 Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47
Greenhorn
|
OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47 |
lurking about there seems to be the opimion that a speedmaster will one day grow up to a T bird
Speedmaster owners how do you feel??
Waffling todd
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
I don't know about grow up but I like mine the way it is. I don't like belt drive or water cooling. I like fins on the cyl. The tank is too big feeling on the Tbird. I don't like the jap look of the head on the Tbird. I don't like the up swept jap looking exhaust on the Tbird.......the list goes on for me. I'll probably BB and maybe even BB stroker once I wear my engine out but until then I like my bike the way it is.
I like that Triumph makes the Tbird since I feel it appeals to a range that wouldn't buy a SM or BA and are not into crotch rocket type bikes but not into an R3 either. I would eventually like to add an R3T to my collection though.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467 |
I do really like mys Speedmaster.The other week I took the oldest grandson now 15 for a ride.He is taller than me. Yes if you are going to ride two up more power and room would be nice.Test rode some Victorys yesterday.They had a demo day.Nice but I do know if I go to buy I will test the Thunderbird again and several others.I did like the solid feel of the Victory and the Kingpin did ride nice and felt really good.The power was very nice, 106" ,it should have a lot of power.The trans was clunky.Thunderbird when I rode one was very nice shifting.On the other hand do you mean Triumph will change the Speedmaster into the Thunderbird platform and size? If anything I hope they leave the Speedmaster the same physical size and up the cc's to maybe a 1200cc with more hp & torque so it would not require so many mods to make them run like they should have from the factory.Just my opionion.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473 |
I don't need the extra weight, nor do I need 1600/1700 cc's of the T-Bird. The Speedmaster is nimble, quick, and can easily be adapted to various comfort levels. Oh, I also don't need the added insurance costs associated with the T-Bird.
I DO like the convenience of the belt drive of the T-bird, but I MUCH prefer air cooled engines.
I am VERY content with my Speedmaster.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Personally I love my Speedmaster for a whole range of reasons.  The look, the feel, the manouverability,  the sound, the quality, the look, ( did I say that twice? )  the retro image, the way it makes me feel and the smile  it puts on senior citizen's faces at service stations. Okay it lacks power but we can improve that.  Now the Thunderbird has the power but it lacks in all the other areas and i cannot fix that.    Just my opinion but I would take a Speedmaster, America, Bonneville or Thruxton anyday over a Tbird. 
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Not sure what you are saying/asking, but safe to say the Speedmaster or America is a whole different bike from the Bird. Our bikes are classics and classics they will remain. They're definitely not TBird wannabees!
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
 Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Don't know about anyone else but I don't care for 700lb bikes.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
lurking about there seems to be the opimion that a speedmaster will one day grow up to a T bird
Speedmaster owners how do you feel??
Waffling todd
I love my Speedmaster. It's the perfect all around bike for me. I don't care for the new Thunderbird (the looks or the ride), I do love that motor though.
I have heard rumors that Triumph may dump the America and keep the Speedmaster then offer all the accessories to create the America. But, they're just rumors.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Oh, I also don't need the added insurance costs associated with the T-Bird.
I DO like the convenience of the belt drive of the T-bird, but I MUCH prefer air cooled engines.
H.
Believe it or not the cost of full coverage insurance on my Bird is the same as it was with my 02 America. And in 5k miles and I have loved not having to lube a chain every 600 miles. If I get the seat right, I will have a coast to coast tourer that I can enjoy. After riding it for 6 months, I'm not sure I could go back to an America/Speedmaster.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62 |
I rode a demo T-bird at my dealer's about a month ago and wasn't all that impressed. The first thing I noticed was how heavy it was. The torque was nice but i wonder how much of it was just compensating for the extra 200lbs. My Speedie is definitly more nimble and handles better. I do like the metal front fender, but the rest of the styling is terrible! the profile of that gas tank is ugly and the Triumph badge is to small, if you removed it you would think you were on a Jap HD clone. And did they really use the Speedmaster wheel design for that bike? It seems a lot of thought went into designing the engine but not the rest of the bike. And as far as overall performance the Bonneville turned in a better quarter mile performance than the Bird in one of the magazines a couple of months back.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,729 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,729 Likes: 5 |
I thought the T-Bird was very well balanced for a bigger bike. It didn't feel like it was heavy at all.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
I know two guys who own T-Birds, and they both LOVE them. One had traded in his America for the Bird, and he says he likes his Bird much more than the America. The guy is pretty tall, so the T-Bird geometry fits him better than the America.
