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Noob Inquiry
#402441 09/14/2010 8:49 PM
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ricren Offline OP
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New guy here. Been looking at Craigslist for a TBA and have a potential bike. My question is, is 17,830 high mileage for a 2002?

Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402442 09/14/2010 8:53 PM
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No -- that is only 43 miles per week.

Obviously only ridden on Sundays

Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402443 09/14/2010 8:53 PM
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I've already put about 4000 on my bike this year, so to me it doesnt sound like a lot.


06 Speedmaster
Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402444 09/14/2010 8:55 PM
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NO ITS NOT!!!! i know of a few guys that have 02's that have 70-80-90k. So thats actually kinda low. these arnt h.d.s these are Triumphs. i saw an 03 h.d. today for sale with 10k on it and i had to laugh, that is soooo typical. is it red or black??


ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
Re: Noob Inquiry
eprunier #402445 09/14/2010 8:56 PM
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How about a 2006 tba with 17 k?In Pa though.

Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402446 09/14/2010 8:57 PM
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Nope, Rick. Not at all. In fact, that's actually very low mileage for a 2002 Bonnie America. However, these bikes are so bulletproof, even if that Craigslist bike would've had 40K miles on it, and if it had been even reasonably well maintained, it would and should still give you years of trouble-free service!

(btw...welcome to the fold)


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: Noob Inquiry
eprunier #402447 09/14/2010 8:58 PM
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Thanks guys. A friend of mine (who rides metric bike) said the mileage was high for the year. Not sure now if he was trying to discourage me from buying a Triumph. Thanks again.

Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402448 09/14/2010 9:06 PM
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Quote:

Thanks guys. A friend of mine (who rides metric bike) said the mileage was high for the year. Not sure now if he was trying to discourage me from buying a Triumph. Thanks again.




Well Rick, all I can say is IF your "friend's" motive was to "discourage you from buying a Triumph", then the ONLY obvious reason for his motive would be that he already knows that whenever you two will be out riding together, YOUR Triumph will garner ALL the attention and admiration from the folks you two will meet along the way!

(...and if you think I'm overstating that, I DARE ya to buy that BA and find out for yourself...if I'm lyin' I'm dyin' here...and I AIN'T lyin', 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: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402449 09/14/2010 9:09 PM
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my 07 has over 21K and Ive ridden less than 2K this year (its a bad riding year for me ).


SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
Re: Noob Inquiry
Zmilin #402450 09/14/2010 9:21 PM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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I've got over 50k on my 2002 America. Still runs great and I'm not even that nice to it.


BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
Re: Noob Inquiry
Zmilin #402451 09/14/2010 9:40 PM
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Quote:

... and Ive ridden less than 2K this year (its a bad riding year for me ).





I'm in that club. Although I have a little more than 2000 this year, I'm still way below average


Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402452 09/14/2010 10:04 PM
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Rick,
I'm going to tell you about one problem you WILL have with a Triumph Speedy/America...
You will have a hard time getting out of some gas stations and some stops you might make because some dude will come up and say, "Oh, Triumph eh?...I used to blah blah blah". The "nice bike" and "you don't see those around" comments will never end. It's torture I tell ya.


Chris '03 Speedy.
Re: Noob Inquiry
DunnSpeed #402453 09/14/2010 10:06 PM
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If ya wanna get all the attention from passerbys, get the trumpet. If ya wanna be one of the crowd, like your boring ole friend with his metric, get another metric.


Fidelis et Fortis
Re: Noob Inquiry
arstaren #402454 09/14/2010 10:25 PM
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35,000trouble free miles on my 04, oh sure, tires, chain , lube and filters.....

Last edited by AngusPT; 09/14/2010 10:26 PM.

Warren 04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
Re: Noob Inquiry
arstaren #402455 09/14/2010 10:38 PM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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I've gotten into the habit at gas stations of either not taking off much gear while I gas up (usually just gloves these days) or after I'm done filling just gear back up and say, "seeya," and take off. In the early days I'd be there forever. At some point you just gotta cut and run. Oh I'll still talk to them for a it, but I gotta cut them off.


BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
Re: Noob Inquiry
FriarJohn #402456 09/14/2010 10:47 PM
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25,000 miles on my 04 in PA and this year and last year I didn't get to ride it nearly as much as normal for me. Never had a problem with mine. Wendy has somewhere between 14,000 and 15,000 I think and hers also has been trouble free.


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: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402457 09/15/2010 2:02 AM
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Rick... that's super low mileage. Just broke in actually. Go pick it up and get ready for some of the best riding you've ever had. Not only will she last... she will perform!! These bikes are simply amazing!


