 Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
Even though it didn't win I think they had some great things to say about the Triumph. Not surprising the HD came in last. Link
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
An interesting read Ron,thanks. 
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
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,174 Likes: 15 |
I agree with their comments on the t birds suspension
It's weak. After market upgrades are needed to really get the performance out of it.
I will get to see how the victory does against my non stock t bird this summer as I have a long trip planned with a buddy who just bought an 8 ball cross country. Should be interesting.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
I think they should have made the T-brd 2nd place though. They didn't like the head weight of the Chieftain at all at slow speed.
But, even giving it a 3rd they were very kind to the Triumph.
I have a Kingpin that I believe is about the same in all areas as the T-brd but it does lean better.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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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 was struck by the comments about handling differences between the Chief and the Chieften. I like the "old style" styling of the simpler bike, but it seems you have to have the "newer styled" bike with it's shorter, tighter rake and wheelbase to get some decent handling. The comments about it's low speed handling were disconcerting. Bummer.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
If I were to buy an Indian it would be the vintage. I also didn't like the comments on the heavy front end. Then again these guys are really sportbike riders reviewing cruisers. Maybe its not as heavy as they are moaning about.
Speedmaster05 has one maybe he will weigh in on it.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
I really like Paul's T-Bird...... while I'm aesthetically drawn to the Indian (stinking beautiful  ) and like the Harley's (just expensive) when it came time to cut bait or fish , would probably fall towards the T-Bird ....Mr. Bloor just makes a good bike  Would have to change the tank though, I like our tanks, they are curvy , on the older ones anyway ! That was a good article.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 429
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 429 |
Thanks for the post it was a good read. I have always been a fan of indians but I still have a love for Triumph.
You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one
John Lennon
Imagine
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty, anyone who keeps learning stays young, the greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Henry Ford
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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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 enjoyed the article. I have ridden 3 of the 4 bikes. I have not ridden a Victory but friends of mine say they are great bikes. To get an Indian I would want, I would have to pay around 25K for the Chieftan. One of the advantages they listed for the T-Bird was the low MFSRP of $16,999. But even at that, 17 grand for a motorcycle... really??? If I was going to get a new bike I would probably go with another T-bird 1600 and then add some of my own stuff like saddlebags etc. You can still get a new two tone ABS T-bird 1600 for $13,799. There are 2 brand new 2013's on Ebay right now for around 10K. I have my eye on a 2014 in Lunar Red/Silver mist.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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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:
when it came time to cut bait or fish , would probably fall towards the T-Bird ....Would have to change the tank though,
"When it came time to cut bait or fish"? You do have a way with words, Dan.  But that fat ugly tank has it's purpose...lots of and lots of extra miles before worrying about filling up. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
If I were to buy an Indian it would be the vintage. I also didn't like the comments on the heavy front end. Then again these guys are really sportbike riders reviewing cruisers. Maybe its not as heavy as they are moaning about.
Speedmaster05 has one maybe he will weigh in on it.
I don't see the fuss between the Chieftain and the Vintage/Classic geometry. And I still don't dig the fairing on the Chieftain. 
But don't go by me, I also have two Visions.  
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
I can't imagine the Vintage being that much heavier with the rake than than my Kingpin. I am not afraid to buy one. If I buy another bike, it will be an Indian Vintage.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I can't imagine the Vintage being that much heavier with the rake than than my Kingpin. I am not afraid to buy one. If I buy another bike, it will be an Indian Vintage.
WHEN you buy another bike Ron, when.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
I know, I know, I can't break what I have so I don't need another bike, I just want one.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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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:
I know, I know, I can't break what I have so I don't need another bike, I just want one.
Yeah but need doesn't have anything to do with desire...and lust. You must be too damned practical, Ron. That's right you were in the insurance business, that explains everything. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 59
Member
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Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 59 |
I have made the switch from a 07 speedmaster to the new indians, and i couldn't be happier! Yes they are a heavier bike, but they have twice the engine. The power of that engine is intoxicating by the way, when you go wide open its like a rocket pushing you back in the seat and everything. At low speeds its a little harder to maneuver than my old speedy but honestly I feel like its worth the trade off for not being cramped in the speedy riding position. I have to admit that before i sold the speedy and got on a different bike it never felt cramped but once i experienced a larger bike it was a revelation.
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
IMHO , the Indians are a work of art, they did good on the re-launch
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Re: Thunderbird in a soft bagger shootout
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
i think they are all good bikes, i would stay with the Triumph though in terms of bang for my "wanting to afford" buck. I am also one of those "loyal brand" kind of guys, if it works, and it treats me fair then wy change. 30K in Canada for a nice chieftan is a ton of cash, to much for a bike, for me anyways.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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