 T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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I thought it was a good write up, which kind of explained some of the foot dragging with the final product. There is a drawing of the engine showing the 103.8 mm diameter pistons, with 94.3 mm stroke. According to the article this is the largest bore they could manufacture, so that set the stroke.
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Is it on the news stands?
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Not sure, the November issue came to the house, over the weekend while AmyLee and I were over in Reno/Carson City area for Streets Vibration. Very interesting, if you can handle wall to wall Hardleys.  Bob
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You don't have access to a scanner, do you? I stopped at the local Border's and it's not here yet - still have the October issue.
Send me a message if you have scanning capabilities!
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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I just got my copy today. Unfortunately, I could sooner launch a rocket then use my scanner and copy to this page. Deep breaths- your copy is on it's way. Great article, (as always); great bike. I've been lovin' this bike since it first appeared. I can't wait to start customizing one. I'll be pullin' stuff on the showroom floor. 
Strangler
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AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Thanks for that Amylee. A stock output of 80hp and a 1700 kit. mmm I guess we'll have to wait to find out..."mid 2009" 
...yes, that is a single seat...no, I will not put the other seat on...yes, I am selfish...yes, you should buy your own bike
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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This thing is growing on me. About the only thing I'd change IMMEDIATELY is that rear license plate mounting bracket. That is massively clunky.
Still rather have a Rocket III though...
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
 
Ummmmm, uh huh Jack. I wonder if there "might be" somethin' missin' from that there motor which might'a made it "just" a little better lookin', huh???!!!
 
(don't worry Friar John...notice I didn't use that OTHER "F-word" there...but you know what I be talkin' 'bout there, don't cha, dude?!) 
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)
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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after reading that i think i'll wait until the 4th production year. That leaves the first year problems to be weeded out on the second year and then in the 4th year ill buy the 3rd year used with a couple grand on the speedo. Hopefully by then they'll have a decent website to consult like this one, some shorty pipes available, and if I keep it consistant I still wont have any kids to pay for...haha
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I received my copy yesterday and thought there is just nothing there to distinguish it as a Triumph. Other than being a parallel twin it looks like a Honda VTX1300C. http://ppgmedia.canadatrader.com/ppgphot...460-display.jpgI still like our bikes better, with the nostalgic cues, they look like Triumphs.
- I love the rain the most when it stops.
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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AmyLee, Many thanks for the scanned article. I've been salivating over it for the last fifteen minutes.
For those of you naysayers who say it doesn't look "Triumph" enough, print out a picture of this and a picture of your America, lay them side by side, and add up the similarities. I think they did a great job of keeping a similar feel compared to Triumph's other cruisers in the Thunderbird and I can't wait for the day I pull up alongside the H-D a-holes at bike night and can not only brag about how great my Triumph is but also start calling their bikes the "little 1500s!!!." (Yes, I've been taking some ribbing...)
I do think the name badge is too small and have written Triumph about it. Hopefully they'll throw a little Miracle-Gro on that item.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Loquacious
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Quote:
AmyLee, Many thanks for the scanned article.
+ 1 from me.
Quote:
For those of you naysayers who say it doesn't look "Triumph" enough, print out a picture of this and a picture of your America, lay them side by side, and add up the similarities.
I agree.
We also seem to forget that our bikes (SM's and Americas) where the real departure from traditional Bonnies 6-7 years ago.
Whoever heard of a Triumph Bonneville (with a 40-odd year history, at the time) which was a cruiser???
The Purists were perplexed.
This Thunderbird is only an extension of the same theme (SM and America).
So when we hear that the T-Bird is not Triumph enough, perhaps we should remember a little recent history.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Thanks AmyLee...The article is much appreciated.
Looking at the cam drive design, it appears cam removal won't be that easy. No idler gear topside. Will the chain have to be removed to aid in cam removal for valve adjustments? Hope it doesn't have to be done often.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
This thing is growing on me. About the only thing I'd change IMMEDIATELY is that rear license plate mounting bracket. That is massively clunky.
Still rather have a Rocket III though...
+1 on the license plate bracket. They should of lengthened the fender a little to leave room for a plate. Still can't decide if I like it or not. It's one of those bikes that is going to be "seeing is believing". Article also mentioned that a 100 horse kit would be available. Should of done that at the git go. (But then I think the America should have been 900 CCs at the start also. If you're gonna engineer a crank that massive, might as well use it, plus I wouldn't have to envy the kahuna's and money of the fortunate few who have done this).
Fidelis et Fortis
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Thanks for that Amylee, I like it, I was going to do a big bore and belt drive on my speedy but why bother. I will save up for a thunderbird instead.
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I can't wait for the day I pull up alongside the H-D a-holes at bike night and can not only brag about ...
