 How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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I'm sure there are small idiosyncrasies we all have with our bikes that we reckon the factory could have done a better job with in the America and Speedmaster design and evolution throughout the years they have been manufactured. One of my pet hates with my America is the ancient design and location of the steering lock. Another would be the position of the ignition switch which can be a real PITA when you want to turn the bike off in gear when parking it. I still love my TBA but I wonder if the design team could have done some things a little better? Just wondering if there are any other bugbears our other readers have? Who knows, there may be a Hinkley designer lurking as a member on this forum that might take this info back to the factory? 
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Would be good to have the indicators switch off on there own . I fitted a buzzer to mine so you can hear when you have got them on. Quite loud ,bit of a pain sitting at traffic lights waiting to turn. Listening to it bleep away.But small price to pay to remind you when they are on . Atb Geoff
2003 black and silver T.B.A A1 removed,Specialty Spares long slashed Pipes .
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Joined: Jan 2009
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I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
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Quote:
I'm sure there are small idiosyncrasies we all have with our bikes that we reckon the factory could have done a better job with in the America and Speedmaster design and evolution throughout the years they have been manufactured. One of my pet hates with my America is the ancient design and location of the steering lock. Another would be the position of the ignition switch which can be a real PITA when you want to turn the bike off in gear when parking it. I still love my TBA but I wonder if the design team could have done some things a little better?
Just wondering if there are any other bugbears our other readers have?
Who knows, there may be a Hinkley designer lurking as a member on this forum that might take this info back to the factory?
Do what I do when I park in gear.
Just flick down the sidestand. 
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Yeh good tip Frank, I'll remember that one.
It's a shame the ignition key isn't mounted in the centre tank consol or somewhere more convenient though? I would have accepted the current set up in the 1970's but design and ergonomics have moved forward a bit since then.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
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Or use that little red engine stop button next to the throttle. They changed the beef I had with mine when they moved on to the two up seat for 2011 those pillion pads are awkward looking. Then they could go to a better looking gas can the newer one have ugly tanks. They could go back to the knee side panel things. "i don't know what else to call it."
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Tapered steering head bearings.
Can't see where there would be any cost difference to the ball bearings they have in there now.
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Quote:
Or use that little red engine stop button next to the throttle. They changed the beef I had with mine when they moved on to the two up seat for 2011 those pillion pads are awkward looking. Then they could go to a better looking gas can the newer one have ugly tanks. They could go back to the knee side panel things. "i don't know what else to call it."
I like the older tanks with the knee cut outs better than the newer tanks. I don't like the turn signals up on the handle bars, although relocating them isn't that difficult.
2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
Bring back the old style tank ('02-'07)!!!
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Bring back the old style tank ('02-'07)!!!
+1 and remove the seams from the bottom of the tank.
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I never had an issue with the seams and could never figure why people did.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Would be good to have the indicators switch off on there own . I fitted a buzzer to mine so you can hear when you have got them on. Quite loud ,bit of a pain sitting at traffic lights waiting to turn. Listening to it bleep away.But small price to pay to remind you when they are on . Atb Geoff
+1 - Drives me out of my mind! 
Strangler
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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+1 and remove the seams from the bottom of the tank.
Didnt like that myself .So fitted a push on bubble screen strip To my tank .Found some gold strip for that. Also fitted a chrome strip round the mudguards. atb geoff
2003 black and silver T.B.A A1 removed,Specialty Spares long slashed Pipes .
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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SM- put fork shrouds back on, put the 2nd disc back on, longer rear fender back on, old style tank back on.
BA- keep the 16" front wheel but put spoked wheels back on it,put old style tank back on it.
Sell the different tank badges for both again.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Move the ignition switch, self canceling turn signals, go back to old style tank. Also remove the little bar in the top of the gas tank so the nozzle can go in farther when filling the tank. More than once I've filled the tank with a nozzle that can't be used slow and the gas splashes all over my tank etc. Once even got my face splashed.
