 Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39 |
Looking through all treads, I found somewhat very interesting theme from some of Triumph riders. My main question is: Why did I buy a Triumph? a) because looks like no other cruiser b) I want to compete with H-D C) I want to be noticible by others it seems to me that by some reason there is a hidden agenda (from some riders) to bash H-D's on any given opportunity, and that is why we are trying to put more mods to get more torque, to get more HP just to smoke those H-D'. Honestly I almost went that route, no matter how much does it cost, just give me I wanna show them that my bike is better and more powerfull, than H-D. than I have come back to my senses, I just like the way Triumph looks, and it is unique. However I dont like some things on it, but I will survive. and thank to you all, my SM is breathing better, running better and sounds like a thunder in the sunny morning. I did not know anything about Triumph's untill i started reading your post, and little by little, I was able to do all things on my Beauty, I would like to thank you all for your help, concerns and opinions, and let us ride Triumphs like we should. Being torn in H-D flesh...   
Do you Know Him or do you Know about Him?
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
Always liked Brit-Bikes myself and never had a problem with the HD marquee.
A carburetted, air-cooled, assembled in and shipped from England V(ertical)-Twin meets my simple requirements. So, I'm good for a variety of 2006 and earlier Triumphs.
So, A-C really don't apply to me.
Regards,
Tom
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Re: Why did I get 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 |
I have mine because it looks right, sounds right, runs right and feels right. Can't ask for any more than that.
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 did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I have mine fist off because it's a well made bike, 2nd I have been riding Triumph most of my adult life and am loyal to the brand (wouldn't buy junk to be loyal though)3rd they came out with an air cooled vertical twin again. 4th because it has sort of a classic look.
I bash HD but I also ride with mostly HD owners. I like HD in reality but don't want one. I'm happy with my Triumphs. When I bash HD it's only in jest, there are some very nice HDs out there. i would swap one of my old Triumphs for a Knuckle but would swap that Knuckle just as fast for a 37 Speedtwin.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 394 |
Ive got both, and love them both. Would never have anything other than HD or Triumph!
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20 |
I bought mine because of the way it looked. It is not trying to be anything else but a retro Triumph. I figured I would throw the conversation piece in the stable and take it out to bike night and little rides.
Other than long road trips, its my bike of choice now. The sturdy little bike is pretty hard to break.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Why did I buy a Triumph?  1) It looked cool. 2) When I test rode it, it fit, handled well and it was cool. 3) The price was right. H**ley had nothing to do with it.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 512
Adjunct
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Posts: 512 |
When I was around 12 or 13 I had a subscription to Cycle magazine.That would be around 1966 or so.The first time I saw a Triumph grace the cover I knew one day I would own one.It just looked"right".The first Triumph I bought was a 71 Bonneville.That was 30 years ago and I still have it.I guess it's the same as liking Chevy over Ford or chocolate over vanilla.As far as other bikes, to me, if it makes you happy that's all that matters. Okay I'm done.
Just an old Hippie and I don"t know what to do.
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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All the "cool kids" road triumph growing up.......always wanted one but couldn't afford till later in life....now I have had three (3) 
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422
Adjunct
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When I sat on it at the dealer, Momma said "You look good on that one, buy it." So I did.
Morituri Nolumus Mori
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Why did I buy a Triumph?
1) It looked cool.
2) When I test rode it, it fit, handled well and it was cool.
3) The price was right.
H**ley had nothing to do with it.
Mee too ... kinda
1) It fit
2) The price was right
3) It looked as good as it was built
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Why did I get 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 |
Quote:
...2) The price was right...
Wait a minute, Zdenko! So you're sayin' Drew Carey gave you your bike because you were the closest to the manufacturer's suggested retail price without going over?
(sorry) 
Yep! We sure do get an awful lot o' machine for the money, don't we?
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
All the "cool kids" road triumph growing up.......always wanted one but couldn't afford till later in life....now I have had three (3)
Thats some what ironic. When i was growing up and first got into bikes the only people I knew riding British bikes were Greasers, or other slightly unsavory characters.
I got into Hondas, Because as the saying goes. You meet the nicest people on a Honda. It was later, after i had become hooked on these two wheeled machines, that i learnt to appreiciate British machines. But never brought one. Had numerous Jap Bikes and a few Beemers. Loved all of the Multi Cylinder Triumphs from the 'Reborn Triumph' days. When i decided i wanted to slow down and get a crusier i went looking at several bikes and the first time we (the wife and I) saw the Bonnie America. We both new. Thats the one. The rest, as they say, is history.
