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Need some advice
#60369 05/11/2006 8:01 AM
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Hi all, virgin poster here!!! I've recently fallen in love, with Triumph America and Speedmasters, and if you wanna find out about them, I guess this is where to come!!! I've wanted a cruiser for years and I've finally decided to ****** it and buy one. It'd be my first bike, can you give me some advice?
1. Which bike would be better for a first timer, America or S/Master?
2. In England, is it really illegal to put silencers on, or is it something that noone pays attention to?
3. When I get the bike it will be my only method of transport, and living in MAnchester (Seattle of UK) it rains quite a bit, is it cool to ride these bikes in the wet, and leave them out in the wet, or is it more of a warm garage, bike cover, only take them out in the sun kind of thing?

Please help, cos I want to buy one this weekend!!!!

Cheers,

J

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60370 05/11/2006 8:11 AM
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Welcome James. I have no garage, so my bike has sat out in the rain for almost 3 years now until I finally bought a bike cover, and never had a problem with the electrics! Same goes with riding in the rain, which I try to avoid, but so far almost 39,000km and no problems. As far as which is better, go for whichever one hits your fancy, as they are almost identical, other than wheels, brakes and handlebar. Either is perfectly fine for a beginner in my book, and the differences are so subtle that one or the other will be fine. Good luck, it's a tough choice, but one that is fun to make!!!

Re: Need some advice
Gregu710 #60371 05/11/2006 8:37 AM
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Heya James...

As to which model's the best, you'll get all sorts of opinions that without exception will coincide with whichever model the author's got. As Greg pointed out they're basically the same bike... the mechanical differences amount to different handlebars & seat, single or dual front disks, spoked or "mag" wheels, and if you're getting this year's model one has about 60cc's more engine. They also have a different "look"... the speedmaster's a blacked-out boulevard bruiser, and the america's a chrome cruiser. Ride them both, look at them both, see which one you like best. Maybe get some brochures and stick pics of the two models on your wall for a few days and see which one catches your eye more. However if you decide on the America you'll want to change the tyres as quickly as possible (maybe order it with different tyres) as the Bridgestones that Triumph put on the Americas are pretty average in the wet. The Speedmaster's Metzelers are much better.

Personally I wouldn't want to leave any bike in the rain... at least get it a cover. Leaving a bike wet (or worse, wet and muddy) will promote rust and kill the finish on the paint. It also makes it more available to thieves.

I don't have any transport other than my bike, and have gone to the point of putting a tow-bar on it and getting a cargo trailer for shopping, camping etc. I've done over 35000km in 2 years on it, and it's been pretty much flawless other than a minor wiring issue that the dealer quickly took care of under warranty.

As a first bike there's much worse choices out there - these are well behaved bikes with a nice low centre of gravity and are pretty forgiving. They're big enough to do pretty much anything that's asked of them, but not so big that they'll monster a newbie.

Have fun choosing, and let us know what you decide.

Matt

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60372 05/11/2006 9:12 AM
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Welcome James,
You want advice, I got it. These Triumph cruisers are like buying a camera or handgun - 'if it feels good in your hand - BUY IT. They are virtually the same bike, but I prefer the America because I don't like blacked out stuff.
I've owned every known brand and these are simply the best.
It's like voting for politicians in America in the 60s, Vote for the Kennedy of your choice, but just vote.
If I lived in Manchester or Seattle, I'd get a Vespa if a bike was my only means of being mobile. However, If you want a good bike with power & attitude, get one of these bikes. They are great handles in the rain.
As far as pipes - I gutted mine. You'll have to ask Adey or another folks from the mother abouth the pipe issue.


Ride Safe, Dennis Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
Re: Need some advice
SKILLET #60373 05/11/2006 9:34 AM
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If all else were equal, (and it isn't), I'd say get the Speedmaster for the tires alone. Tubeless Metzlers are far superior in the rain than the stock Bridgestone tube-types on the America's spoke wheels.

The Speedy also has the extra stopping power of the two front discs.

They both are very forgiving bikes for a beginner - mine was my first also, and the few mistakes I've made I've credited the bike for helping me keep her upright. (too much rear brake, locking it up, etc.) Took me a while to trust the front brake so much that I can grab it HARD now if I have to and apply rear brake later to stabilize....

