T'bird pics

[carver]

<img src=http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs270.snc1/9722_1058596203968_1797785424_120918_4319200_n.jpg>
<img src=http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs250.snc1/9722_1058596083965_1797785424_120915_448929_n.jpg>
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<img src=http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs250.snc1/9722_1058596043964_1797785424_120914_1420597_n.jpg>

not a bad bike

[Ronin]

Looks good.

Pity about the sailor boy in the third pic though :msn-wink:

[carver]

Looks good.

Pity about the sailor boy in the third pic though :msn-wink:

haha, typical fag eh?

[Wingnut]

haha, typical fag eh?

Yep.

Is that Sidewinders Mrs holding that fishing rod in the background??:msn-wink:

[MIXONE]

So what was it like to ride?
I can at least rely on you not to be pc and hopefully tell us warts and all.

[AllanB]

Wheres the usual review young man?

You know - rating out of 10 for:
Wheelies
Rolling burnouts
Stoppies

:devil2:

I like the B&W images too - suit the bikes style.

Oh and do tell - how is it for blasting past slower riders mid corner .....:devil2:

[carver]

Yep.

Is that Sidewinders Mrs holding that fishing rod in the background??:msn-wink:

haha, thats an eye for detal. did you notice her first?


So what was it like to ride?
I can at least rely on you not to be pc and hopefully tell us warts and all.




Wheres the usual review young man?

You know - rating out of 10 for:
Wheelies
Rolling burnouts
Stoppies

:devil2:

I like the B&W images too - suit the bikes style.

Oh and do tell - how is it for blasting past slower riders mid corner .....:devil2:

<well, at 180 after a few beers, riding at night with a tinted visor, this bike started to make sense.
my pillion quite liked it!>
<however, when dragging the exhaust around corners, i thought i had better slow down>

brakes are good....

power aint bad, its pretty smooth all the way down to idle.

its heavy, but it would have to be one of the best cruisers i have ridden yet.

i have had good fun on this one!

"quote this"

[Oxy]

I've just done over 3,000k on my Tbird now. Loving it!!

Very responsive and smooth thru the gears.
Excellent handling. Best I've experienced.
Brakes are very effective, esp when coming up way too fast behind some turkey who decides to stop in the middle of the road and doesn't indicate which way he's going to turn. :)
Fuel economy is great. Riding at around 110-120k (which requires MUCH restraint!) did 320k, with another 40 left in the tank. Just $26 to top up.
At 100kph it pulls less than 2500rpm.
Even in overdrive it will pull away effectively at this speed.

All in all a great experience and it just keeps getting better!

[DMCD]

I love my little America but that is one sexy bike, looks like I know what my next one will be :-)

[ukusa]

I've just done over 3,000k on my Tbird now. Loving it!!

Very responsive and smooth thru the gears.
Excellent handling. Best I've experienced.
Brakes are very effective, esp when coming up way too fast behind some turkey who decides to stop in the middle of the road and doesn't indicate which way he's going to turn. :)
Fuel economy is great. Riding at around 110-120k (which requires MUCH restraint!) did 320k, with another 40 left in the tank. Just $26 to top up.
At 100kph it pulls less than 2500rpm.
Even in overdrive it will pull away effectively at this speed.

All in all a great experience and it just keeps getting better!

3000Ks, I'd love to have the time to get that much riding in. I 've had mine 3 weeks now, still havn't hit 600 ks, so not even the 1st service been done yet. Bit embarrassing really.

Just a combination of things really. Some absolute shit weather. Work vehicle means I don't get to ride it to work. Weekends mostly tied up with work as well. Went to go on 1 long ride with the missus, but only got to Rangiora when her ass was so sore we had to turn back (still havn't ordered the replacement seat & sissy bar, must get around to that).
Hoped to get to Greymouth street races, but some clown I know decided to get fuckin married that weekend!:angry2:
Excuses excuses. I think I'll have to take a few days leave & bugger off somewhere!

[Oxy]

Triumph Owners Taranaki chapter have got their first ever Blackjack run on 7th November. Might scoot up for that. :2thumbsup

[gunrunner]

Thats 1 nice looking bike , it seems to be getting good reviews to . :yes:

[Big Dave]

I've had the Press bike for almost a month. gave it back this morning.

My oath I enjoyed it. Story in Dec KR.

[cs363]

I've had the Press bike for almost a month. gave it back this morning.

My oath I enjoyed it. Story in Dec KR.

Gave it back?
Or did the Dark Lord send out his minions to persuade you to part with it? :D

[Big Dave]

Gave it back?


Well, I simply ran out of excuses to keep it.

[cs363]

Well, I simply ran out of excuses to keep it.

I find that hard to believe, you're such a cunning linguist..... :laugh:

[ukusa]

I've had the Press bike for almost a month. gave it back this morning.