As for HD's. I like them a lot. But for the price. No way.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
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Adjunct
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Just bought one - tried a couple of H-D's not great on UK roads but a cracking marquee however not for me. America ticked all the boxes
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Quote:
...2) The price was right...
Wait a minute, Zdenko! So you're sayin' Drew Carey gave you your bike because you were the closest to the manufacturer's suggested retail price without going over?
(sorry)
Yep! We sure do get an awful lot o' machine for the money, don't we?
Dwight...for a second there I was saying to myself "WTF does Drew Cary have to do with this?"... then it hit me....
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I just love bikes. All kinds all brands. Triumph how ever just floored me. Kind of like that drop dead gorgeous woman you meet but your so thunder struck you just stand there like an idiot with your tongue tied! Same feeling when I first saw a Triumph bike and a month later it was also the same one I bought. Also the more I read and researched the more I liked. Then there was this sight and I was struck by the passion Triumph owners had for their rides and wanted to be a part of it.
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438 |
Umm, cuz is there anything else? Dang, sometimes it takes the town idiot to say the simplest shite.
Ride On!
Airguy
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You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 38
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2007
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My Daddy rode me on his 65 Bonnie when I was two. Its one of my very first memories. I wanted one ever since. 37 years later I made it happen with an 05 BA.
Brad
Thousands of years ago cats were worshipped as gods. They have never forgotten this
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Dec 2007
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I wouldn't be caught dead on a stock HD cruiser. They call the speedmaster a cruiser but I don't see it that way. Was it affordable, yes and for the money it is much more than the sportster. However as soon as I got the bike home I started making it mine. That's what I love about this bike. It can be dressed up with all kinds of chrome and bags and windshields or stripped down bobber style with ape hangers and it looks like it was just born that way.
pain is temporary, pride is forever.
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Always wanted a Triumph. When I was shopping for a bike after a 5 year layoff, I thought I would end up on a Harley FXDX. But after finding out about the Speedmaster, there was no other choice. Is there anything better looking than the curve of those pipes coming out of the vertical twin?
Harley bashing is just good natured ribbing. A lot of us around here have friends who ride Harleys, and it usually comes around about once a month in my group where we'll slag each others bikes over a cold one. If I want to smoke a Harley or show what my Speedmaster is capable of, I just lead them through the twisty roads. Most of them can't keep up when the going gets tight.
We'll never be able to compete with Harleys if we're both getting into the motor with horsepower mods. It's not hard to get 100+ hp out of a 95" Twin Cam, but it'll cost you about 5 grand or more to get 85-90 hp out of our bikes with a stroker kit, or the 1100cc big bore.
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
When I was looking for anew bike, I was checking out magazines, showrooms, etc. There was no Triumph dealer in Vegas at the time so I didn't know anything about the America until I saw an ad in a magazine. I thought that was the best done bike I had seen in a long time. Everybody was (is) making/riding V-twins and I just didn't want to be like everybody. Plus, Brit bikes were the coolest when I was younger and the America looked a lot like those old ones. By the time I got over to Santa Ana to look at one, they had perfected the concept with the Speedmaster  . And they had one in black  . Done deal. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Triumph is the only brand of street bike I've ever owned since I was 16, I'm 56 now. I've always owned one, used 61 Bonnie, used 63 Bonnie, new 76 Bonnie , new 03 America, new 04 Thruxton. Still have the 76, America and Thruxton. Am waiting for the rumored water cooled twin If it sucks I'm thinking Rocket.
Wish I'd never got rid of the 61 and 63. Never sale a Triumph or a gun!
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Why did I get 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 |
Quote:
By the time I got over to Santa Ana to look at one, they had perfected the concept with the Speedmaster . And they had one in black . Done deal.
Yeah, I really enjoyed riding with you and your Speedmaster last September. Oh, wait...
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
I was looking for a cruiser to pop out to the cafeterias (or so I thought).
My touring rig (RT1100) was too heavy and my race replica (Aprilia Mille) was too fast ... for a cruise.
The Speedy was just right.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Yeah, I really enjoyed riding with you and your Speedmaster last September. Oh, wait...
New front rim, and all is well. The new style SM rims look much better anyway.
 Unless you're some kind of jinx.........
Last edited by bigbill; 05/04/2008 7:58 PM.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why did I get 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 |
I would only buy that if it happened while we were riding together... 
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Triumph is the only brand of street bike I've ever owned since I was 16, I'm 56 now. I've always owned one, used 61 Bonnie, used 63 Bonnie, new 76 Bonnie , new 03 America, new 04 Thruxton. Still have the 76, America and Thruxton. Am waiting for the rumored water cooled twin If it sucks I'm thinking Rocket.
