 Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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i was cruising around on a Thunderbird forum the other day and got to reading some posts.These guys are all saying that the new Tbird will out handle a America/Speedy with upgraded suspension.Hey i like the Tbird but i'm sick of everyone making this bike sound like it's the end all be all of motorcycles.I admit i have yet to test ride one(no demo truck in my area yet),and i know that it's got the elusive torque and hp that everyone has been grail questing for,but better handling?!I'll accept that it handles well for a 746lb bike,but outhandle a bike that weighs 200+lbs less with a greater lean angle?I'm sure everyone with big twin envy with eat this up,so have fun.
Last edited by jake13; 11/21/2009 10:44 AM.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Loquacious
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Jake.... I have test ridden one of the new Thunderbirds and , well , what they are saying is NOT the whole story.....at the end of my test ride, the New Thunderbird had ALSO done my laundry, BBQ'd me a steak washed my dog AND cleaned and polished my Bonnie-America....  The new Thunderbird is simply awsome.....The dealer said I couldn't take to a motel unless I purchased one....I was tempted !
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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But according to Harley Davidson all of their bikes do all of those things and you get a nice bright orange and black costume to! 
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I admit i have yet to test ride one(no demo truck in my area yet),... but better handling?!
Another illuminating assessment. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Loquacious
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i have owned a america with a lot of work dont to it, i now have a thunderbird and it really does seem to handle better. maybe it goes through turns at the same speed but it is a lot easier to ride fast then the america was.
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Medical Dictionary: delusion de·lu·sion (dĭ-l&oomacr;'zhən) n. A false belief strongly held in spite of invalidating evidence, especially as a symptom of mental illness. MMMMmmmm  Powerful word, connotates all manner of uneven bar mental gymnastics. Typically associated with members of those "other" v-twin bike forums, rarely encountered on ba.com. Becomes readily apparent however when members stake their claim to "preferred colour" & which is fastest/bestest. A proper delusional self-exam would include "Do you prefer creamy or chunky peanut butter?", or "Does your toilet paper roll off the top or bottom?" Still I wouldn't mind test riding one......"t-bird" that is  j  h
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Do not speak of that whitch you know nothing about.Tis better to keep your mouth shut and let people think your dumb than to speak of whitch you know not and prove it. 
Last edited by bigjack; 11/21/2009 12:52 PM.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Hmmm, where'd that come from...
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Just ride it Jake old buddy! I did an now I'm a fully paid up member of the Delusional Tunderbird Owners Club! Though mine doesn't BBQ steaks - really must get that accessory - bet they are the best steaks ever! America, Speedy, Rocket and Tiger I have riden (though not at the same time) and they are all good! Hail Triumph best motorcycle manufacturer in the world! and the new Thunderbird is the best bike in the world  
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Well Jake, when a motorcycle has a steeper angle of fork rake and a shorter wheelbase(as does the T-Bird compared to the BA/Speedie...don't believe me, then look it us yourself) then usually that motorcycle WILL handle more crisply.
I have test ridden the T-Bird(though a rather short spin of only about 10 minutes around city streets), and I have found that it does turn-in a little quicker than my BA does, but I also found that it at first seemed slightly more top-heavy than my BA does, and seems to want to "fall into turns" a little more also.
(but as I said, my ride of a very brief duration and the only turns I made were around city street corners, and not up any twisty roads, which could have maybe given me a different idea as to the T-Bird's true handling characteristics)
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: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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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.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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I put 12000 miles on a America in one season. 9500 on a Bonnie the next. 9450 on a R3, season and a half. One 30 minute ride on a T-Bird over my usual twisty test circuit left me with the impression that the 'bird will outhandle them all-except for the lack of ground clearence. It's that good-and I have a rather large Triumph data base as I have led test rides for our dealer for the past 3 seasons. Been on every Triumph bike made (new Triumph-old Triumph experience limited to a 68 Bonnie). It's no Tiger-the greatest bike ever made-but it sure ain't no dog!
