Triumphrat

rotaryracer · 02-04-2007, 09:00 AM

Hi guys - I have a new '06 Thruxton hibernating at the dealer in PA right now, waiting for this damnable white stuff to melt. What happened to global warming, anyway?!?!?

The dealer has agreed to give me a discount on any Triumph accessories I purchase with the bike up to the time of actual delivery. The bike already had the TOR mufflers and Triumph bar-end mirrors installed, and I'm considering adding the tank kneepads as well.

The two "bigger ticket" items I'm considering are the Triumph gel seat (stock style) and the centerstand.

1. Gel seat - Discounted to $180. I've searched and read as many posts as I can find in the various forums. General consensus is that it's an improvement, but perhaps not a quantum leap over stock? I sat on a stock Bonnie seat in the showroom and quickly realized why folks call it the "park bench". I don't plan on doing any Iron Butt rides on the Thrux, but would like some comfort for 100+ mile days. A Sargent seat is more than $180 and a local upholstery shop is going to charge less/more with unknown results. If I ride the heck out of it, will my posterior callous up enough a gel seat won't make a difference?

2. Centerstand - Discounted to $203. Is a centerstand a better investment than a Harbor Freight or Craftsman MC jack ($59 or $99, respectively) or a paddock stand (~$100)? I'm thinking it will make routine chain maintenance and oil changes easier, although a MC jack will help facilitate some of the mods I want to do in the future - airbox removal, etc. Any issues with interference from the TORs? Notice the additional weight or contact points when heeled over in a corner?

Any insight from those that are using the accessories above would be greatly appreciated. I've got awhile before I'll pick the bike up due to my travel schedule, but a little dreaming before delivery can't hurt.

Thanks in advance...

Jason

rodburner · 02-04-2007, 10:12 AM

IMO,the gel seat is not a big enough step up in comfort to justify $180.Ride the bike for a couple thousand miles first,then decide to go cheap comfort with an Alaska Leather sheepskin or go expensive with a full custom seat like Corbin and others.
The centerstand is your call.I don`t have one so I can`t vouch for the usefulness.I have a nice bike jack that I use for oil changes and when I need the front end lifted.I lube my chain using my hydraulic car jack because its lighter and smaller than the bike jack.It works for chain adjustment too since that is such a rare event.[3 times in 15000+mile]
Welcome to the club.
Steve

cameracsc · 02-05-2007, 01:19 AM

Hi,
The gel seat made my Thruxton rideable for longer distances. With the original seat, I could ride at most 150 km (90 odd miles). My butt was killing me! I tried gel covers. Then spent the money and went to the gel seat. Now I can ride for 600 km (375 milles) in confort.
I suppose the center stand is a question of choice. Personally, I wouldn't ride a bike without one. Chain maintenance of course, but also safety in city parking. I don't want a cager nudging my bike and pushing it over a side stand. Call me paranoid!
Take care
JohnB

setts · 02-05-2007, 05:06 AM

I'd keep the cash for a real mod like removing the air-box (around USD300). For me the centre stand is a no-no cause of the weight and because it compromises lean angle. A jack is a much more useful option for servicing. Of course there is an argument for a centre stand if you routinely park in confined areas. The gel seat seems too expensive. Can't say I've heard many singing their virtues.

MAR · 02-05-2007, 04:51 PM

I went and got a Corbin seat made. Although the service from Corbin a really quite poor at this time, I was able to go to the factory and have them make exactly what I wanted. I have done 400 mile days with no issues. I paid $180 for it.
With regard to the center stand, I bought a Pit Bull race stand for my garage. The center stand is in my friends garage gathering dust. There is no reason to carry it around with you.
I would think about new shocks, an exhaust or a air box kit.

rotaryracer · 02-06-2007, 07:39 AM

Thanks for the responses guys! I won't be parking in the city or in confined areas, so the centerstand would mainly be for service...and it probably doesn't make sense to carry that extra weight with me. I never really used to use the centerstand on my other bikes (or had to remove it for aftermarket exhausts), so I don't think I'll miss it. Still not sure about the gel seat....I may ask the dealer if they can swap it on so I can at least sit on it in the dealership before I make my decision.

I've got a whole list of performance mods I'm looking forward to doing (airbox removal, shocks/springs, etc.), but am going to try to the ride the first season bone stock...it will give me a better idea of what to work on first. We'll see if my willpower can overcome the desire to "tweak"!

Thanks again all...

Jason

ramblinfool · 02-08-2007, 12:41 AM

The best lookin mod i've done to mine is lowering the gauges. Just moving them an inch makes a world of difference.

KADUTZ · 02-08-2007, 01:41 AM

Last time I bought a bike w/o a Cstand the WHOLE bike cost me $250.