 Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Why Triumph?
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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 |
Nah!!! I'm just your prototypical "Enlightened Modern Male", dude! YOU of ALL PEOPLE should know that I'm NEVER "PC"!!! I mean, just look at all the people of BOTH genders around here I p*ss off on a regular basis!!! And just watch a Master at being un-PC work here..... ________________ Hey John, You've just mentioned "P.C.", which of course stands for "Political Correctness"...as in "POLITICAL" i.e. POLITICS!!! Does this mean you now will have to either delete what YOU'VE posted or maybe lock this WHOLE THREAD??? (Godwin's Law...REMEMBER???!!!) 
Last edited by Dwight; 01/18/2008 8:07 PM.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1 |
Hey Dwight, you do know that all you have to do is add "wo" before "man" and the girls are covered.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879 |
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 730
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 730 |
Quote:
1. Made in Thailand? What's up with that?
I have severe issues with people who look at this point as a down side. The quality control is the same in England as in Thailand, the only real difference is that the workers work for less and that savings is passed on to you. Also, take apart a Harley, or almost anything that's "made in america" and see where all thoses parts were made, usually "made in america" should really read "assembled in america"
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2. Plastic front fender?
The Speedmaster has a plastic front fender, the America has a metal one either way how is that a draw back? A plastic fender is lighter and does the same job just as well. unless you're planning on cutting and welding it will serve you just fine.
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3. Finally EFI!
Yes, EFI finally made it to the America/Speedmaster. Meny of the people who enjoy working on out bikes ourselves perfer carbs. This is because you can pull apart a carb, you can rejet, shim, change needles, pretty much set them up as you see fit. You can change EFI settings to match your preferences but it's just hooking up your laptop and remapping, it's just not as fun.
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4. Looks better, symmetrical with one pipe on each side. Notice almost every Harley picture is a right side view?
I like the looks of the America / Speedmaster too but that's just me, some don't and that's their choice.
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5. Chain drive? Hinkley: this is 2008! Think belt or drive shaft.
This too is a matter of preference but if you ask me chain is the way to go. There are inherent problems with both belt and shaft. Belt, belts are wider, while this is kinda rare the problem does exist. I've heard of rocks getting caught in belt drives and tearing up not only the belt but the rear sproket as well, not an easy or inexpensive fix, also, to change a belt, is a headache and a half, me personally, I'd rather lube my chain every once in a while than risk the extra work and money involved in a belt.
Shaft- Shafts offer years of maintenance free use, hopefully but if your shaft breaks... $$$$$ to fix. Also, I like the freedom of being able to change out my gearing for different situations and with shaft drive, you're stuck with the gearing they give you forever.
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Read some rumors about a 2009 1500-1600 Triumph with a drive shaft - hurrah if it's true.
We've all read, heard, disscussed those rumors. The fact of the matter is that Triumph is pretty secretive of what's to come. If they are indeed releasing a larger cruiser to fit nicley between the America/Speedmaster and the Rocket III you or I or anyone else won't know about it untill September or October and it's nothing to bank on. So unless you're willing to wait until then your best bet is to strike any thoughts of that from your head
Hope I've been some help! Either way you decide, I hope you enjoy it and happy retirement... 
Let my dying thought be that every mile was fun and let my tombstone read,"They never made one fast enough for me."
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 70
Member
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Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 70 |
Suppose it depends on whether you want to ride a nice handling bike, that is fairly rare in terms of seeing them on the road or whether you want to ride a heavy bike that only feels good moving in a straight line. Triumphs tend to have that air of class that Harleys also lack. Far too many Harleys out there, everyone seeking an image has one..
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Re: Why Triumph?
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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 |
Better ride than a Harley, Handles Better than a Harley, Faster, not one of the crowd. Heritage and history. When you look at a 1939 and a 2008, you know they are both Triumph. I like that. Last summer I was riding with the folks from out East; Mert, Wojo and Airguy and Loco from out here. I love the sounds that bikes make, even loud ones. I spent most of my time riding in the back because a PT sounds so incredibly awesome, to me, better than any VT it growls rather than thumps. It has an incredible sound when it's barking. And I have NEVER had any one ask me if it was a Harley! eddy 
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Because hey, come on, it's a Triumph. Do you really need another reason? 
06 America 904
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
the only real difference is that the workers work for less and that savings is passed on to you
huh? So how much should a parallel twin air cooled chain driven 865cc bike cost? Thank goodness we are saving, they cost the same or a bit more than a 883 Sportster now and just a bit less than the 1200. They cost the same as the shaft driven liquid cooled 1100 Shadow and more than the M50 .
