 Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Hello All, I've been surfing the net gathering information on what I thought was going to be my next bike a Harley Sportster. It was to be a bike I thought my wife and I could share between us, we both have bikes already. She has a Buell City X and I a Springer and V Strom 1000 but we think it would be nice have a change once in a while so thats where the idea of a Sportster came up. All was leaning towards the Sportster till I came across of a photo of a Tornado Red/ Black Speedmaster sitting in front of an abandoned gas station. That was the beginning of opening my mind and thinking the Speedmaster would be something different and exciting to add to our garage. I've now been reading and googling Speedmaster trying to decide on 07 vs 08 and any other information I can gather about Triumph since I am completely new to it. Hopefully this is the beginning of another great chapter of motorcycling for us and hope to have a new Speedmaster soon. Unfortunately the closest dealer is just over 2 hours away. 
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
You won't be sorry if you chose the Speedmaster. I have an America as in 2002 when I purchased mine the Speedmaster was not available and I have not regretted it yet. Take the plunge and don't look back! 
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
And one more thing I forgot to mention, you couldn't be associated with a better bunch of guys and gals than the ones on this site. Great site with great info anytime you need it.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394 |
I was in the exact same boat about 4 months ago, was less than a week away from buying a nightster (kind of a blacked out bobbed sportster)very nice bike. I have a Harley but wanted something smaller, better in the twisties.
Had seen someone around here with a speedmaster and rode with another guy that had one. Found this site did a little research and the rest is history. I have put about 3k miles on it and so far i couldnt be happier with it, power, handeling, the overall ride. Gets alot of looks too, if you go with it you wont be sorry!
Dave
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
The Nightster was one of the Sportsters I was considering but from what I have read has a horrible harsh ride and too small a fuel tank for any amount of distance riding and the other I was considering was the Roadster which was just about right except I probably would have had to lower it for my wife to ride comfortably, it now has a larger fuel tank for 08. I'm hoping the seat height on the Speedmaster will suit us both, she is 5'5" and I'm 6'2".
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
The Speedmaster is a great middleweight cruiser, not unlike a Sportster but in many ways much more refined. I put 15,000 miles on a 2005 Speedmaster over 23 months. The thing was practically flawless. Fun to ride on country roads and even served us well enough for 2-up slab riding
The 2007s & 2008s sold in the US are currently made in Thailand.
There is a 1500 cc Triumph Mystery Cruiser due out in 2008 if you care to wait around for that.
Good luck & ride safe.
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 12/27/2007 6:40 AM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
Been riding Triumph my whole life. Am very happy with the America and Speedmaster we have.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
There is a 1500 cc Triumph Mystery Cruiser due out in 2008 if you care to wait around for that.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594 |
Quote:
There is a 1500 cc Triumph Mystery Cruiser due out in 2008 if you care to wait around for that.
I hear it's coming the same month as the new Harley scooter?
SFC, US Army (Ret)
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820 |
Welcome to the site... I prefer the 2007. I'm not a lover of the new tank.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 319
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 319 |
Welcome! You won't be disappointed w/ any either of these fine bikes. As you have seen, this is a great site to find out just about anything you need to know about them.
'07 America
www.patriotguard.org
"If you're not living on the edge...........You're taking up too much space!
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960 |
If you want a closer look you can come over to Amherstburg and take a look at my America. 
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 76
Member
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Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 76 |
Love my America! Great all around bike! So far I can keep up with most of the bigger biker (1200cc V-twins). Spoke to a guy on a new sportster the other day and he said he hates the new FI Harley version. He did'nt go into detail, but nuff said.
