 T bird
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Saw a T bird LT at the new Triumph dealer in Quincy yesterday. Really nice bike. I was surprised at how similar it looked to my new Indian. Even the tail light section was very similar. (Then, I'm noticing, there are a LOT of tail light sections that look similar, the tear drop thing.) It was set up very similar to mine, with soft bags and shield. Looks like it could be darn comfortable. It has a really good looking seat combo, looked comfortable. And all this for probably 2/3 of what I payed for my machine! I demoed a T Bird last year and was really pleased with the power. I think they are gonna sell some, although I'm starting to notice how many cruisers there are that look a lot alike for styling. I guess we all want about the same thing. We'll just have to work harder at "personal customizing" our rides.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
ya, i was looking at a new commander the other day, looked very nice, loved the seat, loved the pipes going straight back instead of upward, its on my whish list for sure, who knows maye next year.
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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Re: T bird
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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 |
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
More like second guessing my decisions, and I do that all the time when I spend a lot of money. Heck, I still turn to the wife occasionally and comment, "ya know, we were perfectly comfortable in our previous house..." 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: T bird
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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 |
Quote:
More like second guessing my decisions, and I do that all the time when I spend a lot of money. Heck, I still turn to the wife occasionally and comment, "ya know, we were perfectly comfortable in our previous house..."
I thought you were going to say "ya know, I was perfectly comfortable being single" Rich.
But then she'd probably say "You will be tomorrow" 
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: T bird
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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 |
Quote:
ya, i was looking at a new commander the other day, looked very nice, loved the seat, loved the pipes going straight back instead of upward, its on my whish list for sure, who knows maye next year.
It's the best T-bird so far IMO.The only thing I'd do is go to a single headlight,but that's just personal taste.
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: T bird
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Yeah, the only thing I hate about the Bird is the dual headlight.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: T bird
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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 actually think the dual lights are nice, plus you can put the rocket windscreen on it.
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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Re: T bird
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
I've been thinking about getting a new bike myself and have taken a couple of test rides on the Thunderbird. Going into it I want to like the bike, it is after all a Triumph and it is the their premium parallel twin cruiser. Without the America's price point the T-Bird has clearly higher quality materials and optional finishes plus a 6-speed trans. The engines even the standard 1600 make relaxed power, that is they accelerate using low RPM torque and make it look easy to roll op to 80 mph. Sure an America will run but the power really (torque curve) is at much higher RPM for the smaller 865 motor between 3000 and 6500.
Now the bad; Face it the T-Bird is too heavy. Way too heavy. 200 pounds heavier than an America and even 100 pounds heavier than a Harley Dyna. Second problem for me is subjective but the T-Bird looks like someone transplanted a parallel twin engine into an old Honda VTX 1300. And why not the T-Bird was styled by the same guy that did the VTX when he worked for Honda. Note to Triumph when you go looking for someone to design a cruiser for the American market do not hire someone from Honda. Also for a cruiser air cooled engines are the way to go that big-assed radiator kills it. And air cooled with emissions can be done just ask Indian.
I was actually hoping Triumph would bring us an all-new T-bird soon but given the recent release of the Commander and LT it looks like they're going to stay with the VTX-Bird.
So I'll keep enjoying my America for now, just installed a set of Triumph chromeline pegs and a new set of Metzeler tires.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Yeah, I forgot the BAR, (big assed radiator). Nobody likes that. And while it is true that Indian got around that with an oil splashing system and giant fins, that's gonna change too. The salesman told me that Indian is planning a radiator in 1016 because enhanced EPA restrictions are gonna come into to play and they won't be able to meet the requirements without liquid cooling.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
Yeah, I forgot the BAR, (big assed radiator). Nobody likes that. And while it is true that Indian got around that with an oil splashing system and giant fins, that's gonna change too. The salesman told me that Indian is planning a radiator in 1016 because enhanced EPA restrictions are gonna come into to play and they won't be able to meet the requirements without liquid cooling.
IMHO the "bar" blends in fairly well on the Black Birds. However if you have Red, Blue etc. bike and color matching, or chrome shroud it stands out like a big pimple on a beautiful models face. 
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
They should have mounted the radiator behind the frame like the oil coolers on the America since the parallel twin allows much more room in that area compaired to a v-twin. Or bend the frame tubes around it like Honda does on most cruisers.
A cool trick would be to seal the frame tubes and run the coolant inside the frame.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Yeah, I forgot the BAR, (big assed radiator). Nobody likes that. And while it is true that Indian got around that with an oil splashing system and giant fins, that's gonna change too. The salesman told me that Indian is planning a radiator in 1016 because enhanced EPA restrictions are gonna come into to play and they won't be able to meet the requirements without liquid cooling.
