Rolling Thunder 2011

[Porkchop]

The wife and I along with our friend Rob rode into DC with some of the Rolling Thunder participants this past weekend.  Rob is a Navy retire Master Chief and took most of the pics.  We peeled off before arriving to at the pentagon to go find a spot to view the parade.  It was a great time.  The weather cooperated, the people were wonderful.  We were able to get a spot near the Marine (SSGT Chambers) who salutes the riders as they pass.  I counted at least three GS500s.  We even saw Sarah Palin ride by but we didn't have the camera ready.  Below are some of the photos we did get.

Here we are leaving the house.


We arrived at Battley Cycles in Gaithersburg, MD and got at the end of the line.


There were some interesting bikes.



Waiting to mount up.


Master Chief Rob and me in front of  his bike.


Our police escort.


The start of the parade.


SSGT Chambers.


- Porkchop

[The Buddha]

Oooo porkchop ... I didn't know you had an r 1200C.
How you like it ? Heavy ? handling ? is it FI ? Any trouble that its known for ?
Cool.
Buddha.

[Porkchop]

Oooo porkchop ... I didn't know you had an r 1200C.
How you like it ? Heavy ? handling ? is it FI ? Any trouble that its known for ?
Cool.
Buddha.

The bike is great.  It is definitely heavier but the weight is down low so the balance is pretty good.  The lean angle is a Buddha Loves You.  I'm still used to turning like I'm on the GS500 so I'm scrapping peg all the time.  It is fuel injected so it's a nice change not to have to wait so long for an engine warm up to get going.  The vibration of the engine is a little weird cuz it vibes side to side instead of up and down.  The brakes are out of this world.  It actually caught me by surprise on how well the brakes stops this bike.  The shaft engaging when you apply the power was new to me as well.  It's all good.  The known problems are premature chrome pitting and delicate ABS.  The engine on the C only produces 61 hp.  When you take the weight, gearing, and hp in consideration you get speed and quickness similar to the GS500.

The only thing I really don't like now is that now instead of enjoying the time gained by not maintaining a chain and warming up the engine, I'm spending even more time shining chrome.

- Porkchop

[The Buddha]

61 hp from a 1200, yea right in HD territory. OK how is the torque. I think my virago is about the ame mid 60's for hp but it got torq out the wazoo.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Porkchop]

More then enough torque in low revs in all five gears.  I can even take off in fifth gear without too much trouble.  The engine is rated at 72 lb-ft at just 3,000 rpm.

- Porkchop

[yamahonkawazuki]

i rode in 03 rightafter ssgt chambers started doing this. i rode fomr east tn up 81 and up to dc on my 883c. and back, in 1 day. and slept for 3. GOD bless you Ssgt chambers. this year with a broken wrist. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTPmcp-ZGWQ&feature=share