Triumphrat

I rode both this past weekend when the Triumph 'Rig' (tractor-trailer) showed up at the periodic 'open house' the dealer hosts.

Was impressed with both, especially the Trophy. The carb calibration was flawless, leading me to believe it had the current generation fuel injection! This bike pulled like a freight train and handled to boot. Nothing like a large sport tourer and mostly upright seating position.

The sitting position on the CE Daytona is not my 'cup of tea' but it would flat go! If I had the funds I would add one of each to my garage to compliment my ST as each has a distinctive personality.



Just had to say it. :razz:

coldnight

And here I was hoping you'd fall for one of them hard and sell your ST... :-D

Ah well... I'll keep looking...

coldnight

Don't bank on it; I just started riding the ST to work a couple of weeks back - will carry my rainsuit this morning.

I read your profile; VF500F is a rare bird for sure. Forsyth Motorsports in Winston Salem had a brand new black '00 ST for $8k and probably less now (last October).

My dealer here in Charlotte has a red '02 they've demoed previously (using a blue '03 at the moment) they would probably let go for around $9k or maybe less. The dealer in Memphis, TN was trying to move a new '01 with side bags; alot of great deals on one of the all time great bikes all over the U.S. I'm sure.

well... how'd the 1200 stack up to the ST???

s boy

Every bit as strong in a larger package; upright seating position and larger fairing/windshield - torque and careful tuning was the difference.

The big Trophy had a refined feel compared to the large oriental fours of years past....GSX 1100G comes to mind (an all time favorite when you modify the suspension properly) - Trophy needs no suspension or engine mods. Triumph did their homework on this one; the reason it was in production for so long. :wink:

PS: Stopped by Ridge Motorsports in Batesburg, SC today and they still have a brand new '01 ST for $8,300.

thanks... coming from an ST owner... those are good comments. i am considering the trophy as my next bike. but i just bought a '99 tBird this year for commuting, so i'll have to wait for the 2004's or 05's. maybe by then they will have the drive shaft models out???

s boy

The T-Bird must be an excellent commuter; got bags and shield?

I've written this here before but I would like to see the next Trophy with auto chain oiling and enclosed - I've adjusted mine twice since new (I use 80w-90 gear oil every 500 miles).

Fuel Injection and more standard equipment wouldn't hurt either....would make an excellent choice. The current Trophy's dry weight is about the same as my last 1982 CB750C - a bit of progress over the years!

rh

i think the tBird is gonna be an awesome commuter/week-end tour bike. it only set me back $5k, it is light, nimble, economic, but still good looking and has plenty of pwr.
it came with a summer shield and i found a like-new triumph backrest for it for dirt cheap... all it needs now is a bit of luggage-ability. i will probably get a nylon type bag to go over the backrest and a tank bag for now?? i really wanted givi bags (E21s), but givi does not make anything for the tBird... according to a phoncon i had with them this week.

having been out of the saddle a few years this is a great re-entry bike. and my wife is getting used to the riding as well on it... slowly. getting her involved is an important process to develop for me IF i want to upgrade later... because if she doesn't want to tour with me, then i wouldn't want to go anyways. we are really each others best friends (going on 25 yrs this June)

s boy

I hear 'ya about your best friend; I'm divorced but may try it again at some point. My job and immediate family consume my time so I have to make time to ride my ST on most weekends.

Don't know what part of the SE US you reside in; GIVI USA is based here in Charlotte; a very decent operation as I've visited there once. Had priced a 3 bag set installed for the Honda XX - about $1,000 as I remember (compared to $1,500 plus labor for the Triumph bags). Suprised they can't come up with something to fit your bike - suspect if you showed up in person their tune may change.

Would really be suprised if you couldn't find anything in the current Triumph catalog that would work. Alot of other sources too. :razz:

i'm on the eastern side of NC... a sleepy little fishin community by the name of 'Gloucester'. it's east of Morehead City/ Beaufort area... if you stay on hwy 70 east.

i might try to run out to givi one day... 5-6 hr run. if i do i'll try to hook up with you. when i looked them up on the i'net i did happen to notice that they were in Charlotte (which is really too cool!)

i did see a pic of a tBird sport (posted on this forum) with E21s... i tried to email the chap, but his address is no longer valid...?

certainly good to meet you!

s boy