I personally think the T-Bird is a great looking machine and fits in well with the rest of the Triumph cruiser line. And say what ya want, the T-Bird is a helluva lot better looking bike than the Rocket III.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47
Greenhorn
|
|
OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47 |
Thanks for alllthe input
I will be test riding a speedmaster later this week
Maybe being from milwaukee I have absorbed the "Bigger is Better Bike" vibe
Todd
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62 |
It wasn't that it was "to heavy" or unbalanced but when I rode my Speedie to the dealership, hop off it and hop on the Bird I could "feel" the weight difference having rode them back to back. I dont't see Triumph making a mid-displacement bike. They just lowered the price of our bikes down to $7999 and at $12,500 for the Bird there isn't a whole lot wiggle room for another range. I feel that the 1200 has been HDs problem for awhile, if you only can afford $8,000 you buy an 883, if can afford $10,500 for a 1200 you might as well spend the extra $1500 and get the Dyna for $11,999. And with the Thruxton Se coming in at $9300 it would be hard to sell those bikes at that price with a larger engine 1100CC-1200cc bike hovering for a few hundred more bucks. I do see Triumph using the 1600 as platform for a whole range of bikes in the future. There are even rumors of a Thunderbird Storm which is supposed to be the Bird what the Speedie is to the America.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62 |
One other thing about the Tbird that seems to be a big issue, Lack of after market support! I know our wide range of options didn't happen over nite but the lack of support for the Bird is down right pitifull!guys can't even get tuneboy, power commander or other tuning options.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
There are even rumors of a Thunderbird Storm which is supposed to be the Bird what the Speedie is to the America.
Hey that resembles something somebody I know said over at the T-Bird forums. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I was actually a bit insulted by the question, but that's why I kept my mouth shut. Didn't want to shout TROLL from the rooftops until I saw how it panned out.
Plus, I was too busy riding twisty roads on Vancouver Island...
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
I was talking about myself John. The news on the Thunderbird Storm and the phrase "to be to the Bird what the Speedie is to the America"... came out of my mouth/pen. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62 |
you are right Bedouin I did read that over on the Tbird forums, didn't realize you were on this forum too, so i give credit where credit is due.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 62 |
Quote:
I know two guys who own T-Birds, and they both LOVE them. One had traded in his America for the Bird, and he says he likes his Bird much more than the America. The guy is pretty tall, so the T-Bird geometry fits him better than the America.
I personally think the T-Bird is a great looking machine and fits in well with the rest of the Triumph cruiser line. And say what ya want, the T-Bird is a helluva lot better looking bike than the Rocket III.
I'm 6ft tall and found that the Tbird put my feet further back than on my Speedie, but I've also got a Corbin seat on my bike so the ride on my bike is pretty comfy.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
I love the look of the TBA.
I'd like the power and belt drive of the T'bird but not the weight or price.
The retro look of the America is what sold me.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
The t-bird just doesn't look right to me. After nearly 8 years and 40k miles, still smile when I look at my America. A lot more power would be intoxicating, but a bike has to pull at my heart strings first and foremost.
Al
|
|
|
 Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
I rode th3e new tbird on a real good demo ride a few months ago.it was faster then my america but couldn't hold a candle too it in any other way.it wallowed in the corners,and scraped through them.the tank is like having an old oil drum between your legs in other words its a perfect harly clone
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
I've ridden a couple different T-birds and they are a nice bike, though I feel my America handles better and is more suited to my needs overall. To me the bird is just ugly. They look like a jap bike with a giant bonnie motor stuffed in it. If they had used a scalloped tank ( to me that feature says triumph louder than any other feature of these bikes) and revised the styling I really think I'd be more impressed.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Well, to answer your original question here Todd, as much or as little as I might like to "graduate" to a T-Bird, I can't...and that's because I won't be receiving my "BA(Bonneville America, that is) Diploma" until the year 2012...and that's ONLY if I continue to buckle down and "study" all these beautiful twisty mountain roads around here in northern Arizona while I'm riding the best handling cruiser on the market...my Bonneville America. (btw...my "college counselor" says that even though he thinks I'm gifted, he also thinks I often lack a sense of direction...which actually comes in quite handy sometimes whenever all I wanna do is ride the day away and explore some never-before taken road around here!) 
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: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
you are right Bedouin I did read that over on the Tbird forums, didn't realize you were on this forum too, so i give credit where credit is due.
