The Triple's for sale.....Again

I've gone back and forth with this decision for some time now. But the last few times I've gone out on the Triple, I've wanted something else. So I told myself I'd put it up for sale for a reasonable price this time and if it sold, I'd find something else.

What I've been desiring is this:

Mostly riding position. I want a race inspired bike, something with clip-ons and a full fairing. I feel like I can't move right on the Triple, it's just me, there's plenty of others that can do it.

A different engine design. By this I mean engine layout, a twin to be exact, or a four cylinder. The Triple is unique, but it's all I've ever ridden (aside from the Police Bike, but Harley's don't count) I love the thumping sound of an uncorked twin engine. Twin engines are great for torque too which is important to me because this bike will spend the majority of it's time on the street. I'll want the extra torque when Ashley decides to come for rides with me, or for long rides, when I'm loaded down with gear.

Something I can take to a dealer if I need to. I really like working on my own bike, I find it fun and somewhat relaxing, even when things don't go right and I'm throwing tools. But there's some things that are over my head and I'd like to have some faith in a dealership to get those things done at. Accolade is the only Triumph dealer in the state and they've more than lost my faith. I cringe at the thought of buying parts there because I don't want to give them my money. I'm sure there are Honda Dealers that are just as bad or even worse, but with a Honda, I'd have options.

To try something new. As I said earlier, the Triple was my first bike. I want to try other bikes and get a feel for them. Whatever I get will be replaced sometime, I'll always be getting a new bike, it'll just be a matter of whether or not I can keep the old one. I look forward to the day that I have to get rid of a bike because there's no room for one.

There's some more feelings I've had about it that I just can't nail down. Don't get me wrong, I love my Triple. It's a great bike and it's perfect for the street, it does great at the track too. It's unique, looks great and rides great. I've had a lot of fun on it, but now it's time for something else.

Meet the Contestants.

There are two main contenders here, read on and vote.

Honda came out with their new 1000 RR. When I first saw pictures of this bike I did not like it. When I saw this bike in person, I wanted it, WOW it looks really nice in person. The 1000 RR is actually lighter than it's little brother the 600RR. For those not in the know, weight is a big deal. The lighter a bike the faster it will accelerate. Placement of weight is also a big deal, the lower the weight the better. The new 1000RR also uses an electronic throttle, something that I got used to this year on the new Harley, it won't be long till all new bikes and cars have em. I like the look of the RR in person too, it looks mean, purposeful.

Another Honda, the RC51. This is the bike I think I'll end up with if I do sell the Triple. The 1000RR would be too expensive for me right now. Not that the RC51 is a slouch or cheap bike, but Honda quit making it in 2006. Truly, the RC51 hasn't been developed since 2002, that was the last year any changes were made to it.

The RC51 was purposely built to compete in the World Superbike Championship. In 1988 The WSBK rules were changed to allow twin engines up to 999cc's. Inline four cylinders were allowed to 750cc's Ducati began to dominate the series, but Honda answered back with the RC51.

I really like this bike and with it not being made anymore, it'll likely soon be a classic. Although there are rumors about Honda making an RC61 now that WSBK allows twins up to 1199cc's. Ducati seems to have this year's Championship all but in the bag.

Those are the two main contenders. I'd also consider a GSXR-1000 or 750 or maybe even a 600. First thing's first though, the Triple has to go. I took it out for a test ride and errand tonight and really enjoyed it, it pulls hard and is fun to ride. If it doesn't sell, oh well, I like it and will continue to ride it.