Author Topic: 600 miles and beyond  (Read 14285 times)

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r80rt

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on: June 28, 2009, 04:01:28 pm
Well she's run in now and I'm still very happy with it. It will hit 70mph quickly but I didn't ride at that speed for long. It will run with 60mph traffic easy enough, the sweet spot seems to about 58mph. I've read some of the British bike mags that say this engine is equal to the Japanese in quality, and I fully believe that's true. I have a 06 Suzuki Savage in the shed that I've ridden many hundreds of miles on, the C5 will do anything the Suzi will do, and look better doing it. The blending of the old and new is amazing, I get all the sensation of riding a big British single and NONE of the problems associated with them. It really is the best of both worlds.
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ace.cafe

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Reply #1 on: June 28, 2009, 04:19:37 pm
Sounds like a dream come true, Dannie!

I'm very happy for you!
And thanks for the helpful reports and impressions.
Keep 'em coming!
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doomed1

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Reply #2 on: June 28, 2009, 05:58:19 pm
ooooooooh, i envy you greatly. i guess 600 miles isn't all that hard to do quickly. that's good because i'm going to need to run my future bike in over only two weeks, with another two or three preparing for my cross country trip to Minnesota.


r80rt

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Reply #3 on: June 28, 2009, 06:11:19 pm
The key to a quick break in is this, your ass has to be in the saddle! I rode to work three hours early so I could get riding in before work, rode for four hours after work, skipped lunch and went riding, got up at 5 am Sat and Sun, rode all day. Do it by the book with lots of stops for cooling along the way, it will pay off greatly. I'm very lucky to have miles of nearly deserted back roads to run, and I took advantage of them. The trip to Minnesota will be great, I envy you!
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enfield_33

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Reply #4 on: June 28, 2009, 09:54:58 pm
Cool that you can get out so much.  How is that springy seat for comfort?

Oh yeah, what kind of MPG have you been getting?


doomed1

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Reply #5 on: June 28, 2009, 10:16:35 pm
The key to a quick break in is this, your ass has to be in the saddle! I rode to work three hours early so I could get riding in before work, rode for four hours after work, skipped lunch and went riding, got up at 5 am Sat and Sun, rode all day. Do it by the book with lots of stops for cooling along the way, it will pay off greatly. I'm very lucky to have miles of nearly deserted back roads to run, and I took advantage of them. The trip to Minnesota will be great, I envy you!
oh, i wouldn't be so sure r80rt. i'm looking at 1200 miles of superslab over three days on what will likely be an open bike. i'll need to condition myself appropriately. but i'm young, so i should be fine by the end. it'll definitely be fun. i'll just have to make sure to bring a tent big enough for 2 ;)


ace.cafe

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Reply #6 on: June 28, 2009, 11:00:22 pm
oh, i wouldn't be so sure r80rt. i'm looking at 1200 miles of superslab over three days on what will likely be an open bike. i'll need to condition myself appropriately. but i'm young, so i should be fine by the end. it'll definitely be fun. i'll just have to make sure to bring a tent big enough for 2 ;)

You're young enough to handle it.

Just don't use that 1200 miles for the break in.
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Reply #7 on: June 29, 2009, 01:18:58 am
Am I to understand that you're hitting 70 after only 600 miles?!
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r80rt

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Reply #8 on: June 29, 2009, 03:51:41 am
yes I hit 70 for a short distance. Nothing major, a gentle lead up to that and back off again. According to my manual I should be broken in, and I followed it to the letter. I'm at 728 miles now and I Cruise at 55 just about all the time. The seat is a little hard at first, which is good in the long run. I think the riders weight will have a lot to do with comfort. My first tank full got me 68mpg, I haven't checked it since, I'll check it next time I gas up and see how it does now that it's run in.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2009, 04:30:32 am by r80rt »
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r80rt

