 Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep! EVEN as a young boy, Keith! Which, of course, was very unusual for a kid to like brussel sprouts. (but then again, you must have realized by now how "ahead of the curve" I've always been, RIGHT?!)  
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)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Oh and Keith.... I didn't want to Dodge[r] your question here, or maybe give you the idea that I was goin' a bit Loney...err...looney and make you think I was [Grand] Slamming you here, dude!   (for those out there who won't be able to understand this, just ask any Cub or DODGER fan to decode it for ya)
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)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
I want me a dual sport. got a lot of dirt to ride. Something like a 2002+ DR-Z400S would be nice. did i just say suzuki? dang.  The new thunderbird is sweet. Heck so is the striple. sometimes i wished i didn't ride. just way too many fun machines and never enough money or time.  Bring it on Triumph. Here's to the new Thunderbird! Rambling. Me? heck. seems to me that if you don't buy a set of tires every year then you aren't having enough fun. Not changing your oil 4 or 5 times a year? same thing. not laughing in the rain? not dodging butts? not getting lost on back roads? sometimes i think back on my rides and wow. I did that? looking back i can see desires being met. adventures that happened because i was on a motorsickle. I dreamt the other night that i met skydog. omg. this past '08 GA rally was fricking awesome. never before had i taken 4 days to ride 500 miles. well as the bird flies. saw more things met more folks did the most outrageous things all the while rolling hwy 41. with lynn, music, beer, and whiskey. dangit. i want to ride ride ride. sickles are like thermostats. we regulate life with em. whereas the surfs are like thermometers. all they do is register life's trials and tribulations. sinking in a gentle pool of wine. Always thought that i'd be an apostle. oops.. man i am really rambling now. time to go over to that fill lo sophy site eh? Now excuse me. I have to see how many more miles i can get on my soontobesevenyearold Vera for i have to change out her clutch. saw 70700 today. A long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438 |
Well Dwight, when meatballs are served, the ensuing run feast will begin - lol. I did also like Manny's chip shot from the ankles into the stands. But tonight all the west coast gets for dinner are brussel sprouts dammit! As for being ahead of the curve, well, lets just say that is not the way I was going with that one  ...and the Thunderbird fund continues to grow baby!
Ride On!
Airguy
--------------------
You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
... BUT answer me this: How many V-Maxs, V-Rods, and "Power-Cruisers" do you suppose we Yanks see out there on the road, as compared to all the Dynas and Softtails out there on the road?
None of the above are real Harleys (including the V-Rod) as they are water cooled.
I get your point.
Mine was that, in short, the Bonneville (and models a little earlier) thrashed HD (always in the US) at it's own game in the late 50's + 60's etc on very different styled bikes.
At least that's the perception I have - you could correct me on that.
I still think you will see incremental redesigns between now and next July (as my contact tells me) when they go into production.
Who knows, they may even add cooling fins all the way down the barrel casings.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
(imagine the sound a 1600 P-Twin will make).
That will have to be very cool indeed. With a 270 crank it'll sound like a Speedmaster on steroids  Maybe a little different because of the liquid cooling.
I really want to see a touring version as I want to be able to do two up but the R-III es demasiado pinche grande.
Last edited by bigbill; 10/04/2008 1:34 AM.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365 |
I like the bike, but I noticed the rear fender looks remarkably like the one on the Harley Softail Duece, plus the "hanging" licence plate bracket looks like --- "Ooops, we cut off the fender, now where we gonna put the tag?" Duh! Also, my taste would prefer straight spoke mags like the America, but that's just a personal thing. Other than that I REALLY like it. 
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457 |
Hey Moe, I'm on the lookout for a DRZ, too. Plus also looking at the Kaw KLX/KLR 250/300's. There's alot of off roading up in New England! Plus my younger son wants to start riding, so a nice Dual Sport would be a good start!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 117
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 117 |
Well, I like it. ....But, being boring and logical, I can't help but try and figure out in advance, how will I get all the crap off the inside of the license plate that is serving as a replacement fender. And a simple tank badge made out of pot metal and chrome would have pleased me greatly. Izzat too much to ask?
Ridin' and playin' 'til I can't.
