Hi, i am new to triumph, been riding a Ducati. But needed something for a bit longer rides and short tours. Something more comfortable as i am not getting any younger either. Decided on a adventure type bike, which seems a popular choice in my group of riders. They all seem to have Multistradas, Bmw GS or Explorers. So, having owned a Ducati, I know the pitfalls of them, however i considered generally the L twin engine is just to rough and vibrating for long rides (one of my reasons for change). So narrowed it down to a GS or an Explorer. Test rode the GS and was very happy with it, easy to ride, well balanced, good spec and can see why they have been so successful. Had it not been out of two makes, i would have bought it on the spot. I then have to wait a whole week before my next test ride. Now i am looking at used bikes and now thinking,,, will this GS still be here in a weeks? Should i just buy this bike now? Uhh mmm? Dont know,,, not sure? etc... etc... All week i pondered on going back to that dealer, all week i wondered wether that bike would get sold? I kept telling myself, there will be another one, if that ones gone and i have to ride the other bike, its a triumph and i have always liked all of them, nearly bought a speed triple last time, love the bobber and all the new retro like my dads old Thunderbirds and bonnies I used to sit on as a kid. Eventually the following saturday arrives and i take myself off to my local triumph dealer on a somewhat blustery, but warmish morning. Met by the salesman, he has the bike ready and after a quick chat and form fill and,,,, i am off. I weave round the empty car park next door, to get a bit of feeling of the clutch, weight, brake. After 2 minutes i take off up the main winding road and beyond. Wow, its fabulous. Against the GS, its engine is on a different level, better seat, more kit, and it seems higher, i can see for miles. Now i only done about 2 miles and i am thinking this is it, although the salesman said take 30 -40 mins,,, and i replied in the showroom before i departed "i wont be that long" I find myself so engrossed as i glance at the time and realise i have been out 31 mins and still 5 mins at least from the dealers..... I honestly never wanted to get off it. Purchased on the spot,,,, Explorer 1200 XCa, blue, 6k on the clock, 2 years old. Thankyou to Carl Rosner Triumph, croydon, Excellent they where and very efficient. I love the Triumph image and history always have done and have fond memories of my dads bikes as a kid, Triumph have that something what so many manufacturer's lack and it blew my skirt up, or floated my boat from the first moment. But,,,,,, better still is this bike. 800 miles in i just can not wait to get out. Its class, love it so far One fault though i should mention,,,,,,, it still gets dirty.
Welcome aboard Stevee, great to find a bike that fits your bill so well, I'm on my first Triumph in the shape of a Speed triple and I'm loving it, hope you enjoy the forum and I'm sure you'll enjoy your new steed, the rest of the gang will be along to say hi, they will want pic's though.
