 Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I was eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new Thunderbird (1600). I had this idea ingrained in my brian that bigger is better and more HP would make me happier. However, after seeing some of the recent photos I'm lukewarm about the bike. Maybe if I rode one I'd change my mind. This whole scenario has got me thinking about size of our bikes and why people desire bigger and faster bikes. Do I have some kind of complex that doesn't want to admit I ride a 790cc bike. My bike has plenty of power for my riding style. The weight and seat height are just right for me. So why then do I constantly question if I should go to a bigger bike? 
Last edited by Fishercat; 07/23/2008 11:51 AM.
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 Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
So why then do continuely question if I should go to a bigger bike?
Dunno!
I have an America and a Rocket.
I love the America, I've had it four years and never want to sell it but I prefer the Rocket for balls out massive grin factor fun.
I've also had a T100, a Scrambler and recently traded a Sprint ST for the R3.
Both are cruisers but they are different.
It might be the same with the 1600.
Same but different.
I didn't get it becasue it was a big bike.
I don't do anything to impress other people. I wanted a R3 from the day I first saw the press pics.
I didn't even know at that point what size it was.
Truth be told, I'm a big bloke so the big bike suits me better than the 'little' America.
You're happy with the America? Good on ya, save your $ and laugh at us mugs that want to have a change every so often.
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Quote:
So why then do I constantly question if I should go to a bigger bike?
I have consistently said that I am perfectly happy with my Speedmaster, even with the 790. I may add another bike, sport/touring or even something else. I will keep my Speedmaster just the way it is.
Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should just get used to that fact and relax
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,540 |
It all stems from the 883 sporty.
People really like the BA/speedy line until they find out the displacment is about the same. The 883s are marketed as beginer chick bikes. (Which they really aren't nor are they good as one). So there is a stigma attached to the smaller displacment. I see it alot when I'm talking bikes with guys. The people who used to ride triumph don't care as much as the new HD only riders.
I have been wondering the same thing. Will I move up or stay where I'm at. At least your the right size for the America. I do get a bit cramped on long trips so I will have to wait to ride it.
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Quote:
It all stems from the 883 sporty.
People really like the BA/speedy line until they find out the displacment is about the same. The 883s are marketed as beginer chick bikes. (Which they really aren't nor are they good as one). So there is a stigma attached to the smaller displacment. I see it alot when I'm talking bikes with guys. The people who used to ride triumph don't care as much as the new HD only riders.
I have been wondering the same thing. Will I move up or stay where I'm at. At least your the right size for the America. I do get a bit cramped on long trips so I will have to wait to ride it.
Dill,
I think you're on to something here. 
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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My big bored Speedy does everything I need it to. I've taken her (like many of you) on long trips, and she performed very well. I've raped her on the long wide open flats of west Texas, and she asked for more. I've blasted through the twisties in the Arkansas mountains, and she handled like a dream. I've been stopped at many a gas station or coffee shop and been told what a great looking bike I have. I don't need a BIGGER bike!
SOMEDAY I might add a bike to the stable that is more touring oriented, but It'll probably be a beemer and not a cruiser. My speedy cruises just fine thank you....
Last edited by nuthin; 07/23/2008 12:19 PM.
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Ron, you don't need a "bigger bike"!!! All you need is to do is what RamSound said he did in one of those (many) threads goin' on right now about that new bike at this website... Quote:
I'm glad I went on and did the BB on my America. I decided I couldn't wait another year the end of last year. Now I've got torque and power I didn't have but still have the classic look I love. Best $1200. I've spent on the bike. I can easily wait a few more years now.
You see, the bike is "big" enough, it's only the displacement that lets it down a little bit, as I've always thought the ONLY thing these babies need to make them the "perfect motorcycle" is about 25 more ponies and about that much more in torque.
(oh, and some decent rear shocks too, of course)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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For me, I'd like to have one of each bike that strikes my fancy, whether it's the new T-Bird, an R3, or a scooter. Maybe a Beemer, an HD bagger, even a Goldwing. I don't have the money, time, or garage space.
But so far, my America is the only bike that I had to have. It was love at first sight.
I have not seen any other bike that I felt the same way about.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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..when you're 5'4" and 140lbs the 790cc America is plenty fast.. but hey, that's just me (literally)
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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actually to me its a bragging factor telling people its a 790...I specifically dont round it up to 800.
"yeah, I spanked your harley and its a seven hundred and ninety cc engine"
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Would i buy the new Thunderbird, (if i could afford it) yes, absolutely, but not because it is bigger or its faster or whatever. I would buy it along with many many many other bikes simply because i do not believe there is such a thing as two many bikes. For the most part, motorcycles are a thing of beauti and if i had the funds i would have a collection of the things.
