Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: lucydad on March 07, 2015, 05:13:15 PM
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All,
Had to wait until it warmed up for a Guzzi ride. This morning talked to momster, went to plant store to buy tomatoes, peppers and basil, and also took care of Grandpa Larry a bit. Ate a light lunch, cleaned the bike up a bit (grimey from wet roads and some pretty long rides the past few weeks). Checked for loose stuff and geared up and went out. Temps said 60F, fairly light winds. Cruised and got out to Rosharan, TEXAS and my hands cold and generally pretty chilly. High humidity does that despite the Aerostich leathers. Stopped at the grimey little Citgo station, got a bad cuppa coffee and warmed up. Two HD riders took pains to be unfriendly and ignore me, ok fine suit yourselves. Put on my glove liners and also made sure the ear plugs were snug. Second half of 120 mile ride towards Houston was better and I enjoyed the sweeper curves on Crab River Road. Still early, so I decided, heck why not: swung north on 99 then north on 90 and then inbound on the dreaded SW freeway to the big toy store.
Took a leak, and got some water. Place was pretty quiet for an early Saturday afternoon. Young sales guys utterly ignored me, as usual. Looked at the Duc Monster 821--and noticed the complained about right side tight foot placement. Damn expensive, but its Italian. Wandered thru the used bike section, some pretty depleted iron: not much trading going on early March I guess?
Then to the Triumph aisle. Sure enough, well damn, they had a new 2015 Triumph STR 675-X in the matte silver and red. Looked it over. I never sit on a bike without permission. Pretty thing to be sure. Wandered to the BMW section and checked out the new RT (?) flathead: nice bike, very retro, very expensive. Just as I was about to walk out and ride home the older sales guy walks up grins and actually asks: can I help you? So, yeah, want to sit on that STR-X. He wheels it out and I sit and sure enough with the narrow Daytona seat: I am flat footed. Hmmmph. Grin. He holds bike and I try it with boots on pegs: nice feel, fairly upright, no stretch, its a good fit for a shorter guy like me. Talk more...bike has no battery.
So we agree on a test ride late next week. Probably Friday the 13th, early morning. Always wanted to try one of these Triumph Triples. Tried a MVA 675 last year: impressive, but a bit snatchy and unknown fueling issues. The STR-X impresses me as very, very refined. Next week I will find out if I like, or perhaps fall in lust for the bike.
Disclaimer: Dusty gave me permission --- "a fast Mary Anne is ok", or something like that.
Enjoyed my fast V7R ride home. Love this bike, and it is going nowhere. A second bike? Really? Hell why not, YOLO and my big brother has two bikes and lots of people on this forum have two or more. Garage issues will work out. I think I can park two at the back, if not the bmw can live on the street.
Fixing spaghetti right now and drinking a fairly insipid cheap bordeaux, mainly used in my world famous sauce bubbling. Listening to Italia music and poured a glass of red for Grandpa. Will ride to church tomorrow unless it is pouring.
So, yeah that was my afternoon.
Triple Fever.
Molto Bene? Or, I say there chap, fine piece of machinery? ~;
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Hey Lucydad,
Sounds like you got a good ride in today. I thought about getting the Griso out of hibernation, got up to 46 here today. Just to many coals in the fire. Hopefully next week.
2nd bike? I say go for it. Hell,...we only go around once right? Been having the same thoughts myself. For some bizarre reason, I've been eyeing the Suzuki DRZ 400SM. I think it'd be a hoot to buzz around town. Of course, there's that new Audace coming soon that just looks cooler than heck. Who knows?
Let us know how the test ride goes.
Randy
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Pokey, Red:
Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I just feel its important to try the STR out, for real. Hopefully they will allow a meaningful test so I can get a decent impression. The MVA dealer gave me a bike with fumes in the tank, and told me not to take it on the freeway. So the test was on a horridly congested inner city road, and disappointing.
Yup: noticed the tight tank on the jewels a bit. But my smaller frame gives me more room. I will remember the tank pads: got some on the V7R and they are not just for looks, they make a difference.
