 Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 130
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 130 |
Taking a T-Bird out for 2 hours tomorrow, not because I want one (or can afford one), but I was in the area for a can of chainlube and was hanging my nose over it. Any good ideas for putting it through it's paces?
"You just kinda wasted my precious time..."
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Just ride it like you stole it! 
Ray(UK)
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
That's why I avoid buying demos.
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I like the bird. It's just too bad it's not as distinctively good looking as the BAs and SAs.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Enjoy the low-end torque.
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Bring chopsticks. 
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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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 |
I can't beleive they let you take a bike out for 2 hours unescorted over there. Even the Triumph truck demo rides are only 1/2 hour or so here. That being said, find some curves, I think you will be pleasantly surprised how the bird handles. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 192
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 192 |
I rode a dealer's Thunderbird Storm about three weeks ago. Got about 30 minutes on the bike, with an escort. While I would have liked more time, it was enough to convince me I covet a T-Bird.
'08 America, AI removed, National Cycle windscreen, bags, tach, dresser bars
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Quote:
Taking a T-Bird out for 2 hours tomorrow, not because I want one (or can afford one), but I was in the area for a can of chainlube and was hanging my nose over it. Any good ideas for putting it through it's paces?
I must admit I do like the torque...
Ray(UK)
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 130
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 130 |
Really enjoyed it. Ended up riding far too fast everywhere, and had it to the the top of the clock once (120mph). Handles almost like a sports bike going round islands. The America felt like a moped on the way home.
"You just kinda wasted my precious time..."
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Quote:
The America felt like a moped on the way home.
I feel that when I get back on my america, it feels really light and I can throw it around a lot more. The Mrs says she prefers the america being on the back, because she feels further away from me on the T-bird.
Ray(UK)
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
"Further away ..."
That's weird because the T-Bird is physically smaller than the America.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
Quote:
"Further away ..."
That's weird because the T-Bird is physically smaller than the America.
when you look at the spec of both bikes ..
Speedmaster Length 2367mm (93.in)
Thunderbird Length 2340 mm (92.1 in)
this done with a bigger fender in the speedmaster sticking out past the rear tire.....
now on to the Wheel base....
Speedmaster Length 1606mm 63.2in
Thunderbird Length 1615 mm (63.5 in)
the bird is also wider so i would have to say the bird is physically and when they set side by side you can see it's bigger..
Ed 
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
You're right, but the wheelbases are virtually identical (less than 1/2" or 9mm) difference. I would have thought the pillion position would be no different - except maybe in seat design and peg position. Maybe the rider's position is slightly different also and moves the rider's torso further forward?
Cheers, Richard
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09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Great looking bike Anyone who says otherwise is either blind or deeply "challenged"
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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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 |
Nice looking bike* but we've seen THAT particular photo about 50 times on this site alone. * if you cover it up with enough bolt-ons
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
I think the pillion seat is longer and wider than the America pillion. + the backrest is curved to the rear then up. That allows the passenger to lean further back from the driver. Most wives will tell you that few extra inches really matters on a long ride. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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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 |
Must. Not. Make. Few. Extra. Inches. Joke. 
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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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:
Most wives will tell you that few extra inches really matters on a long ride.
Or anytime for that matter. Sorry FJ I couldn't help myself.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Quote:
I think the pillion seat is longer and wider than the America pillion. + the backrest is curved to the rear then up. That allows the passenger to lean further back from the driver.
Most wives will tell you that few extra inches really matters on a long ride.
Cheers, Richard
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09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482 |
Did it handle like this one? 0:48 scrape
George
Freelance Observer
07 BA with 605's, engine dresser bars, and cheap saddle bags.
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6 |
gotta say, I like the paint on that Bird in the video 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Quote:
Did it handle like this one?
0:48 scrape
Gee ... the pegs were scraping on only a mild lean. Not much clearance huh?
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
Quote:
Did it handle like this one?
0:48 scrape
Gee ... the pegs were scraping on only a mild lean. Not much clearance huh?
That's what I was thinking
And people claim they handle better than an America/Speedy 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Did it handle like this one?
0:48 scrape
Gee ... the pegs were scraping on only a mild lean. Not much clearance huh?
That's what I was thinking
And people claim they handle better than an America/Speedy
I love the idea of the power behind the bird but I had the same experience on my test ride a couple years ago... first turn and I scraped peg whereas my America can take a lot of lean before I scrape.
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: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Did it handle like this one?
0:48 scrape
Did you see the way he cut out in front of the oncoming van at 1:44? He looked behind but not ahead!!!   
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Did it handle like this one?
0:48 scrape
Gee ... the pegs were scraping on only a mild lean. Not much clearance huh?
That's what I was thinking
And people claim they handle better than an America/Speedy
I love the idea of the power behind the bird but I had the same experience on my test ride a couple years ago... first turn and I scraped peg whereas my America can take a lot of lean before I scrape.
all the new 2011 speedmasters & america do the same thing they move the foot controls rearward 1.5 of a inch & lowered them 1.0 of a inch
Ed
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Re: Taking a T-Bird out tomorrow.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Ya need some more lean angle, try out a Speed Triple 
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