Several weeks ago someone posted a question regarding trading their VTX1800 for a Shadow 750. At that time, I posted a response that he might find the transition a tough one, going from such high power cruiser to a much less powerful bike. I also mentioned reading an article in
Cycle World magazine about the new Triumph America cruiser and perhaps he should consider that bike as a possible downsized bike as well. Well, as it turns out, I began thinking of downsizing as well and found an 04 America not far from my home. Ended up trading my 06 VTX1800N with a bunch of upgrades for the America plus cash in my pocket. I'm Happy to report that I love the Triumph and couldn't be happier w the dowsizing. Granted it doesn't have the power of my X, but it sure has enough power to run w my HD buddies and actually is quicker 0-60 because of the power to weight ratio. The America is rated at 61 hp and weighs around 500 lbs fueled. Handles the twisties just fine and gets high 40's mpg. I guess it pays to take your own advice because it has worked out for me. One of the aspects of the Triumph that appealed to me was the same cruiser seating position as my X, just a wee bit shorter at 65.2 " wheelbase. I will not miss the 800 lbs of my X but will miss its power, but you get used to changes in time. It has been a good experience for me personally and the extra 2 K in my pocket sealed the deal.
There are 2 Triumph dealers within an hr. of me and a very good independent mechanic about 1/2 hr from me. No doubt there are far fewer dealers than the Japanese makes but new ones are popping up as Triumph continues to grow in popularity. I have been very impressed w the fit and finish of my new bike and it is an extremely smooth, vibration free ride. Triumph has continued to grow and put out new models even thru the recession. There is a large multi-brand dealer 10 mins from me who I used to work for and he is seriously considering taking on Triumph as another brand to go with his Honda, Yam, Kaw, Duc, KTM, and Husaberg. He is well aware of Honda's lack of new bikes and Triumph would round out his line very well. I'm hoping he does.
Always liked that model.
Have wondered why the new big twin hasn't been a target for VTX riders..
Congrats on the new ride...um, where's the pics?! :dontknow:
Don't have anything bad to say about them other than they came from the factory with a 16-tooth countershaft sprocket and I replaced them both with an 18-tooth.
Aftermarket seats for those are scarce and aftermarket pipes are pricey.
They handle very well and are great at parking lot speeds.
Several weeks ago someone posted a question regarding trading their VTX1800 for a Shadow 750. At that time, I posted a response that he might find the transition a tough one, going from such high power cruiser to a much less powerful bike. I also mentioned reading an article in
Cycle World magazine about the new Triumph America cruiser and perhaps he should consider that bike as a possible downsized bike as well. Well, as it turns out, I began thinking of downsizing as well and found an 04 America not far from my home. Ended up trading my 06 VTX1800N with a bunch of upgrades for the America plus cash in my pocket. I'm Happy to report that I love the Triumph and couldn't be happier w the dowsizing. Granted it doesn't have the power of my X, but it sure has enough power to run w my HD buddies and actually is quicker 0-60 because of the power to weight ratio. The America is rated at 61 hp and weighs around 500 lbs fueled. Handles the twisties just fine and gets high 40's mpg. I guess it pays to take your own advice because it has worked out for me. One of the aspects of the Triumph that appealed to me was the same cruiser seating position as my X, just a wee bit shorter at 65.2 " wheelbase. I will not miss the 800 lbs of my X but will miss its power, but you get used to changes in time. It has been a good experience for me personally and the extra 2 K in my pocket sealed the deal.
We've had some large bikes and still own a late model Gold Wing. It's the wife's bike - I'm just the pilot. It never leaves the house unless she is in the passenger seating area.
Also went from a VTX1300 to an 1800 - and then back to a 1300 - thankyouverymuch.
I ride a Street Bob most of the time = when the wife is not riding as a passenger.
So yes - (to the OP) I know exactly what you mean.
A guy here at work has a 750 Shadow which is all decked out with Mustang seats, windshield, etc. He rides in most mornings with his wife on the back. They both work here. Two years ago he bought a VTX1800R and was riding it a lot. Then not so much. Then not at all. Then he sold that 1800 and kept the Shadow. He's slender, 6'2" and roughly 40 years old and says that he really just prefers the shadow. Says the 1800 was just too heavy/bulky.
:dontknow:
The new, Shadow 750 Phantoms are SOHC 3-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, shaft-drive, wide-ratio 5-speeds.
They weigh 550 lbs., which is around 200 pounds lighter than the X and, of course, have less power, but they are not really "small." They have a 64.5 inch wheelbase and good reach to the bars and footpegs.
If you are a skinny guy like me (175) and only ride 1-up, they are adequate for commuting, or even highway travel.
I'd like to have one as a secondary bike for around town (fuel economy is in the mid-50s mpg).
Acually, I wish I had one as a secondary bike right now, because my X was involved in an accident a couple of weeks ago (not my fault) and is in the shop for repairs.
The 750 Phantom lists for $7,999 and only comes in black.
I think they are pretty nice.
We've had some large bikes and still own a late model Gold Wing. It's the wife's bike - I'm just the pilot. It never leaves the house unless she is in the passenger seating area.
Also went from a VTX1300 to an 1800 - and then back to a 1300 - thankyouverymuch.
I ride a Street Bob most of the time = when the wife is not riding as a passenger.
So yes - (to the OP) I know exactly what you mean.
A guy here at work has a 750 Shadow which is all decked out with Mustang seats, windshield, etc. He rides in most mornings with his wife on the back. They both work here. Two years ago he bought a VTX1800R and was riding it a lot. Then not so much. Then not at all. Then he sold that 1800 and kept the Shadow. He's slender, 6'2" and roughly 40 years old and says that he really just prefers the shadow. Says the 1800 was just too heavy/bulky.
:dontknow:
Some of the guys I ride with just don't seem to get the weight and size factors that, among others, prompted my move to a lighter, more agile bike. However, it's interesting to note that they seem to respect the Triumph brand but not really my 1800X which had a bunch more power.
Nevertheless, I can understand how the Shadow would be an attractive alternative to the much heavier, bulky, X. I do miss the power and speed of my X but I truly do love the Triumph for many reasons. BTW pics to follow whenever I get it together to post them. I appreciate all the support from those of you who responded to my post. I would esp. like to hear from those of you who have owned T's in the past. Thanks again, Phil.
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