On Wednesday, I had the exhilarating experience of test riding two motorcycles - a brand new Speed 400 and a not-new Street Scrambler 900, both from the brand that has been a cornerstone of my family’s motorcycling legacy – Triumph. As someone who specialises in systems thinking, I often find myself immersed in complexities and processes. However, this journey of selecting a new motorcycle has been an enlightening reminder of the importance of emotions and personal history in our decision-making processes. For years, my dad and I have been passionate about our historic motorcycles, but at 85, Dad's arthritis prevents him from riding. I have my own Royal Enfield 350 and also Dad's 1969 TR6, beautifully restored - but I resist riding Dad's bike, as it's so precious! These bikes are not just machines; they are a part of our family heritage. We decided we would sell both and invest in a new Triumph, and our eyes were on the new Speed 400, so I booked a test ride. This decision to fund a new purchase wasn’t taken lightly. It was driven by the excitement of exploring new possibilities while honouring our past. I went into the test rides with a clear favourite – the smaller bike. I believed it would suit my needs perfectly. But, as is often the case in systems thinking, unexpected outcomes are a part of the journey. The bigger bike and its unplanned test ride, with its power and sheer delight, took me by surprise. It wasn’t just about the specifications or the size; it was about how it made me feel. The thrill, the excitement, and the joy it brought me were unparalleled, especially as it reminded me of all my years as Dad's pillion as a child. This experience underscored a vital lesson: while systems and logic are crucial, our emotions and personal histories play a significant role in our decisions. The bigger bike wasn’t the obvious choice, but it was the right one. It reminded me that sometimes, we need to embrace the unexpected and trust our instincts. Here’s to new adventures, making decisions that excite us, and continuing the legacy of our love for Triumph motorcycles. 🏍️💨 #SystemsThinking #DecisionMaking #Motorcycling #TriumphMotorcycles #FamilyLegacy #EmotionalIntelligence #NewAdventures
Laura J Carter
4mo
Totally agree! I test rode a Super Meteor a couple of weeks ago, and it ticked every box, but just didn't 'feel right'. As a systems thinker myself, we always talk about the people being a product of the system... That systems themselves often influence thinking... But people are also guided by emotion, so how they feel about the system is as important. I'm sticking with my trusty old Virago for now!
Hi Carolina, you are so right about this. It is really important to embrace the unexpected and trust our instincts. I feel sorry for people who are stuck with procurement frameworks that don't let them have the freedom to go with what really is best
Claudius van Wyk
4mo
Love this Carolina. I blush - the best I got to was a 50cc Garelli as a teenager. Inspired by our boarder's 1200cc Harley - swopped by racing bike - no licence - no helmet - riding down the main road to my father's chagrin.
Kerry Turner
4mo
Thinking is about parts. Feeling is about wholes. Enjoy!
Chris Parsons 💡
4mo
I had that same Scrambler, the older 900, loved it! Then went to the Street Triple but should have stayed with the Scrambler, more me! Glad you liked it.
and as we know from the bible Carolina Cullington God rides a Triumph - ' and the roar of God's Triumph could be heard throughout the city'.