 CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9 |
Hi All
This is my first post and I am new to the idea of internet forums.
Also, I am new to the world of Triumph - bikes at least.
I owned a BSA 650 when at university 35 years ago and have ridden smaller bikes ever since.
2 weeks ago I put in an order for a Bonnie SE and am due to take delivery next month. However, last week I visited the dealer to find a new America on the floor and it looked awesome. I have yet to ride one and have never had the opportunity to ride a Cruiser style bike. Sitting static on the America seemed cool. I need advice and fast as to the real pros and cons between the conventional Bonnie and the America as I still have an opportunity to change my order. Is there anyone out there who can give me genuine advice on this. Thanks
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Genuine advice.... Get the America.
It's a comfortable bike made more for travelling than a Bonnie. However, it (along with the America's leaner and meaner brother the Speedmaster) is pretty much the perfect all around bike. It works great for commuting, heading out on the highway and those twisty back roads.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 286
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 286 |
Try to get the dealer to let you test ride them both. You can feel the difference in seating position just sitting on each bike in the showroom, but nothing like a test ride to really get the feel for the bike. I was going to buy a scrambler till I sat and test rode both a Scrambler and an America. The America was just so comfortable that I had to get it.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 42
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 42 |
I've owned both. I had a Bonnie Black and now own a EFI America. Which one was best...ah ha what a question. I loved the bonnie and with the right modifications to it you can sit on it all day. It looks the part and feels it too. I went in for my 6K service and walked out with the America. Low down grunt is fantastic, loads more road presence and it handles too. On a recent run I got 170 miles out of the tank before the light came on, so it will tour. Do I miss my wee bonnie oh aye - to right but do I regret trading it for the America - no, not at all.  Jock
When you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs your the one with the big Axe!
My Facebook
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I'm for test riding a Speedmaster/America and compare. It'll be worth your while to do this in the long run. No point buying something now and regretting it later if you don't like it.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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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 |
Welcome Angus, here's what I think is the only possible downside to the Triumph cruisers which you may encounter, and it all depends on if you have or have had any problems with back pain...The feet forward riding position does place more of your body weight upon your tailbone, because you will not be able to use your legs to act as any sort of body support as you would with any of the more standard style Bonnies and their standard style riding position with the pegs directly underneath you.
Other than that, all the other member's observations definitely hold true. The America and Speedmasters are just about the best handling cruiser style motorcycles out there, and as Jock stated above, they have loads of "road presence".
(and yeah, definitely take the America out for a spin first, and see if it's really the one you'll be the most happy with)
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: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 410
Adjunct
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Angus--yes--try before you buy! Dwight's point about seating position is well taken. The stock seat does different things for different people. I use an Airhawk cushion on my seat and am thankful for it. Others use Corbin or other custom seats instead.
The America is a great bike--worth serious consideration. Best of luck to you in your choice!
John
============================
"The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is planning" - Charles Hutchins
2008 TBA / Black / NCHD Windscreen / Saddlebags / De-Baffled Pipes / Flat Black Console
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 142
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 142 |
without a doubt the America is the most comfortable bike I have ever riden, would recomend it to anyone
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 404
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
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Ride both of them. Then decide.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 404
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Ride both of them, then decide.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
without a doubt the America is the most comfortable bike I have ever riden, would recomend it to anyone
Some of us old geezers use a back rest. For longer rides especially. That and an Airhawk for trips over a few hours. For 4 hour trips and longer I recommend the footboards since they allow you to easily move your legs around. That said, I've put close to 45,000 miles on my America over 6 years with zero mechanical problems (knock on wood) and in comfort.
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: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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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:
(knock on wood)
That reminds me of an old Peter Egan column in Cycle World magazine there, Larry.
In it, Mr. Egan was waxing nostalgic about his beloved late '60s T100, and he said every time someone would ask him how his bike was running, and if he didn't "knock on wood" after telling them that it was running great at the moment, sure enough he said he'd get a mile or two down the road afterward and the thing would quit on him.
(however Angus...you shouldn't have to do this, as nowdays with the newer Hinckley-built Triumphs, and as Larry pointed out here, these are VERY reliable bikes....knock on wood!) 
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: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
if you enjoy riding locally/short hops/serious bends get the conventional bonnie. If you spend time in the saddle/ride outa town/ride two up get the non-conventional bonnie.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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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 |
It's a very personal decision and you're not going to go wrong either way. It's primarily about ergonomics and style. Only you can decide. There are similar improvements to be had in both bikes.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 126
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 126 |
America a great bike, Speedmasters are just better! IMHO 
03 Speedmaster
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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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 |
Quote:
It's a very personal decision and you're not going to go wrong either way. It's primarily about ergonomics and style. Only you can decide. There are similar improvements to be had in both bikes.