I have two teenage sons that I would love to see on two wheels, and anything smaller I think would be a mistake. At the same time, I bought my Speedy after satisfying myself that it would be big enough to not want to have to trade up to a bigger bike after I was comfortable with it - and I don't ever want to not have my Speedy now. I can appreciate other bikes more now, and may one day own another, but I won't be trading my Speedy in for a bigger cruiser because it isn't big enough. It is.


Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60374 05/11/2006 9:44 AM
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If you get either welcome to the brotherhood ! As far as weather to get a Speed master or a America it is pretty much a matter of preference.There is a difference now in engine size with the America having more HP and the Speedmaster having more torque.I have leaned towards the speedy because of the colors,drag bars,and love the blacked out look.Either way you get a exceptional bike that will turn heads !


She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
Re: Need some advice
Blackwind #60375 05/11/2006 9:55 AM
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Hi J,
I have to agree with Blackwind. I bought my Speedy Sept. 04. I was 62 years old and never had a bike before and rode others less than five times. I went to a motorcycle school and would recommend that highly. I found that the Speedy is an excellent bike to learn on. We had three acres of grass that I rode on for a while. That is a tough way to learn because grass is slippery, but it worked for me. I have ridden in many rain storms and again the tires (tyres) were great. I now have 10600 miles on mine. I would cover your bike though.
Dave

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60376 05/11/2006 10:15 AM
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Hi guys,

Wow, I feel truly welcomed, thanks for all the advice. I have heard that the tyres on the America are not good, but I guess this is a small thing to replace if it is the bike for me. I'm going to the Triumph garage on SAturday for a good old test, a feel, a sit, a look, a glace, a smell and a stare at these fantastic machines. Probably see if I can get a test drive too, and who knows maybe this time next week, I too could be the rpoud owner of a Blacked-out bruiser or a Chromed Cruiser.

I can't wait!!!

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60377 05/11/2006 10:38 AM
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OK, OK, I'll agree with the rookies on this one. Until you learn to ride, maybe the Speedmaster is best (just kidding, guys). You're gonna wear tires out. The stock tires on the America are not as good, but they will wear out soon enough. I don't care if you put eight discs on the front wheel, you've only got so much "patch" on the ground to stop you. I've read reports that say twin disc have more stopping power than a single disc (about 7% more)if you don't lose your patch during hard braking. It has also been studied that having a greater brake pad area than patch area will increase the chance of losing contact with the road. That, I really can't believe, but I am not a magazine writer, so what do I know.
The only thing I like more about the Speedmaster is the cast wheels, because you don't have to fool with inner tubes (they're for floatin' in the lake). If you're lazy and don't want to clean the chrome, get a Speedmaster. Like I said before, it's like a camera - If it feels good in your hands, buy it. They're all good. There is not a dime's worth of difference in these bikes. Well, maybe $800 difference for the cast wheels and Metzlers. The dual discs are a wash. The America was and is my choice, but I like shiney stuff.


Ride Safe, Dennis Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60378 05/11/2006 10:55 AM
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1. Buy the one that feels best to you. If you love the look of one, but the feel of the other, buy the looks and start negotiating with the deler about swapping on the seat and handlebars from the one that feels best because those are what change the feel.
2. Yes, but.... It all depends on the local plod. keep your eyes and ears open and see what others seem to be able to get by with and play it from there. One advantage of the new Triumph twins is that they are sometimes mistaken for the older ones that are supposed to be louder. At any rate, don't modify the original silencers and keep them put away safe, just in case you have to re-install them to pass MOT.
3. You should be OK as long as you keep the bike clean and well waxed. It would be a good idea to get a cover for it. Keep in mind though, that it is not usually a good idea to cover a bike for very long at a time when it is wet.
Another thing, get some dielectric grease and coat as many electrical connexions as you can find wiht it to keep moisture out.
Oh yes, when negotiating with the dealer, especially if you decide on an America, see if you can get it with Avon tyres. They do better in the wet.


Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60379 05/11/2006 12:12 PM
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Well. I have zero bias as to which bike I like.

Some critical things to know about Black Speedmasters....

Attila the Hun rode a Black Speedmaster while conquering the late Roman Empire and becoming master of his beloved Steppes.

Ghenkis Kahn rode at the head of his hordes of Mongols on a Black Speedie as they conquered all of Mongolia, china, and most of the known world at the time.

Dwight David Eisenhower took daily rides on his Black Speedmaster while working on final details for the invasion of Europe in 1944. He won you know.