Just picky little things. Best bike I've ever had.
Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts. - Charles Dickens
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Old Hand
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To borrow from Tim Taylor, "MORE POWER! urg urg urg".
And put back the proper Triumph tank and wire wheels.
Last edited by Greybeard; 03/17/2011 12:12 PM.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
To borrow from Tim Taylor, "MORE POWER! urg urg urg".
RIGHT ON, GB!!!
Something, of which, Mr. Bloor SHOULD have offered as a factory option YEARS ago! I'm talkin' Big Bore here, of course! Yep, give the folks an America or the ironically named "Speed"master with at least 70 to 80 friggin' horsepower(and this CAN be done with these motors, btw) that somebody can purchase AT THE FRIGGIN' DEALERSHIP, and then you'd have the PERFECT motorcycle...MISTER BLOOR!!!!!!!
BUT, this will probably never happen NOW that Bloor and/or his Boyz have apparently decided that if you want more power, you should "upgrade" to another Triumph model and then get full value for these "Beginner Bikes" as trade-ins.
(...so fat chance of this happening NOW, huh guys???!!!)
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: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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The spring rate in the forks as issued, I'm talking about excessive dive on hard braking and the resulting spring back, maybe that's been squared away now? I believe a lot of us have spent money on various fixes to that problem. I know I have.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yep Ryk, another good point there. However, apparently you fail to realize that "Beginner Bikes" should be priced as low as possible, and thus this doesn't allow manufacturers to bolt DECENT friggin' suspension units to their OTHERWISE well engineered(though slightly UNDER-powered) model line!  Yep, the point IS Mister Bloor(and Boyz) that I'll BETCHA there are MANY MANY MANY folks out there who would(or WOULD HAVE) paid a couple thousand more bucks(like say up to, $10 Grand) for a brand new and bone stock FROM the factory Triumph motorcycle like these babies, but which would handle with the best of 'em out there(without wallowing in turns with these lousy friggin' stock shocks and too softly sprung forks), AND which could pass a line of cars EASILY out there on a stretch of two-lane blacktop with just 20 or so more HP!!!! (...ah, but I fully realize you guys over there in Hinckley will never "get" this whole idea...huh?!)
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: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
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Agree with more power, better suspension, old tank sans seam. Add to that no console and a speedo/tach combo sitting up there where the current speedo is.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Quote:
Quote:
To borrow from Tim Taylor, "MORE POWER! urg urg urg".
RIGHT ON, GB!!!
Something, of which, Mr. Bloor SHOULD have offered as a factory option YEARS ago! I'm talkin' Big Bore here, of course! Yep, give the folks an America or the ironically named "Speed"master with at least 70 to 80 friggin' horsepower(and this CAN be done with these motors, btw) that somebody can purchase AT THE FRIGGIN' DEALERSHIP, and then you'd have the PERFECT motorcycle...MISTER BLOOR!!!!!!!
BUT, this will probably never happen NOW that Bloor and/or his Boyz have apparently decided that if you want more power, you should "upgrade" to another Triumph model and then get full value for these "Beginner Bikes" as trade-ins.
(...so fat chance of this happening NOW, huh guys???!!!)
Agree Dwight. It should happen but won't. A big bore option, kind of like what HD does with the Sportsters 883-1200.
2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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BTW... I posted a link to this thread on Triumph's FaceBook Page (their North America page).
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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they should use the speedo and tach from the thruxton..i like the white faces.
the ignition switch location sux
and the sidestand...but i hear they fixed that.
+1 on the 02-07 tank...
and suspension..the back of mine is fine now with the addition of progressive 440's..i'll add intimators(sp) to the front
If it isn't broke, I haven't messed with it.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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#1 on the Ricor intimators(sp), they end the fork dive from braking hard. 
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Agree Dwight. It should happen but won't. A big bore option, kind of like what HD does with the Sportsters 883-1200.
Yep Dave...exact-a-lac-a-ly!