There was a time, long ago when I used to race Ski Doo free air, two stroke triples. Long ago. Got the yearn for a bike with a bit of punch. The V7R at almost 12K miles is a splendid, predictable and very fun and relaxed ride. She will rev willingly and we get along at a rapid clip. Yet the dV/dT is pretty limited, so is passing ability. I pretty much wring as much out of Little Goose as she will give.
Frankly one of the attractions of the STR are the ABS brakes. Had a nasty bmw cager episode last week when the ABS kicked in: reminded me of the value on our often slick Houston area streets. Been more than once the Sport Demons on the V7R got a bit skiddy on hard braking. We have so much wet weather here.
We will see. I am going to find out if the bike works for me, or not. After the test I will sleep on it. Hard to predict exactly what will happen.
I admit I am ready for a new riding challenge and experience. Timing in other ways is right, the planets aligned. I may also test the Ducati M 821 on the same day for a comparo. The other bike that interests me is the Indian Scout. Yep, totally different, but a pretty machine with fantastic engine, but no ABS and not available until late 2015. However light weight for a bike, and reasonable seat height are critical parameters. Hence the Griso is a non-starter: too heavy. Too bad Moto Guzzi does not have something between the small blocks and huge big blocks.
Might also opt for the regular STR and add the fly screen and pan: seat is different. Very pretty in white.
Serious bike shopping can be a lot of fun. :D Besides, Dusty said its ok.
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Geez Greg ;D Mary Ann Mary Ann Mary Ann :D Plus she had a hotter , er , um , rear subframe :o Hey , that STR will do anything one of those fancy Eyetalian models can , and cook breakfast in the morning ;D
Dusty
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Dusty,
I have to agree on Mary Anne. A thought from a night of rest: just because a rider has a hooligan bike, with 100 hp and handling to match- that rider does not have to ride like an idiot. Overall I am a very measured rider and age 60 a survivor. Why? Anticipation, thought, focus and control. Throttle control is critical with a bike like the STR. Same with my old Corvette, and even my BMW cage. The old Ski-Doo triples: throttle control was THE difference between the great riders and those that spun out, ground out and lost races. Learned that from none other than Yvon Duhamel at a clinic around 1971.
Trivia fact: did you know Yvon was a short fireplug build, but could do fifty one armed push ups? No shit. Impressed me when I was 17 big time, plus that French Canadian accent.
Big rains coming so no Guzzi ride to church. :P The STR fueling and tall first gear lend it towards civilized low rpm behavior. I think Triumph has worked hard to build a Mary Anne that is fun behind closed doors. We will see via finding out in real life, and not the internet.
cheers
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Ahh , a Duhamel reference . Not sure I can make the connection to Mary Ann , could she perform one armed push ups ? :D
Dusty
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I much prefer the riding position of the Scout to the Monster.
The Scout was a lot of fun to demo and many of the performance specs are remarkably similar to the tube-framed Buell I just sold (largely because the riding position wasn't for me).
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They do, but we don't get it here. The Bellagio.
(http://images.1000ps.net/images_bikekat/2014/28-MOTO_GUZZI/3331-Bellagio_940/1.jpg)
That's so damn nice looking...
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I'm a proud owner of both an '09 Street Triple (with 95k miles) and my recently purchased '13 V7 Stone. Definitely two very different bikes but they compliment one another. Being a short chick I appreciate their compact sizes. I've done multi-state tours on my Striple with no issues. Although I did get the saddle modified. And I have to say, I've never even come close to doing a wheelie or stoppie on it. Must be my mellow riding style ;)
You might be hooked after your test ride ;-T
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I much prefer the riding position of the Scout to the Monster.
The Scout was a lot of fun to demo and many of the performance specs are remarkably similar to the tube-framed Buell I just sold (largely because the riding position wasn't for me).
wow talk about your apples to oranges
I sat on a Scout in NYC and founf the seating position to be almost painfull but then again i just don't under stand how anyone can ride in a reclined positon with your feet out front and the road shocks going directly to your spine
I guess that is why Ben and Jerry make more than one flavor
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IVX,
Much obliged for a meaningful comment from an experienced owner. Complementary makes sense to me too. The V7R I have pretty much rigged out for light touring. Got a top and side bags soft set, and the rear rack, and long gel seat. Its a pretty comfy ride and I can do 200 miles at a stretch, probably more. The Guzzi loves to just cruise, and for a small guy like me easy to handle. The Dart fly screen works wonders.
