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
