An American Muscle Car...On Two Wheels

[Boog]

Don't know what it is about Triumph, but something about them is very endearing to people--in ways that Yamaha, Suzuki or the others simply aren't.

You are on to something there Chance. Something about older riders when they talk about the Triumph they had as younger fellows. However, I will reminisce about the Yamahas I have had in the past. My first Yamaha experience was a YZ100 after I had tore up my OSSA 250 Enduro. That little YZ was so much faster, I couldn’t keep up with it, it seemed. Then later on I rode a 750 Virago, that’s when I really fell in love with Yamahas. I had many other brands over the years and came back when I bought my first new machine, (after 25 used ones) a 2006 VMAX, my all time favorite point and shoot bike. Unfortunately it was also the first street bike I crashed and totaled it. A little over a year later I bought a 2002 FZ1 to be my rehabilitation bike. I was mostly healed up from the first crash and needed something powerful yet easy to handle. The FZ1 fit that bill wonderfully and was one of the most forgiving bikes when one flies into a corner way too fast. Unfortunately it became the second street bike I crashed when I met Bambi in one of those too fast corners. (It took me over 2 years before I got the R3T after that one).
I have owned more Hondas than any other brand but find I have a soft spot in my heart for Yamahas. With that said, I cannot ever see myself getting rid of my newest best friend from Triumph.

 

[breeze]

I notice I'm catching the looks even on the interstate--which is pretty cool. One guy was nodding and signaling me to open her up. I obliged, and watched his car get tiny in the mirror. When I slowed down and he finally caught up, you'd have thought I'd given the man some sort of christmas present.

Another guy saw me park the bike at the local grocery store. By virtue of the vest he was wearing, he was a Harley rider. He asked me all kinds of questions about the bike, and I spent probably 10 minutes with the guy before I went inside. By the end of the conversation, he was reminiscing about his Bonneville he had when he was a kid. Don't know what it is about Triumph, but something about them is very endearing to people--in ways that Yamaha, Suzuki or the others simply aren't.

might ought to get used to it you cant hardly go anyplace without someone asking how big/how many cylinders/when did they start making them again/or my fav. I used to own a triumph back in the day

 

[Chance Wirey]

You are on to something there Chance. Something about older riders when they talk about the Triumph they had as younger fellows. However, I will reminisce about the Yamahas I have had in the past. My first Yamaha experience was a YZ100 after I had tore up my OSSA 250 Enduro. That little YZ was so much faster, I couldn’t keep up with it, it seemed. Then later on I rode a 750 Virago, that’s when I really fell in love with Yamahas. I had many other brands over the years and came back when I bought my first new machine, (after 25 used ones) a 2006 VMAX, my all time favorite point and shoot bike. Unfortunately it was also the first street bike I crashed and totaled it. A little over a year later I bought a 2002 FZ1 to be my rehabilitation bike. I was mostly healed up from the first crash and needed something powerful yet easy to handle. The FZ1 fit that bill wonderfully and was one of the most forgiving bikes when one flies into a corner way too fast. Unfortunately it became the second street bike I crashed when I met Bambi in one of those too fast corners. (It took me over 2 years before I got the R3T after that one).
I have owned more Hondas than any other brand but find I have a soft spot in my heart for Yamahas. With that said, I cannot ever see myself getting rid of my newest best friend from Triumph.

Man, I don't think people ever forget first loves--whether that's with a person, or with a bike. And the bond of suffering--as many of my fellow veterans know all too well--is not one which is easily broken. Obviously, I'm sorry to hear that you wrecked your bikes...but I'm sure from the pain came learning, and in the end, wisdom. And in that vein alone, I'm glad you didn't let your accidents deter you from riding.

Be well, man. Look ahead and keep her pitched hard in the bends...keep your eyes on that distant horizon, and ride safe!

 

[Chance Wirey]

might ought to get used to it you cant hardly go anyplace without someone asking how big/how many cylinders/when did they start making them again/or my fav. I used to own a triumph back in the day

I think it's definitely something I'm going to have to get used to. Honestly, there's just not many Rockets where I'm at right now. Like I said--its a sea of Harleys and Harley wanna-bes. And if not those, then another sea of street bikes that all tend to look the same.

In that crowd, the Triumph stands out. Its so very obviously not a Harley--and also not a street bike. It piques people's curiosity, that's for sure!

 

[Rick McC.]

Welcome to the madhouse, you can check out but you can never leave..
The Rocket is the end of the road as far as motorcycles are concerned.. it's all downhill from there, everything else is ho hum.

That right there puts it in perspective.

Welcome to the OP from Weeki Wachee!

 

[Rick McC.]

I think it's definitely something I'm going to have to get used to. Honestly, there's just not many Rockets where I'm at right now. Like I said--its a sea of Harleys and Harley wanna-bes. And if not those, then another sea of street bikes that all tend to look the same.

In that crowd, the Triumph stands out. Its so very obviously not a Harley--and also not a street bike. It piques people's curiosity, that's for sure!

I have yet to see another Rocket anywhere but at the Triumph dealer.

 

[Chance Wirey]

I have yet to see another Rocket anywhere but at the Triumph dealer.

Brother, that's a nice 1911 you have there as your avatar. I carry a Kimber Pro Raptor II; and also own a POF-USA AR-15, as well as a Mosin Nagant.

As for the bike, the Rocket is definitely a special machine. I feel like I can grow into it for years, then upgrade it down the road and probably feel like its a brand new bike again. A bike like this...yeah, everything else just sorta fades into ho-hum territory.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

My biggest upgrde for long range comfort is an AirHawk Seat cushion, and hwy pegs.

The way he inflates it is disturbing

 

[Rick McC.]

Brother, that's a nice 1911 you have there as your avatar. I carry a Kimber Pro Raptor II; and also own a POF-USA AR-15, as well as a Mosin Nagant.

As for the bike, the Rocket is definitely a special machine. I feel like I can grow into it for years, then upgrade it down the road and probably feel like its a brand new bike again. A bike like this...yeah, everything else just sorta fades into ho-hum territory.

Thak you my friend; 1911's are one of my several "addictions," and I like working on them, too.

I'm an IDPA SO, and have several rifles, a few shotguns, and more hand guns than I can keep track of.

The R3R is the last bike I'll ever buy, as well.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

Welcome from West Michigan ! Enjoy the new ride !