The STRX would be the play toy although likely I would get a small rear bag to carry a few essentials. Web searches reveal a LOT of ST owners that take the bikes for touring and long journeys. That speaks well to the design and reasonable geometry. Doubtful I would do wheelies, but you never know on a back road. That higher rpm power would be useful at times, and very fun, used with judgement.
Yeah, we will see if my heart twists next week. I hope the weather cooperates.
Thanks again!
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wow talk about your apples to oranges
I sat on a Scout in NYC and founf the seating position to be almost painfull but then again i just don't under stand how anyone can ride in a reclined positon with your feet out front and the road shocks going directly to your spine
I guess that is why Ben and Jerry make more than one flavor
Well, as I've stated many times, it varies with bike and size. In my case the Scout riding position isn't real different than my California Jackal was, or my Road King was, or my Sportster is...
I'm NOT reclined, I'm upright.
My feet are just a little in front of my knees, my legs aren't stretched out.
And the suspension takes the impact, not my spine.
Heck my V7 riding position isn't all THAT different to me.
But my Breva 1100, my R1100RS, and my Buell were all feet too underneath me, like Jenn's Duc.
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the Scout they had at the NYC bike show must have had "forward" pegs on it because my feet were way out in front
I had a standard Sportster a few years ago , 883R, and the mid set controls destroyed my back
I find my Triumph Thruxton more comfortable
I would prefer the pegs on my 13 V7 Special to be a bit further back
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<shrugs> if your 883R with mid sets was wrong for you, even the Scout's standard peg position likely would be too.
I liked the Thruxton I rode years ago, but I'm sure the position wouldn't work for me long term... I'd much prefer the SE/T100.
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the T100 peg position is very good
its better than the pegs on my T140 which are too far forward
my son has a Sportster 1200 C with ape bars and forward pegs; I can't even push that bike out of the way
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my son has a Sportster 1200 C with ape bars and forward pegs; I can't even push that bike out of the way
ick, yeah, I can't stand that personally...
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Thanks for the report LD. You need to make your STR test and report at least half as good as this guys' http://youtu.be/KsrnQ7AQNrk (http://youtu.be/KsrnQ7AQNrk)
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Ton,
That STRX video is fun. Liked the grinning future riders. We have a couple of those in this cul-de-sac. Always pisses momma off when I smile and wave to the little guys on their trikes or bicycles. Planting seeds.
Hail sucks, been there and done that on my old Honda 175 in Durango, CO around 1970 or so. Really hurts.
Weather forecast for Friday is decent. Test ride should happen. I suspect a difficult decision coming. Big problem: fitting two bikes on my side of garage, and bmw sitting on street. Then there is Ms. LD. If the striple tweaks my heart hard, could be a sleepless Friday night?
Thanks for the vid. Lifted my spirits after a dismal rainy day, morning visit to dentist (uh your gums are receding a bit) and Alzheimer's duty.
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I took a test ride on a Triumph 800 on Saturday. What a great engine, and I've heard the 675 version is even better. There may be a BMW departing in the near future.
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I have a Tiger 800, my sons have a Daytona 675 adn a Street Triple 675
the 675s are faster than the 800 but the 800 pokes around better, its not as eager as the 675s
but OH BOY do the 675s GO!
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All,
Got my engineering mind thinking and measuring back of garage. Descriptive geometry time: angles and bike length and width and a bit of trial and error and duct tape on floor.
Solution: the two bikes will fit side by side, diagonal parked and I can ride up the ramp and also careful manual back down my aluminum ramp. Would require both cages out of garage, but that is no problem. Just can't let go of the V7R. Will put the side bags and larger top bag on the rack: keep it ready for longer trips, and camping. Striple will be the run about bike. Wish I had a 3 car garage, but I don't. Leaving bmw cage out in our crap weather sucks and likely later this year I am going to replace it with my retirement vehicle, whatever that is.
