My wife got hers last fall, and I was so impressed with it, I sold my V-Star 950 in March for my own! One 'downside' to owning these bikes, is that you always end up late. People always want to stop and talk to you about them! I get lots of waves, and thumbs up.
The motors are very smooth, and torquey. I like the handling as well. I couldn't push the corners with the 950, but these machines have no problems in the twisties. GREAT brakes, and very smooth acceleration.
There are lots of aftermarket pieces, and accessories for these machines as well. Definitely a fun machine. I haven't owned our Speedmasters too long, so reliability hasn't been proven to me yet. They start up right away. The fit and finish is also top rate. I particularly like the hand painted pinstripes on the fuel tank that is initialed by the painter. You can tell these machines are pretty much hand done, and I really like the detail that Triumph has designed into these machines.
I have no problems with the stock seat, and my wife likes hers as well. I will be ordering a Corbin with pillion for mine at some point as I want to take a passenger.
Good luck in your decision.
H.