You're kidding, right? I couldn't care less what some Halloween-costumned freak on a tractor thinks of my machine. What I do care about is having something with real heritage that I can be proud of because it isn't a V-Twin ridden by a clueless, wife-beating wuss with an IQ of 40. Unfortunately, the new Triumph is only an uninspired clone of countless Japanese water heaters that came before it, and the finless motor and garish radiator confirm that Triumph's designers have exhausted the last of their engineering saavy. The smaller they make that nameplate, the better for us all.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Let's see, rear fender whacked off, upswept exhaust, gas tank mounted speedometer, radiator, half of the fins missing, Honda bloated gas tank without a real Triumph badge. Yep,spitting image, NOT! "Tim Prentice....long history with Honda" So that explains why it has a Honda shaped tank. As far as the America/Speedmaster being very different from a Bonneville, I can look at the tank on my 03 Speedmaster and the large tank from my 69 Bonnie and they are almost identical, which along with the verticle twin is what screamed Triumph. I understand that Triumph is in the business to sell bikes to the masses, not just the faithful. A buck, after all, is a buck. If you love the bike, good for you. I hope it makes you feel better around HDs. Just don't expect the rest of us to drink the kool-aid.  Dan
1970 Bonneville, 2001 Yamaha 250 Virago (Wife's), 2003 Speedmaster
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It sounds kind of interesting to me. Looks like an America's big brother. Not that I could afford one anyway, but it would be fun to test ride. 
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Worn Saddle
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Yes, it has a Dyna fender and a seamless tank that looks more like a Rocket III than a Bonneville. So what? No one's twisting your arm. It's not a Bonnie or trying to be one.
Cycle World's ride and fit and finish review was extremely positive. Frankly, for a company that sold 50K motorcycles last year against the millions sold by Honda et al it looks like an aggressive entry into a market that actually could keep the company in the black. That's good for us niche riders. The photo of the T-Sport clone did not make me not want that look, and that's a good thing. Now if they'd just consider mid controls...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Will the chain have to be removed to aid in cam removal for valve adjustments? Hope it doesn't have to be done often.
Normally, removing the cam chain tensioner gives enough slack that the cams can be slid out the side.
The two things I don't like about it are the chrome circles on the head
at the end of the cams. Looks like eyes. 
And the tank. 
I can see after a few years getting a used, low miles garage queen and blacking out those eyes and fitting a first-gen
Speedy or BA tank. You'd have a fine ride.
(Note to self: start saving.)
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."
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Quote:
Looks like an America's big brother.
That's an insult to every BA owner.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I hope it makes you feel better around HDs. Just don't expect the rest of us to drink the kool-aid.
Dan
It would appear you assume too much as I have no idea where that came from since I make no mention of HD.
My contemplating (only) this new bike has nothing to do with competing with HD riders (which BTW, I don't have to compete with as I can afford several in my stable)
Let me explain why I think this new bike warrants (some) serious examination (by me).
Since 1981 I have been taking long-ish journeys, every single year, on motorcycles (mostly two-up and since they are circa 2 months in duration, pretty loaded up).
For example, here's one I completed just 3 days ago (over two months on the road):
and here's one from last year.
I only mention these two as they are somewhat documented/corroborated on this site.
I wouldn't dare assume anything about anyone on this (or any other) site as I am unable to gauge anyone's history/backround.
Taking into account your ill-conceived assumption about me (about HD's and kool-aid), do I really need to explain further?
The repetitive long distances (two-up) and durations and subsequent derived experiences (on the Speedmaster) of these journeys suggest a uniqu(er) criteria (if I am to look within the Triumph range as I already have a better suited motorcycle).
Whilst taking into account the accumulated extent to which the above elements (distances/durations/routes and overall history) contribute to my line of thinking, I simultaneously strongly suspect (and not assume) you don't have a clue what I am talking about.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Quote:
Looks like an America's big brother.
That's an insult to every BA owner.
Jack
It's not an insult to me. You should read what the Bonnie guys say about the Americas...never mind what the Meridan cats opine about Hinckley...
All the same, if you want a big engine but you're stuck on the tank and valve covers you should contact Bill Gately and plug a 1200 into an exisiting pre 2008 America or Speedy. Cost'd be about the same and at least the whinging would abate.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Loquacious
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Quote:
The repetitive long distances (two-up) and durations and subsequent derived experiences (on the Speedmaster) of these journeys suggest a uniqu(er) criteria (if I am to look within the Triumph range as I already have a better suited motorcycle).
Whilst taking into account the accumulated extent to which the above elements (distances/durations/routes and overall history) contribute to my line of thinking, I simultaneously strongly suspect (and not assume) you don't have a clue what I am talking about.
yup...
