I just got back from Daytona and saw all 4 of the Thunderbirds. 1 black one at the dealer and the 3 mentioned above at the Speedway. I sat on all but the blue/white on the turnstile display. It had low sport type handlebars that didn't seem to look right to me.
I liked the black one at the dealer the best as it would be like most you will see in the showroom, i.e. not loaded down with accessories. It does look better in person, but the really wide tank is strange sitting on it. I guess you would get used to it like new clunky shoes.
The fully dressed black one was almost overdone for me. The windshield was way too big and the top edge was right in my line of sight (I'm 6'). All but one of them had the chrome belt guard which I don't like on the bike. It doesn't look right with the upswept pipe on the right side. I would prefer it black - same with the radiator. The dressed bike had the radiator chromed and that's something that doesn't need attention drawn to it. They did a good job of fitting it between the pipes and black doesn't distract.
I'm glad I got to see them because I've been thinking about the possibility of owning one. But after seeing them, I'm even happier with my tricked out America that's exactly the way I want it. The dealer said Triumph plans to offer a 1700 upgrade/swap with full 2 year warranty - don't know how much more. At stock the bike is a little low on hp for it's size, but obviously, if you did as much to it as I've done to my TA, it would be up there.
I'd love to ride one when that's possible but doubt I'll be giving up my bike any time soon. It took me almost 3 years to get it the way it is now. Quick, light, and with the classic Triumph look. After 3.5 years, still exceeds my original expectations.