Now...hitler rode a Harley (cheap shot acknowledged)

Monty rode at the front of his mechanized armored divisions in North Afrika as he whipped up on Rommels keister all the while peering over the drag bars of his Black Speedmaster....

The Japanese in the Pacific theater rode early Hondas...look what happened to them!

Old blood and Guts Patton rode .....ya got it... a Black Speedmaster as he drove across the fields of WW2 Europe towards ultimate victory....

So ....the choice is clear. Ya need a Black Speedmaster.

Victory !


"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60380 05/11/2006 12:30 PM
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Hey Animal, I did leave that out, but as Sandman pointed out, the Speedmaster does come with better tyres. However, unlike those Sauerkraut-swilling Fascist Speedmaster riders who have ACHTUNG!!!! Metzlers on their bikes (I believe they are made on a separate line at Krupp Werks in Essen Germany, I have PROPER TYRES on my bike now, Avon Venoms! OH, did I forget anything, oh yeah, God Save the Queen!


Oh yeah, Americas at one time, were available in Red and Blue, both colors of the Union Flag, as God himself intended, while the Speedmasters weren't! However, they are available in Red/Black, which are colors of the same aforementioned sauerkraut-swilling countries flag!

Why, that bike in the post above mine almost looks like a fascisti Panzer tank, doesn't it...

Re: Need some advice
Gregu710 #60381 05/11/2006 12:45 PM
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ROTFLMAO......

I knew there was a reason I started hangin around here.


"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60382 05/11/2006 1:05 PM
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My advice is to by any Red/Black Speedmaster that takes your fancy.

Seriously it does not really matter what one to decide on. I looked at the America for many months until I saw the Speedmaster and I was sold on it. It was just something for me the way it sat and looked. A classic but a modern one at that. But then I go a long way back with the Bonnie owned one in the 70’s. So at the end of the day any of the Bonnie range would be a good first bike.

As has been stated here a few times it is very forgiving and the motor is basically unbreakable with the low revving and the power being what it is. As you can see I have don a few small changes to my one. I have now also added leather bags to it so I am now all setup for a long long time or until they bring out the 1000 + cruiser



The invisible One
Re: Need some advice
DaveM #60383 05/11/2006 1:46 PM
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Welcome to the site james, i to am the owner of a BLACK SPEEDY,, well it was black when i bought it last year. Hopefully you will join us on a few runs or rallys when you have purchased your new ride....
Dave


Been there, Done that, Cant remember why! http://www.flickr.com/photos/12897423@N00/sets
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60384 05/11/2006 2:15 PM
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James

Welcome to the site!

Others have given their opinion as to whether you should get an America or Speedmaster , so I am not going to add my biased opinion here.

However I can answer the other questions - It is not legal to use anything but "approved" pipes on the roads. That said I have "off road" pipes on my America and have ridden past loads of cops without any trouble. The dealer who sold them said that I would have to refit the stock pipes for the MOT, but another member here, Grzegorz, got his America through one with the off road pipes on!

Re leaving out in the rain, if you do this, (like any bike) its soon gonna look like sh!t. An (ex) friend of mine cost me about £500 by leaving a bike outside for 12 months that he told me he would keep inside. In fact, this 3 year old bike was so bad, the dealer didn't want to take it in part ex for my America!! At the very least, I would get a cover for it, if only to make it less obvious to any thieving scum that may be around. you have only got to look in this weeks MCN to see their latest tricks.

Good luck with your choice, you will enjoy either bike (especially an America)

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60385 05/11/2006 2:33 PM
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hello James you will be my closest BA.com memeber don't worry about rain my bike was almost year only covered overnight and in winter frozen but no problems .
I have got a really loud exhaust(epco) and dont really care abot that got MOT with triumph off roads and still got them till next MOT whatever you want to buy speedy or america this is right decision

buy it before bank holiday then we can go for a ride!!!!!!


Grzegorz ......55 cubic inches http://www.flickr.com/photos/25172906@N06/ 904WisecoTPUSAcamsTTPignitorgutted Airbox"breath"airIntakeKeihinCR-ScarbsBlackEpcoExhaustS/SwheelsPortedPolishedHead
Re: Need some advice
Grzegorz #60386 05/11/2006 2:41 PM
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Quote:

buy it before bank holiday then we can go for a ride!!!!!!




James

Just so you know, this is a man who rode 200 miles each way for a night out at a pub - you have been warned!!!!

