Mr.Melling's article is very similar in tone, if not execution, to the lastest issue of Motorcyclist Magazine in which they do a comparison test between the new Ducati 1000S and the Triumph Thruxton. It's entitled "Cafe Racers".
The writer of that article presents them as "nice" but rather "weak" reproductions of those bikes during the days of yore when the "Ton-Up Boys" were out on the road in the 1960s and 1970s.
It's basically says the Thruxton is underpowered but a pleasant ride if you don't push it too hard. The Ducati is given the nod in power and road-holding due to it's better suspension, but is uncomfortable to ride as compared to the Triumph.
Now considering the Ducati is almost $2500.00 more and has a larger engine by about 150cc's is also discussed BUT not made much of, in that article.
THIS FACT is the VERY REASON why I have been saying since the new Bonnevilles were introduced back in 2001 that Mr. Bloor NEEDS to supply the public with an "S" model of this line of bikes. With a 1000cc engine AND upgraded(fully adjustable on BOTH front and rear) these twin-cylinder Triumphs could capture their FULL POTENTIAL.
THEY SHOULD COME FROM THE FACTORY THIS WAY, MR.BLOOR, and THEN there would not be this perception by much of the riding public that the Bonneville line is "just a cute little retro machine".
Cheers,
Dwight
(But I KNOW, like a lot o' things I say to people, this'll fall on deaf ears ALSO)
