Back in the day, I grew up with Hondas and Yamahas. My first cafe style was the CB400F, played with it and "unofficailly" raced it against Triumphs. Over the years I grew up, switched to crusiers, then Harleys. When I saw this bike for the first time, I instantly went back to the old days and...
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Back in the day, I grew up with Hondas and Yamahas. My first cafe style was the CB400F, played with it and "unofficailly" raced it against Triumphs. Over the years I grew up, switched to crusiers, then Harleys. When I saw this bike for the first time, I instantly went back to the old days and the sheer joy I got out of the cafe style. I sat on it, took a test ride, then it was on the truck headed home. What I like about this bike, besides its beautiful retro lines, is the simplicity, engineering, and sport-like ride. It handles very well, quick and nimble, along with a smooth engine and good performance - all being very manageable. What I didn't like, is the seat and I found that I needed to put on a larger toothed front sprocket. With the stock setup, at highway speeds, there was a buzzing of mirrors, handle bars, and pegs. The larger sprocket (19 tooth) dropped the rpm's by 500 and makes the 65 to 70 mph very comfortable. Years ago I would have kept stock or even a smaller sprocket but I am happy with this conservative modification. The price may be a $1000 or so high for similiarly built domestic or Japanese models, but Triumph is a great name with very good quality, so it is worth it. I have a Harley Ultra for weekend enjoyment and the Thruxy for weekday excitement.
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