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402458 09/15/2010 9:37 AM
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That Triumph is barely run in. On the other hand, the OL's training wheels bike made by a company based across the other ocean would be overdue for a new engine, which is probably what your friend is thinking of.


Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
Re: Noob Inquiry
Greybeard #402459 09/15/2010 10:37 AM
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like they said. i have had 2 bonnies, and a scrambler. all the same basic engine put about 20k on each of them no problems. they are over built and very relialable.


If it isn't broke, I haven't messed with it.
Re: Noob Inquiry
motorat #402460 09/15/2010 11:28 AM
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My '05 has about 45,000 miles. At this point, I have ridden 8000 miles this year (12,000 last year). For what its worth, I'm having a warped front rotor replaced. 17k on an '02 is low mileage.


Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
Re: Noob Inquiry
eddieb #402461 09/21/2010 10:18 PM
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ricren Offline OP
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Thanks for the info guys. I've found a couple of prospects so my next question is what areas do I need to pay particular attention to when I'm looking the bikes over? One more thing...this is my first bike.

Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402462 09/22/2010 2:05 AM
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Quote:

Thanks for the info guys. I've found a couple of prospects so my next question is what areas do I need to pay particular attention to when I'm looking the bikes over? One more thing...this is my first bike.




A service record might be good. I'd also pay attention to the year the tires were manufactured. They may look good but the rubber can be old and unsafe. Look for a 4 digit number, ex: 4204. This means the tire was manufactured during the 42nd week of 2004. A tire older than 6 years is considered unsafe.

Otherwise, oh I don't know... ask how it was stored when not ridden. Garage, out in the weather, under a cover, etc. Low mileage on an older bike begs such a question. If it sat in the elements such as sun and rain that would be cause for concern.

Just some ideas while shopping. Have fun!!


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Noob Inquiry
Keith #402463 09/22/2010 11:33 AM
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I had my Cardinal Red TBA for 7 1/2 years and put 33,000 on the odometer. I had to replace an ignition coil but that is unusual. If the bike has 17K miles you might also check the chain for wear and also the cush drive. The chain may need to be replaced in 3-8K miles. Like Mountainman said ask for the service record and make sure recommended services were completed. Hope you get it.


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: Noob Inquiry
PES #402464 09/22/2010 6:14 PM
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I'm a little late to this thread-I havent been logging in,because I've been out riding when I can.
I recall similar thoughts and checking out with the generous folks on this site.
When Triumph came back from the dead,they spent a long long time making sure their bikes wouldnt leak but would last-hence the high mileage rides you see here.
I sold my '03 Glide and bought new TBA end of june since when i've put 3.5k miles on it.
It's great, I dont regret the choice and it does what a good bike should-every day,every time.
Just make sure it gets regular oiland filters...and enjoy what has to be the best kept secret in the bike world.

Al


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: Noob Inquiry
Alatamoc #402465 09/22/2010 6:50 PM
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All I can suggest is make sure the engine is cold before you start it up, that way you know if it will.

This is just a general tip for any type of motorized contraption, not Trumpet specific

Good luck with your purchase


Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
Re: Noob Inquiry
brindle #402466 09/24/2010 10:58 PM
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wow, that's crazy. i've been looking around here and all the bikes i find are WAAAAY low mileage. well, there was one exception. 63k on a 2000 bonnie.

Re: Noob Inquiry
steve0suprem0 #402467 09/25/2010 9:07 PM
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Quote:

wow, that's crazy. i've been looking around here and all the bikes i find are WAAAAY low mileage. well, there was one exception. 63k on a 2000 bonnie.






Usually the ones with low miles are from someone that decided they have "health issues" preventing them from riding. Everyone else seems to keep these until they wreck 'em.


Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
Re: Noob Inquiry
roadworthy #402468 09/26/2010 1:07 AM
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Quote:



Usually the ones with low miles are from someone that decided they have "health issues" preventing them from riding. Everyone else seems to keep these until they wreck 'em.




"..until they wreck 'em."???

(...geez, all these years I had no idea you were such a "Fatalist", Dave!!!)


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: Noob Inquiry
Dwight2 #402469 09/26/2010 3:05 AM
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Quote:

Quote:



Usually the ones with low miles are from someone that decided they have "health issues" preventing them from riding. Everyone else seems to keep these until they wreck 'em.




"..until they wreck 'em."???

(...geez, all these years I had no idea you were such a "Fatalist", Dave!!!)