My oath I enjoyed it. Story in Dec KR.

Just picked up & read Dec KR today. Like your review Big Dave, overall a very well written article, including the little Tbird history bit. If I didn't already own one, I would seriously consider buying one after reading that LOL.
Mines up on around 1600ks at the mo. Absolutely love it. Only problem was a sticking throttle which shop fixed on the spot. Pegs seem to scrape a little easier than my old America, not sure if they're set lower or I'm getting a bigger lean angle (it does handle well for a cruiser).

Accessories are damn expensive though. I've been checking out local prices & comparing them with both Aus & US prices. In most cases, US prices are way less than half (eg. Triumph rider footpegs NZ$299, US$89 or clutch cover Aus$95, US$49 couldn't find NZ price on this). With the current favourable exchange rate around 72c, I think I'll be ordering overseas. Even with freight & exchange rate, I'll still probably save 20 - 30%.

[Molly]

Why is that I wonder? I recently saw my 170 pounds Sterling helmet for sale locally for $640. That's a bollocks price.

It makes me laugh when you go into a custom parts shop and the best they can do is to open the Custom Chrome catalogue and tell you they'll place the order for you. Thanks. I'll go online.

[Oxy]

Just clocked up 13k on my T-bird. Replaced the rear tyre at 12k, ouch! All is good and other than a minor water leak which has been fixed, no worries at all. Yeah, it is a bit of a peg scraper. Was constantly scraping pegs both sides on the last coast to coast, but hey, it IS a cruiser and I was throwing it into those bends! It handles very well even compared with the America I had previously. Still a happy chap with my bird and looking forward to the TOMCC rally down south in a week.

[MIXONE]

I was passed by one on the wellywood stopway yesterday and the dude was lane splitting like there was no tomorrow.Impressive riding of such a big piece of machine.

[Oxy]

where or what is wellywood? Ya never know, it might have been me!! lol. My bike is pretty distinctive in that it has the short pipes and a rack in place of the pillion seat.

[Leber]

Just clocked up 13k on my T-bird. Replaced the rear tyre at 12k, ouch! All is good and other than a minor water leak which has been fixed, no worries at all. Yeah, it is a bit of a peg scraper. Was constantly scraping pegs both sides on the last coast to coast, but hey, it IS a cruiser and I was throwing it into those bends! It handles very well even compared with the America I had previously. Still a happy chap with my bird and looking forward to the TOMCC rally down south in a week.

What and where was the water leak, I suspect I have a similar problem. After long rides I see dry green splatters of radiator fluid on the back of the cylinders under the mock carb. You are right there it is a bit of a peg scraper I'm due to order some new pegs to scrape.

[Hiflyer]

where or what is wellywood? Ya never know, it might have been me!! lol. My bike is pretty distinctive in that it has the short pipes and a rack in place of the pillion seat.

Wellington? I dunno, correct me if I is beings wrong

[ukusa]

What and where was the water leak, I suspect I have a similar problem. After long rides I see dry green splatters of radiator fluid on the back of the cylinders under the mock carb. You are right there it is a bit of a peg scraper I'm due to order some new pegs to scrape.

I did a 2 hour ride today (with a couple of high speed bursts) and noticed the same dry green fluid in the same place. As I'm off to the March Hare this week, might take it in to get it checked. Have you had yours checked out yet?
Re the pegs, I've got the aftermarket chrome line rider pegs on mine, they look great (but still scrape just as easily).

[ukusa]

did some digging, apparently it's a leaking thermostat!

[Scottie]

That is a sweet looking machine - just might be my next bike ...

[Leber]

did some digging, apparently it's a leaking thermostat!

Is that something I need to replace or is that normal? I went for a ride to Auckland and back via Tauranga a few weekends ago with not one drop but since I have been back in Wellington and riding I have see a few drops again.

With your pegs how do you find them, I looked at them and thought they maybe a little slippey with the chrome line when wet.

[ukusa]

Is that something I need to replace or is that normal? I went for a ride to Auckland and back via Tauranga a few weekends ago with not one drop but since I have been back in Wellington and riding I have see a few drops again.

With your pegs how do you find them, I looked at them and thought they maybe a little slippey with the chrome line when wet.

the leaking thermostat seal seems to be a common problem, & seems to occur at varying amounts of kms (mine was 4500, I've heard of others at less than 1500, and some before the first service etc). The Triumph dealer here had some kits in stock, obviously supplied ready for the inevitable problem. It's a warranty fix, and apparently takes around 3 hours. I'd say if it's started leaking, you may as well book it in, they should know of the problem.

As for the pegs, not slippery at all. The chrome line is inset by 3 or 4 mm, so foot only touches the rubber.

[Murray]

200093

My favourite T'bird pic

[ukusa]

200093

My favourite T'bird pic

Ah, the '65/'66 mark 2 model, very nice. Knew a guy called Virgil who used to have one back then.