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 211
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 211 |
I like it. I wasnt sure at first, but having read the article, and seen the pictures. I am thinking that there will be one in my stable. I will tell you that overall the design is nice the way the tank flows into the seat, and then up over the rear fender. They did a fine job. But that is this one mans opinion, and like that hole in your a**, everyone has one.
2007 Custom America with BUBs
I make my own parts cause I cant afford to buy theirs.
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
|
|
Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
was at my dealer yesterday and one of salesmen said that one day test rider came to them in the morning on new thunderbird and he had a spin on it on the yard ...said good handling easy to handle for short blokes I'm 5 foot 8 and he is shorter than me over all impression was very positive....how to save 9000£ for next summer ? 
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438 |
Ride On!
Airguy
--------------------
You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
Call me obsessed, but I look at the pictures of it I printed out every night right before bed. Ensures sweet dreams and all. It's such a great design in my mind - shares a lot of similarities with the America is still more than just a bigger America. I think it's going to be a lot of fun!
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3 |
There are new pictures out and it is hotter than the orginal Triumph pictures portrayed. Dresses up real nice too!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438 |
Are you just starting rumors about new pictures Eddy or is there a link? Not sure if I can trust ol' squinteye!
Ride On!
Airguy
--------------------
You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
Eddy, don't be stingy on the sources of the pictures! The ones in Cycle World are nice but are still the same blue/white stock photos save for one small picture of a touring setup.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Its a nice looking bike, probably will be nice ride, good Triumph class handling and all. As for design, it really doesnt appear unique, nor does it carry over a Triumph look ( isnt that a major reason for the parallel twin, to carry on the tradition? )like the bikes of the past have. Where the bies from the 40s to 50s to 60s to 70s all had a look that let you know it was a Triumph, the design mantained certain cues, yet have evolutionary elements to move it along. This bike really doesnt do that ( unless you call the tank a carry over, and in that, it is. It is the new look that most dont appreciate, the "family" tank look that is on the America/Speedmaster and, yes, the new Rocket III Touring ). Brand identity is a major reason many purchase a vehicle, and like with HD, you know what it is. With this, it doesnt pull that off fro Triumph ( from the pictures ).
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 228
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 228 |
Found this photo NICE 
My name is phil . . . I ride a TRIUMPH
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
104 cubic inches? how very American
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep! I have to admit that that's a very good picture alright, Phil!  But offhand I'd say that looks more like the Prescott/Sedona area of Arizona there than it does Barrow-in-Furness, England, dude!  (and I also have to admit this new Thunderbird is startin' to grow on me here too...yep, even without the finning there should be all the way down its cylinder barrels...of course that dude's boots are coverin' up that part of it in this picture here, ya know)
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)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
The last issue of Triumph magazine had a photo of the Thunderbird stock that was shot in AZ and mentioned they had several pre-production models of it. I wonder if the gray touring model shown in Cycle World and this solo setup were the other bikes they had? I also wonder how many more photos of these bikes they took that aren't floating around yet...
I'm dying to see better pictures of the touring setup, accessories, etc.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Looks like Blueboy has shorty pipes. Also in the video don't the highway pegs look to be awfully high? I don't know if my portfolio will ever allow me to own one but I'm dang excited to see it.
Last edited by mikemm03; 10/13/2008 7:41 PM.
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Yep, I 'm thinking the T-Bird kitty is starting tonight...me likey shorty megaphones and chrome swingarm cover... Quote:
Also in the video don't the highway pegs look to be awfully high?
Looks to me like they're at the standard HD gynecologist height
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
From certain angles, the gas tank reminds me of a Moto Guzzi, the California, with the bulbous front and sweep to the rear.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 228
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 228 |
My name is phil . . . I ride a TRIUMPH
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
All this needs is a little loving care to massage it into something great: 
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)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 316
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 316 |
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
The more pics I see, the more I like....
Still a little iffy on the harley-ness of the rear fender area.
I don't like the "104 cubic inches' stamped on the side cover.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
Quote:
104 cubic inches? how very American
That plate looks like an accessory - other photos don't have anything down there. I'd prefer a Triumph logo since the one on the gas tank is so small you can't read it!
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
I'm dying to see better pictures of the touring setup, accessories, etc.