Harry
blue & white '07 TBA, Epcos, Freak, Dynojet kit, AI gone.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Wow things certainly seem different on this forum compared to some of the V Twin forums I've lurked about, Your lucky to get a couple of responses if any at all on a thread. I appreciate all the responses and making me feel part of the community so quickly. I will be definitely looking into suggestions made.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,204
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,204 |
You must be a young man if you've never heard of Triumph.....I used to own 2 HD's(sportster and a lowrider) before I found out Triumph was back in business.....SOLD BOTH BIKES! Bought a Speedmaster and never looked back.....Angelis745
1200CC BIG BORE, W/WISECO PISTONS,.250 STROKED CRANK, PORTED/POLISHED HEADS AND LARGER VALVES, CUSTOM WELDED EXHUAST, DUAL 42MM MIKUNI CARBS.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104 |
I rented a 2007 Sportster while vacationing in Ketchikan, AK. It rode like a paint-mixer.. and made me really miss my Triumph.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Just one thing before you buy. The big difference between the Speedmaster and America is the seating position. Sit or, better, test ride on both and choose the one you both find most comfortable. The difference in performance between a Sportster and a Triumph twin is surprisingly little with the Triumph winning easily in handling. Another huge difference is that Triumph uses balance shafts in the engine instead of rubber mounts to dampen vibration. After 4 years with my America, the only Harley I can stand to ride is the later Softail with the B engine.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Welcome to the site GJ! Most all of us like bikes of any kind, including me, but be prepared to hear some good natured ribbing about your Hardley...errr, Hurley....uhhh, I mean to say Harley. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Quote:
You must be a young man if you've never heard of Triumph.....I used to own 2 HD's(sportster and a lowrider) before I found out Triumph was back in business.....SOLD BOTH BIKES! Bought a Speedmaster and never looked back.....Angelis745
I wish I was a young man! Well middle aged isn't all bad either. Being a motorcycle enthusiast for the last 35 years or so I have heard of triumph but have been caught up in the Harley image or what ever you want to call it for several of those years. I will say have had some great rides and experiences riding them and plan on keeping my 07 Springer Classic. I have had Honda, and still have Suzuki and Buell but just never considered a Triumph before, but better late then never. Basically all manufactures probably make at least a model or two I wouldn't mind owning.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
You know, with ALL the advertising Triumph does on television and the all the other mass market media, not to mention it's dominant presence the last couple of years at all of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show events which travel throughout greater North America yearly, I for one can NOT understand why people like Rumbles here are not more knowledgeable and better acquainted about this hallowed marque, and for some strange reason often seem to only stumble upon it's very existence. Go figure! (yeah...right)  Okay...that's over. WELCOME GJ! I dare say, you will NEVER regret this sudden "conversion"(or maybe "enlightenment" might be a better term here) of yours, dude! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
I had been away from motorcycling for 25 or so years while raising kids, etc. All the hype on TV was V-twin this, HD that, so natually went looking at entry level HDs, that is Sportsters. Hadn't heard anything about Triumphs. My heart rate went up a bit whenever I browsed the Harley showroom, but when I stumbled across my America, it was love at first sight. Maintaining my best poker face in front of the salesman, I knew I wasn't leaving the Triumph dealer without signing for that bike. Stumbling across a Triumph dealer was one of the luckiest breaks in my life. Only question afterwards was wondering how to tell my wife...
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
Quote:
You know, with ALL the advertising Triumph does on television and the all the other mass market media, not to mention it's dominant presence the last couple of years at all of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show events which travel throughout greater North America yearly, I for one can NOT understand why people like Rumbles here are not more knowledgeable and better acquainted about this hallowed marque, and for some strange reason often seem to only stumble upon it's very existence. Go figure!
Dwight, that wouldn't be sarcastic, would it? I can't imagine that coming from you!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307 |
You mean you have not seen the flood of advertisment on TV from Triumph? Makes me wounder how HD can stay in business
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
You mean you have not seen the flood of advertisment on TV from Triumph? Makes me wounder how HD can stay in business
All will be lost for HD once Triumph starts making board games, dog clothing etc. 
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
You mean you have not seen the flood of advertisment on TV from Triumph? Makes me wounder how HD can stay in business
All will be lost for HD once Triumph starts making board games, dog clothing etc.
Ah, come on GB! That'll never happen.
Though if we ever see a TV commercial touting how potentially "bad", "mean", "tough" or "fiece" you'd look to everybody out there if only you'd purchase a Triumph, then that other stuff COULDN'T be far behind, could it?!
Ooh...let's just hope if Bloor ever goes the Madison Ave route he doesn't use the same P.R. firm that Willie G. does, and they actually say HOW GOOD a Triumph motorcycle is on TV instead. Now THERE'S a "novel idea", huh?! Talkin' about your product and how well it performs, and not some stupid idea about some "LIFESTYLE"!!!!