Now, would i trade the America for the Thunderbird....not on your life. My TBA is simply to beautiful to ever let go off.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Yep, my 865 hangs right in there with bikes that have twice the motor. When the talk comes up I'm sure to mention that I do 100% of the poace with them and have only 50% of the motor. Gets a good laugh.
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jun 2008
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I like a smaller more manuverable size bike, myself. Plus if it goes down, I want to know I can stand it back up again by myself if need be. When I am given the whole macho "bigger bike" spiel... I just look at them and smile and say I already have enough equipment between my legs and feel no need to have to make up for anything.... 
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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I have to agree, the photos we've seen so far leave much to be desired. But then I didn't much care for the America in pictures either, when I finally went to the dealership, I signed the papers that evening. I too enjoy rubbing it in that my bike is only an 865, it really p****s a few of them off when they find out what size it is after I've kept up w/ them and/or blew past them. Owning a Trimph again ( that isn't in 100+ pieces) is great, and I would not get rid of the America for anything. Will I add to the stable.................I hope so, maybe a R3 touring , maybe the new T-Bird, maybe something else, but when I do it will be because I can make it work and it will be done strictly for me, not to impress anyone else. I grew out of that long ago. 
'07 America
www.patriotguard.org
"If you're not living on the edge...........You're taking up too much space!
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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its also been fun to watch my buddy slowly struggling to manuver his "1800 vtx" backwards to turn around in my stone driveway. Hes gotta rock it back and forth just to get some momentum
I park my bike in my shed and have to turn it around in the dirt, to leave every morning. Im glad my bikes not a "bruiser"
not to mention MPG's
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Loquacious
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Many good points being made. Thanks for all the great feedback. I knew you guys would talk some sense into this thick head. I think I'm too attached to my America to let her go. If I did get another bike It would be a touring bike and I'd keep my America.
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
If I did get another bike It would be a touring bike and I'd keep my America.
+1
Or maybe that new Thunderbird. Just maybe... 
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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I love my Speedmaster, I could almost swear that John Bloor had me in mind when Triumph designed it. I would have to take a very very very special bike to replace it. I just don't see that happening at all.
Soren
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I've had big bikes, little bikes and middle bikes. The littles and middles have always been the most fun. If I started touring again, maybe I'd pick up another big bike, but it would never again be my only bike.
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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You know, it's kind of funny because I consider myself to have one little and one big bike and the engine displacement is identical...01 Bonneville and 04 America...both 790cc. One of these days I'll bump the America up with a 904 kit just for that extra little bit of grunt coming off idle; other than that I don't feel the need for more cubic inches to prove myself.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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Has(have)? there been any specs published on this thing other then displacement? I am more interested in the overall weight and lenght, but HP and torque would be nice to know?
Thanks Skip
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
So there is a stigma attached to the smaller displacment.
Harley motors need the additional CI to compensate for low efficiency. Most Harley riders are compensating too.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I think the power to weight ratio and the projected load the bike will carry are more critical than absolute size as a criteria. Yeah, you have to shift more with the 790 in the hills but the handling is so good at all speeds I would not trade even up for the pictures of the new 1600. And I tour quite a bit with 50-75 pounds of stuff. My bike is happy with it.
I like the looks of my bike and the easy of slow maneuvering a whole lot more than I do the macho big bike syndrome. I see a real relationship between the air-hauling F-350 diesel pickups and the huge SUV's and the over sized, over priced bikes. It's called American marketing. The larger the bike, the larger the markup. My Gold Wing buddy gets 39-44 MPG and I get 50. Doesn't make sense to me.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
But so far, my America is the only bike that I had to have. It was love at first sight.
I feel a song comin' on.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Macho Big Bike Syndrome
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Would i buy the new Thunderbird, (if i could afford it) yes, absolutely, but not because it is bigger or its faster or whatever. I would buy it along with many many many other bikes simply because i do not believe there is such a thing as two many bikes. For the most part, motorcycles are a thing of beauti and if i had the funds i would have a collection of the things.
Now, would i trade the America for the Thunderbird....not on your life. My TBA is simply to beautiful to ever let go off.
Great post Mark. Money is the only thing stopping me from having a Motorcycle museum. Well maybe one day I can have two motorcycles in the garage. But I would have the Speed Triple or Steet Triple. Those Street Triple R's are tight! But I have always thought that the 1200cc bike and over are motorcycle nirvana was bunk and over rated. To me handling and performance are just as inportant and it's rare that you get size(and I mean large bikes) and performance in the same motorcycle.
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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