Test ride is confirmed this Friday 10 AM. Weather is supposed to be excellent. No rush hour traffic.
We will see if she is a Fender Stratocaster, or not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOt3r_aNNxE
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What's the garage size and layout?
I ask because my talents include placing more beer in a fridge than is physically possible and stuffing cars and bikes in a garage. ;)
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What's the garage size and layout?
I ask because my talents include placing more beer in a fridge than is physically possible and stuffing cars and bikes in a garage. ;)
Both useful life skills ;D
Dusty
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They've served me well. 8)
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Kev,
Hey, I will take a few pictures and show you my concept later this week. I think it will work. Basically the Triumph won't happen unless I can make this parking scheme work out, be safe and not be too much of a pain. Any and all help is welcome. The small wheel base bikes help a lot, and the wheel chair aluminum ramp I got last Christmas to deal with the strange back of garage bump up.
More later....
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Diagonal parking helps a lot... I've put as many as 4 bikes in the spot of one car with room to get them all out without moving anything.
My current arrangement allows 4-5 bikes and 2 cars, and a bike lift, but I've got to pull at least one car out to take most bikes out.
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Of course you guys do realize that this is a first world problem , bunch of Thurston Howells here ;D
Mary Ann
Dusty
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Yup... It's good to be the king... 8)
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LD....I keep the V7 in a fairly small space and need to be able to roll it in with some sideways movement options. For $80 this Harbor Freight bike dolly was just the ticket to get the bike in and out of tight places without having to worry about dropping it. It may not solve all your problems with storage but it might just reduce them.
(http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b492/Frulk/20150109_144002_zpsyfhtnpzy.jpg)
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I took a 2012 STR for demo ride, only needed about 5 miles to convince me to bring it home. Great little bike, very fast and nice handling. Engine revs and revs. On this model the rear shock/spring was way too stiff. I changed shock/spring and put on modified linkage plates, changed the bike dramatically for the better. Forks was fine. I weigh 185 lb.
Triumph changes suspension over the years, so 2015 most likely is going to be whole new deal, hopefully better.
Fueling was perfect with no flat spots. Tranny was a delight to go up and down the gears in the twisties. Did I mention it is FAST!
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Ugly sport tourer
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/bpreynolds/Striple/imagejpg1_zps0396efcd.jpg) (http://s212.photobucket.com/user/bpreynolds/media/Striple/imagejpg1_zps0396efcd.jpg.html)
or ugly smile producer
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/bpreynolds/Striple/imagejpg2_zps94d6497d.jpg) (http://s212.photobucket.com/user/bpreynolds/media/Striple/imagejpg2_zps94d6497d.jpg.html)
Running merely on old regular unleaded, it will seriously do whatever you want. I don't think I've ridden anything like it, exactly. Has lots of rivals now from different manufacturers and ones making more horsepower and so forth too, but the Striple - similar in this way to a Guzzi - is more than the spec sheet. It's almost as if every single thing on the bike comes together in perfect harmony: handling, suspension, fueling, weight, brakes, all of it. Makes glorious noise up in the rev band. Perfectly fine around town, blasting through country curves, or setup the way I have it, even highway work. You'd think it would buzz your hands off on the big road but the damn thing is just mostly purring at 85. If you ride it sensibly - you're welcome to try, at least - it will even return good fuel economy in the 45mpg plus or minus range. Not because I remotely enjoyed it - the opposite in fact - nor because I wanted to brag - why brag about something that scares the bejiggles out of ya - but moreso because I just wanted to see what the little Mighty Mouse would actually do, I topped it out on vacant strip. Speedo accuracy possibly/likely in question but said 139 with shield and bags attached. Warp speeds are definitely not for me, but geez, parked later I just looked it over thinking, a 675? Is this thing for real? Just bonkers.