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Reply #9 on: June 29, 2009, 04:35:21 am
oh, i wouldn't be so sure r80rt. i'm looking at 1200 miles of superslab over three days on what will likely be an open bike. i'll need to condition myself appropriately. but i'm young, so i should be fine by the end. it'll definitely be fun. i'll just have to make sure to bring a tent big enough for 2 ;)

I think I'd avoid the superslab if you can, that kind of miles on a interstate is brutal. I did 3700 miles in six  days a couple of years ago, and did 80% of that on two lane roads. if you chose carefully you can cover some ground without all the truck traffic, and enjoy it more.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2009, 04:37:49 am by r80rt »
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Cabo Cruz

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Reply #10 on: June 29, 2009, 04:46:28 am
Great updates, Br. Dannie... very happy for you, man!!!   :) :) :)
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

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r80rt

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Reply #11 on: June 29, 2009, 05:04:57 am
Thanks Cabo, I'll be off the bike for a day or two, my wife hit some gravel in a corner today, she was going slow but now has 14 stitches, some bruised ribs and a bad case of road rash. I'll be changinging bandages for a few days. There is nothing worse than looking in your mirror and seeing someone you love hit the pavement. You guys go hug your wife and let her know you love her.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2010, 08:08:10 pm by r80rt »
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doomed1

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Reply #12 on: June 29, 2009, 05:26:10 am
I think I'd avoid the superslab if you can, that kind of miles on a interstate is brutal. I did 3700 miles in six  days a couple of years ago, and did 80% of that on two lane roads. if you chose carefully you can cover some ground without all the truck traffic, and enjoy it more.
if anything, the truck traffic will be nice if i could draft at a reasonable distance. all i have to do for a few hours is to stare at the brake lights and turn signals. i will be spending one of those days in Chicago though, and i may end up with a wingman in a car about halfway, so it won't be all that rough. i'll be sure to post document it when i do it, and then post the whole trip. should be fun.

oh, and sorry to hear about your wife there. if anything, it just reinforces that you should ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LEATHERS/ANTI-BALLISTICS NO MATTER WEATHER OR DISTANCE. good lessons there...


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Reply #13 on: June 29, 2009, 01:00:50 pm
Every see those tire carcasses on the side of freeways?  They are the result of a truck tire blowing it's re-tread.  If one hits you, it's like being shot with a cannon at close range.  NEVER draft trucks.   

Give trailers with small wheels some distance, too.
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r80rt

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Reply #14 on: June 29, 2009, 01:04:59 pm
I hope you have a great trip, and I know you will. There is a saying among long distance riders, "If you want to live, stay away from trucks" I don't want to preach to you, but I know you've seen those huge chunks of rubber from one of their blow outs, you don't want to be any where near when that happens. Be sure to post all about the trip, pictures if possible  ;D  check this site  http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm
« Last Edit: April 03, 2010, 08:09:03 pm by r80rt »
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enfield_33

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Reply #15 on: June 29, 2009, 03:27:27 pm
Riding with trucks can be an adventure.  A few years ago I was passing one when the fuel cut out, leaving me fumbling to turn the petcock to reserve.  Got it done but it was not fun. 

F.I. takes care of that problem (unless you've dumbly run out of gas).


r80rt

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Reply #16 on: June 29, 2009, 03:49:26 pm
This is my first fuel injected bike, I've fought owning one for years and now I feel stupid, FI is a wonderful thing.
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PhilJ

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Reply #17 on: June 29, 2009, 04:57:22 pm
Doomed, As I understand drafting, it only works up close and personal. Might not be a very good plan to kiss an 18 wheeler.


