Chris033081 said:
I'm not too sure on the power band specs of the Fat Bob, but I know on my little pigglett XL1200 it loves hanging around the 3k+ mark where the peak torque is and into the HP band. That is some impressive gas mileage from a "Big Twin" none the less.
How do you like that Triumph? I have been looking at getting an Adventure Sport multi-purpose bike like the Triumph Explorer.
Things I love about the TEX:
-The Engine. The 1215cc engine pulls like a freight train. The manufacturers claim of 135hp /90ft. lbs is definately beleivable when riding this bike, its a little deceptive because it doesnt have a hard hit anywhere, it just pulls strong and hard from lower RPMs all the way to redline, think electric motor type power
-Cruise Control. Honestly I didn't think it was a big deal when I bought it, now I want cruise control on all my bikes. Triumph did a great job on theirs and it's adjustable in 1 MPH increments.
-ABS brakes. Theres lots of deer in my area, the ABS brakes have saved a few already and my TEX hasnt needed cosmetic surgery yet.
-Headlights. No need to upgrade, they are nearly too bright on high beams at night, the headlight on this thing make road reflectors look like LAX airstrip lighting at nighttime.
-Handling. The CG is a little high, but this bike feels completely at home on twisty mountain roads which I have a lot of.
-10k mile services. Just plain awesome.
-Shaft drive. Chain maintenance sucks. Your wheels stay cleaner with shaft drive, and you dont have to carry chain lube on long trips. Also say goodbye to the sticky goldfinger(maxima) or bluefinger(belray) you used to press the button on the chainlube can.
Things I dislike about the TEX:
-Ergonomics. The seat, handlebar, footpeg relationship seems awkward and Ive never gotten used to it. I thought the handlebars were too low, so I raised them and its still feels awkward and a little uncomfortable for a bike that is a sport tourer dressed up as an adventure bike.
-Offroad ability. Triumph missed the mark, the geometry of the chassis isnt right for off road. The frontend constantly feels like it will wash out and it wanders like a drunken sailor when going through deep sand. I'm an experienced offroader with over 25 years of riding dirt bikes, racing motocross, riding enduros and countless hours of playriding under my belt, so I feel like I have an idea of what a bike should feel like offroad and triumph missed it by miles.
-Seat. The foam is too soft and the shape is not good. It'll give you numbnuts on longer rides. I think Corbin has the answer, as soon as Im willing to part with $500.
-Windshield. I have the tall one but it still does a poor job at wind management. Madstad has a nice replacement, I'll be trying theirs soon.
-TC/ABS settings. Theres no memory of your settings and it just defaults back to the highest setting whenever you turn the bike off, leaving you going through the settings menu everytime you stop for fuel if you are a picky rider like me. Almost as frustrating as having someone move your mirrors, seat, radio stations in your car everytime you turn off the ignition. Its ridiculous.
