Greetings one and all from rainy Seattle, Washington!!
I'm a newbie rider (I don't count moped, mini-bikes, and the like from my youth), completed the Basic Rider class, was planning on buying a Yamaha until my brother, the hard core biker, got me looking again at the Triumphs. I considered the Triumphs briefly before, but figured the Yamaha would be better because it has a bigger engine and Yamaha is better known. OK... I was misguided, I admit it.
However,
I have seen the light and am planning on getting an America with the blue/white colour scheme in late June, after I finish a big job o'seas. I've spent the past few months reading this forum and trying to figure out my priorities in mods. Obviousy the AI has to go ASAP. I'll probably switch to a more respectable, but not too obnoxious, set of pipes at same time. I'm thinking TOR longs, but still reading up on Bubs and T-bikes. And do something with the airbox. I am interested in the Freak as well, but I don't have alot of tools/space on hand to do it myself, may have to let dealer do it. That or just keep original airbox for now.
After that, with some riding practice, I'll get a wind screen/lowers. Then I'll start with the little things such as oil pressure gauge, clock, kneepads, tall sissy bar, bags, etc.
I'll probably have more questions once I actually have the bike in late June. I'm just trying to decide on dealer. Neither local place has really impressed me. The salesman in Lynnwood told me he had an 06 SM, but couldn't figure where the ignition key went for the America when he went to fire it up. He was looking around up by the speedo.
The showroom America, at dealer in Issaquah, had loose screws on the left brake handle assembly. I sat on the bike and started tightening the assembly by hand.
If anyone from the Seattle area can recommend one dealer or the other, please let me know.
Anyway, I like all the good intel on this site and hope to contribute what and when I can.
