Leaving the CT brotherhood

[JohnboyCT]

Hi all - just a short message to say I'm leaving the CT brotherhood and going over to the darkside.
Yes, I've made the decision to try my luck with a Triumph 1200 Explorer.
I've taken some of the bits off the CT and listed them for sale in the parts for sale section.
Goodbye all it's been a pleasure.
JohnboyCT

[mzflorida]

Love that Triumph.  Best of luck.  Leaving soon also. 

[DaveinNC]

Originally Posted by mzflorida

Love that Triumph.  Best of luck.  Leaving soon also.

NOO, say it isn't so! I thought you loved this bike.

[maccduff]

variety is the spice of life 

[Hartley]

Like the look of the Triumph 1200.
Feeling its time for a change for me too.

[mzflorida]

Originally Posted by DaveinNC

NOO, say it isn't so! I thought you loved this bike.

I do and I will miss it.  This is far and away one of the best motorcycles ever built.  And I should qualify that I might change my mind but unlikely.   Elane and I went out the other day for a short 120 mile trip, Sunday, 0800, back country roads. Five times in that one trip we had very close calls because of distracted drivers.   Two put us on the shoulder and one of those I was sure we were toast.   You guys know I am not the type to exaggerate...if we did not have the skills we have, it would have been a news story.  Back in the garage, Elane gets off her bike, takes off her helmet, and said "I'm done.  Sell it."  She meant her bike not mine.  She is obviously my favorite riding partner and I would never encourage anyone who is uncomfortable getting into or continuing to ride to get on two wheels (plus it would be a futile argument...i know when her mind is made up). So...our 500 miler that we do between here and Gainesville for the Gators games is out.  Trips to the Keys are out.  Generally, touring is out because I am not going to ride while she drives to the place we are both going.  We lost our boat to Hurricane Irma and are now close to making a decision on a replacement.  So there is time and money with that too.  Weighing everything out...amount of time expected to be available, riding style/category changed, blah, blah...it might be time to get a lighter bike for commuting and short trips.  Maybe the NC750X again.  I am considering a CanAm as she said she might get back on the back of that.  Time will tell. 

But yes; the VFR1200X is an apex motorcycle, period.  We have two powerhouse dealers here and I have the chance to ride lots of bikes to compare it against. The Goldwing is the only bike that really beats it as far as I am concerend.  I have the bike set up perfectly too.   The weight is the only detractor and only in the garage.  But, like I said...may change my mind.   

Hope you are well Dave!

[DaveinNC]

Originally Posted by mzflorida

I do and I will miss it.  This is far and away one of the best motorcycles ever built.  And I should qualify that I might change my mind but unlikely.   Elane and I went out the other day for a short 120 mile trip, Sunday, 0800, back country roads. Five times in that one trip we had very close calls because of distracted drivers.   Two put us on the shoulder and one of those I was sure we were toast.   You guys know I am not the type to exaggerate...if we did not have the skills we have, it would have been a news story.  Back in the garage, Elane gets off her bike, takes off her helmet, and said "I'm done.  Sell it."  She meant her bike not mine.  She is obviously my favorite riding partner and I would never encourage anyone who is uncomfortable getting into or continuing to ride to get on two wheels (plus it would be a futile argument...i know when her mind is made up). So...our 500 miler that we do between here and Gainesville for the Gators games is out.  Trips to the Keys are out.  Generally, touring is out because I am not going to ride while she drives to the place we are both going.  We lost our boat to Hurricane Irma and are now close to making a decision on a replacement.  So there is time and money with that too.  Weighing everything out...amount of time expected to be available, riding style/category changed, blah, blah...it might be time to get a lighter bike for commuting and short trips.  Maybe the NC750X again.  I am considering a CanAm as she said she might get back on the back of that.  Time will tell. 

But yes; the VFR1200X is an apex motorcycle, period.  We have two powerhouse dealers here and I have the chance to ride lots of bikes to compare it against. The Goldwing is the only bike that really beats it as far as I am concerend.  I have the bike set up perfectly too.   The weight is the only detractor and only in the garage.  But, like I said...may change my mind.   

Hope you are well Dave!

I am, I hope you are. Now I understand completely. I have the same issue here, especially with all the drivers relocating to the piedmont from New England bringing their bad habits with them. Traffic is getting extremely congested here with really bad drivers from up north and it's making my daily commute more frustrating than fun.  I have been thinking about going off-road only. I have miles and miles of NF lands here to ride off-road and the traffic is nonexistent. I started off-road 55 years ago, maybe I'm just going full circle. What I have noticed is after chemo, I have never regained my motor control to 100% of what it was before. My reflexes are still "ok" and my mind is sharp with riding skillsets, I just find sometimes my execution is off and the bike is a bit much to handle for me now. I love this bike, it's the best I have ever owned out of dozens, but if I decide to go off-road only I will be on an XR650L and it will be carried to the NF in a PU bed. I have always heard a good rider know when it's time, I'm not there yet but I feel it tugging on my shirttail. We will see, good luck with whatever you do.