Hope these help a little, Matt.
A very few not-so-good quality pics taken last week by a contact in Cologne, Germany.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
Bedouin, I'd buy you a beer if you lived in Nebraska! Awesome pictures! Did your friend have any comments after seeing it "in the flesh?" What event was he at?
The tachometer was a surprise to me as I thought the cluster would be similar to the Rocket III Touring with speedo and fuel gauge. I like seeing a tach in there but wonder what they will have for a fuel gague - maybe it will be on the LCD display and show you how full or perhaps just the "miles to empty" like the R3T.
The touring model is pretty good looking. I definitely won't be adding that many accessories, but the sissy bar and bags and aux lights are on the list!
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Matt, He was at the Intermot motorcycle exhibition in Cologne, Germany. He tells me the bike is only very slightly larger than our bikes. "Very compact" where the exact words he used. I had asked him to find out the weight but it seems Triumph is not very forthcoming, as yet. I have to go and collect my other bike from northern Holland and bring it back to Athens pretty soon. If I can swing it date-wise, I'll stop by the Eicma motorcycle show in Milan between 4-9 November and get us a decent set of pictures. I'll take you up on that beer if I'm ever in your neighborhood.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Wow! Now I like a "certain amount" of chrome on a bike as much as the next guy, but I sure wouldn't want to have to polish all that chrome on the silver(or is that some sort'a pearlescent white?) touring T-Bird there!!! And why would anyone(though I'm sure there will be some out there) put chrome around that radiator??? You would think that you'd want that part of the bike to "recede from view" and not cause attention to it, wouldn't ya?! I DO have to admit though that the T-Bird is startin' to look better and better to me the more pics I see of it, especially that picture of the blue one with the shorter mufflers. Not bad! Not bad at all!!! (but ain't it a shame about....)
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)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
(but ain't it a shame about....)
Once you see the schematic of the double backbone frame that part actually makes more sense...
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)
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
Bedouin, Cycle World's article states it weighs 650 pounds compared to 497 of our bikes. That's 295 kilos for the Thunderbird for you Metric folks. Wheelbase is apparently shorter at 64.6 inches versus 65.2 for the America. I wonder how the overall length will compare.
I hope "very compact" doesn't mean too small to get the job done. I should say I'm happy with the size of my America both solo and when 2-up so I'll probably be happy on the T-bird too. Shorter bike = better handling!
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
I hope "very compact" doesn't mean too small to get the job done.
Matt,
Just to clarify ... as per my previous post he said the bike was slightly larger than ours and "very compact" relative to the size of the engine i.e. for the size of engine he had expected the bike to be much larger.
I think the Cycle World article is incorrect at 295 kgs ... that's 25 short of the Rocket. It can't be that close. Doesn't make sense as this bike is 1 cylinder and 1 shaft drive less.
My guess would be circa 260 kgs, give or take 10.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
I don't know Bedouin - the pistons of the Thunderbird are bigger than those on the Rocket. Assuming most else is equal the 55 pound difference seems believable to me.
I was comparing the Thunderbird specs to a Harley Softail Heritage Classic which is 328 kilos while the standard Rocket is 319. I don't think 295 is too much to expect.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
I don't know Bedouin - the pistons of the Thunderbird are bigger than those on the Rocket. Assuming most else is equal the 55 pound difference seems believable to me.
I was comparing the Thunderbird specs to a Harley Softail Heritage Classic which is 328 kilos while the standard Rocket is 319. I don't think 295 is too much to expect.
I don't know, maybe your "guesstimates" are right.
I'm sticking to my guess though because at 295 kgs (650 lbs), I am trying to find where the extra 66 kilos (145 pounds) come from (let's say 6-7 kgs for the radiator) compared to the Speedy (229 kgs - 505 lbs).
About the pistons, the T-Birds are only slightly bigger than the Rocket's, capacity-wise T-Bird 797cc each (x2)/Rocket 767cc each (x3).
Nevertheless, I'll keep harassing my source until he gives us the weight and other specs.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Great pictures Bedouin. Looking at the picutre of black one, it doesn't look alot bigger then ours. But I bet the price will be a lot bigger.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
|
|
