Quote:
Originally Posted by Nithesh_M Did you verify the VIN number and confirm if its a '15 model or a '14? |
No clue mate. Searched the net, but it seems the VIN decoders can't quite decode the Indian code system as far as Triumph is concerned. Will ask the dealer to show it on the dealer diagnostic tool when I visit next (which will be very soon - read on).
Weekend 3 - post 1st service
After the 1st service, the bike has been running considerable smoother and seems eager to be revved harder. Other than that, didn't notice any perceptible change while riding.
Took a pre-ride checkup ride on Saturday morning. It was a solo run to the Kolar CCD and back. Saturday mornings are surprisingly superbike free compared to Sundays. However, traffic towards Chittoor was heavy (around 6am) and I didn't quite enjoy the onward journey as much as the return which was much more traffic free and enjoyable.
Also hooked up with some new friends for a ride to the Krishnagiri dam - damn that's a pretty place to spend time at! Some real nice roads leading up there (though one has to deal with traffic of course) along with nice views on the way as well. The 4 of us headed straight to Krishnagiri today morning. After some sedate and spirited riding, got to the beautiful and peaceful locale. For me, very few things in life are as enjoyed as quiet and good company and today morning had both. Cheers for the wonderful ride lads!
Have noticed a few more things riding this weekend. Some not so nice and some wonderful. Here goes:
- Tried the comfort seat with a pair of my cycling shorts today. I think I could ride a full day with this setup. Near perfect cushioning and no stress at all. The comfort seat looks like this:
Notice the double stitching in white thread and the dimpled bits on the pillion seat and next to the tank. Triumph finish is top notch really.
- I think I'll stick with the pillion grab rails. Realised today that these are quite functional, though aesthetics are still in question in my mind.
- The more I ride, the more I like the handling of the Streetie. I am getting used to the weight more and more and am getting more confident with sharp changes of direction as well as long sweeping turns with each passing ride. Saturday's ride would've been quite nondescript but for the fact that I have so much to learn from and about the Streetie.
- Good positive braking up front and lots of grip from the rear rubber. The PRC's may be expensive, but boy are they a hoot to ride on. Unless the wet gripping is poor, very likely that I'll stay with these for my replacements, whenever that happens.
- I happen to leave my helmet visor open for a couple of mins today and boy, the sound did get some blood rushing! What a beautiful intake growl the Streetie has. Proverbial wolf in sheep clothing, is this bike.
In the not so nice section, we have
- The mirrors. Most of the time, I've got to duck down to see the mirrors and even then, the damn things move around so much (I don't mean they flap during a ride, but that the mirrors just don't seem to stay where I'd set them last) that there's not much more than my elbows to see. I would rather just replace the mirrors lock, stock and barrel as I'm not sure if extenders would solve the problem.
- And the well done not rare, feeling. Heating in traffic is an issue for sure. I've been wearing denim on my rides and in 10 mins of traffic, the shins do get more than their fair share of heat. This doesn't really happen on the highways, so my rides are usually not a problem, but I would not recommend the Streetie as a commute bike in Bangaloresque traffic.
Having done barely 1150 kms on the ODO, I daresay that I'm enjoying the Streetie. It stays under the radar for the most part and is happy to stay there until I open the throttle a bit. After that, it's a proper hooligan with no holds barred. Just the way a naked should be IMHO
. I'm hoping to complete the entire run-in of 1600 kms by EoW4. Wish me luck please!
As an aside, the inevitable did happen today. I knew that the bike would meet the ground up close and personal, just didn't quite imagine it'll happen the way it did. In summary, the Streetie fell on Hosur Road, while it was on the side stand. Basically, the tarmac was old and the kick stand dug in when I was putting it down. I got off the bike and down she went. Most of the Streetie escaped unharmed, but I've got nasty scruffs on the engine (I had very cleverly chosen not to install the engine protector), broke the FL indicator and the clutch lever snapped off where it's meant to. Thankfully, the frame slider on the left kept the remaining parts of the bike away from damage.
Not a happy camper, but it could've been worse. Just glad that the the Streetie is no longer a v****n. Plan to get the engine protector installed now
This week, the additions for the bike include an Rjay's paddock stand and muc-off cleaning kit. Good products, the muc-offs seem to be. Wanted to try the stand, but haven't gotten down to it yet. Will update once tried.
Next update will include the response from Keerti about the engine covers and the expected arrival time for my LED indicators. I'll just take out the broken indicator from the bike until the LEDs come in.
Also, see some pics from today's ride (prior to the fall). Will also follow up with a post in the Sunday morning riding thread. Thanks Barcalad for the pics, the company and the picture perfect destination!!
First group pic for the Streetie!
The lake is serene
Triumph and Glory!