OCTOBER 28, 2005
|
|
|
The RG3 Triple Clamps run four rubber-mounted posts which keeps them from twisting and it allows them to use a softer rubber to limit vibrations. |
Review by Rob McCullough
Photos: Jason T. Griffiths, Allison Kennedy and Rob McCullough
The Weapon: All makes
The Victim: RG3 Generation 2 Triple Clamps
CDN price: Upper triple clamp: $362.79, bottom and top clamp set: $625.47.
Manufacturer: RG3 http://www.rg3suspension.com/, 714-630-0786
The unusual suspects, riding abilities and rides:
Jay Burke, national number 22, CRF 250 and CRF 450
Claim to fame: 2005 125 Pro Provincial Champion and sixth in the MX2 East series.
Jeff Allen, Vet Master, CRF 450
Claim to fame: Won a moto at Walton in the mud this year, and drank from a puddle at a mountain bike race back in the day.
Adam Deakon, rookie pro, CRF 250
Claim to fame: 2005 125 Intermediate Walton Champ
Rob McCullough, Vet pro, RMZ 450
Claim to fame: Too many to list.
Location:
Various tracks throughout North America.
Fit and Finish:
I have personally owned no fewer than six sets of RG3 original and Generation 2 Triple Clamps. Each and every clamp I have installed went on butter smooth and was a perfect fit. The alignment, with respect to the fork tubes and steering stem has always been flawless, never requiring any more than a light tap with a hard rubber mallet. RG3s feature a machine finish and are available in a wide range of cool colours to give that factory appearance.
Track Tested:
For this fine product, we thought it may be difficult to really get an accurate evaluation from an assembled group of riders in one afternoon, so we opted to ask riders who have actually used RG3 Triple Clamps for a season on their respective opinions.
What the riders said:
|
|
|
Jay Burke: "For the past three years I have—I mean my parents—have purchased RG3 Triple Clamps in both 20mm offset top and bottom clamps for my Honda CRFs and top clamps only for my Yamaha YZFs. From my first ride, I instantly knew there was no going back and truthfully, it started out strictly as a bling issue for me. Let’s face it, the clamps look awesome and with all the available colours, they are a totally trick addition to any bike. As far as the track is concerned, I quickly grew accustomed to the clamps and soon discovered the advantages of the four rubber-mounted posts. These advantages include a reduction in arm pump and hand numbness, in addition to no longer worrying about twisted bars every time you bail. If you have ever suffered from a front end push that can be associated with four-strokes, then 20mm offset clamps are for you. Personally, I find that the offset clamps assist a rider in steering the motorcycle when entering a corner by allowing you to choose lines with ease. I have also noticed a reduction in headshake, but am told this makes little sense, but it’s how I feel and I stand by my comment. While I have almost all positive comments with respect to the clamps there is also a downside, and that is their cost and the tearing of the tapered rubber bushing after a bar bending crash. I believe that you get what you pay for and in this case that’s a lot! Overall, in my opinion, these clamps are a must have." |
|
|
|
Jeff Allen: "As a rider with limited speed, I love the mud, rough, sandy, nasty rutted and bombed out tracks because it slows all the fast guys down. Although I am not a fan of and have always felt like a fish out of water on the smooth, fast hard-pack tracks, the RG3 20mm offset Triple Clamps for the Honda CRF 450 have thrown a life ring to this drowning racer. Although these clamps are a serious financial commitment, I believe with all the added benefits that they’re worth every dime. On hard-pack tracks the clamps transform the stock Honda CRF 450 from a sluggish, pushy motorcycle into a tight turning animal that I can rip on. With the clamps installed, the bike steers like it’s on rails, giving the rider the feeling of the front end being glued to the ground. That being said, I certainly found my newly tracking front end more of an upper body workout, but for anyone that has seen me without my shirt on can tell I’m up for the challenge. I have also found that bone jarring impacts are not transmitted as violently to my hands, which inspires confidence and is a testament to the rubber mounts. For anyone who sits down too much, rides with a straight back, often tends to flat land, case jumps or just rides tight, they will fall in love with the RG3 Clamps. I have even started to relax my death grip and unclamp my jaw while in the air when realizing that I have mistimed another jump. After experiencing a dirt sample that I’m able to ride away from, it’s nice to know that my bars will be straight and are good to go!" |
|
|
|
Adam “The Boot” Deakon: "This was the first year I actually spent money on something that might improve my lap times, as opposed to years past when all we bought were graphic kits to make my bike look cool on the stand at the track, and in my garage. I am proud to say the product my Dad and I chose were the RG3 20mm offset Triple Clamps and I would highly recommend their use. The difference in offset between the stock and aftermarket clamps make for a definite control advantage through tight twisted corners, as well as long high speed sweeping turns. It feels as though the clamps assist in the tight pivot turns that you see in both arenacross and supercross tracks, as well as many outdoor facilities. With the RG3s, the front end of the motorcycle feels much more stable when entering corners and continues to accurately track throughout its apex. One of the most noticeable traits of the RG3 clamps is their ability when compared to the stock clamps to soak up vibration from the motorcycle reducing arm pump and blisters on your—or at least my sensitive hands. I felt the RG3 clamps also allowed me to ride more aggressively on rough straights and I felt like they eliminated much of the headshake I feel on my practice bike without the clamps. Let’s not forget about the factory look the clamps give your bike. I chose red and when combined with my sweet graphics, I had most of my competition beat before the gate dropped. I would say intermediate to pro riders would get the most benefit out of the clamps because they are the ones who are ripping down rough straights and hanging it out in the corners. I will definitely be using RG3 Triple Clamps next year, regardless of the bike I race." |
|
|
|
Rob McCullough's been out of action since he cased a triple a few weeks ago at a race in the states and suffered two broken ankles. But don't fear, McCullough's still hitting the gym everyday(at least he says he is) and he will be ready for '06. |
Summary/Finish:
I believe Jeff, Adam and Jay have pretty much covered everything with respect to the RG3 Triple Clamps. Additional stability, resulting in less headshake on high speed straights with 20mm offset clamps? Maybe Adam and Jay ought to take their own advice and give their heads a shake, but I’ll let the readers be the judge of that. One factor to consider when investing in a product is the sales and service departments. My experience when ordering clamps or requiring technical information has always been excellent. In Jay’s statement, he said that his tapered rubber bushings had become torn or damaged as a result of a crash, but somehow failed to mention how easy and inexpensive they are to replace. That’s probably because his mechanic (Steve Simms) replaced the bushings by removing them from my bike so how would he know? I blame myself. Having said that, I would recommend adding a few extra bushings to your list when buying the clamps. Lastly, in my opinion, the RG3 Triple Clamp is the best on market and a product I purchase and install on all my new bikes.
Special thanks to: Jeff, Adam and Jay for having a sense of humour and taking time away from their busy schedules—well Jeff anyway.
If you're interested in having a product tested by Rob McCullough and the Racer X Canada Tested team or would like to have a product placed into Deluxe (new products section in the magazine) please send an email to rob@racerxcanada.com.





















