Deals Gap

[kurtmartin1027]

Gonna be in the deals gap area from July 4 through the 10th.  Would love to see and meet anyone who can get there. My cell is 734-777-9158 give me a text or call and we can meet up.

Kurt

[twowheeladdict]

Have fun!!  I'll have to plan a ride through there to get my official photographs on the new bike.  Post up some photos of you conquering the dragon.  We all know the bike is capable.

I don't have this guys skills though.

[Zebraranger]

I spent the week up there last week and just got back Sunday night. I rode as many of those beautiful Smoky Mountain roads as I could, did the Dragon a couple of times. It was unusually hot and humid there last week with temps in the mid 90's. Usually this time of year its only in the 80's and 60's at night. But this year it was brutal. I shot a lot of video from the bike, I'll post it as soon as I have some time to edit it all down to a couple of minutes. The Trophy handled the twisties and the Dragon flawlessly. Just don't forget to adjust the suspension. My first day out I forgot and it was still in comfort mode, it only took one tight turn to realize it and I immediately made the adjustment and it was perfect. These are my Dragon photo's from this trip.



And last year with the Bonneville

 

[Original Scourge]

How does the Bonnie compare to the Trophy riding on the Dragon and which was more fun?  Also, which tires are you running on your Trophy and how did they handle through that many twists and turns?

Bruce

[Zebraranger]

Originally Posted by Original Scourge

How does the Bonnie compare to the Trophy riding on the Dragon and which was more fun?  Also, which tires are you running on your Trophy and how did they handle through that many twists and turns?

Bruce

Well, both bikes were fun in their own ways. I think the Trophy has had some of the sport taken out of it for more touring ability, which is fine with me because I purchased the Trophy for more comfort long distance riding. It was quicker from turn to turn, much quicker. But, because of the weight, higher center of gravity, carrying saddle bags at the time of the ride, the Bonneville was quicker in the turns, especially the tight hairpin turns (lighter, lower center of gravity, more flickable). But, not as quick getting from turn to turn. Both were really fun to ride and were totally different experiences. The Bonneville would have been even better if it had better suspension. Being able to adjust the Trophy's suspension from comfort, normal to sport mode made a big difference and the bike responded well, it definitely made a big difference in being able to handle tight turns at high speed. I had replaced the tires a couple of months ago with the Pirelli Diablo's so with new tread, traction was good.

[Original Scourge]

Pretty much what I thought you'd say about the Bonnie vs. Trophy.  I also own both (couple o' lucky bastards, ain't we?) and I think that the modern Bonneville is the easiest to ride motorcycle ever made (just my opinion).  I've always been a huge fan of Pirelli tires, even on my Harley, but I notice that some of the folks on this forum seem to really be fans of the Michelins on their Trophies.  I'd be curious to know how many miles you get out of those.  I know that the right Pirellis can stick like glue to the pavement.

Thanks for the reply.  Take it easy!

Bruce

[Zebraranger]

Hi Bruce,
I no longer own the Bonneville, I got rid of it because of 9 different oil leaks within the first 12 months. It was a great fun ride but it spent more time at the dealership being repaired under warranty than it did being ridden. Output shaft seal replaced twice, gear cover gasket repaired twice, both oil port galley plugs leaked and repaired, neutral gear indicator switch leaked twice and replaced, oil pan on the bottom of the bike leaked and two oil cooler lines leaked. When the output shaft seal started leaking again for the 3rd time with only 400 miles since being replaced the 2nd time, it was time for it to go. I know every manufacturer produces a lemon every now and then, unfortunately I was the one to draw this one. I tried to get Triumph USA to replace the motor, but all they were willing to do was to keep repairing it under warranty. Decided to get rid of it because I was afraid that once the warranty ran out, the ongoing repairs would be out of my pocket. Its ok though, I've always been a big Triumph fan and obviously still am with the Trophy...Love it.

[Original Scourge]

Yeah, it's no big secret that Triumph USA kinda SUCKS.  I wish that John Bloor would force a change of leadership here.