 Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5 |
Hello everyone. So glad I discovered this forum.
I'm nearing 50 years old and looking to check off one of the things in my bucket list by finally getting my first motorcycle. Any advice would be appreciated!
I really love the America & America LT. I've located 2 LT's that are being sold at a great price within driving distance of me. (I guess dealers are looking to move the inventory due to their ceased production.) One LT is a 2015 and for about $500 more is a 2016. Both are brand new and look identical.
I'm curious if there is there any mechanical differences between the '15-'16? and if not, would it be worth the extra cash to get the 2016? Also, is the America a good first bike for someone with zero experience? My wife would want to ride it also -- neither one of us has our license yet. We're taking the first available MSF class which is in April.
I'm over 6 ft. tall and my wife is 5'9". The bike is comfortable to sit on for both of us, but of course we haven't been able to ride one yet. Thanks!
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
As you have probably seen, Great first/reentry/forever bike choice, Take the MSF on their bike, be careful and you'll be good to go. Others will disagree, two up is possible and comfortable for short trips, High speed mega touring would require a little more ride, ymmv, humble opinion, Love my '04 America. 
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Hello and welcome...... there's virtually no difference between the model years so far as I can tell. I ride a '14 LT ...it's great and perfectly capable two up ....just rev it a little more and change up a little earlier.
I also run a Harley Switchback and other than outright top speed, both of us much prefer the LT for ride and comfort.
The LT is much easier to handle and if it's important to you it's got a low seat height so anyone can be reasonably comfortable on it. I'm 6'3 and my wife is 5'4.....we can both ride the LT easily.
W e do long trips often and have regularity done 250+ miles days on the Triumph without problems....I'm good for London to Scotland( just under 500 miles) without problems.My wife swears the Triumph America series has the best pillion seat of all the 40+ bikes I've owned these last two decades.
Hope that helps.
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5 |
Thanks for the good advice.
We won't be using our new bike for the class and I have no intention of using the 2-up capability until I have quite a bit of experience (I like my wife's face the way it is!).
I like the LT because I love the blue & the dealers around me only want a fraction more for one compared to a SM or America. Considering the value of all the extra equipment it seems like a great deal and eventually we'll be able to take advantage of it's increased 2-up comfort. (We have lots of family about an hour down the freeway from us.)
I plan on taking off the bags, sissy bar, and windscreen to make it a little lighter to start out with.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17 |
Hey Duff, welcome. With the true unknown about the models being phased out I would recommend getting the 2016. It could be the last model year and would be cool to own. 
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Hi again Duff
I usually ride mine without screen or bags .....I prefer the look....unless I'm touring.
In December I did a trip from UK to France, Belgium, Holland and thereabouts on the LT in company with much bigger capacity machines( Victory Cross Country, HD ultra glide, Heritage Softail) and had no problems whatsoever keeping them company.
It's also my machine of choice just to run down to the shops.
Buy one and smile.. everybody who runs one of these will tell you they're a gem of a bike.....
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5 |
Thanks Alatamoc.
A couple more questions if you don’t mind: Do the bags, sissy bar, and screen move off & on easily? and do I need some different bolts/hardware to make it look right with all the equipment removed?
I’m with you, I like the clean looks of the America but like having the 2-up highway stuff available for the longer rides.
I’m really excited about this bike. It was love at first sight of that parallel-twin for me. I’ve always respected the great history of Triumph and didn’t want to be just another middle-aged guy buying a Harley. I know
they’re great too, but that’s what everyone has around here and the Iron 883 or Sportster just doesn’t do it for me.
My wife really liked the Indian Scout-Sixty but I hated the riding position. It just felt wrong and awkward , like the entire bike was under me and I was setting on a bar stool with handle bars.
When we sat on the America it was a good fit for both of us and with the wide seat, huge headlight, floor boards, and that big beautiful gas tank it just felt like a cruiser should. It’s a beautiful bike to look at.
Thanks for all of the responses and making me feel welcome!
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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, Shawn. The America, or any of it's variations, is a good entry level/any level bike. It combines a low seat height with nice low end torque. I rode mine for 50 K, both single and two up, around town and across many states including two trips to Florida. As you've already noticed, a good looking bike too! (And not another run of the mill Harley)One thing that took me a little to get used to was the low speed, sharp corners. The only weak point and then, a small one. Hope you get the bike, I guantee you'll love it!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
This bike seems to satisfy a real range of riders from the beginner to the well advanced . I have been riding for 50 yrs and am very satisfied with this bike , it does everything I want it to from handling the great curves in the Blue ridge mtns every yr in May to the straight line rds here in Fl. It has enough power to get out of its own way and yet low speeds are very comfortable with its torque curve and I have even dusted some of my HD friends and is very reliable !! I also know several beginners that also believe it was a great choice for them . Because it's been around since 02 there are plenty of add on goodies to be had from places like Fast Eddie Sports ( link able from this site) I'm sure you will enjoy this bike for many yrs .
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Yes, it's easy to remove the bags and screen...the latter takes 10 seconds...the bags take 5 mins and 4 dome headed nuts....though I needed to pack out the bolts for said nuts with about a dozen washers to prevent the sissy bar flopping about without the bag supports in place.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374 |
I like my old America, but I must say the only Harley you will be Dusting is maybe an 883 Sportster. The America is a nice bike but a fast bike it is not, If you wind it way up it goes just fine but it's not a racer by any means. Ride it like it's meant to be used and you will be perfectly happy.
