 Re: Heart vs Head
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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 |
Throw some fresh lube on your chain every few hundred miles and you'll be good.
Soren
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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 |
I assume you’re not looking for an objective answer here? Most, if not all, of us love our bikes. The America and Speedmaster are not copies of anything else. They are not little Harleys nor are they wannabes. Triumph has at least as much “Heritage†as any other bike on the road and retains the look and feel of the old bikes but without most of the pain. If you’re like most of us, the major problem you’ll have is answering the questions about it. Knowledgeable riders will appreciate it regardless of what they ride.
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: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3 |
Spray it with chain lube every 500 miles or so depending on how dry it gets or dirty, just keep an eye on it. Learn how to tighten it properly and lubeit and you'll have good life out of it.
eddy
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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 |
Heads are dumb , follow yer heart . Think of the names , "Triumph" is a state of being , "America" is cool , too . "Kawasaki" is just a guy's name and "Vulcan" is the Roman god of fire . You wanna sit on THAT thing now ? Get the Bonnie , people will come up and talk about it and the Vulcan ? Oh yeah , just another bike . 
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Then there's "Speedmaster", an awesome name if there ever was one. Mythical god of fire and Mr. Spock or a marque steeped in motorcycle history and lore? Go Triumph, you won't regret it.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 47
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 47 |
Take a good look at the Kawi then take a good look at the TBA.
The Kawi looks confused, like it doesn't know what it is. That's probably because it's designers really wanted to build a Harley but had to do it out of Kawi parts. That would be like my mom putting me in dresses since day one because she really wanted a girl. I'd be a bit confused if that were the case.
The TBA on the other hand, looks proud, distinctive, confident. It knows what it is and is comfortable being what it is.
After taking my wife's TBA for a nice long test ride after the brake job yesterday I can relate what an impact a nice Triumph has around here. Everywhere I stopped someone had something to say about the bike.
I better get used to being the bridesmaid on my rattletrap Harley. lol
Chain maintenance is easy. I don't mean to sound harsh but I would not encourage anyone who was not capable or willing to learn basic bike maintenance to get a bike. You are trusting your life to the machine so you should be able to make sure it is worth trusting.
Good luck!
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37 |
Thanks everyone for the input.
Going to the Triumph dealer later today to talk about financing and such. The blue America is still crated, so with any luck, I'll have her tomorrow.
You all simply re-affirmed what I already knew. I've had an America as my wallpaper on my computer for about three weeks now, I don't think I'd ever put a Vulcan as my wallpaper. 'Nuff said.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
If you have to consider between a freaking Kawasaki and a beautiful Triumph maybe you should get the Kawasaki
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2 |
Good answers all, but here's what sold me; Ten years from now, my Triumph will still be cool. The Kawayamahondazuki will just be an old obsolete bike with ZERO resale.
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 197
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 197 |
Quote:
Hey, DuckOner, I didn't post the Thai-umph as an insult, it was just a cutesy VIN code wisecrack.
No problem meng, I didn't take it as one.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Going to the Triumph dealer later today to talk about financing and such. The blue America is still crated, so with any luck, I'll have her tomorrow.
Atta-boy 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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:
You all simply re-affirmed what I already knew. I've had an America as my wallpaper on my computer for about three weeks now, I don't think I'd ever put a Vulcan as my wallpaper. 'Nuff said.
Aaaaaand the heart wins.  
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 Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018 |
Another victim hooked by you lot. 
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
Another thing to consider is that skinny 19" front wheel on the Kawa. I know it has a lot of great features that I wish the America had but if you read the reviews(and I have) the testers don't praise the handling of the Kawa like they do the Triumph. They are both good bikes. Go buy the Triumph and then drop it in your driveway and get it overwith. It's like a new car-when you buy a new car take a ball peen hammer and put a ding in it. It's that first one that hurts. 
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 168
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 168 |
My two cents....after all of that.
I too was in the same situation this year but probably much younger. Vulcan vs. America (well it was a Speedy for me). My local dealership sold both. Being able to see the bikes side by side I could clearly tell the Triumph was a superior bike. The fit and finish of the Triumph seemed to be far better than the Kawi....now this is just my personal opinion. I am not an engineer.
My dad has that Vulcan and the gas gauge doesn't work at all! We recently took a trip together through the mountains and neither of us had any issues or problems. However, at every stop we took almost every other rider couldn't help but comment on my bike and my dad couldn't stop commenting on it either. No one said a word about his Vulcan. I actually felt sorry for my old man.
