Monday 28 October 2013

Re: [emrat:3114] Thunderbird or not

Martin likes to dis my bike... :)   

I think the same can be said about most entries in any class of motorcycles, all bikes a specific category tend to look the same because they play to the style of rider that is attracted to that type.  A Thunderbird is a cruiser and plays in the same space as Harleys.  That style does not appeal to everyone, and that's fine.  Viva la difference...  But I've had a lot of people comment about how cool my Thunderbird Storm looks.  And that is refreshing that a big cruiser, with a parallel twin, from Triumph looks different than the Harleys.  

The Storm moves you up another 100ccs to a 1700cc parallel twin.  It is very comfortable on long rides.  I think it is also very nimble for a big bike, and maybe it takes a little getting used to handling a bigger bike.  But I can keep up with the best of them thru the canyons.  That's what I like about the Storm, it's shorter wheelbase makes it a great handling big bike.

The technology for belts has improved, and the belt on the Storm is supposed to last at least 100,000 miles.  The only thing I don't like about the belt is that sometimes it get squeeky.

I know that likes and dislikes about Motorcycles is a personal and subjective thing.  To me, it is all about the brotherhood of motorcycle riders, and getting out on your 2 wheeled vehicle regardless of what type it is.  In that sense all bikes look cool to me.

Rick




From: Martin Albright <martinjmpr@yahoo.com>
To: "emrat@googlegroups.com" <emrat@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 10:34 AM
Subject: Re: [emrat:3111] Thunderbird or not

I don't really know anything about the new T-bird as a rider but in terms of looks, I call it a swing and a miss.  It's not that it looks bad, it's just that apart from the parallell twin engine, it looks like every other generic cruiser out there with its teardrop-shaped tank and raked out fork.  If that is what you want, fine, but there is nothing about the look of the new T-bird that screams "Triumph" the way the classic twins do. 
 
With 1600cc it is obviously powerful and looks pretty comfy for long rides.  Belt drive can be a double-edged sword - needs less (like zero) maintenance when it works but expensive to replace when it needs replacing (so I have heard from Harley guys.)  OTOH the chain is a century old technology, that "ain't broke and don't need fixin.'" 
 
I have to agree about the lack of a 6 speed on the Bonnie.  My '01 885 Thunderbird (Triple) had a 6 speed, it was one of the best features of the bike.  My understanding is that the transmission from the Classic twins is similar to that of the classic triples, meaning Triumph COULD put a 6th gear in there if they wanted to, but they don't.  Perhaps its a cost saving measure, or it could be that they figure most classic twin riders are around-town types and the extra gear isn't needed.  I sure wish I had one on my Scrambler, though!
 
Martin

From: Manuel Baca <mjbaca900@yahoo.com>
To: "emrat@googlegroups.com" <emrat@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 7:57 PM
Subject: Re: [emrat:3103] Thunderbird or not
Thunderbird handles well but is a completely different bike. The bonneville is much more nimble and has better clearance in the twisties. The thunderbird is the best handling cruiser I have ridden. As for tge power, it has been debated on trat whether the tbird is any faster than the bonneville. The tbird has a significant amount of weight when compared the bonneville.
The obvious decision would be to keep the bonneville and buy the tbird.
From: Jeff Walters <bbmc.goat.co@gmail.com>; To: emrat@googlegroups.com <emrat@googlegroups.com>; Subject: Re: [emrat:3102] Thunderbird or not Sent: Mon, Oct 28, 2013 1:11:12 AM

Thanks.
On Saturday, October 26, 2013, Curtis Graves <ikonoklass@gmail.com> wrote:
> Affirmative. More powah!
>
> On Oct 26, 2013 9:26 PM, "jeffswalters" <jeffswalters@msn.com> wrote:
>>
>> Just wanted to get thoughts on whether I should sell my bonneville to get a new thunderbird. I love both bikes and can&apos;t have two. Which is a better direction?
>>
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