Bennington Triumph Bash

I lusted for a new Thunderbird ever since it was unveiled. Put up a poster of it, created on the website just what I wanted (ABS, windshield, luggage rack, short pipes, etc.), and saved my shekels. Missed the opportunity to buy during winter promotion when you'd get a Triumph leather jacket thrown in to sweeten the deal. I read the review in Rider Magazine over and over. Come the spring, however, I read in Rider Magazine about the new Kawasaki Concours 14 and start thinking about a sports tourer. Then I see the local K dealer is getting rid of the 2009s at $4K under list price. I check it out and I'm sold.

Here's the thing. I get to keep my 2005 Speedmaster, which I love. So now I have the Speedo and a Concours that can do 150 mph without a sweat, and carrying hard bags at the same time. I plan to attend the Bash--on my Triumph, of course. And I'll be frank. Although I test-rode a Thunderbird and REALLY liked it, I can't get around the pipes. Even the short pipes. Just don't care for the design. I also prefer the speedometer up front, not on the tank. Small things, I know, but factors in my final decision. I do love my Speedmaster!

DrJ

DrJ

Welcome! Bienvenido!

Looking forward to meeting you soon! The Concours 14 is on my list too, great bike, I have 2 bikes with hard bags and it is a great way to tour. I am more into adventure touring for now, but did a lot of Sport Touring on my previous life on a Yamaha FJ1200.

Tito

Ton Up

I saw a beautiful '06 sprint with hard bags out in Syracuse at Destiny Motorsports. If I were in the market for a sport touring bike, I would definitely give those a spin. There is also a Trophy for sale near me, but it has the 4 cylinder, and I have to admit that the Triumph Triple is one of the most appealing design features, so 4 cylinders just doesn't light my fire.
The Connie consistently gets rave reviews, and my local BMW dealer suggested it as an alternative to the very expensive bikes he sells. As for the top heavy comments, I think that some bikes do have a lower center of gravity, but I can't help but think alot of the negative comments regarding the top heavy nature has more to do with poor slow riding skills than an actual fault of the bike.
Congratulations, and many happy miles!
PS - You forgot to tell the most important thing - what color is it?

TonUp & Sevy--

As I say, I get to keep my Speedmaster, which I love. It's really nice to have two different rides. The turbine-like power of the Connie 14 is most impressive. It's really well balanced and extremely steady at speed, and absorbs bumps without a shake. I hear the Sprint is typical Triumph quality and design, but I couldn't pass up the deal I got with the Kawa.

It's red, by the way. I think they call it Candy Apple red, but it's like a maroon.

I may have to skip the Bash. I'm selling my house and the closing date is the week after the Bash, and I may need to be working on getting ready. I'll make it if I can.

My Speedmaster is black but has a bright red tank.

DrJ