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I never wanted a 1000cc P-twin. Never wanted a Bonneville again ever.



Why's that?!



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The big bores went as far as big could go on that platform.

On the contrary, Ron! Quite a sizable percentage of Matt Capri's (South Bay Triumph) business is installing big bore kits at his dealership...some as large as 1148cc(both bored and stroked, of course). Word is, reliability isn't compromised much at all.

And, whenever I'd bring up to Matt that I sure wish Bloor's Boyz would start makin' a larger displacement Bonnie at the factory, he'd jokingly tell me to please keep that to myself, as that would really cut into his business!




The 360s vibrate like hell and sit you straight up. Don't want one. If I did, I would have bought one and not the America. Totally different bikes. I have 0 use for cafe racers. If I wanted that position I would buy a Honda 919 used for a few thousand and go like hell.

If I had a choice between bored,stroked, and cams by a third party I would take the Thunderbird. 90HP out of the box is a good deal. I think the T-bird still wins the drag race stock after somebody spends several grand with him to make the 865 kinda fast. If I had a choice of liquid over air, I would take the air. But you don't always get what you want.

You already know you don't get it all in one bike. There is only one thing about the old technology. It is old. I don't want points, condensers, or Mr. Lucas either. That is the first thing they change on restorations just after gaskets that actually work.

In any event, I think the Thunderbird is selling to some folks who obviously like them.

The liquid makes it like the Rocket. The new 21st Century Triumph. Triumph can't continue in the retro business and grow. I know it hurts your feelings. I like air cooled too. It is going away slowly but very surely. With liquid you can build to tighter tolerances. Its just science.

The popularity of our bikes for gawking at them is really big. Look at the little bits of money they bring on the used market though. Folks like to look at them but they sure are not willing to pay a lot for them.

I think Triumph is doing a great job. They listened to part of what you want. As you will never buy a new Triumph, obviously they can't please everybody. I think they are trying.


I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.