Re: Need some advice
clanrickarde #60387 05/11/2006 3:17 PM
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Funny stuff Kevin!

Animal, don't be put off by the stock America tires. I had them on through two years of the GA Rally. They performed just fine through some of the nastiest (as in best) twisties ever.

btw, I was also right behind our fearless leader Chy. Ask anyone there whether I had any problem keeping up!

Sure they are not the best tire in the world but they are definitely adequate...


"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
Re: Need some advice
Nobby #60388 05/11/2006 3:27 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

buy it before bank holiday then we can go for a ride!!!!!!




James

Just so you know, this is a man who rode 200 miles each way for a night out at a pub - you have been warned!!!!




Nobby is a man who was traveling in USA 34000 miles(or something like that) for fun


Grzegorz ......55 cubic inches http://www.flickr.com/photos/25172906@N06/ 904WisecoTPUSAcamsTTPignitorgutted Airbox"breath"airIntakeKeihinCR-ScarbsBlackEpcoExhaustS/SwheelsPortedPolishedHead
Re: Need some advice
Grzegorz #60389 05/11/2006 3:50 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

buy it before bank holiday then we can go for a ride!!!!!!




James

Just so you know, this is a man who rode 200 miles each way for a night out at a pub - you have been warned!!!!





This is also the man that rode from North Wales to Stratford Upon Avon, just so he could fall off, and ride home again. Has also been know to ride over a 100 miles for a cup of coffee!!!

Paul.


Paul. "If at first you don't succeed... So much for skydiving."
Re: Need some advice
Paul #60390 05/11/2006 3:54 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

buy it before bank holiday then we can go for a ride!!!!!!




James

Just so you know, this is a man who rode 200 miles each way for a night out at a pub - you have been warned!!!!





This is also the man that rode from North Wales to Stratford Upon Avon, just so he could fall off, and ride home again. Has also been know to ride over a 100 miles for a cup of coffee!!!

Paul.




yes yes yes it's me !!!!!!!!!!!
last year I was riding 1300 miles to show bike to my wife and she said that I'm stupid


Grzegorz ......55 cubic inches http://www.flickr.com/photos/25172906@N06/ 904WisecoTPUSAcamsTTPignitorgutted Airbox"breath"airIntakeKeihinCR-ScarbsBlackEpcoExhaustS/SwheelsPortedPolishedHead
Re: Need some advice
bonnyusa #60391 05/11/2006 4:48 PM
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Quote:

Ask anyone there whether I had any problem keeping up!




Hard not to keep up when you have a bungee cord stuck between his sissy bar and your triple clamp...

Re: Need some advice
Gregu710 #60392 05/12/2006 4:13 AM
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Quote:

Hey Animal, I did leave that out, but as Sandman pointed out, the Speedmaster does come with better tyres. However, unlike those Sauerkraut-swilling Fascist Speedmaster riders who have ACHTUNG!!!! Metzlers on their bikes (I believe they are made on a separate line at Krupp Werks in Essen Germany, I have PROPER TYRES on my bike now, Avon Venoms! OH, did I forget anything, oh yeah, God Save the Queen!


Oh yeah, Americas at one time, were available in Red and Blue, both colors of the Union Flag, as God himself intended, while the Speedmasters weren't! However, they are available in Red/Black, which are colors of the same aforementioned sauerkraut-swilling countries flag!

Why, that bike in the post above mine almost looks like a fascisti Panzer tank, doesn't it...




Hey man,

Jesus, that is a beeeeeautiful America there, fantastic colour. I can't wait for tomorrow, I was staring at pictures of Speedmasters and Americas all night last night.

I can't decide, I can't decide!!! arggghhh!!! heh heh!!

Re: Need some advice
DaveM #60393 05/12/2006 10:11 AM
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Roadwasher, We forgot to mention the FINE GOLD HAND PAINTED PIN STRIPPING on the Speedy.

Dave

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60394 05/12/2006 1:20 PM
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Thanks James, and the best part is, these bikes look almost perfect right out of the crate for most of us. I mean, honestly, with teh exception of the little bits like driving lights, grips/footpegs, the toolboxes, and exhaust (which isn't much different in looks from stock), the bike is almost entirely stock, and I'm very happy with that. I didn't even have a clue about Triumph until I stumbled across one in a Honda showroom (a black/silver 02), and wow, when I saw the blue, it was the nail in my coffin! I did lust after a yellow/black Speedie as well, but it was a short-lived battle. Haven't regretted my choice yet!

