 Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
In my area Triumphs are pretty rare, if you see one it's likely a Rocket 3 or a Tiger. As far as I know I have the only BA in the area, at least I've never spotted another one, and after 8 years working at the largest local bike dealer I'm fairly certain I'd have spotted one if it was here.
Anyway to get to the point My BA draws huge attention anywhere I stop. One of my favorite stops is the local HD dealer, I like to park as near the main entrance as possible, kick back in a rocking chair and have a smoke just to watch peoples reactions to the bike. At their 4th of July 1st anniversary rally this year I was parked amongst at least 750 other bikes and still drew a crowd, people would walk past some pretty serious custom iron to check out the Triumph with stock paint and a few bolt ons, meanwhile the HD guys are just standing there next to their 30 or 40 k custom shaking their heads. The bike gets pretty much the same reaction anywhere within a couple or maybe three hundred miles of here.
What I'm wondering is this a local phenomenon or does this happen elsewhere?
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
When I ride my America to the local Hog shop, even the staff run out to look.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394 |
Yea , it happens to a certain extent every where I go..
Last time I went to the HD stealership, I pulled up and I could see the guy inside checking the bike out. I get off and go in, he goes outside for a bit , comes back in (fairly quiet in the place) next thing i know the place about cleared out ...All the sales and service guys in the back were headed for the door in a herd, im thinking whats going on ? I look out the window and about 12 or so guys all millin around it. (mostly guys who worked there)...Pretty funny really.
Some other times you could see the HD guys really liked it but just didnt want to show it, youd see them looking out of the corners of their eyes tryin to check it out with out anyone seeing them, all in their HD costumes.... fn funny
LOVE IT
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Yea , it happens to a certain extent every where I go..
Last time I went to the HD stealership, I pulled up and I could see the guy inside checking the bike out. I get off and go in, he goes outside for a bit , comes back in (fairly quiet in the place) next thing i know the place about cleared out ...All the sales and service guys in the back were headed for the door in a herd, im thinking whats going on ? I look out the window and about 12 or so guys all millin around it. (mostly guys who worked there)...Pretty funny really.
Some other times you could see the HD guys really liked it but just didnt want to show it, youd see them looking out of the corners of their eyes tryin to check it out with out anyone seeing them, all in their HD costumes.... fn funny
LOVE IT
Yeah, I get that "corner of their eyes" look from the HD fella's around here. And a certain grudging respect. As it should be.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 106
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 106 |
Happened to me just the other night.. Went to a rally with 300 bikes... Most hogs.. Some big $$$$ hogs.. Guess what..Yup My drew a big crowd. I had the "ONLY" trump. I just love being different. V.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Wendy has a trophy she won with her America that one against many high dollar HD customs. One guy got really mad and started an argument with the person who runs the event because he lost. He said he had over $40,000 in custom work done and I believe it. The only bike there I really liked better was a bone stock early shovel that was in show room condition. Very clean white rubbers on it too.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I get a lot of compliments from Harley dudes!! Kinda bridges the gap, don't it! Awe..... looky that, they're all getting along!
Seriously... hardcore HD guys dig our bikes!
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
I gets sheetloads of people checkin out my speedy when I pull up. Get the thumbs up from Hog riders usually and although I dig their rides too, I gotta say that I love me Trumpy cause its different. I ride cause I have always ridden bikes and I love it and not because I am havin a midlife crisis like a lotta Hog riders down here.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 53
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 53 |
Situation is I used to have a Speedy, but exchanged it for a T'Bird last year - ANYWAYS - down to the point: The last time I parked out side my local HD dealer with the 'Bird, two HD customers (man & woman) VERY closely looked over the bike while I went in to buy a tool roll. On walking back out, the woman asked me what the displacement was. I explained that it was a 1700 ccm (104 cui) - she spun around to her husband who was down on his knees looking into the 'Birds design in detail and promptly said: "I told you I wasn't far wrong with 1600! It's actually a 1700!" "WHAT!?" replied the guy, jumping up and walking around to me. I was then drilled with hundreds of questions while the owner of the HD dealer walked out with their keys (they had come to collect their bikes from a service). One of the last questions was the cost. Once I told him he VERY slowly looked up at the HD dealer and with a calm and meaningful voice told him "You've got competition!" "Mmmm..." said the dealer and walked back in! I simply said "Look here's the key - have a run around the parking lot" When he got back he looked as his wife and said - "I'm getting one!"  There was no other way that he could have made me more happier.... It was a fantastic ride back home 
Lee aka Birdy68
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,170 Likes: 14
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,170 Likes: 14 |
just this morning I had a guy on a HD dresser (total stranger) follow me into the parking lot at work to get a closer look at my speedmaster. he asked a lot of questions and said how much liked the looks of the bike, and was very suprised at the number of miles on it (I actually ride the thing).
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
It doesn't surprised me, and never really has, that we get the positive reaction from many of "The Faithful" out there that we often seem to.
