The phone rang and was answered by my much better half, H. "Billy from NABD on the phone for you", she says. Sod it, caught out again. I should have sent photos and a bit of Joined up writing about my new bike a bit back and here I was feeling like I was back at school and overdue on homework.
So here goes, lets do 'the story so far'.
Been into bikes since I was 16 (on a Puch maxi at first and then moved on and up). Did rallies, got drunk, made good friends. Finally bought an Aspencade 1100 back in '86 having fallen for the big wing whilst road testing one, along with a Yam Venture Royale for the almost forgotten Motorcycling Weekly. I managed to blag my way in on that one when roadriding editor Dave Richmond took pity on me and got me a nice new bike to play with for a week or so. Truth is, he needed somebody who could read a map to guide him on a round England run (7000 miles in 24 hours).
Now, back to the main plot. My Honda and I failed to agree about something. I thought you should be able to corner the 'cade at better than 120, he didn't. Result: left leg removed below knee plus various minor bangs.
Without going into detail, I didn't think about moping away from bikes, even when forced to drive a car, which I still happily do as required. I messed about with various machines including H's BSA and BMW. I finally bought a GS850 and with lots of help a chair was fitted and a twin gearchange set-up installed. Tried to ride it and made all the usual outfit errors. Couldn't really get on with the chair and it rusted in the garage.
A change of fortune came with a new tin leg. An Ice Rons fitment meant I no longer had to hold the leg on with my left arm (if mould take too long to explain). Off came the chair, off I went on the GS, bugger it was high and top heavy.
I decided I needed to get a low seat and forward controls. Looked through all the books, wandered about shops, sat on things and thought for a bit. Decided to buy a Harley, then decided on a Yam, Kawasaki, etc. etc.
While in Australia last year saw the tests on the Triumph America. Tasty, I thought, but a bit small for my 'large frame'.
Back home on the south coast and popped into Alf's M/cs in Worthing. There was the America in the flesh, very nice on the eye [the camera doesn't do Justice) and quite large, but also not as heavy as the Harley, which was my other choice, finally.
Later that day took the missus for a look see, things going well. Had a think over the weekend. Shop open Tuesday morning - in we go and cut a deal for their demonstrator.
Now I had to find a way to change gear. SAVED! Spoke to Bob at Kliktronic and he contacted Billy at NABD. All went apace and a nice shiny Kliktronic arrived. I wimped out on fitting as Alf's are into racing and have a machine shop and plenty of skilled people. At a cost of £150 I didn't think the fitting was too pricey.
I picked up my new toy, and ordered new pipes at the same time, which soon got fitted.
What can I say about the Triumph? It's new, shiny, comfy, sounds good (now) and is very good for my ego. Screen and silly little leather panniers followed the pipes onto the America. I've done about 1,200 miles on her and am enjoying her. She is long, low and pretty stable. The lowish weight allows me to turn her around outside my garage with little drama. Fuel use is 50-55 mpg giving an OK range for me.It seems to handle very well, despite my bulk.
Downside? Well you can spend four hours cleaning it and a hydraulic bike lift is rather handy as is a trolley Jack when you have to put the rear wheel in after a puncture [nearly caused a divorce, that one!)
What more can I say about the Triumph? If you are thinking about one and have the cash to spare, they seem pretty good to me and make a change from the Jap v Harley debate.
What I must say is a massive thanks to NABD [Billy especially), Kliktronic {ta Bob}, and Alf's [cheers chaps}.
Hope to be out and about on the new toy this gear (as long as my leg holds up}. Say hello if you see me about, I might even buy the tea.