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Tiger, BP:
Thanks for sharing your STR stories and experiences. I have heard and read of similar reports various places. Best I can tell Triumph has something special with this bike, and it is super refined by 2014 or so. My test Friday should be fun, and revealing. A guy on the Triumph Rat forum who used to live in Katy, TX called the 675 "the perfect Houston bike". Telling tale there.
If I get one, it shall perhaps be called The Klingon Warbird, and nick named "Worf": all spikey and aggressive, yet cloaked and civil most of the time?
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Klingon_Bird-of-Prey?file=Klingon_Bird-of-Prey%252C_profile.jpg
I rode my buddy Ed's Ducati 1099 a couple times. Man talk about the supreme screaming hot rod. Uncomfortable, either full ON or OFF--and was very happy to get back on my V7R. This Triumph is a much more livable bike. We will see. The STR was on my very short list when I bought the V7R along with the Ducati Monster 796 ABS. In the end the Guzzi won my heart with looks, soul, character and that just right, everything balanced character. No regrets, at all about buying the V7R and at 11,500 miles she is singing beautiful tunes.
Kev, I will get some garage pictures to you. Too dark now. Will do Thursday after work if the apocalyptic rains allow. Friday weather still forecast perfect for a test ride. Back to the Alzheimer's clinic.
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Tiger, BP:
Thanks for sharing your STR stories and experiences. I have heard and read of similar reports various places. Best I can tell Triumph has something special with this bike, and it is super refined by 2014 or so. My test Friday should be fun, and revealing. A guy on the Triumph Rat forum who used to live in Katy, TX called the 675 "the perfect Houston bike". Telling tale there.
Hope you at least enjoy the test ride. Give it a chance before you decide. Before I bought my '11, I took a newer model out on a lark. I was far more interested in the 950 KTM Supermoto they had on the floor. Almost skipped the test ride even but they already had the little barker fueled up and even idling for me. First several miles, I'm serious, I wanted to just drive it back to the dealership and start making a deal on the 950. Striple seat kinda hard, ergos a little more aggressive than I imainged or was used to, and it seemed stiff on several bumps coming out of the parking lot (I'm only 145lbs). But then I thought well I got the bike out here, might as drive it around some. Seemed docile in traffic and nothing special. I was beginning to wonder where the appeal was per se. Then I finally got the bike up in the range. Intoxicating sound. When I made it to some curves, everything began to make sense and the bike just opened up to me. Older models like mine have a little more top end (106 ponies) than the newer ones but less torque; I have never wanted for torque on mine so I can only dream of how great and refined the newer ones are over and above mine even. Not every bike is for every person and the Striple does have some niggles even for me. The seat really is bad. Even modified, my plank still needs some work - a Corbin is on the short list. Though I barely care, try as I might with pin stripes and other means, I can't make it handsome, but I figure it's like me in that regard ;). Though mine doesn't even bother me anymore, some (like an earlier poster here) folks do change out to a softer spring. But honestly, IMHO out of the box it has fewer nits to pick than any bike I've ever driven. As stated before, the new ones are reputedly even better than mine on many different levels, something I can barely imagine.
As usual, however, your experience may certainly vary. Hope you enjoy your ride. :bike
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Kev, all:
Here is the planned diagonal, two bike, back of garage scheme. Using bicycles. Aluminum ramp makes for easy ride up, and back down.
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/diag_one_zpsqnbzsq3r.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/diag_one_zpsqnbzsq3r.jpg.html)
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/diag_two_zpspfoqrenq.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/diag_two_zpspfoqrenq.jpg.html)
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/diag_three_zpskdlzticr.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/diag_three_zpskdlzticr.jpg.html)
I have assummed each motorcycle is 100 inches long, and 40 inches wide. Also put tape on floor to figure out angle.
Actual V7R and STR wheelbase and lengths are less, same with widths, but I need room to maneuver.
I think the geometry will work. Will test a back down ramp tomorrow. I already use the ride up ramp to park V7R. To make it easy, I will probably mark the concrete with guide lines. Ramp is easily moved. Will have to move one or both cars out of garage.
What do you think? All I need is some dry weather and Friday's test to scrutinize the STR-X. Then it will be an overnight meditation and decision.