If you want the attention....get the Triumph!
Ceuls
'07 SM - Ellipse Mirrors, Progressive 412's, Freak, Bub Exhaust, AI Removed, Summer Screen, Low-Pro Saddle
Happy Trails!
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 36
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 36 |
Heart, I'm becoming very Mediterranean in my old age.
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 15 |
Hmm, all i know is that I rode harleys for years, and as soon as I got half a block on an America I never looked back, I love this bike,, now I am just trying to figure out haw to transform a harley tattoo into a triumph one
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
Good answers all, but here's what sold me; Ten years from now, my Triumph will still be cool. The Kawayamahondazuki will just be an old obsolete bike with ZERO resale.
With a busted fuel gage to boot.
Those bikes just do not have a soul!!!
Once you find yours you will know it, after you buy one you will know wht I'm talking about.
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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:
now I am just trying to figure out haw to transform a harley tattoo into a triumph one
http://www.drtattoff.com/
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122 |
Dennis, I'm in a little different position than most of these folks because I have 2 Kawasaki Vulcans ..a 750 (ugly and old) but a wonderful handling and quick bike, and an 800 classic (they like to call them Harley clones) but the truth of it is Harley never in their dreams built a motorcycle this well mannered and easy to ride. BUT my latest purchase was a new 06 BA and it is unique, handles great and I am well pleased. Don't worry about chains or carbs. Good luck and be sure to get a black one.
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 Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
Quote:
You all rule.
I think there's something to be said in th fact that 12 hours after my original post there are almost 40 replies. You are a fanatical bunch. Out of curiosity, I'm going to put the same post on the Vulcan forums and see what happens there.
I'm about 70% sure I'm going with the America now. Also, thanks for the input on the ScottOiler. Pretty cool idea.
I'm real curious what kind of response you got on that Vulcan Owner's forum...if you ever posted a query and if anyone ever responded.
This is a very active forum, as you have already seen, and will be THE biggest intangible asset to owning an America or Speedamster. Those of us that have been on here long have witnessed true "Roadside Assistance" in action from other members here responding to posts from fellow members who might be having a question or challenge along the road.
This is a pretty cool place to hang out, and you could learn a lot about motorcycles in general just by checking in frequently and seeing what people here have to say.
As for the chain and general maintenance concern - you can do it. Build yourself a $20 bike lift, if you can't spring for a good motorcycle/atv lift. The $20 bike lift has served me well for 3 years, and I may just have to build another as it sits outside in the elements and is not as solid as it once was. Just being able to get the rear wheel off the ground makes chain maintenance a snap. A good chain lube and a rag, and maybe a piece of cardboard to use as a backdrop to keep spray off the tire or wheel as you spin it around. Also allows you to easily check the tire for nails and adjust chain tension too. All easy things that do not require expensive tools or rigorous training. Trust yourself and your own inspections and pre-ride checks. Like packing a parachute, you have to trust the packer...your life is counting on it.
Don't think about going down on it. Believe it is not going to happen. What does happen is what it is, but you can't ride around planning on something like that. Just take the class and pay attention, and ride. The rest takes care of itself.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 386
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 386 |
The America is the first bike I've ever owned without a centrestand.Bit of an inconvienance but I am building one with all the advise I've recieved on this great forum, I couldn't agree with you more Blackwind re. "Roadside Assistance" and real concern about other members problems - You blokes ROCK !!!
Hoffo
2x Norton Commando Roadsters
08 Triumph America
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788 |
forget the Japanese tin.. buy British Steel.. much better bike imo. Plenty of grunt and everyone loves them. just my 2 cents  Trev
07 TBA Pacific Blue and White.. stock for now!
A bike has half the wheels my cage does.. but 3x the fun factor
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37 |
Quote:
I'm real curious what kind of response you got on that Vulcan Owner's forum...if you ever posted a query and if anyone ever responded.
It was very interesting, I got a handful of posts, most of them were in the vain of "I like my Vulcan, but, you know, that Triumph is a sweet looking bike." It definitely wasn't as passionate as the folks here.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 78
Member
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Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 78 |
I bought my Speedy last year... it was my first bike & I have dropped it once (backin it up & slipped on some gravel... friggin gravel). Anyway I always knew I wanted a motorcycle but also knew I NEVER wanted a H-D & surely no H-D wannabe, if for no other good reason then ****** near everyone has one & now a days it's more weekend warriors and if not that it's the 1%'ers & I do not want the stigma of either. So I was set & just waiting for delivery when I found out I had a friend who I didn't know rode & was thinkin on upgrading motorcycles & was set on a Vulcan. I convinced him in taggin along with me to the Triumph dealer to just look at an America. He fell in love right then & there... went over budget a little(as did I) but didn't care... he's had is sliver 06 America for just over a year & to this day when my other riding buddies meet him for the first time it's always, "Oh you ride a Triumph too, eh?" To which he'll normally look at me & say, "Yeah, Kevin talked me outta a mistake." He fell for the history, the looks, the perfomance & has never looked back. Let us know what you do... but I think we all know where yer headin....  -K PS - keep the shiney side up!