I think what he was saying (if I may interject on your behalf here Dave) is, " everyone else seems to keep these until they drop." Right Dave? Until the rider drops... yeah, that's it!! I mean a guy that's ridden (rode) until he drops is a wreck of sorts. So, the sentence would have more accurately read as, " Everyone else seems to keep these until they wreck 'em-selves." Ya just forgot the 'selves' part Dave, that's all. (just trying to bale you out here you understand)


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Noob Inquiry
Keith #402470 09/26/2010 7:26 AM
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When stopping for gas I use my debit card and it is handy. I just pull next to the pump and open the tank cap....push the speedometer thingie back to zero.....insert card do the necessary and get out fast.

I leave my gloves and glasses and helmet on. After I do my thing with the machine I am back on the bike holding the nozzel and keeping the bike level. No fooling around.

I keep an eye out for teenage mutant zombies and such on my six at all times and I always ride armed with a .45 ACP or more.

I do not want to engage in useless conversations with idots who tell me what a nice Harley I have etc.

My pit stops are measured in very few minutes believe me....I am a ghost and I want to remain that way.

Most people are irritating to me and I prefer the company of my dog Sgt. Rambo or my ex wife. In that order.

Last edited by DanCorrigan; 09/26/2010 7:29 AM.

07 Speedmstr, Long Tors, bags, sissy bar and rack, windshield, engine bars, 2 ww lights, 2 fast eddy stickers and a .45 ACP.
Re: Noob Inquiry
DanCorrigan #402471 09/26/2010 11:01 AM
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I hear what yer saying Dan, but when you stop for gas, wouldn't that be an opportunity to use the bathroom? Remember what your grandpa said!


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Noob Inquiry
Keith #402472 09/26/2010 11:37 AM
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Quote:

Quote:

Quote:



Usually the ones with low miles are from someone that decided they have "health issues" preventing them from riding. Everyone else seems to keep these until they wreck 'em.




"..until they wreck 'em."???

(...geez, all these years I had no idea you were such a "Fatalist", Dave!!!)




I think what he was saying (if I may interject on your behalf here Dave) is, " everyone else seems to keep these until they drop." Right Dave? Until the rider drops... yeah, that's it!! I mean a guy that's ridden (rode) until he drops is a wreck of sorts. So, the sentence would have more accurately read as, " Everyone else seems to keep these until they wreck 'em-selves." Ya just forgot the 'selves' part Dave, that's all. (just trying to bale you out here you understand)






Nope. Till they wreck 'em. There are plenty of guys on here that would have kept their bike forever, but instead an accident happened and it got totaled out. You can put me in the category of "keeping it until death". Hopefully I don't crash, but if I do, I don't want the bike smashed beyond repair. I plan to keep it. If that makes me a "fatalist", well then I guess that's what I am. But, how many others here will back me up and say they will keep their bike for life too.


Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
Re: Noob Inquiry
DanCorrigan #402473 09/26/2010 3:12 PM
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Okay, now I'm getting worried. Is it common to feign health issues to sell low mileage bikes? Because I think that might be what's happening to me ...

Re: Noob Inquiry
roadworthy #402474 09/26/2010 5:49 PM
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I'm with you Dave, this Speedy stays with me till the end.

Re: Noob Inquiry
steve0suprem0 #402475 09/26/2010 9:25 PM
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Quote:

Okay, now I'm getting worried. Is it common to feign health issues to sell low mileage bikes? Because I think that might be what's happening to me ...




He!! Steve, you probably know as much about the human condition as anyone here.
In other words; anything is possible, it's the probability that you need to factor.


Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
Re: Noob Inquiry
bigbill #402476 09/26/2010 10:23 PM
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I know I will never sell my Speedmaster, I'll have it until I die, love that bike.


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: Noob Inquiry
roadworthy #402477 09/27/2010 7:54 PM
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Quote:

But, how many others here will back me up and say they will keep their bike for life too.





I'm with you Dave,

They can have my bike when they manage to pry the key from my cold dead fingers


Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
Re: Noob Inquiry
brindle #402478 10/19/2010 9:46 PM
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ricren Offline OP
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Finally found a bike, missed out on the TBA but found a 03 Speedmaster with 17,650 miles.

Re: Noob Inquiry
ricren #402479 10/19/2010 9:52 PM
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I've got 3 that I'll never get rid of....Me and Kimmys bikes are both paid for now, and I've got so much money in the 72 Bonny, that I would take a serious hit, even if I sold it for $6000!!!! I'll never get what I want for either America, even on trade in, and Im certainly not gonna just give them away....

Last edited by b717doc; 10/19/2010 9:53 PM.

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