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You're there ... I essentially do the same thing with three bikes now and, I THINK you could too... Not to sow yet another seed...
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/12/c2768740ccd61afe6a73c48e51696e07.jpg)
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Kev,
Thanks for your nod. Yep, that diagonal geometry solved the main issue. Good thing we are out of town for Houston Indian Motorcycle touring truck with test rides. Here end of month but Scout deliveries are late 2015 best I can tell. The Scout still twists me a bit. Yep, good thing. Ms. LD is going to have enough steam blowing if I decide to buy the STR. Likely will offer her equal funds for whatever.... Maybe in a couple years Moto Guzzi will replace the Griso with something lighter....?
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I hope my garage serves as an example... Especially in how important bad Van Gogh copies are to the overall success of the layout...
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PS, ms. LD has more than two pairs of shoes... She'd get over it... Eventually.
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Leave the cars outside and make yourself a man cave. Now you have a place to retreat to when Ms. LD finds out what you are up to.
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Ooh you guys don't know Ms. LD that well...seriously though I am a very lucky guy.
Test delayed to 1 pm due to significant rains. Roads still very wet. Called dealer and they also agreed best to delay. Drop a bike, and you bought it.
A bit frustrating, but safety first. Oak trees are dropping leaves in neighborhood: grind up and turn wet roads into slime roads.
Big marine air mass hanging around, 100% humidity, no sun. See no progress yet on drying roads. Could be Saturday. :(
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oak trees are dropping leaves!???
I haven't seen a leaf in 5 months
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And rain? Haven't seen that for months either!
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All,
Pick it up Saturday morning.
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/STRX_mar_13_2015_zpsvk05xi0d.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/STRX_mar_13_2015_zpsvk05xi0d.jpg.html)
Extremely good fit to my body, no issues. Easy comfortable ride. dV/dT amazing, so are brakes, tranny and overall feel.
Grin machine to the max.
Ms. LD approved. I am one lucky guy! Guzzi will have a stable mate. Took little goose for a nice spirited romp after the STRX test. Love my V7R and she will now be fitted for bike camping and overnights. Youngest daughter said she wants it some day, and that could happen.
So let it be written.
So let it be done.
Life is good, I am grateful. ;-T ;-T ;-T
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Wow. Awesome. You sir, are in for some fun. More pics tomorrow, please. And ride report as well once you get some time on it. Congratulations. Very damn fine machine, I'm certain of it. Change title of thread to bought!
www.Triumph675.net is a great resource and so is the Striple forum on Triumphrat as well http://www.triumphrat.net/street-triple-forum/
:BEER: ;-T
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Bravo and congratulations! That's a pretty bike!
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congrats LD ;-T I've never had the pleasure of two-bike ownership, maybe someday!
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All,
Merci beaucoups. Yep, hits that sweet spot. Will post more pix tomorrow after Mary Anne is mine.
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Now we're talking. Congrats!
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It's 8:44 EST. Picked that bike up yet? ;D :D
If you don't mind, I'm going to live a bit vicariously here. Please report back soon. And with more :PICS!:
I personally think it will be a fantastic garage partner for the V7.
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BP,
Not yet, lmfao. Ms. LD has gone to work out at her favorite gym and I am on Grandpa Larry Alzheimer's duty this morning. She will drop me off at the dealer around 1 pm and we will write the check, get the paper work done, and I will ride Mary Anne home. More pix will be posted. Likely I will take her down Crab River Road past Brazos bend so I can feel her in the big sweeper curves. Sunday my buddy Ed is meeting me at church and he will be riding his Diavel. We may swap bikes as he is keen to try the Trumpet out. Now I have a bike that can keep up with either his big BMW or the Diavel on romps up to Brenham or to the coast.
Bicycle ride this morning also, once I get Grandpa watered, medicated, and fed. ;D
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Well LD, nothing but excited for ya, cause I totally get the joy even if I don't personally get the bike in question.
;) Maybe that's cause I'm still not mature enough for a Sportbike (I've been saying that now for over twenty years and maybe I've finally come to the realization that such a time will never come, but I'm alright with it).
