Quote:

OK, I'll elaborate some.
The name drew me to Triumph, I'll admit. Everybody owns a Harley, I want something different. I do like the people in the forums. When I browsed the forums, I got the feeling these were people I wouldn't mind riding with. I haven't ridden a Triumph, I think that may be the deciding factor.
On the other hand, some concerns and I hope I don't offend anyone; ah, what the ******, you don't know where I live, her goes:
Harley:
1. Lots of support, dealer/mechanic on every corner.
2. Technology - 6 gear transmission on full size models. Has had EFI for a couple of years now. Has the bugs worked out.
3. Better gas mileage (sorry, that is a consideration).
4. My friends ride Harleys.
5. Pipes are too loud.
6. Everybody owns one.
7. Looks lopsided with both pipes on the same side.

Triumph:
1. Made in Thailand? What's up with that?
2. Plastic front fender?
3. Finally EFI!
4. Looks better, symmetrical with one pipe on each side. Notice almost every Harley picture is a right side view?
5. Chain drive? Hinkley: this is 2008! Think belt or drive shaft. Read some rumors about a 2009 1500-1600 Triumph with a drive shaft - hurrah if it's true.



Wow! Sound like you want Milwaukee Iron.

The Harley Shop service blows. As do most stealerships. The first service on my wife's sportster had them placing the saddle on top of the front yoke. Way to go Guys. And well never mind. The point is you need to find a good mechanic if you don't want to wrench yourself. A good mechanic is NOT brand specific. Harely is in the darks ages. Ask your friends about oil blow by. And how much it cost them to retrofit the air cleaner to correct it.

Like Deon mentioned. Ride till you find what you like and buy it. All motorsickles are a blast. Any brand any model. It all is up to your butt-o-meter. Where I in your position I am sure I would have a hardley. After I bought a trumpet a duck a honda and a beemer.

Blowing gravel off rural roads