While you're in a league of your own Thanassis, I know exactly what you speak of. It's why I sold my America and ended up looking elsewhere for a proper touring bike. Triumph has a competitive player in the ST world, but for my needs, the Sprint couldn't compare to the VFR.
While it wasn't a 2 month European ramble, my most recent trip was a 10 day, 4000 mile jaunt, which, I believe, is a journey as well. I try to make 2 trips of this sort a year (I'm only blessed with 2 weeks of paid vacation time), along with the fact that I haven't been inside my car since the 2nd or 3rd week in January...I need a CAPABLE bike.
I need something that will get me through rain, hail, and the occasional snow. A bike that won't complain when I hit 50 miles of dirt road in northern Maine. A bike I can load up with groceries and still have room for a 30 pack. Based on these needs, do you think I even care what the bike looks like? My mileage total between this year and last is flirting with 50,000 miles (should have around 30k this year) so I need a machine, not eye candy. As long as it starts up, runs like a champ, and fulfulls my needs, the cosmetic aspect means absolutely nothing to me.
Basically what I'm trying to say is that among all the different types of riders 2 distinct types are:
1. Those whose motorcycles are accessories
2. Those whose lives are their motorcycles
I'm not one to assume much based on such little knowledge of people, but I don't think there will be much argument on which a lot of these fellas complaining are...
Mark
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Quote:
A bike that won't complain when I hit 50 miles of dirt road in northern Maine.
oragravelroadthatleadsyoutoanunnery
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
While it wasn't a 2 month European ramble, my most recent trip was a 10 day, 4000 mile jaunt, which, I believe, is a journey as well.....My mileage total between this year and last is flirting with 50,000 miles (should have around 30k this year) so I need a machine...
I can only dream of having a job combined with free time that would allow me to ride that much...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Based on these needs, do you think I even care what the bike looks like?
Well Mark, while I personally applaud your "Iron Buttness" and your practicing of the late great architect Frank Lloyd Wright's axiom of "Form Follows Function" in regard to your choice in motorcycles, please don't forget that those other folks you were talkin' about who's axiom is the reverse of your's and Mr. Wright's, and who view their motorcycles as "accessories" and find themselves drawn to the looks of any motorcycle first, ESPECIALLY when it comes to the so-called "cruiser style" of motorcycle...are...LEGION in the good ol' U.S.of A.
I mean, why do you think "The Motor Company" located in Milwaukee Wisconsin sells so many "tractors" to us Yanks anyway, HUH?!
It sure isn't because their motorcycle's design is "up-to-date engineering", ya know?! AND, it sure isn't because the LOOKS of their machines is "cutting edge" either, ya know?!
AND, if Triumph IS trying to grab a share of that HUGE MARKET which that certain "Motor Company" owns, WHICH even this particular magazine article alludes to as one of Triumph's stated objectives, then I'd say that the new Thunderbird slightly misses the mark in this objective because this Triumph CRUISER...NOT Sport-tourer...NOT large displacement Dual-purpose bike...but "CRUISER" will move few protential Harley CRUISER purchasers to it's more modern FIN-LESS cylinder barreled and WATER-COOLED LOOKS!
Because, once again, it's motor is NOT "retro enough" in FORM, which is what most of the Harley and/or Cruiser crowd go for FIRST, even though this Thunderbird's FUNCTION seems as if it'll be up for doing just about anything!
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)
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...I can see after a few years getting a used, low miles garage queen and blacking out those eyes and fitting a first-gen
Speedy or BA tank. You'd have a fine ride.
(Note to self: start saving.)
Good plan on the tank...just one prob, where are you going to hide the EFI? If you have a cunning plan please share because that's one of the issues I have with the with later model Speedy's...the tank blows
...yes, that is a single seat...no, I will not put the other seat on...yes, I am selfish...yes, you should buy your own bike
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Loquacious
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You can slip one under my cripmas tree anytime you like
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
oragravelroadthatleadsyoutoanunnery
mustgettothegravelroadnunnery!
Ride On!
Airguy
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You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
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The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird fund has begun! Not Triumph enough, not different enough, geez that tank looks too Honda'ish, ohhhh, where are the fins... Buncha' mamby pamby BS in my opinion. He!!, since the America came out people have been asking for a larger version of it. Boom here it is and all we hear is a bunch of whining like we're in a small boys school that is serving brussel sprouts for lunch. C'mon people, get a grip. He!!, everybody here has made many significant changes to their America/SM to make it look the way they want. Well, I'll be dammed, I think that may be what I have to do to this bike. I like the way it looks now so great base to start with. C'mon folks. If it's not nostalgic enough for ya' maybe that is because that was not necessarily what our friends at Triumph were going for to state it simply and matter of factly. If that is what you want, then this bike ain't for you. See ya' next year on my 1600cc, water-cooled, EFI sparkling, shiny new TRIUMPH (assembled in Taiwan  )
Ride On!