Re: Need some advice
Simmer #60395 05/12/2006 1:21 PM
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Roadwasher, We forgot to mention the FINE GOLD HAND PAINTED PIN STRIPPING on the Speedy.




Didn't they copy that over from the America?

Re: Need some advice
clanrickarde #60396 05/12/2006 2:50 PM
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Quote:

Some critical things to know about Black Speedmasters....

Attila the Hun rode a Black Speedmaster while conquering the late Roman Empire and becoming master of his beloved Steppes.

Ghenkis Kahn rode at the head of his hordes of Mongols on a Black Speedie as they conquered all of Mongolia, china, and most of the known world at the time.

Dwight David Eisenhower took daily rides on his Black Speedmaster while working on final details for the invasion of Europe in 1944. He won you know.

Now...hitler rode a Harley (cheap shot acknowledged)

Monty rode at the front of his mechanized armored divisions in North Afrika as he whipped up on Rommels keister all the while peering over the drag bars of his Black Speedmaster....

The Japanese in the Pacific theater rode early Hondas...look what happened to them!

Old blood and Guts Patton rode .....ya got it... a Black Speedmaster as he drove across the fields of WW2 Europe towards ultimate victory....

So ....the choice is clear. Ya need a Black Speedmaster.

Victory !




It must be true... I just read it on the internet not that I am very biased towards black Speedmasters

Soren

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60397 05/12/2006 2:56 PM
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In all seriousness, both the Speedmaster and the America are awesome bikes. The choice should come down to two things:
Do you prefer a silver motor or a black one? And The absolute most important thing to consider between the two, is comfort. Take some time sitting on both of them (test ride each if you can), the reach is different between the two. For sure that should be the deciding factor for you.

Soren

Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60398 05/12/2006 3:22 PM
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Hi Animalmother. Is that name because you are going to soon enough own a beast? One thing that maybe has not been mentioned is that the speedies come with the 865cc motor and softer cams. From recent threads, the speedies have an 18 tooth front sprocket too vs the America’s 17 tooth sprocket. Consider insurance rates too, as the speedy is a 900cc (round-up) vs the America which is an 800cc. Me? I ride an 02 Black and silver America with English tyres. Greybeard nailed it as far as deciding between the two. Talk your dealer into a deal and if he won't deal, threaten to by one from Bob at Palm Beach triumph! (Like nobby did) (The postal clerk thinks mail from the american colonies to England can be trucked...So too can your new motorsickle?) right.

You'll like either sickle. They are as pleasing to the eye as they are when either is purring between your legs. Sweeeeet. Like Tupelo honey.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Need some advice
animalmother90 #60399 05/12/2006 3:46 PM
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About the colour. My dear old grandmother once gave me some advice that holds true even today. "Motorcycles and coffee should be strong and black."


Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
Re: Need some advice
Greybeard #60400 05/12/2006 4:36 PM
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Quote:

"Motorcycles and coffee should be strong and black."



Absolutely!!

Re: Need some advice
Soren #60401 05/12/2006 5:20 PM
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Quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Motorcycles and coffee should be strong and black."




That's funny, I've always heard women say that about their men. Does that mean you two like your men strong and black too...

Re: Need some advice
Gregu710 #60402 05/13/2006 12:44 AM
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Quote:

I've always heard women say that about their men.




How revolting. Where'd you hear that?


Ride Safe, Dennis Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
Re: Need some advice
SKILLET #60403 05/13/2006 12:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
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Quote:

Quote:
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I've always heard women say that about their men.


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How revolting. Where'd you hear that?




Unfortunately, standing around my wifes friends while they were joking (I hope) around....

Re: Need some advice
Gregu710 #60404 05/13/2006 12:57 PM
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Posts: 386
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Don't worry about the Bridgestone tires. I have them and got excellent handling and milage out of them. I am using a dunlop on the rear presently needed a tire and was only thing dealer had. Will either put Bridgestones or try Pirelli MT 66 soon on Front and rear.Dunlop wearing out fast. But Both bikes are Great. It is a matter of preference. What you like. I had a Black/Silver 79 Bonneville so the 2002 Bl/Sil america was my choice 4 years and 35,000 miles ago.


I was so much older then, I am younger than that now (Wrote By Dylan Sung by the BYRDS,)

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