The BIG print giveth & the small print taketh away!
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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:
It was very interesting, I got a handful of posts, most of them were in the vain of "I like my Vulcan, but, you know, that Triumph is a sweet looking bike." It definitely wasn't as passionate as the folks here.
There's a reason for that, which you are beginning to discover. Sometimes I get jealous of you Triumph newbies, discovering the joys of owning one of these bikes for the first time.
I'm getting misty. 
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Heart vs Head
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 807
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 807 |
Just outta curiosity, Dennis, care to give us a link to the your post on the Kwak forums? It'll be interesting to see what they have to say. 
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 322
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 322 |
ANY bike you get, you should become well acquainted with..
Learn how to check the oil change the plugs, lube the chain, and inspect it.. Washing a bike by hand is a great way to find loose bolts, etc.
I have 4 bikes, my mech rides them to work after he works on them(he works nights) and my Speedy always has the guys out looking and drooling.... the Harley and the Bandit, they just glance at, the Yamaha FJR (sport touring) they ask questions about, but the SM get the attention.
It's not the biggest, or fastest, but plenty powerful enuf to get performance awards <G> and easy and FUN to ride.
Enjoy!
Mary
Krashdagon aka Snappy
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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 |
I realize this addition is post-fait accompli(in other words, you done already bought the Triumph, boy...so good for you), but I feel that if anybody can point out a better handling or a better all-round mid-sized "cruiser" that also "stands out from the crowd" in terms of asthetics, "character" and price that's currently on the market, then I'll take back everything I've ever said about how great these motorcycles are.
But that has yet to happen.
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: Heart vs Head
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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 |
Dwight, I don't think it'll ever happen. And if it did, we'd still have great motorcycles and then their would be copies of the world's greatest mid-size cruisers (and still not as good).
Soren
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37 |
Quote:
Just outta curiosity, Dennis, care to give us a link to the your post on the Kwak forums? It'll be interesting to see what they have to say.
Here you go:
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-cruisers/52140-heart-vs-head.html
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Quote:
You get much more technology with the EFI and Belt Drive for less money. For your first bike, shop bang for the buck. Also you will drop your first bike on its side at less than 5 mph at least once. Well 1/2 of us did that anyhow. The dealer network and down time of the Japanese bike will be better for the cosmetic repairs.
When you discover you love riding, sell that silly Yamahondakawasuki and buy a Triumph later. You will appreciate it more once you drove a bike with no soul
Nuh-uh! I'll take the shicka-shicka-shicka of my chain over the whine of a common belt drive any day.
So, you drop the bike, you pick her up, apologize to her profusely, kiss her to make the boo-boo better, pop a band-aid over the scratch....
Go with heart. Hearts deserve to win. It's your first bike, make it special.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I can't imagine buying or riding a jap bike on purpose.
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: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047 |
I used to have Jap bikes and not one of them ever had a CDI box go bad....
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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 |
"Character", Matt! That's known as "character". I hear when these babies were still on the ol' drawin' board Mr. Bloor asked the boys at Lucas Electronics LTD where he could find some o' that there stuff, but decided their version of "character" was a little TOO MUCH for today's machines, so he went with another firm which supplied just the right amount of it. (there IS such a thing as "heritage" ya know, kid!)
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: Heart vs Head
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047 |
Quote:
"Character", Matt! That's known as "character".
I called it something thats for sure...
Quote:
there IS such a thing as "heritage" ya know, kid!
Heritage...Hmm... I thought Harley-Davidson made those? 
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Re: Heart vs Head
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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:
Quote:
Just outta curiosity, Dennis, care to give us a link to the your post on the Kwak forums? It'll be interesting to see what they have to say.
Here you go:
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-cruisers/52140-heart-vs-head.html
One thing I was impressed with on the Kawasaki forum was they pretty much all said "Go with the one that moves you." I'm not crazy about their bikes but those who responded did so with a lot of class. Good on ya Kawi guys!
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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