Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge America or T Bird?

Hi.
As a single again older type dude I have decided to upgrade my 08 America. Going to be the 2013 or 14 America or a Tbird. There are still plenty of the 2013 models left on the show room floor and also the 2014 are avail here in Aust. No doubt some of you have gone to the T Bird. The T Bird is approx 100kg heavier than the America. What I am asking is it that much more trouble to move around in garage or at the kerb. I have a prosthetic knee on the left hand side and this is my main concern. Any thoughts from the riders who have gone down this path.
Have all the accessories for the America to add to a new one but that would not be the deciding factor.

I wrecked my America and went with the T-bird. This will be my 4th year with it in April. It is definitely heavy. 750lbs. vs. 500lbs for my TBA. I like the extra weight on the interstate it seems to be more stable up against winds and passing trucks. Around town it is a little awkward and you have to watch where you park so you can get out of a tight space. It has a bit more punch and you don't notice a passenger as much. If I were you I would see if the dealer would let you take a T-bird for an extended ride. I've enjoyed my bird but I also enjoyed my TBA. Weight could be a factor for you.

I did a 1 hour plus test ride on the T-Bird a few years ago. I liked it - a lot. But I'm still happy with my America. I'd probably only change if I did a lot of 2-up riding.

I second the motion to take an extended test drive.

Really depends on what you want. I rode the T-Bird, nice bike decent balance etc, did not find it overly heavy but its heavier for sure, i am a mere 5 ft 8 and about 190 lbs but had not issues, the america is still for one up riding most of the time a very decent bike and with fuel injection now even more reliable. don't think you could go wrong with either, if i were replacing though, it would be the Bird.

I had a hip replaced 18 years ago and have had America since 02.
Have Demo'd T-Bird, Still like America Best!

That's good advice,Paul.
Triumph in australia has "Triumph test ride days" I don't know the details but a guy I met had been to a couple.
Kent, you could phone the north coast dealer,or Team Moto in Bris.
I've thought about a T-bird too but I've a wrecked right leg so the extra weight is too much for me I reckon.The T-bird is wider too.I think it could be a struggle backing it up with a gammy leg.
Back to wishing they made a 1000-1200 america.

Thank you all for your input. Like you Paul I would have been in like a shot if they had bought out the 1200 America. Would have been no contest. I will take a test ride and have a go at pushing a T bird around before I make the move. Having a great bike on the highway is fine but at times you still have to move around sometimes on a wet surface by rider power. No prob if with mates but can be a tad dicey on your own. The lower seat height of the T Bird may be counteracted by the wider seat I guess.

I took a ride yesterday .I normally cruise at about 105/110KPH and get 18.5 to 19.5 KPL.
Yesterday I had a road with very light traffic and I cruised at 120KPH,touching 130kph at times, for an extended period.The America loved it!It ran great.
The only downside is it only got 16.5 KPL,so it's defintely thirstier but I don't imagine I'll ever need "more" bike.
She'll do me.
Having said that, I suppose a T-Bird in the Garage would be nice too
[but I can't see one in my near future]

I say get the t-bird and keep the America. that way you don't have to give up anything.

Made the jump from an 08 America to a12 T-Bird about a year and a half ago, while I loved my America, for me the Bird is a better fit. Lots of Interstate commuting and occasional 2-up. Definitely heavier, but I think it is still pretty darn nimble for its size. No problems with low speed or in- town riding and the ABS brakes are a nice bonus

so Buddy whats ya thoughts after taking out Best Brit @ the Zowners rally....

Hey Kent, did you connect the weird guy waving in the silver i30 on Bribie Rd on Sunday with weird guy writing this post?

Rocket.......

If they had put the 2002-2007 TBA tank on the T Bird, I would probably already have one.

Pulled the wheels on the bird last night to do a tire change.
I'll have to say the belt is easy to deal with. Yeah I know here comes the "you cant repair a belt on the road"
You also cant repair a blown ECU on the road.