Mystery Motorcycle

[Bludy L]

Today I was at my local motorcycle store: BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Guzzi. A fellow was in there looking at a used FJR 1300. The salesman left to prepare the bike for a test ride. I told the customer that he would love the FRJ, but if he didn't he should try the Triumph Trophy SE. He looked as me as if I were from Mars. I'm sure he never heard of the Trophy and I'm not sure he ever heard of Triumph.

I said that in my opinion the FJR was a bit sportier and had more horsepower, but that the Trophy had plenty of power and provided a more comfortable seating position and superior wind protection. He as a few questions including reliability, inquired where he might see one, and asked about cost. He wasn't local and didn't know the area but I gave him directions to the local Triumph shop. I don't know if he went or not because I rode off on my Bonneville.

[Verdun95]

 , too bad we might never know if he fell for the Hinckley girl.....

[trophied]

I've gotten the same look, even when the other party was staring at my Trophy in the flesh.  That's a Triumph???  Well, no.  It's actually a Kinderknocker Diesel/Solar Hybrid autonomous self driving aquaplaning ramjet conversion in disguise as a Triumph Trophy SE. Genuine simulated imitation leather seat guaranteed not to warp, chip, crack, or peel, shockproof, waterproof, antimagnetic, and won't run down a the heel. 

[Coconut]

It would be good to see him pop up here as a new Member / Owner 

[thumper]

I've only had my Trophy for a year, and didn't pay attention prior to that---but I have yet to see another one on the road.    I kind of like the exclusivity.   

 

[Jughead]

Amen thumper.  I like not having the same old cookie cutter bike that I have to spend thousands on to make it look different.  Can you say harley davidson! 

[Volfy]

I'm not much for being the Good Will Ambassador for the bikes I ride.  When other riders ask, I usually give them the Good, Bad and Ugly, which quite often take them by surprise.  Those that have already made up their minds are not gonna be swayed by what I say.  Those that are unsure and apprehensive usually dive for the comfort of the herd... and IMHO better of there anyway.

With bikes like the TTSE, a guy really needs to be sure that is what he wants and the very reasons behind that decision.  Otherwise, they might run into problems down the road, ditch it in disgust, and end up badmouthing it to no end.

There are very few superlatives I can throw at the TTSE.  It isn't the fastest, quickest, lightest, longest service interval... or most expensive, prestigious, popular... or has the most range, features, technology, aftermarket support, etc. etc.  I like it for reasons that are not always that easy to articulate.  You either get it, or you don't.  A lot of it has to do with having owned 3 Triumph 1050 triples prior to the TTSE.  I appreciate Triumph's brand, design philosophy and, yes, character at a level far beyond simple brand loyalty.  It is what allows me to be tolerant of small faults in order to savor qualities I know I cannot get elsewhere.

Try explaining that to a stranger... and I'm liable to look like I'm from Alpha Centauri.   

[DaMonk45]

If you are not from Alpha Centauri why do you have that 3rd eye?