Wish I'd never got rid of the 61 and 63. Never sale a Triumph or a gun!
Never sold any of mine, have sold a few for friends and truth be known I would liked to have bought them. I have a couple pre-units but generator models not alternator like your 61.My 54 T-110 even has manual timing advance.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
We'll test it out in very short order
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664 |
I owned a couple older Triumphs back when Eisenhower was a sargent. I liked the way they handled (like crap), but they rode fast on dirt flat tracks and at highway speed. I also had an orange & white BSA 650 Lightning that I preferred in the twisties to the Triumphs. I've also owned three Harley Davidsons. I wouldn't hit a dog in the @$$ with a Harley.
Ride Safe,
Dennis
Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I have a 70 Lightning, cool bike.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 101
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Because when I was a teen I always wanted one but could not afford one...... then after AJS,Suzuki,Honda,more Honda... Hey Man it was the time and I LURVE it to bits. 
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 70
Member
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Member
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Posts: 70 |
I too like Triumph for the fact that they aren't a cliche' thing. All of the Japanese bikes of today are either HD wannabees or crotch rockets. I love the 70's Honda standards (CB series)In fact, I have a 1980 CB750 too. Besides the Rune (overpriced) , my last favorite Honda was the Nighthawk 750 (Circa 1997). And to be perfectly honest, I love the classic look of the T-100 the best of all Triumphs (orange on white). Problem is the seat is too narrow for my wide load. The only thing I really don't like about my SM is the lack of a decent buddy seat. (and the ignition switch location)...but the sound is the BEST!!!
Now I want to add a Meridian Triumph to be roomies in the garage with the CB and SM....just worried about the right-footshift (or is it the left foot brake) that would throw me off.
Andy
04 Speedmaster
and missing my '70 TR6R
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I used to jump back and forth from my 64 BMW to my 66 Triumph and never had any problem, once you get used to it it's a non-issue.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 280
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I've owned better bikes, but this the second Triumph I've owned and there is NO COOLER BIKE...PERIOD!!
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
When I was a young kid in the 70's my Dad had a Triumph Chopper, I believe it was a Trident, and I rode on the back everywhere we went. I've owned a few other bikes through the years (mostly Honda CB's), but I always wanted a Triumph. Waited for my wife to leave town for a month went down to get a Thruxton or Bonnie and left on a Speedmaster. It was just right for me. Many of my friends are Harley guys and they can not understand why I wanted a Triumph. More people come up to me and ask me about my bike then they ever get. I love that.
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Why did I get 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 |
Quote:
...Many of my friends are Harley guys and they can not understand why I wanted a Triumph.
Well young man, just tell 'em..."I bought a "cruiser" that handles twice as well as your Hog, and costs half as much!"-*
(*-this reply only works with riders who really know how to ride a motorcycle and not just "cruise" on one, so don't expect all of them to understand your reply)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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I got mine because I didn't want to be just another old guy on a Harley. Now I'm still just another old guy, but I'm on a TRIUMPH!! Seriously, I was looking at cruisers because my knees don't like being bent for long periods of time. Harleys are way overpriced, even used, and I didn't want a Harley wanna-be (even though some of them are great bikes.) I wanted a bike with it's own identity. I got looking at the TBA for the above reasons, and also because it's a great looking bike, imo. A couple of test rides cemented the deal.
'03 America in black and silver, AI and airbox eliminator kit, BuB pipes.
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
I bought the BA because
I love Triumph
It looks great
It handles great
It performs well
It's fun
It's a great buy
After I bought it I found that
It draws a crowd
It is unique
There is a great group of Triumph riders, especially here.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Why did I get Triumph...
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
These bikes just look COOL. Plain and simple. We tend to reiterate it here all the time but I dont think it can be overstated.
I never fail to be amazed at the attention my bike gets when compared to ANY other cruser out there large, small or in between.
My bike garners more attention dirty then most brand new shiny 35K plus Harleys and Victories get on day one from the dealer.
The only thing that I find a bit bothersome is when some good hearted soul who does not know a motorcycle from a box of cracker jacks looks at mine and says..."That sure is a pretty bike ...is it a Harley?"
Riding Triumphs is religious experience in and of itself.
Sure it is not the fastest and arguably it does not handle as well as some other bikes (if you believe the reviews) It is not the best bike for hauling two people and full load across country but it WILL do it if you want it too.
It does not have the mindblowing acceleration of a dual sport or some of the bigger Japanese metric cruisers but it sure is COOL times ten.
Last edited by clanrickarde; 06/03/2008 6:58 PM.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: Why did I get 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 |
I gotta stop agreeing with Kevin. It's bad for my reputation.
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