Anybody ride a new thunderbird yet

[HellFire]

If I didn't know then what I know now (and I didn't), I would probably have bought the T Bird had it been available when I traded in my America. The Roc was pretty intimadating at first glance. That being said, I'm glad I wound up with the Rocket. Kind of spoils you though, where do you go from here? I know there are more comfortable bikes and there are faster bikes, but I doubt there is a more comfortable fast bike.

Yu got that right ... where do you go from here? I was asked what my next bike would be and the only thing I could come up with was another rocket just as soon as they come out with a 6 speed transmission. I could only come up with replacing Phoebe with her better endowed twin sister.

 

[Jamie]

The Roc was pretty intimadating at first glance. That being said, I'm glad I wound up with the Rocket. Kind of spoils you though, where do you go from here? I know there are more comfortable bikes and there are faster bikes, but I doubt there is a more comfortable fast bike.

My currrent --utterly "spoiled" and thus futile-- torment, Snuffcityrider. My passion for my green machine IS eroding, I must admit, rekindling efforts (hi-comp pistons, hi-lift cams and other tuning tricks) notwithstanding.

Would YOU consider a T'bird as a replacement???

Jamie

 

[Pig9r]

I don't think you'd be happy Jamie. I have heard they are fast out of the hole but gutless and highway speeds compared to the Rocket.

 

[tfrazier]

108 bucks for your first oil change? It cost me that much to do it myself. They apparently only charged you for materials Great dealership indeed!

I want to see if my wife can get comfortable on a T-Bird. Might be just the bike for her.

 

[EmuOz]

First Ride on T'bird last week

I went for my first ride on the T'bird last week. I sat on a prototype in March at Penrith.

I was impressed with the handling, smooth gearshift and engine response. Cosmetically the bike is fairly bland and the first thing you do when looking over the bike is start thinking about accessories which there seems to be plenty of options available from Triumph.

The base price (quote around AU$21) seemed reasonable but when you stack the accessories to bring the bike up to a reasonably optioned cruiser you will find the price is now above that of a Rocket III.........GO FIGURE. It's why I switched my order for a T'bird to the R3Touring.

For me it comes down to riding style. If I were looking for a commuter, i.e. to run from work to home, I'd opt for the T'bird. As most of my rides are club / branch rides with plenty of highway riding, and towing a trailer, then I just can't complain about the R3T.

 

[HellFire]

I sat on one a the dealer, MY GOD HOW CONFORTABLE!... I could sit on one all day long. I think I need a 2nd bike.

 

[DustyRose]

T-bird test drive

I sat on one a the dealer, MY GOD HOW CONFORTABLE!... I could sit on one all day long. I think I need a 2nd bike.

I have tested out the T-bird and your right she sits real nice!! Seat is very comfy, and seems to me for my height (5' 6 1/4") and arm length the handle bars are even comfortable

I
I was impressed with the handling, smooth gearshift and engine response. Cosmetically the bike is fairly bland and the first thing you do when looking over the bike is start thinking about accessories which there seems to be plenty of options available from Triumph.

I found myself thinking the same thing about the accessories, it is a pretty bike nicely shaped but after riding for a little over a year now, and being a woman and all, it for sure needs the saddlebags, as most women like to carry things with them. After a short test ride I decided right away if it was to become mine it must have to have a windshield. The t-bird was the first bike I have ridden out side my brothers Harley Softail Deuce which has a windshield, so on the highway with the T-bird at 65mph I realized the amount of wind the shield knocks off!

I want to see if my wife can get comfortable on a T-Bird. Might be just the bike for her.

I think its a good bike for anyone but it for sure sets where a lady would be comfortable riding. I find the bike to be well balanced, smooth, and light weight, in fact I almost scared myself as I pulled out of the dealer parking lot, as the bike handles very well at the least little bit of turning or leaning, after about a mile I had the feel of it, and was really impressed with the ride.

 

[KingOfFleece]

I got a nice ride on one yesterday and I was very impressed. Plenty of motor and not at all gutless at any speed. Not like our R3's but great real world power. I dropped it into 4th at 60 and wacked it-the bike jumps a bit. The big thing I noticed is just how great it handles. I went out to my "practice range" with a wicked 90 degree turn followed by a great series of "S" turns (5 in a row!) and the bike felt just great.

Beakes were really good as was the riding position-but it's real easy to grind a peg or heel. All in all it's at least the equal of similar bikes ( I ride with 1300 and 1800 VTX, 1100 and 1300 Yami, and several models of H-D) and if I'm not too Triumph bised it's most likely better than them all-but that is SO subjective. Bottom line is at's a real fine bike and I'd never pass on another chance to ride one.

 

[Molinoman]

So....Jamie, having bought one after all and in light of your earlier posts here...what do you think?

Dennis

180 dtg Dubai
181 dtg Home (Stallion and Triumph ordering/buying time)

 

[Jamie]

An excellent bike, Dennis. Am talking about the 1700 version (BB kit in my case, fitted up-front), with TOR's and the so-called hi-perf air filter.

The std one is a bit too sedate IMO, i.e. unexciting.

"Great real world power" as KingOfFleece correctly summarizes it. I'd add: " A user-friendly, all-around bike". Definitely more nimble and comfy than the Rocket, although that's 's obviously all relative (I am 6 years older, too). Have NO second thoughts about it, except I wish it had a bit more cornering clearance.

No teething problems whatsoever (have close to 5'000 miles on it), unlike my early ('04) Rocket. And, although far less...er... conspicuous than the latter, it's a darn good-looking mount IMO. One to be proud of.

Hope this helps. Best regards. Jamie