After a little over 4 years and 46000 miles, I have to say I am very pleased with my Speedmaster. It is my first bike, and I have to say, it may be my last too. Even if I do add another bike or two to the stable, this one isn't going anywhere!
I run back and forth across Houston, TX every week,...
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After a little over 4 years and 46000 miles, I have to say I am very pleased with my Speedmaster. It is my first bike, and I have to say, it may be my last too. Even if I do add another bike or two to the stable, this one isn't going anywhere!
I run back and forth across Houston, TX every week, often several times/week, at 60+ miles round trip each time, and a lot of that at night. With the exception of a few crotch-rockets, there is not anything around here faster on a cross-town, repetitive commute. This thing just loves running 80-90 mph - it really hits that power band at about 5k rpm (at 90 mph, 17t front sprocket). It handles well, is very comfortable, and has been absolutely problem-free.
I have done 650 miles in a day, and want to do 1000. I have done 300-400 miles/day two-up and can hardly even tell she is back there. I get looks and comments everywhere I go, and go weeks between sightings of other Triumphs. I ride with other sport-bike riders because most cruiser riders can't hang (they putt-putt while I'm hauling the mail). At 500 lbs., I eagerly look forward to any opportunity to take her out. I have laid her down, and picked her back up, too (not at speed).
I don't think I would ride a 700+ lb. bike near as much, yet I enjoy the 10k miles I get from each set of tires while kicking her the whole way and still can't wipe the grin off my face (unlike a sport bike that may only get 5k/set of tires).
The Rocket III is nice, as I am sure the new T-Bird will be too, but it can't be that much better than this - this is just too cool!
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