I've been thinking about getting a new bike myself and have taken a couple of test rides on the Thunderbird. Going into it I want to like the bike, it is after all a Triumph and it is the their premium parallel twin cruiser. Without the America's price point the T-Bird has clearly higher quality materials and optional finishes plus a 6-speed trans. The engines even the standard 1600 make relaxed power, that is they accelerate using low RPM torque and make it look easy to roll op to 80 mph. Sure an America will run but the power really (torque curve) is at much higher RPM for the smaller 865 motor between 3000 and 6500.
Now the bad; Face it the T-Bird is too heavy. Way too heavy. 200 pounds heavier than an America and even 100 pounds heavier than a Harley Dyna. Second problem for me is subjective but the T-Bird looks like someone transplanted a parallel twin engine into an old Honda VTX 1300. And why not the T-Bird was styled by the same guy that did the VTX when he worked for Honda. Note to Triumph when you go looking for someone to design a cruiser for the American market do not hire someone from Honda. Also for a cruiser air cooled engines are the way to go that big-assed radiator kills it. And air cooled with emissions can be done just ask Indian.
I was actually hoping Triumph would bring us an all-new T-bird soon but given the recent release of the Commander and LT it looks like they're going to stay with the VTX-Bird.
So I'll keep enjoying my America for now, just installed a set of Triumph chromeline pegs and a new set of Metzeler tires.
