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[garry]

thanks for the replies, will try and make a 60mph cruise limit

[AndyMc]

I did 2500 miles a cross Europe this year on my C5 classic. 60to 65 gave the most comfortable and economic ride. Any faster and I used a lot more fuel and oil as well as having to hang on like grim death.
I found using a throttle rocker as advised by others on this group most helpful and an extra tooth on my GB sprocket made a big difference. I also stayed off motorways when I could.

[skidmarks]

crack that ton garry

[Rattlebattle]

He didn't mention anything about riding it off a high cliff.....

[Tim NZ]

Not that I advise 'cruising' with the throttle pinned back to the stop, but a local rides his B5 that way everywhere as soon as he is on the open road.


Now traveled over 120,000km from new and still purring.


Do be aware that most speedos are at least 8%-10% optimistic...

[Trev]

I would definitely recommend going up one tooth on the front sprocket, not only makes for a more relaxed cruising speed (60 - 65 on the clock is ideal on mine) but, as someone else on here mentioned, actually makes 4th usable for overtaking those rare vehicles travelling slower than you.
I've changed the silencer (cos standard looks and sounds hideous) and added a K&N air filter (cos it was due at service and will last longer than the bike) which probably adds 0.25bhp (!) but mine pulled the extra tooth even two up unless up a very steep long hill.
Other mod that has improved handling a bit but comfort a lot was to replace the overly stiff standard rear shocks with a pair from TEC that they make for the modern Triumph Bonneville. I went for the £99 height and preload adjust only version but they do an adjustable damping version for another £30.
Happy touring

[Rattlebattle]

+1 on raising the gearing by one tooth on the gearbox sprocket. I find the gearing as a whole is that bit better; I typically use one gear lower than I used to on restricted roads. Before mine seemed to either be revving a little too much or slogging at the posted limits, but now seems to have the right gear for each one. Also, first gear is more useful as I don’t need to uproot trees...I’ve also fittted our host’s silencer and header pope. With the baffles in it sounds like an old Brit single. I have a cone air filter on mine, though I’ve fitted a carb. It now makes that lovely chuffing sound you get on big singles when the air is being sucked in just under the tank. I’ve left the suspension alone. As I have a C5 and don’t weigh much I’m happy with the almost rigid rear end because the sprung saddle largely acts as suspension.

[Alan R]

+ 2 for fitting a Plus 1 tooth sprocket for all the same reasons Rattlebattle has put APART from fitting a "Header Pope" !!...What page is that on then ??..LoL !!..( I've phoned Rome but the number was engaged )...This was on one of my earlier Classic 500 Iron Barrelled bikes and at the same time I fitted the American-made High Compression piston so all was well when riding 2-up at 60 mph...'Er indoors said}----"It's hard to start--noisy when running-- leaks oil---my bottom hurts after 20 miles ---it's slow-----needs working on all the time --- painted black with silly gold stripes !!--I DON'T like it !!".......Funny how opposites attract isn't ??..That's probably why I DO like them !! ( Though I'd never admit to it )................ Here's a song at the end of an Enfield day-out}----------