Howdy from Houston, TX

[Volfy]

Just bought my 12th bike since I got back to riding some 4yrs ago, following a 15yr hiatus.  FWIW, 11th and 10th were '11 Sprint GT and '13 Speed Triple R, if that tells you how much I dislike the Triumph triple.     I am actually much more in tune with supersport tourers... VFR1200F being my favorite so far.  Still, I have been very interested in the Trophy SE every since its introduction and thought it would make a great 50th B-day present to myself a few yrs down the road.  Well... this '14 TTSE popped up on my radar, and it was yet another deal too good to pass up.  So... close enough, here's to my half Century on this Earth!

Rode the TTSE back from Dallas and it was supremely comfortable, and surprisingly agile to boot.  I was a bit worried about not getting enough airflow with the oversized CalSci screen in 92F heat, but it turned out okay.  Top of my helmet caught just enough air to keep my noggins cool.  And getting very limited amount of air to my torso actually felt better than full blast of hot air with the naked S3R.  Still, I just ordered a VStream Shorty screen, which should work much better for the warmer months around here.

Handling-wise, Trophy felt much more neutral than the Concours 14 I had and turn-in is quicker.  Would've preferred the more aggressive ergos of the C14, but still sporty enough for my 5'7" frame not to feel like a Gold Wing in disguise.  No, I probably won't be hanging 1/2 a butt cheek over through the twisties on this one, but planning for trips to AR and  NM/CO, which I've been wanting to make, no longer draw protest from said cheeks.    Fair compromise, I hope.

Anynow, the end of my riding season usually ends around 4th of July weekend, so I'm gonna try to ride the big bird some before it becomes hotter than Hades around here.  In the meantime, I'll catch up on all things Trophy related in these forums (great group of folks here).

[Verdun95]

Welcome aboard  Wish you, and your pillion, thousands of happy riding miles

[trophied]

  to the forum from the Hill Country.  Member w8d4it will chime in with a welcome from Houston shortly I'm sure.  Not sure why you cut off the riding season at 07-04.  Get out of town and keep it moving and all things are possible all summer long.  Just takes lots of water.

[inditx]

 

Night rides anyone?

Watch out for the B52 sized bugs down your way though!

inditx

[La_gazelle]

Welcome!! Have a nice trip!! You won't regret it!!

[w8d4it]

Welcome to the Forum     I'm from the Houston area as well.  North Harris County. Mine is silver as well.    I'm curious why does your riding season end around Jily 4?  One of the things I like about Texas is the year round riding. 

[Volfy]

Thanks for the welcome.   Through most of the year, I ride in every chance I get.  No problem riding on the coldest days around here, but I just don't like when it gets above 95F (as explained here http://www.ironbutt.com/ibmagazine/IronButt_1002_62-66_Hot.pdf).  Sweating enough to survive in July/August Houston sun and humidity just feels too much like work.  Riding is supposed to be fun... not work.    I do ride some, just not regularly.  yes, at night, early mornings, and cloudy weekends if I can afford to get farther away from the city.

This season, I plan on buying one of those phase shift vests, to see if that helps extend my riding into the Summer.  Still, I feel blessed already, being able to be riding 9-10 months out of of a year, compared to 6-7months at most when I lived up north.

[cropbiker]

Hi Volfy and welcome... its a great bike and forum!