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I thought it felt a little top heavy. I am sure the shorter trail is the cause of that feeling so its not a flaw. It is almost as fast low end as my Kingpin so the cams are making good power early. The twist will not leave you wanting anything. High mid range seems to be its sweet spot. The bike dives into turns. It is not for the inexperienced rider on a mountain road. With the power and the trail, I can see a rookie getting rapture of the deep then sliding it out on a low side. This bike unlike our lighter longer ones will not give you a warning its about to go, it will just do it. There was a similar problem many years ago with the V-65 Magna and V-45. They laid over so good they felt like they just couldn't fall, till they did. Be careful with it! This bike is not a pit bull, its a dragon! Big power that can run right away from you in the turns. Fit and finish are great, it needs pipes. The seat is hard like a rock. Brakes are good, it needs fins. I really liked the bike. Its a bike worth buying. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Well it looks like i irked a few people,mission accomplished! 
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Not me-I ride a Rocket! And a Bonnie almost as often.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Hey, Jake, thats my job I have a PH-D in irk
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:
I thought it felt a little top heavy. I am sure the shorter trail is the cause of that feeling so its not a flaw. It is almost as fast low end as my Kingpin so the cams are making good power early. The twist will not leave you wanting anything. High mid range seems to be its sweet spot.
The bike dives into turns. It is not for the inexperienced rider on a mountain road. With the power and the trail, I can see a rookie getting rapture of the deep then sliding it out on a low side.
This bike unlike our lighter longer ones will not give you a warning its about to go, it will just do it. There was a similar problem many years ago with the V-65 Magna and V-45. They laid over so good they felt like they just couldn't fall, till they did.
Be careful with it! This bike is not a pit bull, its a dragon! Big power that can run right away from you in the turns.
Fit and finish are great, it needs pipes. The seat is hard like a rock. Brakes are good, it needs fins.
I really liked the bike. Its a bike worth buying.
But have they fixed that 270° igniter glitch? 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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One would think its a different part. Or are you just trying to make me crazy.   I won't be buying one but think it runs just fine. It is a pretty bike too.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Well it looks like i irked a few people,mission accomplished!
I started to buy one then I thought HUMMMM with the money that I can save , instead of buying a Bird I will buy a Speedy and an America (in black of coarse) and excuse me Mr Bird owner could you have them both delivered . 
I cried because I could wheelie then I met someone without a motorcycle
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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well the bird...bird,bird is the word, well the bird bird bird..bird is the word....
Still don't like the bird, my SM does all I want it to do.
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: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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I like all Triumphs including the new T-bird. It feels very modern. I would like to have an America,R-3, T-bird and Tiger in my imaginery 4,000 square foot garage. Oh yeah I would leave room for the upcoming 2011 Trophy and about a half dozen vintage Triumphs, with Halle Berry waiting for me in the house. How's that for delusional?
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Halle Berry waiting for me in the house. How's that for delusional?
HEY, NO WAY! I've got dibs on Halle! And if she'd be mine on a Bird, I'd surely buy one! ( But hmmmmm....., what to do about the wife?...)I rode the Bird a few months ago, the power was cool. I still thought the styling was a little mundane, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with some custom paint and accessories. But the BA is still gonna be a beautiful, well functioning bike for half the money and the Bird won't change that.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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I've owned both and they are different bikes; my Speedy was easy to chuck around where as the Bird requires more attention and commitment. Although adjusting the Bird's position mid corner when required is no more difficult than the Speedy. Zipping through a 6 car mobile chicane on the freeway a few days ago was almost as easy as it was on the Speedy with the added humour of a higher "exit" speed  . I think the trail makes up for the weight but the Bird still feels like it has a higher centre of gravity. Maybe if I had the 20 years extra experience that some some of you wizened old die-hards do maybe the differences would be less apparent.
...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: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I still thought the styling was a little mundane...]
and THERES the problem.
Only time will tell if it can aquire character. As for NOW, it has none.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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For those who have them, how many miles per gallon/miles per tank
do you get out of the Thunderchicken?
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
For those who have them, how many miles per gallon/miles per tank
do you get out of the Thunderchicken?
"Thunderchicken" owners Rev?
Anyhow, based on your interest, here are the stats you'd be looking for : Rev Stats
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
Triumph Tiger 1050 Black
Ducati Multistrada 1200s
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Range is around 320Km...per gallon, no idea. The first light comes on the display with around 70Km to go. thunderchicken...very droll 
...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: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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Quote:
For those who have them, how many miles per gallon/miles per tank
do you get out of the Thunderchicken?
