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BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
#94112 09/02/2006 12:44 AM
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Yesterday, after riding 380 miles with my disabled bride in tow - and today, 315 miles back to Birmingham (AL), we stopped at Bogart's Motor Sports to check out Triumphs, BMWs, Ducati(yuck) and Vespas (for her), we knew we needed a touring bike for two up.
We were talked into riding a BMW K1200LT. MY GOD, WHAT A MOTORCICLE!!! From the storage, to GPS, to reverse, to electro/hydraulic center stand, sound system, super handling, very low COG, seating positions and ABS brakes - This is my next bike.
Of course I'll keep my America! My bride even said it (almost had tears in her eyes when she said so) . But after our ride, she said: "we're getting this bike, conversation over." I've tried for years to get her on her own bike, but she said no. I've recently discovered that when her knee surgery was done 30 years ago, they sacrificed her saphenous(sp?) nerve and she can't shift gears consistently.
This motorcicle is a bike that I can ride coast to coast in 45 hours, yet do figure 8 doughnuts with in a parking lot. At 85 MPH, not one bit of a PUFF of wind, not even when I passed a semi truck with a bad crosswind.
The most perfect touring bike ever. 116HP, 87 ft/lbs torque (i think).

Now, if Triumph releases something other than the "LAME ROCKET GT" for a tourer, I'll consider changing OUR mind.


Ride Safe, Dennis Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94113 09/02/2006 1:13 AM
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That's definitely the A#1 Touring Bike.... can't go wrong with an LT !!


MIKE
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
BonnyBeemer #94114 09/02/2006 1:52 AM
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Thats a cool bike! Compared to a Rocket3 though, I think it cost about 8 grand more.


I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94115 09/02/2006 2:34 AM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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I always thought one of those luxo-barges would be great for retirement riding. I've got 25 years (at least!) to save up for one...


BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94116 09/02/2006 7:22 AM
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Dennis,

I have some friends, a real nice couple, with an LT, she has MS. They like it (a lot). If I remember correctly they had an old (new then) 650 while dating. I never see it putting around town, as when they "go for a ride", it's to places like the coast or British Columbia.

I gave one a showroom lookover last spring out of curiousity. Hummm? Better stick with what I have. Although I would like to demo ride one for my own education .

JH


"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
satxron #94117 09/02/2006 9:00 AM
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Rocket 3 with floor boards, chrome extras, windshield and Corbin beetle bags = $20,700.
K1200LT with GPS = $22,052. These two were sitting side by side with price tags on the bars.

And the sales manager also said he is sure the Tiger is getting the 1050 engine and a much needed facelift, but rumors of the larger cruiser are wishful rumors. Bogarts is having track day at Barbers Motorsports Racetrack the same weekend as the Triumph dealers meeting. They've had it scheduled for a long time. Maybe I should call them back, I'm not going to track day, maybe I could represent them at the dealers meeting.


Ride Safe, Dennis Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94118 09/02/2006 9:48 AM
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I think it is safe to say Triumph as, and continues to lose a lot of buisness to BMW since dropping the Trophy and not doing a proper tourer from the Rocket.


Benny Black & Silver '02 Too many mods to list Not enough miles ridden
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94119 09/02/2006 11:11 AM
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My neighbor picked up a used LT for about 18 and some change, less than 2k on the bike. He loves it and it blows away all the other cruisers we ride with - stereo blasting all the way! One of the major cycle mags just did a shoot out with the LT, GW and Ultra Classis. They said riding the Ultra for 10 minutes in the rain, they got wetter (is that a word!) than 10 hours on the LT or GW.
Liz and I sat on a Gold Wing a few months ago, very tempting!
I saw a mock up for the Rocket in sport-touring guise, very LT like - I keep hoping they'll produce by the time I'm ready for a "geezer mobile"! <g>


Al
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
bennybmn #94120 09/02/2006 11:28 AM
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I have a friend that had a Harley softail he and his wife rode. He bought the BMW1200LT for a traveling bike and kept the Harley. He actually had MORE money in the Harley than the BMW. He recently sold his Harley as he rarely rode it since getting the BMW. They love the BMW and use it more than they ever thought they would. He's thrilled that his wife wants to travel more. If you look at all the bikes out there, I don't think anyone makes a touring bike comparable in features, performance, AND price!


