Hi, all! I started riding in 1982 on Japanese motorcycles. I got my first Harley in 2004, and have always had Harleys since then, but usually with a smaller Japanese backup bike. But while browsing a used motorcycle shop with a large selection of motorcycles, I sat on a 2020 Speedmaster with mini-ape handlebars... My butt just melted into the seat! I was looking to get rid of my 2007 Harley Ultra Classic as it was giving me problems, so I traded it in on the Speedmaster the next day. It has the Triumph bags (waaaay smaller than what I'm used to!), I had a rack put on the back already, and I'm waiting on the highway bars so I can put some pegs on them. As an almost 65-year-old woman with two serious accidents in my 40 year riding history, I really miss my massive Harley fairing and all the wind protection (and storage) it provided. But I'll tell you what, I love the way I feel when I ride this bike. It's like I'm in a biker movie! Old school, for sure - no more flying couch! So I'm looking forward to learning a lot from you all since I never ever thought I'd buy a Triumph - and I've learned something already. I live 1.5 hours from Gustafsson windshields in St. Augustine Florida and I'm going to ride up there in a day or two to see if they can fabricate a windshield for me that keeps the wind off my shoulders. Glad to be here!
Chrisfla1, Nice to see you here in the forum or asylum what ever. Do try to post some pic's of the steeds you have or owned keep the inmates amused for an hour or two. Joe
Welcome from a Triumph convert up the pike in Jersey. 2018 Speedmaster here, bought new in 2020. Coming off HDs and big Victorys (Victories?) was quite an adjustment. The Triumph is just more nimble and easier to flip around. Also, you won't need big bags. It's not a Harley. You won't have to carry a lot of tools.
Thanks everyone! I've ridden it about 150 miles every day since I bought it, even the first day when it was windy and raining. But I have to say, due to some physical issues, I'm going to have to find something resembling a big batwing fairing to put on it or I won't be able to ride very far (very far to me is a 500 mile day). TBH, it reminds me of my '08 Nightster, that I had outfitted with mini-apes, a little scoopy windshield around the front headlight, forward controls, a 2-up seat, and an old school sissy bar. It was really flashy, and it got a lot of compliments, but it was only good for a two-hour ride -- and that was when I was 10 years younger than I am now... So keep your fingers crossed, ot I'll end up buying another '07 Electra Glide for the long rides!
Greetings, @Chrisfla1, and welcome to the forum! As @joe mc donald noted, we love photos here on the forum. Looking forward to seeing a few of your new Speedmaster. It's great to have another woman on the forum and I do hope you'll become an active member. You and I are the same age and have (or had) Harleys in common. I currently have two of them but also have a Triumph Speed Triple RS. And I love 'em all! Hope you enjoy the forum.
OK! By popular demand, here is my new-to-me 2020 Speedmaster. I bought it with 3100 miles on it and I'm just beginning to make modifications. Today I rode up to Gustafsson windshields in St. Augustine and got fitted for a new windshield, so hopefully that will take some of the wind off my shoulders. I had the bike delivered last Thursday and I hit 800 miles on it today! Not too shabby for an old woman with a body full of broken bones and metal pieces!
Thanks for the photos of your Speedmaster, @Chrisfla! It's looking good. I think it's awesome that you've had the bike less than a week and have put 800 miles on it already. Please keep us posted on your mods and on your thoughts on the bike.
Great looking bike! Did the windshield work out well for you? You certainly take some long rides! My Sprint gets a little tiresome after a couple of hours, so I take breaks to stretch out a bit (I'm 61).
Actually, I've had two windshields on it (so far), and neither of them have provided adequate enough wind coverage for a true long-distance ride. It's been very frustrating! Either I'm too old for this bike, no windshield is going to work, or I'm going to be spending ridiculous amounts of money trying to find one that works for me. I haven't ridden without a windshield since I was in my late 20's, so that's not an option. I really love riding this bike, but I must confess I've seriously considered getting rid of it already just because of this issue. I have, however, put 1500 miles on it, so you know I love it. If you all have any ideas about how to allieviate this problem, I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!
Good luck figuring it out, @Chrisfla1. Glad you are liking the bike other than the windshield issue. And I know from experience how important an issue that is as another rider who like to tour and do some bigger trips. I suggest that you post another request for assistance in one of the other forums available here such as the Bonneville or General Discussion forums which would increase your chance of folks seeing and responding with ideas for you. Good luck!