into France and flip them. These three are a 1973 Honda CB175, a 1974 Honda CB450, and a 1967 Honda S90.
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Duly Noted

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I


Bam!

Plastic Yamaha indeed.

It’s the twin of my first bike, at least until I stripped and clear coated the valve covers.

You have good taste, I LOVE this bike. Some argue that it's underpowered, but apart from the flat spot on the acceleration its plenty strong enough for city driving. Ultimately I'd like to also get a CB550, which owners rave about. Honda legend/guru 'Hondaman' swears by the CB450, calling it the best of the bunch.
 

Duly Noted

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Anybody doing the DGR ride in NYC on September 29th? It's a charity ride. All the riders wear classic menswear.
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