Triumphrat

rmak

OK, so it's my first annual report.

When we arrived, I had to go back to the coat check area for my cell phone. When I got to entrance line and the young ladies handing out compimentary bags, I asked one if she'd seen two guys with grey hair and goatees come through a few minutes ago. It took her a minute of surveying the 2000 or so that matched the description to get the joke.

They are raffling off another Vincent. Since the guy who sold me the ticket couldn't say what the annual insurance cost for one would be, I'll probably sell it to Jay Leno when I win, after one ride to bike night.

So many more bikes looked like interchangable transformers this year. They all had pointy front plastic things. I'd appreciate an explanation, if anybody has one.

I've been rooting for the Victory to succeed for a long time. Someone has got to tell them to quit "Nessing" up their bikes.

The best of show: A black Harley Sportster with black wheels, a wrapped two-into-one exhaust, ape hangers, forward controls...and...are you ready...Suicide shift! Try to out-retro that, Triumph!

Runner up: A grey camo Ural military side car machine. I'd need a beaver hat and white snow patrol fatigues.

Best looking transformer bike with pointy front plastic thing: KTM Adventure.

Worst bike(s): Generic cheap bikes from an undetermined oriental country. All $1,500 each. Take your pick of "dirt", "cruiser" or "sports bike" styles. I told my buddy to shoot me dead if he ever saw me on one.

Best of the eye-candy girls who are obviously paid to smile at all the grey haired, goateed attendees: The Ducati girl.

Best booth deal: British Motorcycle Gear, some great deals on jackets. Unfortunately, almost all of my money went for the admission ticket.

That's it. Another year without Triumph. Would have loved to see the Street Triple. Watch for next year's report, if I go.

Silverado57

Funny. Nice report.
At this year's NY MC show, I commented to the wife, "Wow, there are a lot of guys with gray hair here." So true.

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Kevin
Luceo Non Uro
NJ USA

toadmanor

So what's wrong with grey haired guys with goatees?

I'll kick your young ever lovin' A**!

HospiceRN

I hate to say, but after making big plans to go to the one in Atlanta, I bailed and stayed home. In true Southern fashion, I hate cold, I hate snow and hate leaving home when both are happening. I'll have to call Matt at Machines in Motion to find out how it was at one of the few shows with a Triumph dealer.

rmak

I'm three score old, so I got the grey hair too, but I have a full beard because I'm an "individualist".

And thanks for the compliment about being young. Haven't heard that in a while.

Old Scratcher

The best of show: A black Harley Sportster with black wheels, a wrapped two-into-one exhaust, ape hangers, forward controls...and...are you ready...Suicide shift! Try to out-retro that, Triumph!


I hear the new 1700's going to be a rigid with girder forks, manually adjusted timing, acetylene lights, & a total loss oiling system.
Ah, the good old days.

PS Great report Rich. I hope there'll be a 2nd annual report.

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"They told me I was goin to have to work for my living, & all I wanna do is ride. I don't care where we're goin from here. So Honey you decide" Jackson Browne (the Road & The Sky)

1759AG

How can it be the first and an "annual"?

rmak

In the same way the year 0001 AD started the first century, I guess....

Really I don't have a clue. I just wanted to look at my brand new avatar again. It's me and my step-son going for a ride in my old Ural. That bike sure was fun when it ran.

brolane

rmak, the sporster you described was, I assume, the best looking bike you saw. With ape hangers, it surely would not have been the best riding bike. Have you ever tried to turn a bike with ape hangers?

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Matter can neither be created or destroyed, but it can be lost.

rmak

Yes I have and yes they do compromise the steering geometry a little. Imagine cornering that machine with one hand while you're hand shifting with the other. I guess that's why they call it a "suicide" shift...