A Trip Out
Today was my first opportunity to take the RE out on a proper trip: from Northamptonshire north on the A1(M) to the S Yorks county line, then west to Melton and South through Leicestershire and Rutland back home. I suppose about 150 miles and around 3 1/2 hours. On the route North we were pushing it at 70 MPH, which proved to be just about the top cruising speed for the RE, the bike felt a bit flustered and uncomfortable at this speed. On the way back South I was in less of a hurry and kept to 60 MPH (even on the dual carriageway) - and all of a sudden everything made sense. The vibration largely disappeared, it was possible to see things in the mirrors and the bike felt comfortable and within its limits.
At up to 60 MPH the RE is a very nice bike; I particularly enjoyed the rural roads in Rutland:
It was very much a 1970s riding experience, but with far better brakes. When I got home nothing had fallen off, no fluids had been spilt, the motorcycle was still ticking over reliably and there was no burning smell coming from the clutch or brakes - so in that respect very different from the 1970s experience.
I really enjoyed riding the RE.