The Club I have joined, here in North Georgia, seems to be made up of Honda Gold Wings and dressed out Harleys, neither of which appeal to me. Many of the folks are distance riders, some literally across the US. I ride with them locally, and have no aspirations to go to Sturgis, or Daytona Bike Week. I'm 75 years young, and would enjoy day long rides. In your opinion, what's the most comfortable Triumph for my needs? I have the Street Twin, and find it a bit small, compared to bikes I've had previously, (Honda Vtx 1300, etc.) Your thoughts are appreciated. Cheers....The Mad Mongoose....OUT!
I’ve never owned one but by far the most comfortable Triumph I have ever ridden is the Tiger 900 GT Pro.
I’d have thought that the Speedmaster would absolutely fit the bill. I’ve owned a Tiger, and this would be light years ahead in terms of comfort. The other thing I'd say is that its also possible to embrace the Harley experience without going the whole, errr... hog. That's what I've done with my Sport Glide - a supremely comfortable and very adaptable bike. And its beautiful!
I rode with the club I joined this weekend, and was disappointed. Everybody rode the full dressed Harleys, one had a Gold Wing, and several rode Indians. Mine was the smallest bike, and certainly not as "tricked out" as the rest. I have concluded that this is not for me. Average bike weight...1000 lbs. Cost...$33000. I can't spend this kind of $, and will be looking for a different group. This is not to criticize them, I'm just not up for this. I'm hoping to eventually trade up to a Triumph which will give me the comfort and retro cool I'm seeking. In the interim, my little Street Twin will get me thru the twisties. Cheers, from Georgia!!!
This is MY "old pair of comfortable shoes". She is a 2002. Some minor mods for comfort. 3" risers. Modified heal/toe shift. 6 piston front brake. Nothing fancy. Sounds to me like that is one of those "ego" clubs. I don't feel I have to impress anyone. ...J.D.
First, your bike is ultra cool! Secondly, thanks for your response. I just don't think that was the club for me, and, perhaps egos were involved both ways. I don't want a leather vest covered in patches, nor a 1000k bike. I'm looking for a bike which would be comfortable on, for instance, a 300 mile ride. Those folks are just out of my price range, or, perhaps it's me....
I've given you the best tip you'll get above - the Speedmaster. Perhaps acknowledge responses when people go out their way to help?
May I ask how many times you rode with the club, @Mongoose? I ask because I ride with a group and there are all sorts of bikes--big, small, expensive, cheap (well, inexpensive is a better way to put it because they are still nice bikes). Additionally, there are many brands and types represented--Harley, Victory, Indian, BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, KTM, and, oh yeah, Triumph! Sport, ADV, cruiser, touring, one guy even has a dirt bike. We are a diverse group but connected by a love of riding and motorcycles. Maybe give that group a few more tries. Or maybe even think about inviting a few riding buddies and starting your own group. I hope you find your peeps!
Thank you for your kind response. I shall continue to seek "My peeps," as I'm sure they are out there. Thanks again!!
I did a tour of the French Alps last September on a 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 and found it very comfortable to drive, even on the long stretches, whether Motorway or twisties. 2,036 miles covered in 12 days. I just added a cheap touring screen and a set of leather panniers, so no tricked out touring gear required for me or the bike.
Howdy, from North Georgia, (pronounced Gawga...) It appears I'm in it now. I pick up my 2023 Speedmaster tomorrow, if it doesn't rain, cranberry red, with all the bells and whistles! I'll be adding crash bars and aftermarket panniers as time permits. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond. If "y'all" get up this way come by and "sit a spell..." The Mad Mongoose....OUT!
The speedmaster would be worth a demonstrator ride. Its a very comfortable ride IF you can get on with the "comfort" seat. I couldn't: after 2 hours or so my back hurt. I changed to a custom seat built by a local upholsterer. Its far far better but still not perfect.
I think it more important that you can connect with the people you ride with, not the bike they ride. I do not do clubs. I ride with people I have other things in common with. The interest in motorcycles is secondary. The loosely attached group I ride with have other connections. We share the same spiritual view on life. Some have left the area. Some have died. Funny though. I started riding with these people years ago. I was the only one on an old Triumph. Now 2 others have switched to Triumph. They all ride new stuff. I ride the same old bikes. I could buy a new bike, but my life has other priorities. I try to keep the material things secondary in my life. ...J.D.
Thanks to y'all for your insights. My next question is which panniers to consider. Triumph wants over $500 for theirs, and I'm thinking nylon bags would do just as well. Your thoughts? Cheers from North Georgia. The Mad Mongoose.........OUT!
Second that vote. Rode it from Bristol to Cornwall a few times last year and got off as fresh as daisy. Mrs Marky says its the most comfy bike i have had.
I picked up a decent pair of genuine Triumph wax cotton panniets on Ebay for less than £100. Then bought a pair of Motone rails to mount them ...