Umm right - OK.
So you're one of those people who wouldn't want - for example - a fancy sports car because it uses too much fuel!
Lets face it - this type of bike is going to be used (in 99% of all cases) for a great 'A to A' ride. Enjoy - Experience and HAVE FUN.
If you want a bike for commuting 'A to B to A' with great economics, then get a scooter or better still - stay with your bicycle!
But to give you an honest answer - my 209 Thunderbird 1600 Efi uses (5.2 ltr/100km) around 1 liter per 100 km more than my 2008 Speedmaster 900 EFi (4.38 ltr/100km) - which is about the same as my 1994 Tiger 900.
Birdy68
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Thunderbird owners are getting better mileage then I got on my TBA. They are saying 45-50 mpg. I never got past 43-46 with my TBA. I read in Roadbike magazine where Triumph incorporated fuel and ignition controlled to each cylinder independently, and the T-16 uses 17 percent less fuel than some other cruisers. Generally this is beggining to sound like Harley bashing thread. Why such animosity for another Triumph? It wasn't this bad when the R-3 was introduced. Dr. Freud might say, hmmm... T-bird envy.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Well for me it's definitly not T-bird envy.I do want to test ride one as soon as possible.I think th engine performance reviews seem solid,but all that being said there is a lot about the T-bird that i don't care for.I can't stand that ugly radiator,and the tank and badges(this goes for the 08-10 Americas ans Speedys as well) look horrible,and i really don't like how they basically reused the speedmaster wheels for it,the upswept pipes have grown on me a little.I just don't get the same feeling looking at or sitting on the T-bird as i do with my Speedmaster.I know that T-bird is finally the Triumph bike that everyone around here can call the Hog-Slayer,but I can't seem to fall for it,I would have much rather they just put that 1600 engine in a Speedy/America.I just feel that T-bird is to "Americanized" and doesn't have that British flavor that the rest of the bikes have,after all it was designed by a guy whose previous job was designing Japanese Harley clones.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Quote:
I do want to test ride one as soon as possible........there is a lot about the T-bird that i don't care for........I just feel that T-bird is to "Americanized"
You got me Jake! You wanna test ride but you don't like it!
These bikes, T'bird, America (name is a bit of a giveaway) and the Speedy are British bikes with American styling influences and I love them all the more for it!
You got a point about the tank badge though - will change mine in due course. 
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Quote:
Quote:
I do want to test ride one as soon as possible........there is a lot about the T-bird that i don't care for........I just feel that T-bird is to "Americanized"
You got me Jake! You wanna test ride but you don't like it!
These bikes, T'bird, America (name is a bit of a giveaway) and the Speedy are British bikes with American styling influences and I love them all the more for it!
You got a point about the tank badge though - will change mine in due course.
Yes i want to test ride on so I can evaluate the engine performance myself,I'm interseted in the engine,not so much the bike as there are things I don't like about as stated above.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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I also would have prefered a bit more "Triumph" in the bike and bit less of the American styling clues.
It's still a great performer, though. A few are removing the tank badge and painting on a very cool Triumph logo-it makes the bike look 10x's better.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Well it's, alright now
I read this thread with some grins
You see you, can't please everyone
All the T-Bird needed was fins
(with apologies to Ricky Nelson)
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: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Interesting reading. I guess I'll actually have to take a test ride. BUT, I don't see my America threatened in any way by the new Thunderbird. I don't plan to let my America go as long as I can ride. I would like a second bike, but I think it would have to be more different than what I've got - like a new Trophy.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I don't like the bike either but would still like to take one for a spin just to see how it runs.
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: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Yep! Looks just like a Harley, even a jap harley! 
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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A Jap Harley? You must have missed the part about it having a parallel twin there, Lenny. Last time I visited a Harley, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha dealership there were v-twin cruisers as far as the eyes could see... Heck with it, I give up. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Delusional Thunderbird Owners?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Yep! Looks just like a Harley, even a jap harley!
some of you sounds just like the guys....back in 2002 when I got my TBA ...
"look at that tank it look like a harley tank"
"that rear fender looks like it off a harley"
"that triumph looks like a jap harley"...
and this was said about the TBA back when it came out in 2002..
Ed 
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