Hello/intro From Shinyhead In Thousand Oaks, California

Hey gang,
I'm new to the Triumph Forum. I currently have a 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200, 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCX, 1975 Ducati 860GT(still in the process of restoration, but really close to having it done) and finally a 1974 Hodaka Wombat 125 that is the latest project(all apart and in boxes).

My currrent most fun bike to ride is the Speed Twin, however, as many have pointed out, the suspension SUCKS! I'm looking at getting Nitron adjustable cartridges for the forks and YSS shocks for the back from Ted Porter's Beemer Shop(He's been super helpful in the process). I'm planning on this being a game changer.

I've been riding motorcycles for about 56 years - the first one being a Taco minibike that I managed to crash into the back of the garage on the fist day I had it, which was Christmas day. This was the best day ever and the worst day ever, all rolled into one, as I hit so hard that the forks bent back and jammed the wheel into the frame. I've been doing stupid/fun stuff like this ever since. I have done it with most types of motorcycles - trials, dirt bikes, street bikes, street track bikes, and mini super moto bikes that you ride like a crazed kid on kart tracks - SO much fun!

I've have over a hundred bikes during my moto adventures, but at 66 I'm thinking that slowing just a bit might not be such a bad idea, as I'm not as strong and bulletproof as I was. This is why I have arrived on the Speed Twin. Still lots of fun, plenty sporty, a nod to old school while being modern enough (I do wish it had cruise control)and so small it totally reminds me of sitting on my mini supermoto bike, which was a 2001 Honda CR80. The Tiger is fun, but because it's so tall, it can be a bit unwieldly to move it around, so it might be a "short lister". I want to be the one manhandling my bikes, not the other way around.

I'm looking forward to being a part of the group.
Cheers!
Shinyhead

 

I will as soon as I get a chance. Be back with photos soon...I have to pull bikes out of the garage.

 

Here's the goods...The Tiger and the Speed Twin, the Hodaka frame(all the other parts in boxes are equally as unimpressive) and the Ducati(about 85% finished). It's good to have stuff tto do in retirement and there's not shortage of that here.

 

Hey Junglie25, I'm looking forward to riding it once it's done, but certainly I certainly won't be riding it fast.