I am sorry to disagree but I think that is a stretch that anybody at Triumph passed any savings onto anybody. Mr. Bloor passes savings onto Mr. Bloor.
You buy a Triumph because of what it is. If we have to explain it, you really won't ever understand. Its not just a bike, its a mindset.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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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 |
I agree. Same ole corporate greed at work here. I have nothing against Thailand or any other. But I would prefer that our Brit brothers, the ones who established and designed Triumphs, keep the lions share of the bike in England. Although I would buy a triumph from asia, cause they are cool bikes, I don't have to be happy about it!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874 |
The thing that gets me are people that Complain that HD costs so much, but I hate to tell you that the new Jap bikes cost just about as much and their accessories are just as high in price.
You cant be a Triumph for quality and price thats what makes them stand out from the rest.I just wish they would improve their dealership network and at least try to have a stand alone store and not mix different brands in with them,gone are the days of a single brand shop....
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 513
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 513 |
In my teens and twenties I rode dirt bikes. My first street bike was a semi-chopped Triumph Bonneville 750 with the right side shift. Once I learned to work on it and keep it going, it was a very dependable ride. Very stable and comfortable. A friend let me ride his Harley (78 soft tail?). That bike rode good but I didn't like the way the air cleaner forced me to sit with my knee out to the side. I later rode another friends sportster. I liked that one okay. But my Triumph just almost seemed to drive itself. I stopped riding for about 20 plus years. I'm 50 now and been back in the saddle since 2002. Nowadays every jap bike mfg has tried to clone the V-Twin cruiser with a lot of success and many improvements. Nowadays every other bike on the road is some type of V-Twin with Harleys in the minority. If I every get a V-Twin bike, I want it to be an old-school Harley. The newer Triumphs are so much better than my old bike. I just keep gas in it and the regular maintainance kept up and ride. I could do that with the new Harleys as well but I don't like to drink the koolaid and be like everyone else. The Triumph parallel twin design is unique to the motorcycle community. The Rocket family of cruisers are getting better with every year model and Triumph and the aftermarket vendors are producing more quality accesories every year. Don't get me wrong. If you get a Harley I think you will get a great ride that you will love. But for me, there just is nothing on the rode like a Triumph.
Its more fun to be ridin'! I'm still ridin 
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 322
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 322 |
Ok, Just one of the girls here, puting in my .00002 worth! I have now, a 2003 H-D Softail Deuce, 30,000 miles...one of the rare 100th anniversary edition ones, but at least it's red and not silver/black/blue! <G> An 06 Triumph Speedmaster,3100 miles. AIS out, Phreak kit installed, Triumph something or other pipes, Harley handlebars (to get changed again to Heritage bars like my Deuce), saddlebags, GPS and battery tender wiring,need to add more lights. To do the same things on the Speedy as the Deuce costs about 1/2 as much. It took me three years to get the Harley to fit me perfectly, but after riding the Speedy, the Harley just feels too big and clumsy. Which is very funny, I just sold an 05 Yamaha FJR 1300 sport touring bike... that sucker is big! 145 hp compared to how much for the Harley? The Speedy and the Deuce have the same HP, the Speedy takes off way faster, top end isn't as high, but that could just be me, I really haven't ridden it enough. I also just sold an 02 Suzuki Bandit.... which I bought because the Harley was tiring riding around on O'ahu, I wanted something more sporty, i.e. easier to handle. I lived in Hawaii for over 20 years. I wish they would have had the Speedmaster in Hawaii when I bought my Deuce,but the Harley dealer that handled Triumphs didn't bring in any of them. Oh, everything except the FJR is carbed. Personally, if I was looking for a physically big bike, I'd go check out the Victory's. I love the 8-Ball. Best thing. Go sit on every bike and then go ride every bike you can. I think I rode about 3 Kaw's and 5 Harley's just from one dealer. I think almopst every salesman in all the shops on O'ahu knew me by name... I did a LOT of looking! I'm considering whether to try and sell the Harley... and yes, I'd lose my shirt, and/or the Triumph... BECAUSE.... I want a Triumph Sprint! It's like a smaller FJR, it has real fairings which IS NOT the same as a windshield, and 125 hp.... I love long distance riding as well as putt putt... Oh well.... guess I'd better buy a lottery ticket! The British lottery! <G> OH yeah.... Only real people that have a life can have a "lifestyle"! And it ain't store bought!  Mary
Krashdagon aka Snappy
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
 nuff said !