First, the name "Triumph" has every bit as much "heritage" as does the name "Harley-Davidson", plus, the folks who use that concept of "heritage" as their primary rationale for purchasing a particular brand of motorcycle also tend to be people who have a more "retro" aesthetic in their minds when it comes to motorcycles.
And, because our machines "look the part", that is, they're air-cooled and feature many retro-inspired styling cues, it's basically a "natural" that many of the "The Faithful" would find our bikes to their liking.
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)
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1 |
What I enjoy most is when a "if it ain't HD it ain't ____" poser looks at my bike with derision just because it isn't HD. Inevitably he'll try to make points to a senior HD rider by making a negative comment. Fun to watch the real HD rider, who knows the history of Triumph, school him to the facts. Priceless to see the elder humble the wanna-be!
I say nothing.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Quote:
What I enjoy most is when a "if it ain't HD it ain't ____" poser looks at my bike with derision just because it isn't HD. Inevitably he'll try to make points to a senior HD rider by making a negative comment. Fun to watch the real HD rider, who knows the history of Triumph, school him to the facts. Priceless to see the elder humble the wanna-be!
I say nothing.
Ah GEEEEZ, Steve! You say NOTHING, do ya?!!! Come on, dude! You're lettin' me down here, Bro!!!
The LEAST you've could've said was somethin' like:
"That's right KID! Listen to the man! He said 19-oh-TWO! One year BEFORE Messrs Harley and Davidson rolled out their first little single in Milwaukee. NOW do you "get it"?!"
That's what I WOULD'VE said!!!
(...and actually HAVE said many more times than once, when I've run into a similar situation as you've described!...but I guess that's just me, 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)
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
my wife almost hates the fact that we cant go anywhere but what somebody isnt wanting to talk to me about my Triumph. like you sometimes i go to the h.d. store and just sit outside with a cup of coffee and a smoke and watch the people stop and talk to each other about that Triumph and when they see me and my jacket patches they want to talk to me about it. the guys at the h.d. store hate me hahahahaha 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Good to know its not just a local thing, and the guys at the HD store hate me to lol. It's interesting these bikes bridge a gap that no other bike seems to bridge. I've owned a boat load of Japanese bikes from dual sports to power cruisers to straight up cruisers, 1 HD (that'll definitely never happen again), 1 BMW and 2 Moto Guzzi's, but never a bike that gets the reaction my BA gets. (it's my first Triumph)
As we all know there is always an anti Harley/ anti Jap bike contingent in every crowd but I've never had anyone with anyone with any knowledge of bikes say an ill word about Triumph. Though I've heard alot about Amal carbs and Lucas electronics from the old timers, but they still loved these bikes.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 103
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 103 |
I've had guys pull into gas stations to check out my bike. Most of whom appear to be the older HD type.
I have never received a bad comment about my bike from anyone. I have been there when my friends got made fun of for having a HD wannabe.
Triumph seems to command respect.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
It has been happening to me for many years. People always used to pretty much ignore the HDs I was with and look over my 66 TR6C chopper and want to talk to me about it. It isn't as much with my SM or Wendy's BA but still happens quite a bit.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3 |
Been seeing the same thing up here. Been sitting at a table in a cafe with my 3 HD ridin' pals, and someone walks up to the table and asks which of us owns the Triumph. It took me a year or so to get use to this after I bought my 05 Bonnie. But now it is still happening at least twice a week since I got the Speedmaster. Everybody always goes on how much they loved their Triumph and how they wished they still had it...my advice?...go get one and let the good times roll ! BTW, I bought my SM new in the first week of April and I broke 10,000 mi. yesterday. All I had to deal with was changing the oil and getting a new front tire. These are some tough sumbitches and they seem to go on forever. I traded up my 05 Bonnie with 50,000 mi. on the clock and now one of the girls at the shop is running it to work everyday. I love these bikes.
"Everybody wanna go heaven, nobody wanna get dead."
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Im from Gettysburg pa and being as there is a huge harly shop nearby and with York being home to one of there 2 plants,my area is littered with harlys [good use of the word I think].My little BA doesnt get alot of verbal comps but the looks it gets are fantastic.It seems the local harly peeps are just too proud to actually say "nice bike" but they do certainly rubberneck it alot.Without fail whenever people do ask me about my trumpp they almost always say they used to have one,a daytona or a tiger sometimes the old tbird or trident.I tell them,they still make them and they say one more time just how much they like my bike!
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 114
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 114 |
It happens alot to me and i'm terrible about keeping the speedy clean. though its more a geezer magnet than hotties. The best story was I ended up in Charlottsville at an Applebys with 5 other HD buds, and was sitting at the bar eating lunch when some guy comes all the way in from the parking lot and circles the restaurant trying to find out who owns the triumph. I guess my HD friends had gotten used to this routine and don't say anything to the guy they just point over to me. love it!!!! 
cbeacher
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Yeah,,,the geezer magnet thing rings true.Ive never had any young chick comment on my bike.With the exception of this one reality challenged hippy babe at an outdoor crafts show me and my wife rode into 2 up.!
