Thank, guys! This riding life of ours is so interesting, isn't it? Lots of intangible emotions mixed up with rational analysis in the decision-making.
(04-03-2019, 11:38 PM)Stichill_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Thank, guys! This riding life of ours is so interesting, isn't it? Lots of intangible emotions mixed up with rational analysis in the decision-making.
I suppose it is one of the few modern, arguably accessible "sanctuaries", that when respected, minimizes harm to others.
I've long complained about the poor cross-wind stability of my F800GT, and of course the CBR250R that I briefly owned was a featherweight and didn't care for crosswinds either, so I would imagine the heavier and longer Triumph is a revelation by comparison. It sure is a pretty bike.
Insightful comment about crosswinds, LR. I don't think we typically get the sustained linear crosswinds out here that you probably experience out there in Colorado. Our winds tend to be gusty and multi-directional but can still be bothersome. The little CBR250R does tend to get blown around a bit but it's almost more of an effect on the rider's body than the bike itself. Riding out west I was gob-smacked by the power and tenacity of straight-line winds on plains and coming through passes. I could imagine they'd be challenging on the F800GT. On the Thunderbird they barely registered as a concern.
Thanks for the comment on the bike's looks, LR. I think you and I have similar tastes in bikes so it's nice to hear your reaction.
I'm looking forward to trying out some longer-haul riding on this bike. I feel like this is a bike I could happily go across the country on, even enjoying the ride across the level plains of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, etc.
enjoy riding across Kansas and Nebraska

Agreed on rural highways. The presented examples are seriously infinite.
(04-04-2019, 12:24 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Agreed on rural highways. The presented examples are seriously infinite.
Infinite! Perfect term and concept.
(04-03-2019, 10:58 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Lets hope your initial impression were right and the bird suits you for a long time.
I feel really good about this bike, ferret. When I threw a leg over this bike for a test ride and thumbed the starter button, my entire being said "Oh, yeah. This is definitely it." That feeling intensified once I got underway and it kept building during the test ride. When I pulled back into the dealer's lot, it was already a foregone conclusion the bike would be coming home with me.
AZ country is amazing. Glad you are able to get out and enjoy it.