Cabo Cruz

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Reply #18 on: June 29, 2009, 05:36:34 pm
"Thanks Cabo, I'll be off the bike for a day or two, my wife hit some gravel in a corner today, she was going slow but now has 14 stitches, some bruised ribs and a bad case of road rash. I'll be changinging bandages for a few days. There is nothing worse than loking in your mirror and seeing someone you love hit the pavement. You guys go hug your wife and let her know you love her."  r80rt

Br. Dannie, sorry to hear about Mrs. Mullins' mishap... I'm happy to know that she has minor injuries... I wish her a speedy recovery... I hope you can manage your withdrawal symptoms (:D)... the pavement as the old Romans might say remains: INVICTUS
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

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bob bezin

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Reply #19 on: June 29, 2009, 05:49:56 pm
are you familiar with the roads between chicago and minn? to aviod interstates. i sometimes take hwy`12  to get to wis. lots of good ways to go . i live on hwy  's14-61 in wis. w2hat part of minn. are you going too?
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r80rt

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Reply #20 on: June 29, 2009, 05:58:40 pm
"Thanks Cabo, I'll be off the bike for a day or two, my wife hit some gravel in a corner today, she was going slow but now has 14 stitches, some bruised ribs and a bad case of road rash. I'll be changinging bandages for a few days. There is nothing worse than loking in your mirror and seeing someone you love hit the pavement. You guys go hug your wife and let her know you love her."  r80rt

Br. Dannie, sorry to hear about Mrs. Mullins' mishap... I'm happy to know that she has minor injuries... I wish her a speedy recovery... I hope you can manage your withdrawal symptoms (:D)... the pavement as the old Romans might say remains: INVICTUS

Thank you Cabo, she's a stiff sore little woman today, pain pills have her sleeping most of it away. The first time in 5 years she didn't wear a jacket because of the heat, she'll be fine in a week or so but she'll never ride without armor again!
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Cabo Cruz

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Reply #21 on: June 29, 2009, 08:26:35 pm
Amen!
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

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doomed1

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Reply #22 on: June 29, 2009, 09:07:41 pm
Doomed, As I understand drafting, it only works up close and personal. Might not be a very good plan to kiss an 18 wheeler.
i think that most people are worried that kissing a big rig is exactly what i'm planning to do, and that's not quite it. really, i'll be putting standard stopping distance between myself and the truck. Mythbusters is pretty good on this and showed that . even a normal distance behind a truck improves wind impact and fuel mileage. also, they proved that tire blowouts near a motorcycle are largely exaggerated. as long as i keep a safe distance behind the truck, i should be fine, as long as i'm careful about it. better than having to deal with the rest of traffic on the open highway on an open bike...


r80rt

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Reply #23 on: June 29, 2009, 09:35:54 pm
Nah, Nobody thinks you are out to do something silly. I just meant to offer some friendly advice.
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doomed1

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Reply #24 on: June 29, 2009, 09:57:55 pm
Nah, Nobody thinks you are out to do something silly. I just meant to offer some friendly advice.
yeah, thanks for that link pretty useful stuff there. and don't worry, think that tailgating a big rig is straight up stupid, which is why i won't, but i will be looking to ride behind one or two to see if it helps with fatigue.

also, i'm looking at making it a three day trip, with the whole afternoon to myself in Chicago, so the superslab is really the only way to go.


r80rt

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Reply #25 on: June 29, 2009, 11:11:12 pm
I've done a lot of long distance stuff, if you are close enough to a truck to get any benefit you are way to close, any farther back and it will buffet the hell out of you. The damn things are dangerous. Just be careful and have a great ride, take lots of pictures
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PhilJ

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Reply #26 on: June 30, 2009, 01:43:10 am
My feelings too r89rt. But I will ride in their presence and let them know I'm there. Most of the truckers are good drivers and you can depend on them not to get themselves into trouble.


r80rt

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Reply #27 on: June 30, 2009, 01:47:16 am
Yeah I do ride in their presence, but I give them a wide berth.  :D
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Reply #28 on: June 30, 2009, 08:32:51 pm
Thanks, r80rt, for all your reports on the bike. I've really enjoyed reading them and I'm getting very very hungry to get mine now! I was told from the start to expect an early July delivery, (I'm having a Clubman built), so I haven't given any hassle at all but I think it's time for an enquiry next week. Your reports are everything I wanted from it - the feeling of old with modern day, Jap style, reliability plus excellent fuel economy. Long may you continue your love affir and keep on keeping us informed.