Bob 2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
RamSound #94121 09/02/2006 11:43 AM
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To dress up a Rocket cost 4,000! dollars!.... Another one of my reasons not to own one.


I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
RamSound #94122 09/02/2006 1:34 PM
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My neighbor also sold his Electra-Glide to buy the BMW. No regrets on his part. He's already been coast-to-coast once.


Al
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94123 09/02/2006 9:43 PM
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Very nice bike.
If you're doing any miles at all, I doubt there's anything to touch it for serious two-up comfort.

Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94124 09/02/2006 10:37 PM
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They are at a level all their own. I just made a 300 mile ride around the Blue Ridge Mountain area with a group made up of 2 BMW LTs, Ninja, Speed Triple and me on my TBA. Both BMW and T3 riders are long time riders, numerous track days etc., but the pace those big BMs kept was amazing. These are tight 2lanes, the Speed3 rider said at one switch back he was riding hard enough to be locking the front tire to make the transition. ABS and huge torque numbers make those BM's deceptively fast. As Benny observed, one of the BM riders previous bike was Triumph Trophy.

Ride safe,
BobW


It's all good, but it's all make believe
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
satxron #94125 09/03/2006 12:39 AM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Quote:

To dress up a Rocket cost 4,000! dollars!.... Another one of my reasons not to own one.



Right now I'd rather have the dressed up Rocket III. Last weekend I gave a not-so-svelte gal a ride and it just about killed my poor TBA.


BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
FriarJohn #94126 09/03/2006 2:35 AM
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John,
What is it with you and the oversized passengers.
Or was it just that one? I've got a local convenience store clerk wanting to go for a ride too.
Our bikes' payload is 440 lbs.


Ride Safe, Dennis Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94127 09/03/2006 11:49 AM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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It was just the one. I can either DTB or she can get her own bike (which she wants to do anyway). Actually, she's only the third passenger I've ever had. The others pushed the limits of the 440 limit with my fat a$$ on the bike, but the one last week obliterated the limit.

Anyway, I've been meaning to upgrade my suspension for quite some time. Might have to get that handled this winter.


BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
satxron #94128 09/03/2006 5:55 PM
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Benny, Triumph is actually outselling BMW. Their sale for the past year was largers than Bmw.....Angelis


1200CC BIG BORE, W/WISECO PISTONS,.250 STROKED CRANK, PORTED/POLISHED HEADS AND LARGER VALVES, CUSTOM WELDED EXHUAST, DUAL 42MM MIKUNI CARBS.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
BonnyBeemer #94129 09/03/2006 7:20 PM
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There is a 72 year old woman that rides out of Austin and tours the country on one. I would not have beleived it if I had not seen her manuever that bike in the parking lot. She has a couple of Iron Butt awards.


Redbike7 2006 America No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
ANGELIS745 #94130 09/03/2006 7:24 PM
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Does anyone know how many America and Speedmasters Triumph has sold? How popular are they in the Triumph line?


Redbike7 2006 America No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
ANGELIS745 #94131 09/03/2006 10:44 PM
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Quote:

Benny, Triumph is actually outselling BMW. Their sale for the past year was largers than Bmw.....Angelis



But think how bad they would spank em if they had a proper tourer, which is BMW's strongsuit.


Benny Black & Silver '02 Too many mods to list Not enough miles ridden
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
redbike7 #94132 09/04/2006 12:24 PM
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A 72 year old woman with an iron butt, yuk, what a nasty image..!


The westernmost Triumph in Europe
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
richb #94133 09/04/2006 2:08 PM
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Quote:

A 72 year old woman with an iron butt, yuk, what a nasty image..!




Oh SURE, Richard! Like YOU'D turn down a chance to ride on...errr...WITH...JOAN COLLINS for an afternoon!!!!
(wait a minute....she's GOT to be at least 80 by now....never mind)

Dennis,
Nice bike, that Beemer. I'd say that unless Triumph debuts some form of a Rocket 3 with a full fairing and hard bags this coming year, that BMW would be pretty far up on my list of coast-to-coast tourers too, buddy!