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Yeah I get the geezer magnet thing as well, but a fair share of hotties to, I have a Martin Backpacker guitar I like to strap on the back and go find a shady spot at a park somewhere, that combo draws em in pretty quick. lol.
I actually had one guy about 22 or so make the comment that it was a nice looking bike,but, " who ever heard of a Triumph, I wouldn't buy an off brand bike they cost to much to buy one without a solid reputation" He was riding a Yamaha 650 custom probably an 07 or 08 model.
I've also found that most people expect these bikes to be priced out of reason and are genuinely surprised when I tell them how much it cost.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Quote:
...but I get a fair share of hotties to, I have a Martin Backpacker guitar I like to strap on the back and go find a shady spot at a park somewhere, that combo draws em in pretty quick. lol.
Ya know Carl, I'm thinkin' it's probably a good thing you don't also have a slight old wound etched across your cheek and/or maybe a little pooch with ya at that park, or else you COULD very likely find yourself havin' to, as they say, fight 'em off with a stick!!!
(...yep, somethin' like THAT has ALL the makings of an old Hi Karate commercial, 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)
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I actually had one guy about 22 or so make the comment that it was a nice looking bike,but, " who ever heard of a Triumph, I wouldn't buy an off brand bike they cost to much to buy one without a solid reputation" He was riding a Yamaha 650 custom probably an 07 or 08 model.
What's with these kids today? Ignorant little retard.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
I actually had one guy about 22 or so make the comment that it was a nice looking bike,but, " who ever heard of a Triumph, I wouldn't buy an off brand bike they cost to much to buy one without a solid reputation" He was riding a Yamaha 650 custom probably an 07 or 08 model.
Yam a haw? I think I heard of them once, don't they make cheap pianos or something?
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
I'd never fight em off with a stick. I use the stick to put up a number roll and have em take a number. lol. Unfortunately my dogs are bull mastiffs the males about 270 pounds the females about 210, not very easy to haul on a bike, hmmm, I may hafta find a side car. I'd forgotten those lame old High Karate commercials. lol.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
That was my reaction as well.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
I may be ridden out of town on a rail for saying this but they actually make a pretty nice bike, but, their cruisers make alot of engine noise, when I was working as a set up tech at the dealer I was always worried they'd blow up during test rides. lol
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
I do get compliments from girls Trouble is, they are usually about the age of after the 'pink phase' but before the 'boys are interesting phase'  Still, in a decade or two
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
The one I blew past tonight in my local twistys was a nice bike. 
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Yep bein old bites doesnt it lol. I'm 42 and know exactly what you mean. I'm in college after being laid off last year so I'm surrounded by women young enough to be my daughter 4 days a week. I'm a dirty old man but unfortunately I'm not that dirty!!!
I have instructors younger than me which is a bit off putting.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Quote:
Yep bein old bites doesnt it lol. I'm 42 and know exactly what you mean. I'm in college after being laid off last year so I'm surrounded by women young enough to be my daughter 4 days a week. I'm a dirty old man but unfortunately I'm not that dirty!!!
Yeah, well, lookin' from my pushin' 60 vantage point, you're not THAT old EITHER...kid!!!
(...42, and he thinks he's a "dirty old man"...GEESH!!!!) 
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)
|
|
|
 Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Cool, I'll take that as a go for it, and start chasing college girls. I just been waiting for someone to say it was acceptable.
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Yep bein old bites doesnt it lol. I'm 42 and know exactly what you mean. I'm in college after being laid off last year so I'm surrounded by women young enough to be my daughter 4 days a week. I'm a dirty old man but unfortunately I'm not that dirty!!!
I have instructors younger than me which is a bit off putting.
As George Burns used to say, "Of course I date younger women! How else would I get to meet their mothers?"
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
My wise father used to say "you are only as old as you feel, so go and feel a 20 year old."
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Quote:
My wise father used to say "you are only as old as you feel, so go and feel a 20 year old."
Well Jim, it indeed DOES sound as if your father is/was a very wise man! 
(...though I have to admit I'm ALSO wonderin' how many Restraining Orders he might've been handed over the years!)
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)
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,482 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,482 Likes: 6 |
OR how many slaps!!
'04' Black America
|
|
|
Re: Tickin of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Ticking of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41 |
i had 2 guy almost get into a fist fight about what make my bike was! i was parked 4 spaces away, and when they went to go look the one was yelling its a triumph!!! i dint think they mad em any more!!!! on that note i only saw 5 other triumph on my month long, 5,000 + mile trip!!! i was bummed.. triumph needs to spread the good word!! many people said they wanted my bike!!! harley guys!!! fun trip! 
|
|
|
Re: Ticking of the HD guys.
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
We passed a couple going the other way on our ride to Fl.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
|
|