Finally, my best wishes to your wife and hope she has a speedy recovery.


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Reply #29 on: June 30, 2009, 09:55:48 pm
I saw those mythbusters episodes.  i liked the one on drafting.  I tried it some and you'd be suprized how far back you can sit and still get benefit, without alot of buffetting and without risking your hide.  I could pace the truck at a safe distance and would hear the motor running at lower rpms.  There is a point of diminishing returns due to turbulance, though.

I thought the blowout episode was misleading and dangerous, because it gave folks the idea that it's not a concern.  They were testing sudden, catastrophic failures only.  Now, I've seen tires on trucks fail at speed which did NOT involve a blowout. The tire just starts to fall apart.  Like it or not, if you ride near a truck and that happens, you do risk having to dodge large pieces of rubber at highway speeds, which can take you out. that myth was far from "busted" and as a rule I stay away from trucks on the highway.  you'll do what you feel safe doing, but I wouldn't put my life in the hands of the "Mythbusters"......


r80rt

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Reply #30 on: June 30, 2009, 10:29:12 pm
Don't believe everything you see on TV, those mythbuster guys are good but they haven't spent a lifetime in the saddle.  ;)
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r80rt

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Reply #31 on: June 30, 2009, 10:32:40 pm
Thanks, r80rt, for all your reports on the bike. I've really enjoyed reading them and I'm getting very very hungry to get mine now! I was told from the start to expect an early July delivery, (I'm having a Clubman built), so I haven't given any hassle at all but I think it's time for an enquiry next week. Your reports are everything I wanted from it - the feeling of old with modern day, Jap style, reliability plus excellent fuel economy. Long may you continue your love affir and keep on keeping us informed.

Finally, my best wishes to your wife and hope she has a speedy recovery.
I can't wait to see pictures of your Clubman! One of my all time favorite bikes. You are going to be very happy with this new engine it's really good. Thanks for the good wishes for my wife, she's going to be fine but she'll wear the scars on her arm forever.
« Last Edit: June 30, 2009, 10:40:51 pm by r80rt »
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Reply #32 on: June 30, 2009, 10:49:50 pm
... I wouldn't put my life in the hands of the "Mythbusters"......
But they're sure fun to watch!   ;D


PhilJ

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Reply #33 on: July 01, 2009, 12:07:20 pm
The other thing about drafting is that you don't the cooling that you would get in free air.

A friend had an oil temp gauge on his Beemer that should the result of drafting is higher oil temperatures.


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Reply #34 on: July 01, 2009, 12:39:05 pm
interesting....hadn't thought of that.


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Reply #35 on: July 01, 2009, 09:58:44 pm
Hi, R80RT,
Just read through this thread including your initial post.  You mention that not only do you have the new RE (lucky dog!) but a Savage as well.  I wonder if you could give a bit of a comparison, especially as to the best top cruising speeds of the two, fuel economy, quality of the ride, etc.
The RE is better looking, hands down, but I have been a Suzuki devotee since my teen years and my dad still owns his old GN400 thumper.
I think the Savage or S40 or whatever it's called nowadays would be a good yardstick to measure the UCE bike with.

Mark :)


r80rt

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Reply #36 on: July 01, 2009, 10:26:33 pm
I would say the fit and finish are pretty much equal between the two, performance is very close with a slight edge going to the Savage on acceleration. They both feel good at 55-60 mph, the S40 may have a higher top end, but I'll never know what the top speed on either of them is. The Enfield gets much better mileage, the Enfield handles better, the S40 is slightly smoother because of the counter balancer. The S40 has a timing chain that's known to stretch, the Enfield has good old pushrods. The Suzi is a great fun bike to ride, But The C5 is just more fun, it'll do anything the Suzi will do and look better doing it.
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