 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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I've had my heart set on getting an America for my first motorcycle but I've found this bike for sale locally and wanted to get some opinions from you all. Is this a good deal, were there any issues with this particular year that you know of? Since I know nothing about the mechanics of a motorcycle, what should I be looking for that could be going bad on a 10 year old bike? What questions should I be asking of the seller or issues I should be looking for on a test ride? I really appreciate any input you can provide. Here's the Craigslist link. http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/2080511660.html
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Are you mechanical to put the pull back bars on yourself?
Nice bike- you can probably buy it for high 2000s. How bout this, contract to buy it but agree to buy it at the Triumph dealership and you will pay for them to do a check it over type inspection. Running condition, brakes, ect. can be evaluated by Triumph for about 1 shop hour. At that time they can fix brakes, oil change etc if needed.
The T-bird is much taller than an America. Its also much faster :-)
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Personally I would go the America or the Speedmaster. The old Thunderbird is a different kind of motorcycle. It is in good condition from the looks of it and low mileage and the choice is ultimately yours. I would recomend some sort of inspection from someone like a dealer as previously mentioned. Let us know which way you go.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
I know people who have the old tbirds.They are a nice bike,its a tough decision.I think the americas and speedys have them beat in the looks dept but I know the tbirds performance is better then our bikes and they seem more nimble as well.Take it to a competant mech if the seller will let you.If its solid,go for it.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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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 buy that... as a second bike after an America or Speedmaster. Still, you can't go wrong. As long as you're comfortable on it.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
It seems like a fair deal and if that's what you want in a bike, then go for it. Personally I'm glad I have the America but now that I do, I'd be interesting in adding that to the stable.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Those bikes are great-looking and hard to find. They often sell quickly around here. Good luck!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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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 |
See if they'll drop down to $2,900 then snag it.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
i am a bit concerned about this being your first bike. this bike is very quick, it can be a little top heavy when the tank is full and to the shorter of inseam can be a bit tall. my suggestion would be to take it for a ride and see if it fits you. if you find yourself comfortable with the power and hieght, well ok. the bike itself should be ok if it has been treated right, by that i mean oil changes and other maint things but like i said it is a very quick bike and i would hate to hear that anything bad has happened because you were unpreparred for this. the America has a more relaxed riding position and is not as snappy off the line. that said, the bird is an awsome bike and a lot of them have been made into the cafe racer style bike because of its handleing characteristics. like someone else has said, it wouldnt hurt to take it to a local shop and have them give it the once over, but these Triumphs seem to hold up very well, even when mistreated. 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50 |
Thanks everyone for your feedback. While this t-bird is a really nice looking bike I was really wanting a cruiser so I think I'll keep looking for an America or Speedy. As I say that, look at what I just found! http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/2089183496.html. Someone must have traded it in on a new Harley, I'll have to go check it out.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50 |
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Wow Julie that Speedmaster is awesome.  If I were you I would definetely buy that. I have a black 06 Speedmaster and have owned many different bikes in my life ( just look in members rides ) and the speedy is my favourite by a long shot.  If I had the chance to get one first up, I would'nt have needed so many bikes. I love the colour against the black engine.  Just buy it Julie. You won't be sorry. You can add on so many extras to personalise these bikes and that looks hot already. I wish I could buy it. 
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50 |
Uh StevieB, for some reason I'm getting the feeling that you want me to buy this bike!!  I'm going to go check it out this weekend and will let you know. Thanks for your input!
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
you can always put better bars on a Speedmaster
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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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:
Someone must have traded it in on a new Harley
Yeah... it's called a momentary lapse of reason and can happen to the best of us. I once thought I'd sell my America. Members here set me straight and I'm okay now.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507 |
Quote:
Thanks everyone for your feedback. While this t-bird is a really nice looking bike I was really wanting a cruiser so I think I'll keep looking for an America or Speedy. As I say that, look at what I just found! http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/2089183496.html. Someone must have traded it in on a new Harley, I'll have to go check it out.
Now you're talkin'!
2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Yep, buy that one!
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Go look at it, but dont be in a hurry, there will be others for sale and with it not being riding season, it fortifies the no hurry approach.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Look to Craigslist Dubuque Iowa....there is a very very nice America, all dressed out, for sale at the local Triumph dealer, its a 2007.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
How about a blk 04 speedmaster? 34k lots of goodies on it!
