 Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
Sadly my beloved 05 FXDXI is no more. It was completely totaled at a rest stop east of Amarillo Texas. While I was making use of the facilities an SUV driver smashed it into the side of another vehicle. The ONLY thing that prevented me from sending that man into the great hereafter was the (un)timely presence of a Texas State Trooper. After better than 4,000 miles on the DynaSport I have to say it was the best bike I have ever owned, and arguably the best bike the MoCo ever produced. It had fully adjustable suspension fore and aft, loads of cornering clearance, and handled better than any cruiser I had tried. The motor was punched to 95" and built by a specialist in Florida to 100hp/100tq. The power came on almost from idle and just never quit. On the scales the bike as ridden tipped at 643lbs. For you Thunderbird guys; I absolutely wasted the only 1600 twin I came up against, both on the straight and in the twists near Mt. Cheaha. When we both pulled over I thought the dude was going to cry. I consoled him a bit by relating the engine had been warmed over a bit, but he was still disappointed. There are a hella lot of high powered Harleys out there, and some that will handle too. But life goes on, and since I don't have a closet full of Harley junk, (or any other manufacturer's labeled junk for that matter), and since the insurance company hosed me and I cannot come close to affording a similar bike to that FXDXI, and since I really like BA/Speedys... I am looking at an '05 Speedy here in Dallas. Bone stock and well maintained with 11,000 miles for $4,000. So I guess I will be rejoining the colorful crowd at BA.com! Howdy! 
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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 Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
So I guess I will be rejoining the colorful crowd at BA.com! Howdy!
In the greater motorbike world, we're a relatively small,but unique group. Did the SUV guy tell the patroman, "I never saw it officer", or at least offer an apology 
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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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:
So I guess I will be rejoining the colorful crowd at BA.com! Howdy!
In the greater motorbike world, we're a relatively small,but unique group. Did the SUV guy tell the patroman, "I never saw it officer", or at least offer an apology
jh
Yeah John, I'll bet THAT'S what happened alright! Yep! Those Dyna Sports are so agile that they tend to dart out in front of cagers ON THEIR OWN sometimes!!! Yeah, kind'a like a deer does!!!  
Sorry to hear about this Leno. Ya know, I've said the following more than just a few times around here, but the Dyna Sport was always the only Big Twin I'd ever consider owning.
(now...when exactly can we expect to hear about a big bore kit on that Speedy, HUH?!) 
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: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
So I guess I will be rejoining the colorful crowd at BA.com!
Howdy!
I guess well take you back. But just because you loose your bike or change bikes doesn't mean you automatically forfeit your membership here. Ask me and Freedom. It's like the Mafia, you can never leave. 
Sorry about your bike. I lost mine the last week of September. Maybe I will rethink my thoughts of buying a T-bird after you hosed one, though.  A R-3 Classic or a 2011 1300cc Triumph Trophy with say...120hp is sounding better and better. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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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 |
Hmmmmmmm... a slightly less than enthusiastic return to Triumph Lovers sweet embrace... 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
I was here looking for a suitable Speedy when the Harley fell into my lap, a deal too good to pass up. This site is dedicated to a certain style of bike from Triumph, and is an invaluable resource for owners of the same. However for those who ride other brands, there is little apart from the camaraderie to encourage participation. Double that for a Harley owner who does not also own a Triumph.
But now with a settlement check from my insurance company and a choice Speedy ripe for the plucking, (although I am going to look at a Bonnie Black tomorrow), where else does a person go for inspiration and expertise?
Pes, although I hate the Thunderglide for reasons ranging from its American designer to its middle of the road mass market blandness, it will still smoke 95% of the Harleys on the road.
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582 |
Sorry to hear about your mishap I saved a bike at the diner this summer from much the same fate. Personally I'd sue the SUV driver for the balance of what the unsurance company screwed you out of, or make it so thier truck never ran again.
"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
So I guess I will be rejoining the colorful crowd at BA.com!
That's assuming we'll have you back. Traitor. 
So how much money did you have in that Harley engine? I'd like to put that much into a Thunderbird and rerun that race.
Last edited by FriarJohn; 11/21/2009 12:30 PM.
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
The 1700 big bore kit and performance pipes on the T-bird would make it about even. I've been here for 7 plus years just because I wrecked my bike and may get another ride does not mean I'm going to leave. I've met too many great folks, face to face and hope to meet many more! ps: FYI there are Harley owners on here also. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
Ask me and Freedom. It's like the Mafia, you can never leave.
Hey Paul,
If I get one first, I'll let you know if Triumph is a brand worth investing in. Or vice-versa I'm sure
 Safe
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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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:
Hey Paul,
If I get one first, I'll let you know if Triumph is a brand worth investing in. Or vice-versa I'm sure
Safe
jh
Eeh! I'd stay away from that Vice-Versa brand if I were you John!
(yep...all the road tests I've read say that those suckers are prone to have their rear wheel come around on ya when you apply too much rear brake, hence the choice of their brand name...nope, never a good thing ya know, ol' boy!)
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: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
You mean they still make Triumphs? I think that was what I was riding when I rear-ended that truck. The Vice-Versa "790" 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874 |
Sorry to hear about your bike,I have an 05 FXDXI as well....hope it never gets run over,thank god you were not sitting on the bike!
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
Quote:
So how much money did you have in that Harley engine? I'd like to put that much into a Thunderbird and rerun that race.
The bike was already worked before I got it. You would be better served shaving weight from the 'Bird than shoveling money into its engine; my bike had a 150lb advantage while producing roughly the same amount of torque. Weight is the Achilles heel of the Thunderbird, the drawback to designing a motorcycle around a target displacement rather than target performance parameters.
I rode a Bonnie Black today that was almost intuitive in its handling, crisp and precise. Same engine as the Speedy, yet vastly different riding experience. The handling and weight difference makes for a hard choice between the Speedy and Bonnie. Wish I could afford to get both of them.
And when summer brings long light and prime riding conditions, I am rarely online. Biker priorities you understand.
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I rode a Bonnie Black today that was almost intuitive in its handling, crisp and precise. Same engine as the Speedy, yet vastly different riding experience.
Yeah, it is amazing the difference between the Bonnie Black and the America. THensley let me ride his at the AR rally. it was really fun and flickable.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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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 |
Quote:
Quote:
I rode a Bonnie Black today that was almost intuitive in its handling, crisp and precise. Same engine as the Speedy, yet vastly different riding experience.
Yeah, it is amazing the difference between the Bonnie Black and the America. THensley let me ride his at the AR rally. it was really fun and flickable.
Well, having grown up on the old trumpets, one of my few complaints (and a regular one on here) is how my BA handles. But I know, ya can't compare apples and oranges. Hearing this talk about the Bonnie Black sure makes me want to try one. But then again, I've finally accepted the BA for the "cruiser" that it is, and I can still ride my "old" trumpet when I want to feel some handling.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Hoofing it again...
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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 |
Which brings me to mind of how I bought by first new motorcycle. I had been riding a 73 bonneville for a year or more, and a friend said to check out the 1977 Yamaha 650 twins. I did, and they were obviously a copy of the Triumph. So, just for a whim, I test rode it. I hit a fairly easy curve, just like I had done driving into the dealership, and guess what, they didn't handle NOTHING like my trumpet. Sad to admit here, I ditched it, and limped it back to the dealership. The dealer was kinda understanding, and I bought it at cost. Sold my old trumpet to a friend, and racked up 30,000 miles on the Yamaha. One of the best bikes I ever owned. Found my way back to the Triumph fold a few years later.
Fidelis et Fortis
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