Thunderbird?

I was looking for a Tbird when I switched and started looking at R3s. First thing I found out here in California was a lack of inventory and what was available was overpriced, especially the dealers. So while searching on the ebay and cycle trader websites I found a lot of R3s popping up. My perception without the use of this site was that the R3 was intimidating for a touring guy like me and it was too big, fast, heavy etc. The price point for a used R3t was not far off from a slightly used Tbird basically set up with only light touring accessories. So lucky for me that I found my R3t and was smitten not only by the looks, but obvious power, etc.
i guess my point is that the perception for other potential cruiser buyers may be similar to mine and they overlook the R3 for more conventional choices such as the Tbird.
Many of my Vulcan nomad friends went to Vaqueros or Victory Cross Country or Harley bikes. All of them having there own appeal. If the R3 was marketed properly it would have a better chance. It just gets compared to the Vmax so there lies the problem reaching cruiser buyers like me.

I would never buy a cruiser style motorcycle but I don't consider the Rocket to be a cruiser. I find that the seating/riding position on my Rocket is very similar to what used to be the standard Japanese motorcycle of the early 80's. The Rocket has "normal" handlebars ie not bars that are mega high like the ape hangers or flatbars/clipons that put a lot of weight on your wrists. The foot pegs (on the newer Roadsters) have your legs and a normal "sitting in a chair bend" not tucked up to the rear like a sport bike or extended out in front like a cruiser. So overall I consider my Rocket to be a "standard" motorcycle with a non standard engine.

Jeff Cameron said:

I would never buy a cruiser style motorcycle but I don't consider the Rocket to be a cruiser. I find that the seating/riding position on my Rocket is very similar to what used to be the standard Japanese motorcycle of the early 80's. The Rocket has "normal" handlebars ie not bars that are mega high like the ape hangers or flatbars/clipons that put a lot of weight on your wrists. The foot pegs (on the newer Roadsters) have your legs and a normal "sitting in a chair bend" not tucked up to the rear like a sport bike or extended out in front like a cruiser. So overall I consider my Rocket to be a "standard" motorcycle with a non standard engine.

Click to expand...

It is a cruiser mate

TOMCAT said:

It is a cruiser mate

Click to expand...

It IS a cruiser, but I would agree that the seating position on the Roadster feels more similar to a Bonneville frame than a Thunderbird. When I switch off with my friend who rides a Scrambler the seating position is extremely familiar and comfortable, but on a Tbird I feel more stretched out and feet forward.

I've seen this conversation on this forum several times and rarely comment, but since I'm pretty bored at work I'll throw a few things out..

1.) I doubt Triumph will ever make a serious dent in the HD market in the states simply because they don't put much effort into it. They have great bikes and an awesome history, but they don't capitalize on it. I can't remember ever having seen a Triumph advert on TV, but I can remember seeing an HD one and a Victory one. Folks in the US, for better or worse, have an attention span that is pretty short, and without some market saturation from Triumph's advertising department I doubt they will ever gain much ground no matter which platform they choose to pursue. Most folks in the US pride themselves on their rugged individualism (even if they are neither rugged or individualistic) which would seem to make Triumph's "Go your own way" theme a perfect approach, but alas, they have chosen not to hit it very hard.
2.) The Rocket is unique. I've ridden a bunch of different bikes and it is, in my experience, one of the most unique experiences out there. However, it is not the be all, end all when it comes to motorcycles which is why I own three. I have an HD bar bar hopper, a Rocket, and a long range cruiser for cross country trips. I know someone will jump up and shout that the Rocket can be a long range cruiser and that is certainly true but there is a Harley shop on every corner throughout the US so no matter where I have trouble on the road I am rarely more than a few miles from a qualified mechanic to fix it and get me back on my way. The last thing I want is to be stuck in the a$$ end of nowhere with a frustrated spouse, a ton of luggage and a wounded ride. Most on here perform their own maintenance and have very little complimentary to say about their local dealership...with a few notable exceptions.
3.) Without a reasonably large market segment of R3 owners there will never be an aftermarket of any appreciable size. Get used to it and start building your own.

OK...boss is pi$$ing and moaning so that's it for now.

R3Tex said:

OK...boss is pi$$ing and moaning so that's it for now.

Click to expand...

if he is pissing and moaning then he must have picked up an std...

T-Bird has it's place, as does the Rocket. From what I've read on the overhaul of the American headquarters it sounds like they're on track to start making more headway into the marker here in the states. Hopefully they realize that the Rocket is the kinda bait that gets the fish into a dealership. Then the majority is free to ride home on one of the many T-bird models, and the truly adventurous take home the Rocket. I don't think it will ever be the their biggest seller. As others have said, it's too intimidating and a test ride is never going to be enough time to build the trust that is required to be able to bring out the Rockets potential. However it ALWAYS starts a conversion, which is what Triumph desperately needs right now.

Chris Kelley said:

T-Bird has it's place, as does the Rocket. From what I've read on the overhaul of the American headquarters it sounds like they're on track to start making more headway into the marker here in the states. Hopefully they realize that the Rocket is the kinda bait that gets the fish into a dealership. Then the majority is free to ride home on one of the many T-bird models, and the truly adventurous take home the Rocket. I don't think it will ever be the their biggest seller. As others have said, it's too intimidating and a test ride is never going to be enough time to build the trust that is required to be able to bring out the Rockets potential. However it ALWAYS starts a conversion, which is what Triumph desperately needs right now.

Click to expand...

That and the fact that the main NA guy for Triumph used to be a high up in HD. Another reason you see more and more HD dealers carrying the Triumph brand...
More dealers carrying Triumph means more places to get service/parts in the USA... I remember back in the day that I traveled through some states that based on Triumph website did not even have a dealer...

we added 2 dealers 1 in far west other far north burbs of chicago and it is making a difference, i'm seeing a lot more triumphs on the road and i'm sure having dealer options adds confidence.

norseman said:

It IS a cruiser, but I would agree that the seating position on the Roadster feels more similar to a Bonneville frame than a Thunderbird. When I switch off with my friend who rides a Scrambler the seating position is extremely familiar and comfortable, but on a Tbird I feel more stretched out and feet forward.

Click to expand...

I tend to say it's a huge standard, even the Touring. My dealer let me take a Storm out for the afternoon, I just couldn't get used to the forward controls, I didn't feel in proper control of the bike. One of my favorite things about the bike is the standard seating position.