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Well Julie, I hope it turns out to be as good as it looks. It sure looks good.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50 |
Well I went and looked at the '07 Speedy at the local Harley dealer. The Speedy was sweet, the only problem was that they just sold it.  Of course they kept trying to get me to buy a Harley instead...couldn't understand why I would want to buy a Triumph! That's ok, there will be others.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
They wanted you to buy a harly because they are having a tough time selling them. The speedy didn't take long at all to sell did it?
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
I told you it was a good one.  There will be more cause its BBBRRRRRRR cold over there.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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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:
Well I went and looked at the '07 Speedy at the local Harley dealer. The Speedy was sweet, the only problem was that they just sold it. Of course they kept trying to get me to buy a Harley instead...couldn't understand why I would want to buy a Triumph! That's ok, there will be others.
Well Julie, maybe the reason the Harley salesman couldn't understand why you'd want to buy a Triumph has something to do more with the "vibes" that you might've been givin' off to the guy!!!
Uh huh...I mean maybe those "vibes" weren't sayin' to the guy that you were lookin' to purchase a motorcycle. Nope, MAYBE your "vibes" were somehow tellin' the guy that you were REALLY just lookin' to purchase a "Lifestyle" INSTEAD???!!!  
(...btw, sorry to hear the Speedy was already sold...but I already have enough confidence in you to know you'll eventually find the Triumph that's out there waitin' for ya!...yep, THOSE are the REAL "vibes" that I'm pickin' up from ya here!)
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: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50 |
Mike - no it didn't take long for them to sell the Speedy, only 4 days after they posted it on Craigslist. Bet they wished they could sell Harley's that fast!
Dwight - I think you may be right about the "vibes"! And yes I've already found another 07 Speedy for sale about 3 hours away that I'm seriously considering and just today found an 06 America for sale locally. Decisions, decisions.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Oh boy oh boy, choices. Sounds like you are gonna have a new lifestyle very soon. Just something worth noting Julie, the black ones go faster. 
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
The 06 americas are by far the best looking ones!Buy that one for sure,especially if its black.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
oh man, get that graphite/silver, that's a beauty and you're not likely to see another one like it
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
A couple o' good looking options there! Like Dave I kinda like the gray-silver bike.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Both bikes look great Julie. The choice is ultimately yours and I know you will pick the bike thats best for you. So if I could hazard a guess I would say it will be.... ... the black speedy of course because they are the fastest.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 50 |
Oh, I forgot to mention and you all might think this is humorous, but when I was up at the Harley dealer last weekend to look at the Speedy, the salesguy actually asked me if Triumph is still making motorcycles. I'm pretty sure I gave him a look like he was the biggest imbecile on the planet.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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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:
Oh, I forgot to mention and you all might think this is humorous, but when I was up at the Harley dealer last weekend to look at the Speedy, the salesguy actually asked me if Triumph is still making motorcycles. I'm pretty sure I gave him a look like he was the biggest imbecile on the planet.
Nope Julie, I doubt this will surprise any of us around here, as this sort of thing happens all the time. But yeah, it does seem kind of "funny" that some dude who's at least in the motorcycle sales industry wouldn't know that Triumph has "been back" and manufacturing motorcycles in England for just about 20 years now, doesn't it?!
(...but then again, in this particular case, we're talkin' about someone involved in and with "The [H-D] Faithful", and after a while I think you'll soon discover that many of those folks are all caught up in their own little world...okay, their own BIG mass-marketed world anyway, and many of those folks have absolutely NO idea about much else that's goin' on outside of that!)
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: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
There both very nice. Either way you go you'll be in love with.
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Re: 2000 Thunderbird
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 413
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 413 |
Quote:
Oh, I forgot to mention and you all might think this is humorous, but when I was up at the Harley dealer last weekend to look at the Speedy, the salesguy actually asked me if Triumph is still making motorcycles. I'm pretty sure I gave him a look like he was the biggest imbecile on the planet.
That is pretty odd - I've gotten some appreciative comments about Triumphs from salesmen at that dealership.
Guess it depends which one you get.
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