Doesn't mean I can't be happy for you though.
Rife safe!
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just because a rider has a hooligan bike, with 100 hp and handling to match- that rider does not have to ride like an idiot.
ahem. Yes you do. It's written in stone somewhere. ;D
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ahem. Yes you do. It's written in stone somewhere. ;D
It is for me... That's why I sold the Buell. :)
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Got a 2013 Street Triple R in the garage, actually my son's, that I can play with and I have found the motor is happy to ride moderately around town, but it also has a side that is a blast on the back roads and begs to be ridden aggressively. It is a great wheelie machine. Lots of torque, light weight, and very good suspension.
Congrats on the new bike. Saw one of STR-X's today at the OKC dealer and like how they put the Daytona seat and rear cowl on it. Ours has a fly screen, belly pan, and seat cowl adders and those really make the bike look like it has some attitude. Just be careful with that power until you get used to it! ;-T
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Kev,
I have a confession to make. Doing the "holy mother of acceleration" thing from a stop sign near Brazos Bend park.
Uh.
I wheelied the STRX. Just a bit. In second gear. Yep, lifted the front. Been decades since I did that.
Not even really trying.
Not tried out the speed shifter yet.
But I will.
I get your comment though. The bike demands maturity and respect. Otherwise caveat emptor, or worse. Damn fast, and I never got it above around 7000 rpm, even that very briefly.
Silly grins.
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LD, you're a better man than I am.
Some years back I visited my buddy in Phoenix on a business trip and he tossed me the keys to a worked K1200GT for a week. I had problems keeping it under 100 shifting into 2nd or 3rd.
I came home after the trade show one night and confessed about my speed on the "bee line" and he asked if I saw lightening (turns out there were speed cameras all along that stretch).
He never let me know if he got any tickets in the mail. :)
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Kev,
Very much doubt I am better than any man. We are all unique.
Another confession. When I bought my 1984 Corvette, in Midland, TX: took that baby all the way to 150 mph one early morning on two lane road near Midland County airport. The batmobile flew, even the 210 hp version. Never did it again. Could never own a C7 version, would lose my license.
So, yeah I need to be an adult. Cornering could be pretty seductive though, and I like to get up over and out on a bike.
You know the smart thing? I should take the STRX to a couple track days. Yep. Smart thing. Did advanced skills class a while back and it focused on slow and fast riding, especially Houston freeway strategies. Learned a lot. But a track day would teach me how to properly handle the Trumpet on the corners. Kind of a pain due to requirements to tape stuff, and such. But I have the leathers.
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Here's the thing, and not trying to talk you out of your new love affair (I understand the allure), we all have our own limits.
But I can take a corner as fast on my V7 or Sportster as I could on my Buell or Jenn's Duc, or my R1100, or Breva 1100, or a press Bandit, or Buell, or...
So for ME the limit is ME and not generally the bike. You may be different in terms of limits so have at it, but occasional straight line acceleration aside there's nothing I want that I don't already have...
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Not a thread about me and my bike, but performance is just one example of why I enjoy my Striple. I'm sure LD will find the same. The beauty is it's not just a go fast machine. It's comfortable, ridiculously and surprisingly capable, and it's a total package of a bike. I just think it is a fantastic motorcycle for just about any experienced rider. I heard someone on this board - whose wife has one - say he thinks it's the ultimate enthusiast's ride. That would be totally subjective, of course, and specific use of a completely open definition of bike enthusiast; yet, when I read it, it made complete sense to me. Mine, I think, is an ugly betty for sure, but LD's new ride is actually really sharp in addition to have many nice upgrades over mine. Love it.
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Not to be downing the V7, but the Striple is gonna have a stiffer frame, better suspension, and the radial Rosso stock tires will have better feel than the Sport Demon bias-ply. Feel and confidence will be higher on the Triumph than the V7R which IMHO, would give the average rider and the expert more ability to take it through the curves at a higher rate.
Took the Wife's little Breva out yesterday, after riding my Son's Striple, power aside, two completely different handling experiences.