Or maybe, an example of such a little "closer to home" here....
I mean, can somebody, ANYBODY please explain to me WHY the Hinckley Boyz thought a 1700cc FACTORY Big Bore option would be a "smart idea" to offer to those interested in an ALREADY 1600cc Thunderbird, and YET nothin' at ALL like this idea for ANY of the Bonneville line...EVER????
(...yeah, somebody, ANYBODY please 'splain THAT to me...if you can!!!)
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: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Oh, and btw....cosmetically, I think Bloor's Boyz have done a pretty nice job of updating their designs for the Triumph "Cruiser" lineup, through yeah, I agree with most of you here about the "need" of returning the knee-indents to the gas tank. Yep, that's always been one of Triumph's "trademarks", alright! (...oh, and bring back that Caspian Blue paint color...err...coloUr again, Mr. Bloor...or whoever is in charge over there!!!) 
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: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Make it 50 pounds lighter.
If a 160hp Superbike can weigh 420lbs, there's no reason for
a 60hp Cruiser to weigh 525lbs.
Then bring back the old tank (glad I have mine), and improve the suspension.
Losing the weight would improve both the power and braking.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Quote:
BTW... I posted a link to this thread on Triumph's FaceBook Page (their North America page).
I saw that. It took me to my happy place. 
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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I agree with having a speedo and tacho on the bars and one thing i thought of doing and never got around to it was fit a HD style ignition into the dash where the tacho now goes But now having upgraded  to a T100 i wont have to do these things
What goes round comes round
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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SPOKES! I also agree that self-cancelling turn-signals would be nice, offset fuel filler, maybe change up the "dashboard". I also think a factory belt drive might be cool.
06 America 904
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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I think the seam makes it look cheap. Tanks just look better rounded at the bottom. Thats my only beef with the bike.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
It just has to do with how they stamp the steel and spot weld the top and tunnel together. They'd have to completely retool to change it. Most people probably don't care that much.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Quote:
they should use the speedo and tach from the thruxton..i like the white faces.
I'd be happy with a speedo and tach that would indicate something a little closer to reality!
Quote:
#1 on the Ricor intimators(sp), they end the fork dive from braking hard.
I'm so much into the habit of riding older bikes with insignificant braking power that I hadn't noticed that.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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you guys named it all, I can't think of anything else, DANG!
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Yep you guys have pretty well covered it. I might add though that possibly reducing the amount of plastic would impress me. Particularly things that are visible such as the tank console and the surround of the key ignition. I mean plastic must be cheap and light but in my opinion does not resemble quality. I am okay with a higher cost if I get a motorcycle that is quality. I would prefer that to additional features.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
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Yea less plastic would be good. They wouldn't have to go back to the old tank. A new tank simular to the Bonnie with no dash could be cool maybe a little fatter ( than the bonnie tank) and keep the knee sides.
Maybe make the speedie a 904 stock. To add a bit of reason to the name.
I agree, no more features........... simplify even.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Yea less plastic would be good. They wouldn't have to go back to the old tank. A new tank simular to the Bonnie with no dash could be cool maybe a little fatter ( than the bonnie tank) and keep the knee sides.
Maybe make the speedie a 904 stock. To add a bit of reason to the name.
I agree, no more features........... simplify even.
+1 on that. Less is more!
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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By not changing anything, except by retrograde. And the biggest displacement possible version of the same engine, and a six speed trans.
What makes these bikes cool is their simplicity and the great base for customizing that they are.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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That tank seam has bugged me since Day 1. A sixth gear and a bit more fuel capacity (with the old style tank) would suit me just fine. I'd like to see closer to 200 miles between gas stops.
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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Adjunct
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Re: How could Triumph improve the next TBA or Speedie?
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twisted spoke option, no air box option, 6th gear, belt drive, fuel gauge,& self canceling signals.. out of the box, perfect bike
George
Freelance Observer
07 BA with 605's, engine dresser bars, and cheap saddle bags.
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