No Prob. Just thought the phrase looked familiar. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
Apples and oranges...
The Speedy / America appeal to a different market segment than the T-bird. The T-bird is meant to run in direct competition with Harleys. That's no secret. And for that... I think it succeeds. I'd prefer it to any Harley I've seen ('cept maybe a XR1200). But, our bikes really aren't in direct competition with any Harleys. The closest you could get is a sportster 883, and c'mon.... I mean c'mon....
I know of some people who 'graduated' to the T-bird. These were probably people who wanted that type of bike to begin with and settled with a Speedy instead of going HD. Really, I think that's the market for T-bird; Triumph heads who want a big cruiser but don't want to be part of the Harley herd. They're surely not going to take any sales away from Harley. Because as everyone knows... Harley is about brand loyalty and a "lifestyle" (Orange and black do-rag anyone?). 98% of Harley riders won't consider anything else.... it's their "lifestyle".
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
I would like to "Add a T-Bird" to the stock for more of the touring 2 up aspect of things, love my America, just add, not change....
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,729 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,729 Likes: 5 |
just as I would like to "add an RIIIT" to my stock for touring 2-up aspect of things
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Quote:
just as I would like to "add an RIIIT" to my stock for touring 2-up aspect of things
Me too!
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
I see many statements about weight I say bull The t-bird i rode was nimble and handle very... and talk about weight my RT3 comes in at about 840lbs and it can out handle my america hands down and is faster and quicker ..will blow my america off the road ED 
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
No need for the SM to "grow up" into a T-bird. The T-Bird already exists. The SM/BA is not a competent bike for two up touring, yeah I know some of you do, but I see people transporting refrigerators on top of Corollas. Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should. That said, I like My Speedmaster (not "love" that's just weird  ). And I'd like to keep it when I get a bike for that two up touring; be it a Bird, R-III, or something else. Even if my wife decides that she may not want to (back issues), I still want something with more ooomph. The R-III roadster would fill that position nicely. If that happens, I want to keep the SM and do some serious bobbing and murdering on it.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
Quote:
The t-bird just doesn't look right to me.
I Agree! The pipes look like bell bottom pants only sideways
Erwin
05 America
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 242
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 242 |
Love my America.I am hoping that Triumph will someday offer a nice touring bike. Something to compete with the Gold Wing. A smooth cushy bike that rumbles like a classic Triumph and can carry a week's worth of gear.
08 America
Rinehart exhaust, Clearview shield, Viking bags and magic carb's
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
Quote:
Quote:
just as I would like to "add an RIIIT" to my stock for touring 2-up aspect of things
Me too!
Me 3 until I rode one
Erwin
05 America
|
|
|
 Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
The t-bird just doesn't look right to me. After nearly 8 years and 40k miles, still smile when I look at my America. A lot more power would be intoxicating, but a bike has to pull at my heart strings first and foremost.
I agree totally.I still look at my TBA and smile to myself. 
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Test rode the bird, I like it. Didn't feel heavy to me. I loved the power.My only complaint is the same I have with the new America. They didn't get the tank right, and some of the other styling is just ok. Our America's and Speedies are just outstanding in the looks dept. Sometimes, and rarely, the styling engineers (?) get it right, and our bikes hit a home run. Every time I walk by my America in the carport, I smile.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738 |
After over 12,000 miles on both a T'Bird and a TBA coupled with a couple of demos (2 days in total) on a R3 Roadster my conclusion is: I want all 3 The perfect lineup would be (goes without saying short pipes and all the other usual performance mods)....... EFI Speadmaster with America bars for looks (honestly wonderful eye candy and great for those twisty bits) Roaster for muscle - awsome power! T'Bird for all round touring and long rides - outstanding! (...and Cycle World's Cruiser of the year 2 years on the bounce) Rather than graduate one gravitates to either a T'Bird, R3 or a TBA/Speedy. Also remember when demo riding stock bikes need some work to get them breathing properly. Ride a T'Bird with a few miles the necessary mods and it is different again (aren't they all). Either way it is a choice between a right decision, a right decision and a right decision in my book.
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Love my America.I am hoping that Triumph will someday offer a nice touring bike. and can carry a week's worth of gear.
It's coming. It's called the 2012 Trophy.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
Re: Graduate to T_Bird
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Quote:
It's coming. It's called the 2012 Trophy.
Tease!
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
|
|
|
|
|
