Triumphrat

truebrit · 07-06-2006

Hi all.

I pick-up a new '06 Speedmaster on Saturday morning!!

At 36, it has been nearly 18 years since I last rode a bike ... and that was a mere 125 back in England!

I can't say I am not just a little nervous - although I am obviously more excited than anything else. How is the SM gonna treat me? Will she be nice an gentle and ease me back into the saddle? What is the consensus out there?

Anyway ... as a Brit living here in the US, Triumph was the only choice for me and the SM just called to me ... although the Scrambler was tugging on my heart strings too!!

Cheers!

tba-golfer · 07-06-2006

Welcome truebrit!

Enjoy the forum and the Speedie!

As you know, the Speedie is alot more bike than a 125. It has some heft and lots of pep.

Ride safe and enjoy!

RoundSlide · 07-06-2006

Use the engine break-in period as your means to get reaquainted, but trust me, the Speedmaster is a great bike to learn on, my Speedmaster is my First Bike period, I learned enough to survive my MSF course on this bike, and have been going strong since!

dazco · 07-06-2006

The only thing i'd say is that at slow speeds such as walking speeds when turning, they can be a bit hard to balance because of the longer wheelbase and weight and somewhat heavy steering. the steering will loosen up in time, but it's rather slow and stiff when new. Anyways, not only to get used to slow speed manuvering but also to be able to pass the DMV test should you have to, it would be good to do some practicing in a parking lot doing tight walking speed circles. Once moving even a 700 lb rocket III is no problem. But at those slow turns and such when manuvering in driveways of tight turns on streets, thats where it's real easy to lose your balance and drop the bike. Don't worry about that tho....just be aware of it and practice. When i took the DMV test to get my licence i hadn't owned a bike is a bit longer than you, and i failed it badly. It consisted of exactly what i'm talking about. So i went to the DMV and practiced every sunday when they are closed on thier painted course in the parking lot. After a 1/2 hour every sunday for about a month i then took the test again and zipped thru it with ease.

Aside from that, just take it easy till you feel confident you're in control, but always ride with 100% concentration on every side street, driveway, and every car around you. the second you don't is when something bad happens. Concentrate on doing that till it becomes second nature. In the year i've had mine i've already avoided 2 situations that i think i wouldn't have avoided had i not been looking for exactly what DID happen. My vigilence paid of twice in saving me from what could have been disasterous. You can't trust any single driver when you're on a bike !

Normandy · 07-06-2006

Go slow and cautious and speedy won't let you down.

MA0458 · 07-06-2006

Hi! and welcome! and What Daz said!

Silverado57 · 07-06-2006

Congrats to another new Speedmaster owner.

Consider taking the MSF course and take it slow. The Speedmaster is my first bike and it has been perfect in every way. Hope you like it too.
Ride safe and enjoy!

truebrit · 07-07-2006

My thanks to all of you that replied ...

This looks like being a great forum and there was some good advice in there - I really appreciate all your feedback.

I am really looking forward to my first ride - a little nervous - but I'll use that to stay focused and alert!!!

Again, thanks for the replies - I'll be sure to post a "first ride" update.

P.

silverfox · 07-07-2006

My speedie is my first bike and I rode it home 120 miles from the dealership. You'll have no problem with it. My only problem was forgetting to turn off the turn signal for long stretches at a time. :-D

neves7 · 07-12-2006

Yea, Daz is right. I used to have an '02 Sprint RS and I could fly though the DMV painted course. When I bought my speedy, i decided it was time to get my license, practiced one Sunday at the DMV and then went on Monday to take the test. I put my foot down after the first cone! Terrible. The speedy definitely is a little difficult at first going slow on tight corners...i think its because of the forward controls, but maybe thats just me. But after a little bit of practice, it feels natural now.