[ukusa]

200093

My favourite T'bird pic

Ah, the '65/'66 mark 2 model, very nice. Knew a guy called Virgil who used to have one back then.

[Reckless]

my mate bought one B4 Xmas thanks for the heads up on the thermostat I'll check it out!

I haven't read big Dave's review but I'm specifically named as a rider on his insurance so I've ridden it a bit.
I generally don't like riding lying down but from a sport bike riders perspective the T Bird's not bad at all. Quite sit up in nature.

Your not laying down on the bike with your feet in the air, so you don't get that numb arse around the tail bone real quick like on the cruisers.
Bloody slack ground clearance for a bike that's real comfortable and solid even when over scraping the pegs.
Feels big to get on but real solid in the handling dept. Overall I'd not buy one but when I get another sport bike I won't refuse to swap to the T Bird on our rides!
Nice bike IMHO!!

[Leber]

Thunderbird Special Edition
201541
The Thunderbird SE comes standard with Roadster Screen, Sissy Bar, Luggage Rack, Touring Seat, Leather Saddlebags & Footboards
New colour scheme: Carnival Red


Thunderbird 1700
201540
The Thunderbird 1700 comes standard with the 1700cc big bore kit.
New colour: Phantom Haze Red



I am still very happy with my blue and white 1600 T-Bird but the Thunderbird 1700 does looks good ( I hope I do not see one in wellington for a very long time ;) )
201542

[kiwionabike]

Hey Leber... is there a NZ price on the Limited Edition?

[ukusa]

Thunderbird Special Edition
201541
The Thunderbird SE comes standard with Roadster Screen, Sissy Bar, Luggage Rack, Touring Seat, Leather Saddlebags & Footboards
New colour scheme: Carnival Red


Thunderbird 1700
201540
The Thunderbird 1700 comes standard with the 1700cc big bore kit.
New colour: Phantom Haze Red



I am still very happy with my blue and white 1600 T-Bird but the Thunderbird 1700 does looks good ( I hope I do not see one in wellington for a very long time ;) )
201542

There's also a colour "blue Haze" available in the UK. No prices here yet but in the US they're US$2200 more over the std 2 tone Tbird.

[Oxy]

Coming up 8 months that I've had the Tbird (on the 12th may) and up for the 20k service. Just paid for another 12 months reg, a new rear tyre not long ago and insurance is due next month, damn!! Still, another month down the track and it will all be over for another little while and it'll just be petrol I'm paying for. I've got to admit that the whole experience (other than financially) is just getting better and better. Have you checked out the new Triumph Owners site? There's a new Tbird page on the forum there. Check it out www.tomcc.co.nz

[Rogue Rider]

In the usa they have released the 1700cc model which has a bit more fruit and options. Think I'll end up with one of these to keep my Speed Triple comfy at night. The Harley next to her is a bit old, and on the other side is grandpa's postie CT110 chopper flag and all....

Hey, who has a CT110, these things are fun fun fun in the paddock.

[shrub]

i notice the local shop has several in stock and have dropped the price by a grand.

[ukusa]

i notice the local shop has several in stock and have dropped the price by a grand.

probably the strong dollar, now at 0.48 aainst the pound.

[scumdog]

Ah, the '65/'66 mark 2 model, very nice. Knew a guy called Virgil who used to have one back then.

mine is a '66 model.

Looks NOTHING like that, is blue with black vinyl roof with Landau bars.

And has 390cubic inch engine

And on a good day gets 13mpg..:shit:
As you were, back on the T'bird MOTORBIKE discussion....

[rebyl]

Ain't it great to see Triumph comming back with so many good and interesting bikes...still have fond memories of the T160 I had back in the 70's.

[bluebird]

I REALLY like the T-Bird. only thing I don't like about it is it's belt drive, everything else is just brilliant.

[scumdog]

I REALLY like the T-Bird. only thing I don't like about it is it's belt drive, everything else is just brilliant.

Belt drives are only a problem when it comes to fitting a new one.

Any other time it's NO grief at all.

[ukusa]

Belt drives are only a problem when it comes to fitting a new one.

Any other time it's NO grief at all.

can vouch for that. Who wants to buy my half used can of chain lube?

[Oxy]

I've had no probs with my belt drive and I totally LOVE not having to oil the chain after a ride each time. A friend of mine was not so fortunate and chopped out 2 belts in as many weeks on newly sealed roads. He's converted his to a chain drive, but hey, I've done over 21,000 k on my bike and no probs at all.

[ukusa]

this thread is after all about Tbird pics.

[gunrunner]

Thats 1 nice looking bike , it seems to be getting good reviews to . :yes:

Gotta love that 1 , its been 10 days of ownership and 1500kms later , i love it ..