I think I can safely say that this is the best bike I have ever owned. It has a terrific 1200cc triple engine which has more than enough power and it'll cruise all day at motorway speeds and return some quite respectable fuel economy considering it's size and weight. Although it is a bit on the weighty side, once on the move it really isn't apparent and there are those riders - braver than me who easily scrape thwe pegs on these machines.

What I really like is the fact that this bike has 'presence'. In other words other road users do tend to see you much more than some of the other bikes I have ridden. But that said I've had a truck pull straight out in front of me and if it hadn't been for the ABS a collision would almost certainly have been the end result. I am really impressed with this bike, it is such an easy and comfortable bike to ride. It doesn't seem to notice when a pillion is aboard, it is still capable of licence busting performance. Pillion reports are also good - my wife loves it and seems to be able to relax on the back, more so than any of my previous bikes.

So what goodies etc did we go for on this machine?

Well ABS and traction control came as standard. ABS for me is especially welcome as I don't believe you can ever expect to brake like a 'riding god' when the unexpected actually happens when you least expect it.

Engine bars and a radiator guard are, I think sensible options that I always hope I'll never need.

Heated grips - I went for the R and G ones which are simple and work well.

Hand guards help to keep the hands warm on those chilly winter commutes.

I wasn't a fan of the big and lumpy OEM exhaust, so that was replaced with a stainless steel unit by Beowulf - sounds luverly!

LED fog lights - I went for the Triumph ones in the end. Although expensive they do look the part.

Recently I've fitted a 'Dogcam' Rider camera which is a nice need unit and records HD video to SD card - just in case it's ever needed.

So for the moment I'm a happy bunny. 'TEX' has been through it's first MoT without incident and will soon be due a major service. At the moment, this bike is a 'keeper' it puts a smile on my face each time I go out on it and that says it all for me.

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