Tin Man 2
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
I think the America LT is a great first bike. I think it is the most versatile bike in the cruiser class. The weight is mid range so you are not man handling 800 pounds of motorcycle. It has a good power band where you need it, but will not get out of control. It will go straight down the road or corner down to the pegs or floorboards. Many people buy a name and are greatly disappointed. A Scout or Sportster will beat you up where as the America will gently carry your old bones down the road. You will also find out that many times when you are out and about with other bikers the America will be the center of attention. On second thought I was wrong. The America is not a great first bike. It is a great bike for life. Sensible, reliable, and classic. What did you expect me to say you are on an America/Speedmaster site. 
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Shawn if you are a facebook person you should get on Midwest Triumph Riders
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
I like my old America, but I must say the only Harley you will be Dusting is maybe an 883 Sportster. The America is a nice bike but a fast bike it is not, If you wind it way up it goes just fine but it's not a racer by any means. Ride it like it's meant to be used and you will be perfectly happy.
Doesn't take much modification to get more, I could pull away from my friends BB Night Train, he also had a dyno tune slide for his FI. I didn't dust him but I could pull away until I hit my top speed.
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: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Welcome to the site, Shawn. The America, or any of it's variations, is a good entry level/any level bike. It combines a low seat height with nice low end torque. I rode mine for 50 K, both single and two up, around town and across many states including two trips to Florida. As you've already noticed, a good looking bike too! (And not another run of the mill Harley)One thing that took me a little to get used to was the low speed, sharp corners. The only weak point and then, a small one. Hope you get the bike, I guantee you'll love it!
Since I almost always agree with my friend Rich I must also point out that the America is an excellent all around bike. Light enough to be comfortable in town and as a commuter, comfortable and dependable enough to take on transcontinental trips, fast enough to keep up with anyone not looking to spend the night in jail and cool enough that you will always stand out among the cruisers. I've found only two drawbacks. It doesn't have the power for two up with a couple of porkers and old geezers constantly want to talk about the good old days when THEY had a Triumph.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
g'day Shawn I'm a bit late to the party, but What they all said.  I've had my bike for 8 going on 9 years now and there's no plans to let it go.It's the longest I've ever kept a bike for.Very happy.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5 |
Thanks for all the advice & info everyone. You guys are awesome. I'm convinced!
Soon I will be the very proud owner of a 2015 Triumph America LT - the plan is to head down to Columbus and finalize everything this weekend.
What's the thought on the extended warranty? --Is it worth it?
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 22 |
It comes with a two year warranty I believe. Being new to motorcycles you have no idea how long you will keep it and how much you will ride it.
If finances don't make it a tight budget decision, yes buy the extended. But I will tell you these bikes don't have any major issues. They are like granite.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Quote:
I must say the only Harley you will be Dusting is maybe an 883 Sportster.
Agreed. My America can't keep up with my 1200 XL Low Sportster.
But the America is what I call a "lifer", will keep it for life and hand it down to my daughter.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Extended warranties are all very well...but sometimes contain so many exclusions...I once bought one which claimed to run for two years...except the first six months of ownership were excluded... as was 4 months either side of the annual UK roadworthiness test... then the bike had to be completely immobile before claiming....and you needed to call their own call centre first......etc..etc...
Oh, and it was on a Harley too.
And the TBA is bombproof.....so personally the factory cover is fine.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Naaahhhh, you're not gonna need any warranty. These bikes are mostly bullitproof. But I DID forget what a couple of others on here had found out when they got their America. It's a crazy geezer magnet. Hard to get gas without someone wanting to admire the bike and tell you their old Triumph stories. Not as bad as the CRAZY attention I get with my Indian, but close!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Quote:
Quote:
I must say the only Harley you will be Dusting is maybe an 883 Sportster.
Agreed. My America can't keep up with my 1200 XL Low Sportster.
But the America is what I call a "lifer", will keep it for life and hand it down to my daughter.
You should have kept the Green one. It was faster.. 
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Not as bad as the CRAZY attention I get with my Indian, but close!
Give it a few years. Once you see a few more of them out there it will calm down.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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:
Not as bad as the CRAZY attention I get with my Indian, but close!
Give it a few years. Once you see a few more of them out there it will calm down.
Yeah, I suppose, but I doubt it. It isn't exactly "bike central" around here. There was only ever one other Triumph America in the neighborhood until my son bought his. My very good looking, customized Indian will stand out for quite a while in this sea of Hardleys.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Enjoy your new bike Shawn. Hard to believe I've had mine for 11 years and it still brings a smile to my face - even when I just step out to the garage and look at it. They're that good.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5 |
 We ended up getting the 2016 America LT on Saturday. We drove the 3.5 hours down to Triumph of Cincinnati completed the paperwork, had a great time, and met some new friends. The staff was terrific. They're going to deliver it sometime next week. Thanks again everyone for your comments and advice.
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Congrats there, Shawn. She's a beauty alright! And the bike's not bad either, I might add. (...sorry...couldn't resist) 
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: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Very nice. I am sure you will enjoy that bike.
You need to get that pretty lady some running boards.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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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 |
Congratulations!
I hope and expect you'll both enjoy it.
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Looking for my first Bike...
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 386
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 386 |
have a 02 with a 158,000 miles , just bought a 06 w/ 5,875. on her and am very happy.
I was so much older then, I am younger than that now (Wrote By Dylan Sung by the BYRDS,)
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