So Indian designed their new air cooled engine to last only 2 model years?!
Maybe they'll just cool the heads with an external electric water pump.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: T bird
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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:
Quote:
Yeah, I forgot the BAR, (big assed radiator). Nobody likes that. And while it is true that Indian got around that with an oil splashing system and giant fins, that's gonna change too. The salesman told me that Indian is planning a radiator in 1016 because enhanced EPA restrictions are gonna come into to play and they won't be able to meet the requirements without liquid cooling.
IMHO the "bar" blends in fairly well on the Black Birds. However if you have Red, Blue etc. bike and color matching, or chrome shroud it stands out like a big pimple on a beautiful models face.
Compared to the R-III radiator it is small. After 4 years of ownership I don't even notice the radiator. I love my T-bird 1600 heft and all. The handling is almost as good as my America was. Compared to a Harley engine the T-bird mill is as smooth as silk. I can't wait until the hard bag/fairing model is introduced supposedly in 2015. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: T bird
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Quote:
A cool trick would be to seal the frame tubes and run the coolant inside the frame.
You mean like this? http://www.streetmaster.net/oil-cooler.html
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I thought this was a good video comparing the Indian, T-Bird, Harley, and Victory. Leather Bagger Shootout
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
For the life of me, why would anyone brag about being able to remove a windshield in 39 seconds? Such a nifty thing indeed! Jeez. If the windscreens are so freaking great, why bother removing them? To better pose? And even then, what to do with the dern thing once removed? Oh, I'll lean it up against this Saguaro while I take some photos of Rt. 66. Hum, you can go from touring mode to trolling mode? Troll? Really? Good video write-up though. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
For the life of me, why would anyone brag about being able to remove a windshield in 39 seconds? Such a nifty thing indeed! Jeez. If the windscreens are so freaking great, why bother removing them? To better pose? And even then, what to do with the dern thing once removed? Oh, I'll lean it up against this Saguaro while I take some photos of Rt. 66. Hum, you can go from touring mode to trolling mode? Troll? Really?
Good video write-up though.
Many riders feel windshields and saddlebags take away from the style of the motorcycle but both are very handy to have on long road trips. I'd say clip a removable windshield on only when taking a long ride at interstate speeds otherwise leave it in the garage at home. My wife's Sportster has a factory H-D removable windshield that she leaves locked on all the time but when I wash and polish her bike it makes it much easier to remove the windshield.
Just rider preference that's why there are so many options and types of motorcycles. Most Daytona 675R owners have no idea why we would want to ride cruisers etc.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
If I were in the market for a Victory, the Crossroads Classic would be my choice, very nice detail.
But the Indians, man ole man they are a step ahead of everyone when it comes to detail. If I had plenty of jingle laying around I'd have a third bike in the garage again. Only time will tell if the brand holds on this time around, but they appear to be off to a great start.
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
For the life of me, why would anyone brag about being able to remove a windshield in 39 seconds? Such a nifty thing indeed! Jeez. If the windscreens are so freaking great, why bother removing them? To better pose? And even then, what to do with the dern thing once removed? Oh, I'll lean it up against this Saguaro while I take some photos of Rt. 66. Hum, you can go from touring mode to trolling mode? Troll? Really?
Good video write-up though.
Hehehe! I couldn't agree more, Jim. I recently added a Stratoliner (which I refer to as a Freight Liner) to my modest stable. It, too, has a plethora of 30 second removables - each of which would require a space of its own somewhere on the garage. So, they stay mounted where they were intended to be and for which I bought the damned thing anyway. Another "bonus" aspect of the quick-remove accoutrements is that not being firmly affixed allows for a whole lot of rattle whilst traversing rough pavement. The only real benefit I can think of is cleaning and maintenance can be easier or more effective with all that furniture removed, and removing it is quick.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
So, I do like the quick release windscreen on the Yamaha RSTD. Great for cleaning, and good for mornings when you figure out that the afternoon ride will be above 90 degrees so more wind flow is in order. Not sure that it is a time trial, but it is certainly not a chore to get it off or on.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: T bird
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
For the life of me, why would anyone brag about being able to remove a windshield in 39 seconds? Such a nifty thing indeed! Jeez. If the windscreens are so freaking great, why bother removing them? To better pose? And even then, what to do with the dern thing once removed? Oh, I'll lean it up against this Saguaro while I take some photos of Rt. 66. Hum, you can go from touring mode to trolling mode? Troll? Really?
Good video write-up though.
Hehehe! I couldn't agree more, Jim. I recently added a Stratoliner
I loved the stratoliner when it came out. Retro styling turns me on! It was always my second choice behind the Indian.
Fidelis et Fortis
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