Triumph

Thanks for sharing. Saw a few things I would like to have in the background. Wonder if they have an old Suzuki RG500 Gamma I could steal...

I'm with the few others on here that say to get what you like. Unless you're going to race it on a track and can push the bike to its limits, they are essentially the same on the street. Not that I'm opposed to liter bikes but I don't even see a need to get one unless you're going to track it. The performance differences between a 600 and a liter on the street is the difference between sort of sane and ludicrous. Anything more than a 600 class just isn't necessary if speed is the only factor. Not saying I wouldn't own a liter bike if I liked it but saying one needs that power for more than mid range power for easier riding on the street is purely ego. That being said, buy what stirs your soul or feels best for your frame. Weighing reliability along with safety options, like ABS, is also something I would consider. The new Triumph Daytona 675R gets my heart racing but can't justify the cost over my CBR RR.

Excellent post. I would add that the pace is not only dictated by ones abilities but also by the surroundings. Use your brain and make good judgement. Even if you can keep up it doesn't mean that you should. Not all group leaders are smart and many push limits in areas that should not be pushed in. If it isnt a safe area to ride at elevated speeds, then dont do it. I would love to meet some new folks to ride with, but after riding with a few numbskulls with more testosterone than brains, I am reluctant in doing so.

I certainly hope this is back open by August as well. Isn't this the same road that takes you to the split off to reach Clingman's Dome? I certainly hope I am mistaken as that was a fantastic ride regardless of some rough pavement. Tried to get to the Dome last year but we were staring down a thunderstorm. Not something I want to mess with on a bike in the mountains.

Warped?...I'm good with warped.

My sense of humor is superior. Just sayin...lol

Welcome to the forum...lol

Rode about 150 miles today with my brother. Can't wait for Sunday.

Thanks for all of the welcomes. Yes, that was my girlfriend Caryn. We live oh so close to there. For those of you that like classic restos, I will post a few pics of past bikes once I get the hang of the forum. I am currently working on a 1975 Honda CB750K. This will not be a frame up job because the bike is so clean that she simply doesn't need it...only 8k original miles. Just some polishing and detail work. I am the yellow Thruxton guy running around Troy. Some people mistake my brother for me as he rides my previous Triumph. It's a yellow 98 Triumph Thunderbird Sport. He frequents the Leaf & Vine much more than I. He also rides the silver Honda 550 that's cafe'd out. Hope to meet some of you and as I said before, can't have enough riding buddies.

My girlfriend ran into a few forum members and we thought we would take a look. I restore vintage bikes for a hobby and this year is my 20th year riding. Hope to find some other like-minded people in the area and more riding friends the better. Ryan