Triumphrat

ElJugador

Hello all,

On a lark this year I sold my 1998 BMW R1100GS and bought a Honda Valkyrie Interstate. I was looking for something with a bit more room for long tours (with other cruiser types) or for 2 up riding. I bought the Valk. and rode it from its former home in AZ to my home in OR last weekend. I love the comfort and the power of the Valk and it is an awesome bike.

The one thing I miss about the GS (also a great bike) is how it performed in the twisties. It is not surprising that the Valk. is underwhelming when the roads get really tight.

My solution is to simply add a more sporty bike to the stable.

I am 6'6" and 340 pounds, so most bikes don't fit me well. I do remember that the Triumph 1200s I sat on when buying the GS seemed pretty roomy.

I'm now thinking a 1200 Daytona or Trophy might be a good way to go. Looking for some perspective on choosing between the two.

I think I'd continue super long distance touring on the Valk. However, touring always needs to be somewhat of an option on any bike I would consider owning.

In the sport part of the sport/touring equation, how does the Trophy compare to the Daytona and vice versa (or is there much of a difference between the two other than faring and luggage.

Any advice on the matter would be appreciated.

Thanks.

DR

SlowPocono

ElJugador

I love the Daytona 1200, so much so that I bought two of them. I have never been on a Trophy.

While the Trophy and Daytona are basically the same there are differences that are important. Compression ratios and camshaft profiles are different. The front brakes are not the same either. Otherwise, from looking at the shop manual, there are no other mechanical differences that I can see.

I'll tell you that I often ride with a passenger on my Daytonas and our combined weight approaches your 340 lbs. The bike handles it quite well and we have been able to embarrass some sport bikes carrying lesser payloads.

I'm considering looking for another one. I still don't have one in yellow.

Good luck to you!