Thanks all for the in depth answers to my question about tooth count. Very helpful...I think I will try 18 for a while and not go the the extreme. As a newbie, I don't know why lower rpm appeals to me, but it does.
In any case I Love my Triumph and thank the Gods (all of them) that I discovered that there are alternatives to H-D's ,Jap bikes, and Euro racers. This is much more my style.

Alex Proud owner of Bonnie America 2005