Thunderbird?

[scot in exile]

Thunderbird's actually not lighter, more agile and just as fast as a Rocket. People who say this will not have ridden a Rocket and are parroting someone else's inaccurate assumption. It's almost as heavy, no more agile and is slower.

I have been on my pals TB a few times, it is no where near as fast as the Std Rocket, it is a wee bit heavier but this is where I have to differ with you Richard it is more agile, the big fat rear tyre does hinder the Rocket in slow maneuvers.

 

[cr0ft]

I have been on my pals TB a few times, it is no where near as fast as the Std Rocket, it is a wee bit heavier but this is where I have to differ with you Richard it is more agile, the big fat rear tyre does hinder the Rocket in slow maneuvers.

That's where a derestricted R3 Touring with the same 180 rear comes in.

 

[JohnnyB09T]

The difference in opinion on the Triumph's line is very individualized. In my modest view the lack of advertisements showing what Triumph brings to the table is almost fatal in the US market. The other big hiccup is discontinued accessories by Triumph. Many of us Rocket riders have voiced our disgust and disbelief when looking to make our Rocket iii's our's and unlike anyone else. But that is just my humble two cents worth.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

I have been on my pals TB a few times, it is no where near as fast as the Std Rocket, it is a wee bit heavier but this is where I have to differ with you Richard it is more agile, the big fat rear tyre does hinder the Rocket in slow maneuvers.

And the big fat front tire also

 

[zimtuff]

And the big fat front tire also

I would have thought the big front tyre would actually alleviate some of the hard work in turning at slow maneuvers. My brother has Victory Hammer and watching him go around corners with the 240 rear and skinny front is scary.

 

[barbagris]

I would have thought the big front tyre would actually alleviate some of the hard work in turning at slow maneuvers. My brother has Victory Hammer and watching him go around corners with the 240 rear and skinny front is scary.

A 140 front makes a BIG difference. A 130 or 120 must be eye opening.

 

[steve59]

pushing the rocket around is way easier than pushing the storm ever was, it felt like the storm had flat tires the other thing that made the bird seem bigger was the reach to the kickstand, It was a little frustrating smashing my nuts on the gas tank trying to get my big toe to hook that thing. after riding my R3s(with brand new tires) my memories of time on the storm are begining to fade.

 

[kaivalagi]

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.

I have to agree, I can't cope with the normal cruiser seating position for more than a couple of hours, screws with my tail bone no matter how good the seat is! That's part of the reason why I got a rocket as opposed to a Hammer S or Thunderbird that were short listed...

...the other thing that made the bird seem bigger was the reach to the kickstand, It was a little frustrating smashing my nuts on the gas tank trying to get my big toe to hook that thing.

Yeah, noticed that about the storm too...that kick stand is ridiculously placed for anyone under 6 foot

 

[DJ]

Boog, I believe you are correct in the size scares people away.
As an example, when I was looking to buy I looked at a private sale. It was being sold because "its too big to ride around the cities" . At least that was the excuse the owner had.

To add insult to this guys injury I bought an 07 from a dealer in San Francisco. My test ride was down a buisness district street at noon. Bike too big? don't think so. People are just afraid of its size and that is too bad. It could very well be the Rockets downfall.
D

 

[TOMCAT]

pushing the rocket around is way easier than pushing the storm ever was, it felt like the storm had flat tires the other thing that made the bird seem bigger was the reach to the kickstand, It was a little frustrating smashing my nuts on the gas tank trying to get my big toe to hook that thing. after riding my R3s(with brand new tires) my memories of time on the storm are begining to fade.

Hard to argue with your experience on both machines .. never ridden the new T'Birds but happy to take your word on the differences and preference for the Rocket.