Airguy
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You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
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Dwight...I see and agree with your points, but everyone needs to realize that with this bike, the Tremorpigeon...no...the Thunderbird, Triumph is doing everything they do best. If this bike is what everyone assumes it will be, it'll be a bike that will outperform darn near any other cruiserbike on the market. It will accomplish that at a decent price point and look good in the process.
Ed put it the best...Meriden guys dislike the Hinkley bikes. Hinkley Bonnie guys dislike the Americas and Speedmasters. And America and Speedmaster guys will probably dislike the Tbird. That's just the way it seems to go. Along the same line, how many typical HD riders like the V-ROD or the Buell line?
In their recent past Triumph's design department has done a superb job. Their motorcycles all scream Triumph and their apparel on the cutting edge of motorcycle style. Triumph has their retro line and this bike, much to the dismay of many here, isn't part of it.
Look at a few of their bikes such as the Speed Triple, Daytona 675 and Tiger. These aren't only their best sellers, but also are bikes that outperform their class. Triumph is in the business to sell motorcycles and have employed people much smarter than me to see that thru. People who get paid to sit around and design motorcycles...motorcycles that will sell.
If guys can't get over the little things...well...then this isn't their next bike.
Mark
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Quote:
Because, once again, it's motor is NOT "retro enough" in FORM,
You know Dwight, I've been thinking a little about the "retro" aspect you mention.
I understand and agree with the concept you are describing.
It then hit me (just now) that maybe Triumph are deliberately avoiding the overly "retro" design.
We already know that they have been successful in designing and marketing a nice range of motorcycles. They are therefore not stupid.
We also know that they have departed from the normal trends (which, as you say, today would be "retro") in days of old (50's and 60's ... i.e. after WWII) when they created the Bonneville design.
Since they are obviously looking at providing superb performance for a cruiser (+/- 100 hp) etc., I feel they are possibly targeting a "sportier" cruiser segment rather than a "retro" one.
I don't know the numbers of the competition but I would think this has a "killer" powerplant (imagine the sound a 1600 P-Twin will make).
This would also appeal more to the younger market, thus creating a longer-term following, as did the Bonneville in it's day.
Just a few thoughts.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
...since the America came out people have been asking for a larger version of it. Boom here it is...
Not even close. If this is what the future holds for Triumph, the America I own now will be my last.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep Thanassis, I see the logic in your argument about going for the younger crowd, BUT answer me this: How many V-Maxs, V-Rods, and "Power-Cruisers" do you suppose we Yanks see out there on the road, as compared to all the Dynas and Softtails out there on the road? Heck! I've got a pretty good idea that the reason the guys at H-D haven't brought to their HOME Market that cool new Flattracker looking XR1200 Sportster and are only selling it in Europe right now is because the boys in Milwaukee think it "isn't Crusier-lookin' enough" for their average customer. Once again, if Triumph's idea is to sell a whole bunch of these T-Birds, and not just make it yet another of their "niche market" machines, then I still have say that I feel those "Experts and Professionals" in Hinckley slightly missed their target customer, IF as I said they're trying to appeal to THAT largest market segment here in The States. And BTW...I think most of us around here have lived long enough to realize that those terms, "Expert" and "Professional" shouldn't neccessarily imbue any sort of automatic inability of those so described to "mis-fire" in their judgements. At least, I personally have lived long enough to have witnessed many so-called "Experts" and "Professionals" very often make some real counter-productive moves somewhere along the line, anyway! As an example, was ANYBODY clammering to purchase the brand new Triumph SPEED FOUR when it hit the market??? NOPE!!! And while the sheetmetal on any motorcycle, such as gastanks and fenders and such can be cut and reshaped, or replaced altogther with a little talent and ingenuity whenever one wants to "personalize" their motorcycle, almost nobody would have the ability to recast an external engine part if they're not all that crazy about THAT part of a motorcycle, right?! Oh, and for the record, I don't necessarily have a complaint about the T-Bird being water-cooled, nor do I think the radiator on it is all that unslightly either, it's just that I think a "Cruiser" that will appeal to the largest segment of the MASS Market here in The States would have a much better chance in that MASS Market if it's a little more "traditional" in it's engine's aesthetics, especially. (and BTW Keith....I LOVE brussel sprouts!!!)
Last edited by Dwight; 10/02/2008 4:45 PM.
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Re: T- BIRD on cover of November C.W.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438 |
Quote:
Quote:
...since the America came out people have been asking for a larger version of it. Boom here it is...
Not even close. If this is what the future holds for Triumph, the America I own now will be my last.
Jack
Certainly not a surprising response from one of the naysayers.
Yes but did you like them as a young boy Dwight?
Ride On!
Airguy
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You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
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