With my kids gone and for business purposes I bought a Thunderbird 1600 in 2010. My wife Judy asked me why I wasn't selling "Blue". My response was like anyone in my time in life. First bike that I ever had paid for, I am not selling it until I have too!
There is a reason beyond just keeping "stuff", I still love riding my America! Really, I love the Thunderbird too, but I love my America as much as the day I bought it. WITH 43,000 miles on it it is still a great bike. I also like having it around for if a friend comes to town or one of my kids wants to go for a putt with their old man.
I originally set it up for doing touring miles, but with the Thunderbird in the stable, I am taking off all the high mileage comforts and transitioning into what I call a "profile" bike. One that looks "cook" cruising in town, but yet can still knock out a comfortable 200-300 mile day without causing a visit to the chiropractor or fear of taking it out at all.
I started the transition this spring but now I am getting serious. I plan on having it done by this spring and I expect I may get done a bit sooner. Just wanted to share the progress with you as I go.
Here is how she started out.
To date I have switched from the SS Long Cannons to BC's Cocktail Shakers, awesome sound...
different look but that is what I am going for.
I have swapped out the stock headlight with the smaller bucket from my Thunderbird. I have
removed the driving lights and replaced them with smaller profile and higher power 55 watt
2 inch RIVCO lights mounted with turn signal relocation brackets to sit them closer to the
headlight and give a narrowing appearance.
I have added black Hagon 2810's dropping the rear to 11.8 inches lowering down 3/4 inch.
With the seat I am totally flat footing with my short legs!
New low profile gel seat, went with distressed brown to go with the Blue stock paint scheme.
This seat has a slimming effect as well(close to four inches narrower than stock) a very
comfortable sit, but won't know how she does on the road till spring but it does has padding
in the right place.
More as soon as I get my bars on.
eddy
