 Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26 |
Hi everyone,
Just got the ok to treat myself to a new bike for my 50th next year.
Need convincing that the Speedmaster/America will suit me!
Been loving the look since they came out and think they look great with few custom mods!
My worry is that i am going to be dissappointed in the performance. by no means am i a speed freak, looking to slow down a bit but like to have a wee blast and have a bit in reserve when riding two up.
Currently ride a 1990 zx900/ gpz900 and love the effortless amount of power. Normally ride about 70-90 mph wether on my own or two-up. My riding is about 75% solo rest two up for runs, rallies or weekend touring.
Having a wish list of bikes was easier than actually deciding on one.
Cheers, Jim
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Hi and welcome, I wanted to slow down a bit to preserve my life (and my licence  ) My prevous bike was a 1200 Bandit. I was not dissapointed in the engine performance of the America, and the handling / ground clearance is better than I expected from a cruiser.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 144
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 144 |
Hi Jim, The real answer is to try one. I have my first TBA after years of 'road-rockets' and am very happy with it. Its a brilliant bike for cruising, with more than enough 'ummph' for real world use, tours well and pretty economical with the current expensive fuel. It will take a bit of getting used to with front-mounted foot-pegs and going around tight turns requires care until you get used to moving your bodyweight to the outside a bit rather than into the turn. Just make sure you buy a Black one, they are much faster.  Gary.
My girlfriend thinks I'm a stalker...
Well, she's not actually my girlfriend yet.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 399
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 399 |
I've owned my Speedmistress 16 months and today I experimented a bit by hanging back in fourth to really get the punch into the slower bendy hills rather than try and load it up in top and get a slower throttle responce .
I held in fourth up to 150 kph on a straight section that I know reasonablly well and that's heaps fast enough for public roads. (and me)
I changed over from an 83 BMW K100 which is a totally different machine in regards to power and seating position.
Parallel twin power is different from inline four power and the note is different too.
The bike has really grown on me and I have slowed down a fair bit as well (probably for the good)
Almost all my riding is solo so can't really comment except to say use the gearbox when passing long trucks.
Peace in the country when the sun goes down , the corn is gettin' high
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Been riding my whole life and love my SM, my bike has plenty of power for me up to and over 100mph (indicated) Rode the old British twins most of my life and still have them. I ride both short hops and long distance and even use it on long distance camping trips and it does everything I ask of it.
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: Need Convincing
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
I'm not much of an expert on speed. I typically avoid the highway and try to keep to back roads. That being said, I have been easily up to 140+ kph solo and I have hit 135 kph with the wife and luggage on the back a couple of times (usually to pass) and still had reserve if needed.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048 |
Quote:
Hi everyone,
My worry is that i am going to be dissappointed in the performance. by no means am i a speed freak, looking to slow down a bit but like to have a wee blast and have a bit in reserve when riding two up.
Until you test ride one you will never know. It really is that simple!
I don't think you'll be disappointed in the power, but the riding position is different.
Clay
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
You should go test ride one. They are not sport bikes so they are not going to repond like one. I think they handle better and are more comfortable, but with a top end of about 110mph and needing a full 1/4 mile to get it there you will know its not a sport bike. I love mine and it hangs well with big cruisers with out mods. Mine is modified and will blow most big cruisers away now. I ride about 80 to 85 where ever I go, and I often ride 2 up with my wife. I wiegh in at 265 and she is no light wieght herself, but we have no problem where ever we go. so go test ride one and see what you think.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
I rode a big V-twin for 12 years before I laid eyes on my TBA. On the first ride I was a little disappointed because I was used to a torque range starting at 4RPM. Once I adjusted my mindset to a few more revs everything was right with the world. I actually think it will feel closed to normal for you as the displacement is about the same. BTW, in my younger days I was always atop a high powered multi.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Welcome Jim. Perhaps take the advise given and test ride one or both. I don't make a habit of riding 90 MPH but I do ride fast through the twisties and like to lean 'er over as much as possible. She'll do this all day and then some. I can't imagine you being disappointed in either bike.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5 |
What could we possibly tell you that you don't already know without riding one? I bought mine without riding it until I had already forked over the cash, then rode it home 250 miles with a big ass grin on my face.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26 |
Thanks for the comments, and have to say this is a superb site for info on these bikes.
Would never buy without trying out, and have e/mailed local dealer to try and set one up.
Think i should be happy with performance as until i got the GPZ900 i had only ever ridden twins, xs400, xs650 and 750 bonneville.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Hey Jim welcome to the site. If power is an all important factor then you will need a black one as they are the fastest ones.  If this is not fast enough there are modifications you can do that will give you more and not effect reliability which these bikes have buckets of. Of course it all costs money but alas that is life. I have owned many rice rockets in the past and have been more than satisfied with the bike. Power is somewhat lacking but a decent set of pipes and removing the standard airbox and adding K&N filters made a huge difference.{ mine has carbis } Something I should warn you about though is they are very much an old man magnet. Where ever you go you will be approached by old men that will say things like " nice restoration job " or " I used to have one of these when I was 25 years old " and so on. Seriously though ride one and find out yourself if they are for you. I think you will fall in love. 
Last edited by stevieB; 04/10/2011 4:00 PM.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
Something I should warn you about though is they are very much an old man magnet. Where ever you go you will be approached by old men that will say things like " nice restoration job " or " I used to have one of these when I was 25 years old " and so on.