(eeh...that'll NEVER work in America...it's all about image here, ain't it...forget what I said...Triumph board games, dog clothing AND toilet seat covers HERE WE COME!!!)
Last edited by Dwight; 12/28/2007 4:48 PM.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 227
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 227 |
You can get a comfortable seat from Bruiser Custom Cycles who sells there seats at NewBonnevile.com. I'm 6-1 and my wife is 5-3 and both fit nicely. The seat lowers you between 2-5 to 3 inches from the stock seat position.
I added a sheep skin cover for rides over 100 miles.
Love my Speedmaster
Gary
If your ship doesn't come in - swim out to it !
Nothing but Triumph -'05 Speedmaster - Ride with the NorCal Presidents
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
HEY! Now that I think about, seein' as how Willie G. already had the "Bad Santa" thing goin' on this Christmas with that there commercial o' his and so we can't do that, what say I send a memo to Mr. Bloor and see if he'd be up for somethin' along the lines of a "Deadly No-Holds Barred Triumph Riding Easter Bunny" TV commercial, which maybe we could have ready for next Spring's TV rating's Sweeps Week, huh?!
Now doesn't THAT sound good??? I can see it all now!!!
We'll get that dude who does all those movie trailer voice-overs. You know, that dude with that low gravelly voice, and we have him say somethin' like......
"In a world where the ordinary dare not even think of riding a motorcycle, there came a rabbit with courage enough to search out and find that most rare and elusive phenomenon...a Triumph Motorcycle dealer!"
(picture one bad-a$$ bandana and bandolier sportin', AK-47 packin' Easter Bunny here)
Now, I don't know about YOU people, but I think somethin' like this could send Triumph sales skyrocketing!!!
(dang...I KNEW I missed my true calling as a Ad Man when I took that darn airline job years ago)
Last edited by Dwight; 12/28/2007 5:52 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Your're definately on to something, Dwight. I just hope I don't slip in it...
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Well I'm $500 away from owning a 2007 Tornado Red and Black Speedmaster, thats what the dealer and I are apart right now, we'll see what happens! The bike fits me and my wife nicely, she manages the forward controls quite well. I do like the tank a tad better on the 07 but I went as high as I'm willing on an 07.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Yikes ! Whassobaddaboutta Sporty ? The misses has a slick 07 Low and it is a sho nuff fun ride . HOWEVER , LOLA is a much nicer ride , but her and the yet unnamed Sputzter get along just fine . Brits and Yanks , let's have tea .
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467 |
Rumbles good luck on getting them to lower the price.When I bought my 05 Speedmaster they would not budge. I walked away said I'd talk to them when I had enough down.They called me later that day.Said I could have it all I needed was $400 down. It worked out.Got 38,000 on it now. 
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Well they may be a bit more motivated with a fuel injected 08 just around the corner, plus the fact he is still sitting on 5 or 6 2007 Speedmasters and several 07 Americas. He confirmed that 08 models will be fuel injected in Canada, I would think in the US also.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
After sitting on a 1200 Sportster Custom at the NY MC show, I don't know what I was thinking.
Great-looking bike. WAY too small.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Guys thanks for all the responses, I did end up buying a Triumph but not a Speedmaster like I originally planned. I stumbled across a 06 Bonneville with only 632 miles, first service done and equipped with a tach and Sixty 8 package for a great deal. Good news but I guess I'll have to change forums!
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
Nah you are still welcome, you can always talk to Oldroadie! 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960 |
Nice choice. The engines are the same for the earlier 790 America's so you could still use some of the info in our tech vault and everyone is welcome here.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10 |
Thanks, I like this group very much. I'll be sticking around then. 
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
GJ,
Welcome to BA.COM. Glad you're considering a Speedy. You'll be very happy with your purchase.
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Re: Yikes New here Almost Bought a Sportster!
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Nah you are still welcome, you can always talk to Oldroadie!
Talk to me Rumbles...what color is it? Still stock? How's your bank account (these girls do like their accessories)?
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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