Gretsch,
I am also a first time biker. I almost bought a Yamaha, but my brother persuaded me to re-look the Triumphs. A little time researching and discovering this board (and similar boards), got me thinking about the Triumphs. I really started liking the different look to them and after I saw the Blue/White colour combo for the TBA, I was sold. I took the MSF course last February and finally got my new bike in July '07. I can assure you that it is an excellent bike for a beginner and still has enough power to keep up with the others.
I would recommend that you wait until the 600 mile service before changing the pipes and removing the AI. I had two very low speed laydowns with the only real damage to the stock pipes. I would have been more upset if I had scratched up the Bubs on there now.
Make up your mind soon and enjoy her!!
