The repetitive long distances (two-up) and durations and subsequent derived experiences (on the Speedmaster) of these journeys suggest a uniqu(er) criteria (if I am to look within the Triumph range as I already have a better suited motorcycle).
Whilst taking into account the accumulated extent to which the above elements (distances/durations/routes and overall history) contribute to my line of thinking, I simultaneously strongly suspect (and not assume) you don't have a clue what I am talking about.
yup...
While you're in a league of your own Thanassis, I know exactly what you speak of. It's why I sold my America and ended up looking elsewhere for a proper touring bike. Triumph has a competitive player in the ST world, but for my needs, the Sprint couldn't compare to the VFR.
While it wasn't a 2 month European ramble, my most recent trip was a 10 day, 4000 mile jaunt, which, I believe, is a journey as well. I try to make 2 trips of this sort a year (I'm only blessed with 2 weeks of paid vacation time), along with the fact that I haven't been inside my car since the 2nd or 3rd week in January...I need a CAPABLE bike.
I need something that will get me through rain, hail, and the occasional snow. A bike that won't complain when I hit 50 miles of dirt road in northern Maine. A bike I can load up with groceries and still have room for a 30 pack. Based on these needs, do you think I even care what the bike looks like? My mileage total between this year and last is flirting with 50,000 miles (should have around 30k this year) so I need a machine, not eye candy. As long as it starts up, runs like a champ, and fulfulls my needs, the cosmetic aspect means absolutely nothing to me.
Basically what I'm trying to say is that among all the different types of riders 2 distinct types are:
1. Those whose motorcycles are accessories 2. Those whose lives are their motorcycles
I'm not one to assume much based on such little knowledge of people, but I don't think there will be much argument on which a lot of these fellas complaining are...
