I finally got to test ride a Thunderbird this morning. Off the line is very fast, 45mph then shift into 2nd gear and be gone. The brakes are great. It's well balanced, and seems to handle well, not sure if I can say better or worse than the America because a test ride is only so far. On the highway, roll on power seemed to be about even with my bike, or mine may even be better in that aspect. It gets up to highway speeds fast, but seemed like it took a while to hit the ton. That's right, I did that!
Sits lower than the America, and has a fairly stiff ride and solid seat. The seat has more room, you can move around on it, maybe it's made for bigger butts than mine. The bars vibrate maybe a little more than mine, could possibly be fixed with some softer grips. I read recently that someone smoked one of these on another bike, it must have been ridden poorly, because this thing is a racer! Shifting was disappointing, it felt clunky to me. Downshifts were not smooth at all. Overall, it's a nice riding bike, and it will smoke mine without breaking a sweat. I still have no desire for one, but I can understand the love affair from the owners.