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
I have a Triumph and a Harley and a Norton and another Triumph. And thats not even mentioning cars. My wife says I have a problem.
Honestly, Buy whatever you like. Both are excelent bikes which will afford you years of trouble free service and put a smile on your face. If you like to be your own man, set apart from the flock, get the Triumph. Either way, have a blast!
Strangler
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
Capn-Bob, Did you ask this question on a Harley forum as well? I'd be interested to know what that forum had to say. It's obvious to me that on a Triumph forum you're going to get a different viewpoint. We're probably a little bias towards the Triumph.
Last edited by Fishercat; 01/19/2008 8:33 AM.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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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 |
Lots of great answers here and I'd only duplicate them since I love mine. Why Triumph?  Why not?
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: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
the only real difference is that the workers work for less and that savings is passed on to you
huh? So how much should a parallel twin air cooled chain driven 865cc bike cost? Thank goodness we are saving, they cost the same or a bit more than a 883 Sportster now and just a bit less than the 1200. They cost the same as the shaft driven liquid cooled 1100 Shadow and more than the M50 .
I am sorry to disagree but I think that is a stretch that anybody at Triumph passed any savings onto anybody. Mr. Bloor passes savings onto Mr. Bloor.
You buy a Triumph because of what it is. If we have to explain it, you really won't ever understand. Its not just a bike, its a mindset.
Well, lessee what you get for your money. Triumph twins have twice as many main bearings as any production Harley. Twice as many valves as well. Long after all the shadows (called that because they look just like a Harley, but have no substance) made this year are either scrapped or in the hands of rare bike collectors, most Triumphs and Harleys made this year will still be in daily use.
Oh, and then there is the matter of the balance shafts. The only Harley you can get that runs as smoothly as the Triumph twin is the Softail because it uses similar balance shaft technology. They also cost around $10K more. Naturally, because most other import cruisers are Harley wannabes, they are purposely made to shake themselves apart. However, being made of the cheapest materials available, they are not so easy to keep together.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Sitting here shaking my head. I have these extra main bearings in my hand but don't know where to put them in my V-twin. Back on my post, what savings were passed on by using $12.00 per day labor? They went up in price while they saved 50% on labor alone. They now make the parts there saving on the front end in production. Where is the savings? Quote:
However, being made of the cheapest materials available, they are not so easy to keep together.
I am not seeing that part of the new Japan Inc. bikes. They seem to stay together just fine.
It doesn't matter, he needs to buy a Triumph because they are iconic motorcycles Heritage is what sets them apart, then looks, then performance. I don't think any of us bought our bike because it was less then a Honda.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 168
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 168 |
 Where are these savings you ask?  Clearly into R&D for a 1500!!! Ceuls
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
I think its really gonna be a 1540 that turns the 1/4 under 10 seconds but nobody here will buy it because it won't have a chain Triumph has delayed production trying to get rid of that pesky shaft, radiator, cruise control, EFI, issue.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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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:
PS. No one has mentioned the soul of a Triumph. I heard this here before I bought one and only now do I understand. "You never own a Triumph, your just a caretaker!"
I was waiting on that one.
My first and only bike, and that "soul" thing means more to me than anything else written here. I did not understand that when I first heard about it some 4 years ago, but have no doubt about it now. That won't be found in anything from Japan, Inc., but maybe in a very few other marquees that have been around for a while.
I bought my Triumph because of this forum, the people and wealth of information here, and the very "active" nature of this thing. I thought I wanted a Honda VTX, but my comparison questions were answered here without me even having to ask....I just read the replies to other poster's questions.
If you posted this same question on a Harley forum, how long would it take to get this many responses, and could you really (would you really) want to be associated with the likes of those making them? It is a different crowd/mindset.
When I get on my Speedmaster, I feel like a Pony Express rider back in the frontier days. I'm riding it as fast as I will let her run from here to there because that is the way the bike likes it. I have to keep her "reigned in". I try to stay within 9 miles of posted speed limits, in town or out, but believe me - I pass everything on the road.
That's just how she rolls.
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: Why Triumph?
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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 |
Well, "Capn_bob" seems to have checked out of this thread so I'm going to call troll.
Does anyone second that?
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Why Triumph?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Absolutely FJ Oh man, I just agreed with him
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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