Cheers,
Dwight


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)
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94134 09/05/2006 12:26 PM
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Nice bike. Cant go wrong with a Beemer. First class touring machine and deceptively fast and agile.


Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able Seller of fine automobiles. Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga 423-424-4000
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
bennybmn #94135 09/05/2006 3:29 PM
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The trophy was such an awesome bike, a guy had one in my dealer when i was getting some warranty stuff done... beautiful. I would love them to put that back into production, why did they stop?


~Topher
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
Topher #94136 09/05/2006 3:40 PM
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I don't know why they stopped. I know the 1200 engine in it was the only bike it was on, so maybe just too specialized. But with the big tripple motor avaiable, or a smaller version... There's just no excuse!! Heck, even modifying a Sprint for more proper touring duty would work!


Benny Black & Silver '02 Too many mods to list Not enough miles ridden
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
bennybmn #94137 09/08/2006 12:47 AM
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For some of us - read "short arses" - anything taller than a TBA just won't work. I can't get my leg over (ooh err missus!) anything taller than 30.5 inches without using a footstool! The Rocket III just happens to be low enough for me to mount (oh no, yet another double entendre) so I hope that the much-rumored 1500-1800 turns out to be a low cruiser and not tall persons ride.

Siggy


If life wasn't so pointless and absurd, I would take it more seriously.
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
sigmund #94138 09/08/2006 6:31 AM
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The Trophy had one drawback. It was chain drive. From what I understand that was it's undoing. Folks who tour want reliability and low maintenance. It had sluggish sales in the US.


Live Free or Die Velvet
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
satxron #94139 10/18/2006 3:18 AM
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I wouldn't trade the 220hp / 247 ft.lbs. of torgue my Roc ket delivers on the open road for nuttin'. I am hoping the next generation has a better tour package for protection against the elements. It's either bare naked or fully dressed in my book and either way; 140mph has never felt so smooth

Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
Savage #94140 10/18/2006 4:50 PM
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Uh oh, shouldn't have read this thread and started looking at Beemers. The new K1200GT is sweet! I'll have to add it to the list of possibles for next year's quest of a 2 up sport-touring machine for the wife and me. The on-the-fly adjustable suspension at first glance sounds gimmicky, but I can see where it'd come in handy. Cruise down the slab to get to the twistys on the soft setting, and then firm it up with a touch of a button once the road starts to snake. 125 hp at the rear wheel, 10.77 sec 1/4 mile, and all those options from the factory mod happy Germans. Of course a new one will set me back 20 grand.

Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SalMaglie #94141 10/18/2006 5:19 PM
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trophy: 900 or 1200. 4 cylinder. chain drive. i will admit it was a great looking bike. i looked at a blue 1999 trophy at the dealer today. the guy traded it for a 2003 1200 cc bike that had never been out of the box. triumph makes a 1250 cc trophy triple with shaft drive. ok!

Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
SKILLET #94142 10/20/2006 8:01 AM
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Quote:

I've tried for years to get her on her own bike, but she said no. I've recently discovered that when her knee surgery was done 30 years ago, they sacrificed her saphenous(sp?) nerve and she can't shift gears consistently.




Skillet- Would your wife consider a Ridley? Automatic transmission.


"Let your soul shine, It's better than sunshine, It's better than moonshine, ****** sure better than rain." -ABB
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
indy288 #94143 10/20/2006 11:32 AM
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I'm 49 years old, and would gladly retire today if I could, and head out on the open road.
Added buying BMW K1200LT to Powerball win to-do list.
Dark green would be nice.

Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
Bucky #94144 10/20/2006 8:15 PM
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You would have to win the Powerball for this bike.

Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
nomadhank #94145 10/20/2006 9:46 PM
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I have owned a Triumph all my life, but this bike is beautiful, just do not have the $22,000 if I did I buy one this is one seriuos touring bike.


John 06 America Mulberry\Silver "Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
Re: BIG MISTAKE! LARGE!! HUGE MISTAKE!!!
Big_Poppy #94146 10/29/2006 8:04 AM
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great bike but too much $ for me.

cat


George in Easy Rider: "Oh, oh I've got a helmet! I got a beauty!"

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