Fortunately, many of the old men are disguised as hot young babes.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I say dont get one. I love mine but its probably not the bike for you. Second thoughts are your brain saying you are not going to be happy. Then you will suffer buyers remorse and be unhappy, so probably skip it this time. I you need convincing you should hold out for a while till you are sure what you want.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5 |
See, I was gonna say something like that but though it may come across as kind of douchey. Glad you don't have that problem, Chad. 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I just wanted to be honest with the fellow. I would hate to be responsible for a fellow being unhappy. As I believe its a moral obligation to exhibit happyness. happy people make the world a better place and the unhappy make it worse.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 5 |
I hear ya. I fell that way too, if you need to be convinced by strangers, you don't really want it.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Need Convincing
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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 |
Everything you need to know is documented in depth on this site. Take a look around.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Hey Jim, Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PwyOg-LKjk&feature=player_popoutMy bike runs pretty good! Uncle Charlie BTW Welcome to the site. I have learned more here than I can Remember. That's why the Tech Vault is so priceless.
Last edited by unclecharlie; 04/10/2011 6:15 PM.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 282
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 282 |
Hmmmn. Beat a Mustang the other day. Don't know what he had under the hood, but when we hit the ton he realized I wasn't going to let him have the lead. We backed down at that point and passed grins and thumbs. 
Pacific Blue/White 2009 America in the TX Hill Country
Not all that glitters is gold. Tolkien. Hmm Must've seen the chrome on my TA coming down the road.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
I say dont get one. I love mine but its probably not the bike for you. Second thoughts are your brain saying you are not going to be happy. Then you will suffer buyers remorse and be unhappy, so probably skip it this time. I you need convincing you should hold out for a while till you are sure what you want.
You are absolutely right. When you are buying a new bike you shouldn't be able to sleep the night before because you are so excited about buying the best bike ever. Between seeing my TBA and buying it (I went to a different dealer because the one I was at didn't seem to want my money) maybe 24 hours passed. I HAD to have it (and my wife said it was OK. Just kidding, I'm spoiled rotten). Buy a new bike should be thrilling. Buy the bike you don't think you can live without.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Triumph corporate should be contributing to the costs associated with this site as compensation for all the America s and Speedy s we have helped sell?
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Triumph corporate should be contributing to the costs associated with this site as compensation for all the America s and Speedy s we have helped sell?
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Jim...if you've ridden xs650's this will seem familiar-just bigger and better handling (though,frankly, the standard springs on TBA/SM's are rubbish and need to be changed for Progressives)
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Need Convincing
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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:
Triumph corporate should be contributing to the costs associated with this site as compensation for all the America s and Speedy s we have helped sell?
I'm sure that's a rhetorical comment.
But in case it's the slightest bit serious: OH HELL NO!!!
With corporate contributions would come corporate oversight. It would be like government oversight, only worse.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Need Convincing
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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 |
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 Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2 |
Hi Jim, I recognise your name - are you with the Sinners? I've been to a few rallies and played at a few of their functions as well, used to work with Dave P. (this will mean nothing if you're not the guy I'm thinking of  ) Anyways, I got an 08 Speedmaster a few weeks ago, went out yesterday round Crianlarich, Inverarary, 250 miles, it was a blast  If you want come check mine, take it round the block. Gary.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26 |
Hi Gary.
Aye thats me. Small world eh!!
Was in the Saints and Sinners good few years but left a year ago, just before the name change.
Might just do that. Dont see many up this way,
Cheers Jim
Last edited by jim1962; 04/12/2011 12:45 PM.
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Welcome to the site, Jim and Gary
Honestly Jim, these Triumphs are great, and I can't see any reason to go for anything bigger on this little island of ours.
Performance wise, mines stock, but it'll do an indicated 110mph two-up (admittedly, neither of us are what could be called obese). She'll sit all day at 80-90mph (still two-up, but with luggage for a weekend under canvas including tent).
Handling is fantastic for a cruiser, but not as good as a sportbike.
Test ride one, any other make of cruiser and you'll need over 1200cc to get similar performance IMO. But you still wont have the handling
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2 |
pm sent Jim
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
On the subject of bigger cruiser style bikes ......I sold my 1450 twin cam Harley for a new TBA last year and I still run at the same speeds on the TBA, no bother,i.e. 85-90 is fine for this bike......
Oh, and my wife thinks its far more comfortable too.
I'm also a patch club member and I found the biggest stumbling block to swopping was the mentality that tried to tell me I need to have the biigest bike in the car park-now I tell 'em that 'When you reach my age, young feller, you can ride whatever you like'.
Buy and enjoy
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 26 |
Know what you mean Al. When did we all have to have bigger bikes. Mind when my old Bonneville was a big bike and didnt need anything bigger!
Am going to go for a Speedmaster. Ticks all the boxes! Looks great, can be modified (love tinkering) and does everything i want from a bike.
Am going to look at a local one and have organised a test ride.
Cheers all, Jim,
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Re: Need Convincing
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
good stuff, Jim- hope you like it.
My own first impression of my TBA was of a slight feeling of dissapointment that it felt almost too smooth( bland even) but after a week I was hooked and I wouldnt change back.
At my own(heavily HD dominated) club, folks regularly take the mickey-but 2 have since gone out and bought TBA's and others regularly take a good long look when it parks up outside the clubhouse.
My club house is best part of 90 miles there and back and It's mostly motorways.....last night it was an absolute joy running at well over 90 much of the way.
And yes, in my day too a Triumph at 650cc was reckoned a big bike ...so why is a 900 now 'small'?
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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