 Thunderbird
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11 |
just a thought! are we going to be including the new thunderbird in the forum? ie america/speedmaster/thunderbird 
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 Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
You are kidding, right?
You missed the "other bikes" forum and the way too many tbird threads already there?
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Like the Rocket, Thunderbird with have it's own forum. Personally, I like this forum the way it is.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
eh. Your just jealous cause Black Speedies are the fastest....and SM owners have more hair around their asses. 
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
eh. Your just jealous cause Black Speedies are the fastest....and SM owners have more hair around their asses.
How many asses does the typical SM owner have anyway?  
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Thunderbird
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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:
No.
Let's not be too hasty FJ. A T-bird forum might be a never-ending source of real amusement.   
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
Quote:
Let's not be too hasty FJ. A T-bird forum might be a never-ending source of real amusement.
YOU MEAN LIKE THIS ONE......
Ed
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
No.
Let's not be too hasty FJ. A T-bird forum might be a never-ending source of real amusement.
You're just trying to drive me into a mental institution, aren't ya?
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
eh. Your just jealous cause Black Speedies are the fastest....and SM owners have more hair around their asses.
How many asses does the typical SM owner have anyway?
Well, at least two. The regular poop chute and the hole under their nose.
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Re: Thunderbird
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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 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
eh. Your just jealous cause Black Speedies are the fastest....and SM owners have more hair around their asses.
How many asses does the typical SM owner have anyway?
Well, at least two. The regular poop chute and the hole under their nose.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
If checking into a mental institution is supposed to make you smarter... I need to go to one too.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
That didn't sound right after reading it back. I wasn't intending to disrespect the good Friar.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
No worries, you wouldn't be the first and certainly not the last.
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
That didn't sound right after reading it back. I wasn't intending to disrespect the good Friar.
Is that even possible?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
I know I have always shown him the utmost respect. Never had a cross word with him.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Aye .....now thats a fair truth spoken. Same here mate!
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2 |
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
wait?...I thought this was the thunderbird section
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247 |
I was at the steeler yesterday and I always browes the showroom when I'm there. One of the salesman asked why I was looking at the RocketIII, because he bought one of the new T-birds for me. Said they couldn't get a desplay model so he just bought one because he new I'd be down to buy it. What fourm would I go to if I had one of each, not that I could afford it?
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
My local dealer had one on display thursday and my son and I went over and looked at it and sat on it. It seemed easy to move around even though it weighs near 650 lb. It's width is narrower than an america but they do measure the handlebar width. It is also shorter than the america due to lessening the fork angle. They had the stock seat on it which seemed a little hard and they have the speedo and tach on the tank where the SM tach is. Hopefolly in july they said they will have a demo model to test drive. Just for curiosity sake of course.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Thunderbird
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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 |
That'd be cool Mike. I'd like to take a spin on it too, but I wonder how many dealers are really going to be able to afford to designate one of these new bikes as a demo model in the near future? I'm thinkin' they're going to want to sell every one they receive pretty much as soon as they get 'em in.
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: Thunderbird
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
This similarity has probably been pointed out before, but you could pretty much swap out the engine, and fenders and slap a 'Kawi' label on the tank... Vulcan 1600  T-bird 1600 
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
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Re: Thunderbird
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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 |
Quote:
This similarity has probably been pointed out before, but you could pretty much swap out the engine, and fenders and slap a 'Kawi' label on the tank...
Vulcan 1600
T-bird 1600
Sorry Lance. The new T-Bird does look a lot like A Kawasaki Vulcan alright, however...not that one.
Take a good look at this pic of the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD here, and then tell me which of the two Kawis you think looks more like the T-Bird.
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: Thunderbird
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Man Dwight, that one is almost a clone with no swaps.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
you guys sound just like the people at the time i got my .. 2002 Triumph Bonneville America... "that's not triumph it looks like Harley" "that's the new triumph man it look like sporty with a bigger tank"... Ed
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
You're absolutely right Ed. It happens every time a new model comes out. I bet it even happened when the Legend and last Thunderbird came out. "That ain't no Triumph." Heck, I'm sure they even nitpicked the crap out of the 2001 Bonneville (standard). "What? No oil leaks and the electrics work reliably? That ain't no Triumph."
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
Quote:
Quote:
This similarity has probably been pointed out before, but you could pretty much swap out the engine, and fenders and slap a 'Kawi' label on the tank...
Sorry Lance. The new T-Bird does look a lot like A Kawasaki Vulcan alright, however...not that one.
Take a good look at this pic of the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD here, and then tell me which of the two Kawis you think looks more like the T-Bird.
I stand corrected.
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
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Re: Thunderbird
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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 |
Well guys, I wasn't making a "value judgement" in the above, I was just pointin' out to Lance there that the example he used as the T-Bird's supposed "doppelganger" actually has a much closer "twin"(as in parallel-twin, I suppose) than that V-Twin Kawasaki he thought looked like it. That's why I showed him that. In fact, once again, I like the T-Bird and think in many regards it DOES "look like a Triumph", as they say. (of COURSE, it would've been nice IF those fellas over there on that little island would've put more FINS on the cylinder barrels...but "maybe" I've already mentioned that before around here, HUH???)  
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: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
that 500 ltd looks alot like an America.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Thunderbird
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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:
You're absolutely right Ed. It happens every time a new model comes out. I bet it even happened when the Legend and last Thunderbird came out. "That ain't no Triumph." Heck, I'm sure they even nitpicked the crap out of the 2001 Bonneville (standard). "What? No oil leaks and the electrics work reliably? That ain't no Triumph."
True enough even today. I occassionally ride / associate with several folks that ride "pre-Hinkley" Triumphs, BSAs, and other Brit bikes. Several can't accept Bonnies, Americas, Speedmasters as "Real Triumphs". At first it was annoying, then it got old, and now, after some time has pasted, I bask in the glory of its "un-realness" when they do their frequent maintenance and repairs. I sometimes find myself wanting to take a jab or two, but, I like to think of myself as I do my ride - I'm just a bit better than them...
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
I met a "old" Triumph man a couple weeks ago & the 1st words out of his mouth were "i dont like the way those new engines fire". i guess its like the old harley guys & the balanced engine.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
I thought the early Triumphs that first came out when they started to come back to the US looked like a Yamaha Special and didn't like them or the engines they used. I was very disappointed. Then the new Bonnies and then BA and SM all came out and I really liked them. Now with the new T bird I am back to not liking what Triumph is doing.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Thunderbird
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
With some minor refinements the T bird could look a lot more like a Triumph. Personally, I don't like the chopped rear fender or the chopped sprocket cover. Fix those, put a more Triumph looking logo on the tank, straighten the pipes, and possibly add shroud covers while you're at it. I think the America looks like a Triumph cruiser. I don't think the T-Bird or Rocket does.
As my father always used to say, "nothing stays the same".
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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