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How much do you ride your classic ?
Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
I ride my '68 R50US all the time (I'm 75) and I find it a true pleasure. I've been riding this model since 1968, including a cross country trip in 1972, and I don't find it any more problematic now than I did back then. It has S-bars, so I did fabricate some barbacks to get a more upright posture, which saves my back. Frankly, I think the US-forks are vastly better than Earles forks for a solo machine, and I've ridden both. This R50 compares very favorably in terms of comfort with my '92 R100RS (which has/7 and barbacks also for a more upright posture).
Adam
- VintageJim
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Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
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Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
I ride April through November and generally put around 4000 miles on it per year.
Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
I tried this method today and I can see it might be easy, IF the centre stand or its pivots were worn, so less lifting needed. I've just worked on mine and they are near new condition, which makes it quite an effort, even using my calf. A handle, as provided on the /5, /6 and /7s would make it easier, presumably why it was provided, but thanks - old dogs, new tricks.
Charlie.
- San Arthur
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Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
I just don't find it appealing for long rides.
'58 R26 '76 R90S '88 R100RS '94 R100GS/PD
Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
My father converted his '67 R69S to US soon after the forks came out in '68. But he always praised the Earle's anti-dive feature and never explained really why he switched or how the US fork was better. I felt it may have been just to have the latest - my dad was an engineer type and loved technology. Can you explain why you prefer the US forks? Dad passed in November and we never got to finish the bike restoration. I'm in the process of having it completed now. I'm really tempted to go back to the Earle's configuration and make the bike original again, to match the early photographs we have. Dad sold the forks, likely to recoup the cost of the US parts, so it will involve considerable expense, but something about putting it original just feels right. At the same time, if the Earles really suck, I'll stick with the US forks, lol. I'll also post a general question about this in a new thread. Much appreciated.
Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
I find the lack of dive when braking makes it harsher, more strain on the shoulders and wrists. Age could have something to do with it, of course but I have a little Honda for in-town work and the difference is quite noticeable.
Charlie.
- Darryl.Richman
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Re: How much do you ride your classic ?
Most interesting for this topic, however, are the 3 cross country trips I've done riding my 1928 R52 on the Motorcycle Canonball. Working up to and during these trips I've accumulated something like 15k miles on this 12 HP, 3 speed, handshift, hardtail bike. It's very comfortable, and really pleasant out on a winding backroad, where it cruises nicely at about 45. It can about touch 60 with fair weather and following winds, so it's not something that I want to take on a big highway, and the need to double clutch into 2nd means it's not a lot of fun in traffic. The brakes are not spectacular, either. But I have some great memories touring around on it, and it always gets a thumbs up from people.