 Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Was over at my dealer today. They have three Speedies on consignmnet. I absolutley could not believe it. I asked what the heck was going on. I was told they all bought themselves t-birds. Isnt that a downgrade instead of an upgrade?
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242 |
I have an 07 american I've thought i owned a sleeper(865cc's of balls to the walls). With a future option to bump it up to 1200cc's(ultimate sleeper). At first glance, i thought the new T-Birds were "motor oversize",,,, meaning the motor could have been made a smaller package,,,same "cc",,1600(1600,,is that correct?) "Power" Is,,,,More Power is,,,,,And More And More And More,,,,,,, You got 790,,,,tweek,,,bore,,,,Stroke,,,,904,,,, you got 865,,,,1000,,,,,1100,,,,1200 It's a male thing,,,,once ya get used to a certain(curtain) power level,,,it seems like it just isn't enough. Joe Jock has an Itch to test ride a Thunderbird and says "OH YA,,,,, more power,,,,GOTTA HAVE" Ha Much U Give 4 Mine,,,,,,, Sorry It Took So Long,,,,,,,Frek'n Defecters(Defectors)  NOT ME! I PROMISE! 
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I'll be keeping my America, it's just right. It has enough power to easily break the speed limit on public roads but not so much as to be hard to manage. It handles well enough without the instability inherent in the riki racers. It is comfortable to ride, looks like a motorcycle should and sounds right too.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242 |
Whats a riki racer,,,,,,,
You should'a posted before me,,would'a saved me a lot of keystrokes
HERE,,,HERE,,,,,,Grey Beard!
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
I have no interest in the T-bird. It looks generic to me, might as well buy a Honda. My SM is plenty fast enough to get me in trouble or killed. I haven't grown tired of the power I have made it produce and can still out run many larger displacement bikes. I ride it on long hauls and short hops both are great fun for me. If I buy anything else it will be in addition to not instead of. My sights are set on an R3T eventually if I can find the money but it will not replace my SM.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738 |
Quote:
Isnt that a downgrade instead of an upgrade?
Now you and many others are not gonna be happy with me but the T'bird has put the UP in upgrade. I have riden the TBA, Speedy and R3 and they are all great bikes but the T'bird is simply magnificent. I have owned and/or riden HD's and Honda's (Honda Shadow = piece of junk) and whilst the T'bird is a cruiser it has a fantastic combination of power and torque unlike any other in its class. This combined with short TORS (billiant sound) provide a stunning riding experience.
Trade ins at my dealer included R3's, Tigers, HD's,various rice burners and my TBA. I'm not alone in thinking that the T'bird is not a "me too" copy but a "must have" experience. Many of you will disagree and that's cool with me.
Now I'm going for a ride on my T'bird!
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Don't sweat it Ivan, there's a contingent of T-Bird haters here. But what I've seen, they're in the vast minority. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Hey,, LOVE my Bonnie-A....she (they) are h-o-t ! in my opinion and a real attention getter.....but I have been lusting for an R3 for awhile but the new T-Bird  I REALLY like...need to test ride one...will never sell my Bonnie-A BUT thinking of saying good-bye to my Sprint S and get'n me a Bird.....& deckin' that baby out for long haul , junk carrying touring ! Oh baby,,,wanna add me a T-Bird to the stable ! 
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497 |
Quote:
I haven't grown tired of the power I have made it produce
and can still out run many larger displacement bikes.
Speaking of power does the America/Speedmaster engine have enough
power to take 40 degree incline mountain roads two up without having
to struggle?
I'm a solo rider now, but when I remarry I want to make sure it is
someone who will either ride with me or ride her own.
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Well Rev , when you do get nuptuated , and she happens to be , uh , "Reubenesque"  , perhaps you should suggest she be independent and roll her own . Otherwise , I think you'll do just fine with the America . 40 % grade ? Yikes , never saw a road like that , 'cept for driveways . Man , get a 973 Cat 
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497 |
I don't know about Reubenesque, but I am 260lbs and were she
150lbs we would be pushing close to the 440lbs weight limit.
Last edited by Rev; 09/27/2009 5:10 PM.
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
A forty degree grade is about 80%. You'll need a mountain goat. The steepest that I've run into is 7%, about 4.0 degrees. I know there are some a bit steeper, but not much. But at 245lbs., I consider the Speedmaster a solo bike. Grade table
Last edited by bigbill; 09/27/2009 9:59 PM.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 94
Member
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Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 94 |
IMHO, to call the T-Bird a downgrade is to doubt Triumph. While I understand the derision (yeah, it weighs alot more and yeah, the look doesn't stand out quite as much as a Speedy) the automatic assumption is that she won't handle as well or some other such thing. Beyond the reviews I've read (which can be full of hyperbole) I've sat on one and leaning it at a standstill it doesn't feel any heavier than my Speedy. Which is to say they've paid all the necessary attention to CG and kept the weight low. While my Speedy is no slouch, she has an entirely different demeanor with the wife on the back. I have a feeling the T-Bird wouldn't even notice her there. And she's already cleared the purchase (soon as we hit the lotto..lol) Soon as I brought home that Cycle World with the cover shot she said "we gotta get one of those". Someday, maybe...
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I just can't wait for the Thunderbird 1600 Trike. 
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738 |
Quote:
I just can't wait for the Thunderbird 1600 Trike.
Now now good Friar!
T'bird bashing is becoming a sport around here - enjoying the banter boys!