Exactly. You need to test ride both, at low speed in a parking lot and out on the road to gain a proper perspective on their strengths (and weaknesses). I've had both and loved each. I kept the America...
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: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
if you enjoy riding locally/short hops/serious bends get the conventional bonnie. If you spend time in the saddle/ride outa town/ride two up get the non-conventional bonnie.
The America is better at the Bonnie's plus points than the Bonnie is better at the America's plus points IMHO
Besides which, if just seeing one is making you wonder if you've made the right choice, then your already halfway to deciding on one anyway 
So get the America, you know you want to 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
America a great bike, Speedmasters are just better! IMHO
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9 |
Being in Australia, I had to wait overnight to see if my post was replied to - I am chuffed with the result.
I will try the "America" on Saturday. Thanks to all who took the time to respond - much appreciated.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
We're totally unbiased......Get the America.....Trust us....
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Either way you'll end up with a Triumph... and that's a good thing!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Posts: 9 |
Thanks again to all for all the good advice - I get to test ride the "America" next Tuesday - which should be cool.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 56
Member
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Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 56 |
Well let us know how it goes. I think you'll like the America. 
Live in the sunshine, drink the wild air... - Emerson
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
Go with the America you will never be disappointed.
John
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738 |
When you try it you will buy it!
Both bikes need aftermarket pipes to come alive
Welcome to the forum and Triumph ownership mate!
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
Either way you'll end up with a Triumph... and that's a good thing!!
Keith, not all Triumph owners are as nice as us lot
I once met a work college who rides a Daytona, when he found out I had an America, his response was "They're crap, they are"
That is the extent of the one and only conversation I have had with him, and I had to find out from someone else that he rode a Daytona. W%^ker that he is
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
I once met a work college who rides a Daytona, when he found out I had an America, his response was "They're crap, they are"
You see, now that's just part of the injustice in this world with a guy like that owning a Triumph and not extending respect to the whole family. It's just not right!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
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Had I have to do all over again I would have bought the Bonnie SE, I found I'm more of a standard type of bike rider than a cruiser. The America is the 1st and last cruiser I will ever buy.
'06 America, Raask foot controls, the bike use to be Graphite and Silver, now its Red and Black.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 99
Member
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Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 99 |
Buy the America/or Speedy...great bikes with lots of mod options...plus larger bike...Bonnie is to small
Good choice no matter what you choose...good luck
.....I know the key to a well rounded education is, EXPERIMENTATION......
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41 |
Speedmaster!! yes. great bike! 
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
DO NOT...Pull a 36 year old Bonneville from the woods and think you can bring it to life for under $4000...Trust me.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473 |
Yup, gotta agree, the Speedmaster is definitely a sporty cruiser. It handles so well, and the drag bars make it feel really responsive, with dual front brakes that have great feel. Minimal chrome to polish is nice, too  H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9 |
Hi to all that have responded to my original post as to whether I should buy a Bonneville SE or an America. The update is that I have now test ridden the Speedmaster and the America and as some predicted, there simply is no real choice when comparing those to the Bonnie SE. I found the front end of the America/Speedmaster a bit ponderous initially and the forward leg position a little disconcerting to begin with. Riding through chicanes and tight low speed turns also produced a bit of a wobble on my part to start with. However, as the rides progressed it all became as clear as day to me. Consequently I'm now off to buy a Vespa LX50. Don't worry my mind is still in tact and with all of that and tomorrow being my birthday, I will be taking possession of a brand new Blue/White America in the afternoon. Your help, comments and wit were a all very much appreciated.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,486 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,486 Likes: 6 |
'04' Black America
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
tomorrow being my birthday, I will be taking possession of a brand new Blue/White America in the afternoon.
Happy Birthday and happy riding!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Consequently I'm now off to buy a Vespa LX50.
Congrats on the purchase and happy birthday!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Happy Birthday, enjoy your present
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473 |
Congratulations! Post some pics when you get a chance  H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Weeee haaaa!! She is really cool!!!!!
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Re: CHOICE OF TRIUMPHS
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Posts: 9 |
Hi Soren Thanks for the advice. I have had my America for 3 weeks and it is really great. Only hassle is living in Perth Australia there do not seem to be too many other Americas around!! Cheers, mate.
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