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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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 |
Well, I finally test rode the sucker this past saturday, and while I have the feelin' Soren was purposely overstating his objections to the bike for effect(at least I think you were here, right Soren?!), I have the say that just like Soren has in the past after he test rode it, that it seems a very competent machine, but it too left me less than impressed enough with its overall package and its looks enough to get me to trade in(plus what?....an additional 8 to 10 grand USD) my BA for one. While the power delivery and the level of that power is indeed impressive, with special note of the complete lack of drive-lash(thanks I'm guessin' to its belt-drive system), I found it just slightly less "classically beautiful" as my BA, and at least for my motorcycling needs at present, the T-bird wouldn't be "worth" paying out that extra 8 to 10 grand to me. However, put a Memphis Shades windshield and a set of hard bags on that puppy, and I think it would make an excellent long distance touring rig for almost anybody out there.  (....and still...ain't it a shame about those lack of cylinder fins on it in order to make it a little more "classically beautiful"???...come on, you KNEW I had to include THAT last statement here, right folks???!!!)  
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: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
The T in T-Bird is for turd.
imho when they dropped the spoke wheels and squashed the tank, the end of the innocence was already here for the classic Americas and speedies. and that was way before the turdbird.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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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 |
Quote:
The T in T-Bird is for turd.
imho when they dropped the spoke wheels and squashed the tank, the end of the innocence was already here for the classic Americas and speedies. and that was way before the turdbird.
Well...only one question here then Moe:
Seein' as how the Speedies never have had spokes, are ya sayin' that the START of the "end of the innocence" actually began around 2003 when they came out with that model?
Ya know, I'm gettin' the feelin' that there's about half the folks who frequent this here website who might just disagree with ya there, ol' buddy!
AND ya know, there are many many OTHER folks out there(though not BA.com members for sure) with similar seemingly "strong views" who might say that "the start of the end of the innocence" was REALLY in 2002 when Triumph premiered a certain motorcycle that had a feet-forward riding position and a stretched out wheelbase...ie...the Bonneville America.
(...but enough about those kind o' folks with those "strong views", like say, those Brit Iron Rebel fellas, 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)
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
The T in T-Bird is for turd.
Moe my friend, I really hate it when you beat around the bush and don't come out and just say what you mean.
There's got to be some redeeming qualities about that ole bird. On one had I agree with you that Triumph sold out when they had an American designer help create it. They were obviously looking for ways to intice Harley buyers to the Triumph fold. But didn't that start in 02 with the America? Instrument panel on the tank, fat rear tire, extended foot pegs and bad boy cruiser looks. On the other hand, I look at the T-bird as more of an evolution of what the American mc buyer wants, simple demand and good marketing. I love the looks of my TBA but would also enjoy some new tech stuff like fuel injection, self canceling turn signals, and belt drive. I think there is room in this world for the TBA's and the new T-bird. I'm just wondering if there is enough room in my garage and budget for both. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 138
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 138 |
now you see, what we have here is failure to appreciate.
i think there is a place in this world for every make and model of motorcycle ever made.
some i like and some i aint to fond of but to each his or her own. i think the tbird is an awsome bike and am squeezing my pennies paper thin to come up with the dough to get one.(blue with white stripe.) i just think of it as my america with one ****** of a big bore kit installed.
yall play nice now...
stv
GRAND MASTER WIZARD
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Well, I finally test rode the sucker this past saturday, and while I have the feelin' Soren was purposely overstating his objections to the bike for effect(at least I think you were here, right Soren?!), I have the say that just like Soren has in the past after he test rode it, that it seems a very competent machine, but it too left me less than impressed enough with its overall package and its looks enough to get me to trade in(plus what?....an additional 8 to 10 grand USD) my BA for one.
While the power delivery and the level of that power is indeed impressive, with special note of the complete lack of drive-lash(thanks I'm guessin' to its belt-drive system), I found it just slightly less "classically beautiful" as my BA, and at least for my motorcycling needs at present, the T-bird wouldn't be "worth" paying out that extra 8 to 10 grand to me.
Never thought that maybe it is the belt drive that would be the cause of the "complete lack of drive-lash".
The more I see the Thunderbird, the more it seems to grow on me and accept it as a Triumph, but I still dont see me ever buying one. Nothing about it, especially after riding it, turns me on (well, except 1600cc). I still belive that overall, my Speedy is a much better bike than the t-bird. However, I do wonder what it would do on the drag strip.
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
about the speedy, at least it had the classic lines back in 2003. although mag wheels are not as sexy as spokes, they are indeed much more road friendly given one carries a patch kit. So I stand corrected on that aspect. However, the tank is a can of worms, said worms carrying over to the tturd. Folks say the natural evolution of the Bonneville America was to mag wheels, belt drives and larger displacement. That may be true for some and those some will still be looking for the extravagant after they own a tturd. The pursuit is their pleasure. There are those who revel in the pleasure of simply riding. The 2002 Bonneville America was one of those once in a lifetime examples of a motorsickle that had everything for riding. And good looks to boot. For those that peer over the fence and long for the better, faster, stronger, the tturd is that machine. Those that have the epitome of English Iron already, know that The Sun Also Rises on our beloved 21st century Speed Twin.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Sad, sad, sad
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144 |
A motorcycle is like a house…you either fall in love with it immediately, or you don’t.
I’m not a fan of the T-bird. It looks too much like a Japanese clone of a Triumph!
I’ve always loved the look of the vintage British parallel twins and when Triumph dropped that motor into an “American-style Cruiser†I was sold. Never even test rode the bike, just bought it. Ah, now that’s love.
Also, I don’t think changing to a T-Bird is either a downgrade or an upgrade, as bikes connect with people on a variety of levels, and I think we can all appreciate that.
"It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you're out there."
- Hells Angels President (Philadelphia Chapter)
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