Just ridden the new Thunderbird

[Ixion]

I wish they would put that motor into a non-crusier bike.

[scumdog]

And it's beautiful. For a 1600 it isn't a large machine, but what an engine. Sweetness. The whole bike, brakes, handling and overall appeal are first rate.
If you have your money down - lucky you.

Shot some video and stills - on the KR site soon as.

Erk, me 6.78 litre Thunderbird suits me..it's plurry large, handles so-so and stops great.

[Big Dave]

http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...s-arehere.html

[AD345]

Nice looking bike.

A decent set of pipes and she'd be a winner (I've never been a fan of the "true duals").

I might have to wander along and take a look in the next few weeks

[DMNTD:Me]

Hey Big Dave, I am quite interested in a T-Bird and will definitely give one a go. I do think that it is a fabulous looking bike.

I grab our demo on this Tuesday coming which you're more than welcome to try...AFTER ME

[R6_kid:Me]

I heard that they are running a 270-degree crank such as is found in the Yamaha TRX850 - makes for an interesting power delivery, and also a very distinct sound. Will be interesting to hear a bike with a set of open pipes

[ukusa]

I heard that they are running a 270-degree crank such as is found in the Yamaha TRX850 - makes for an interesting power delivery, and also a very distinct sound. Will be interesting to hear a bike with a set of open pipes

Not new for Triumph, America & Speedmaster have had 270 for years.

[Big Dave]

Not new for Triumph, America & Speedmaster have had 270 for years.

Scrambler too.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I have had the experience of the feet touch the ground but can't reach the controls as well Looking forward to seeing the end result.

I take it from your question you are vertically challenged, as I am.

Over the years I have basically always thought that the whole "two feet on the ground" thing is not for me. My Scrambler is the same. tippy toes (narrow bike made wide for a shortarse by the sexy sexy pipes.

My point is (and I do have one) go have a sit on one of the Bonneville SE's: Not only have the 17 inch wheels (cast, so you can use tubeless tyres) dropped the bike, it looks really nice in the flesh. Nicely proportioned and makes the motor look big. Plus I can comfortably get two feet on the ground. Really cool.

Sure a cruiser seat is fine because its low, but often the footpegs and foot controls are waaaaaay out there. I had a sit on one of those big M109's recently and couldnt get my feet on the pegs really. Hilarious.

I LOVE the look of the new T bird but I fear it will not be for me. I can almost see me trading the Scrambler for a Bonnie SE though. (though the bonnie might not be as nice on shingle.....and having one of each isnt an option!).

[Oxy]

I sold my America.. was sad to see it go, but my new Tbird is only a week away.. can I survive the week??? The wife's comment? I guess we're not getting a house then. Ooops.

[Oxy]

Can't ride a house!! hehe

[Big Dave]

OK - I've just been over to KR headquarters on errands. I borrowed a silver T'bird to show the rest of the crew.

Mom - Michael is 5'6" - comfortable with the controls and saddle height.

Again I loved the engine. You just want to keep rolling it on in top.

Confirmed the retail price is $23,990 +orc for solid paint.

The first two shipments are pretty much sold out, but there are likely to be a few cancellations due to people deciding to wait for their preferred colour. Which will be available in the next batch and build - that if all the planets align - should be here end October.

Best thing is if you are keen is to talk to your dealer now.

[Big Dave]

I grab our demo on this Tuesday coming which you're more than welcome to try...AFTER ME

This is your road captain speaking. See you there.

[GMcC]

Triumph aren't doing much wrong at the moment!

(Apart from importing Aprilia parts into New Zealand...)

Which seem to be cheaper than similar Triumph parts.................

[Big Dave]

Went for a ride with the Triumph Dealer Reps - including Mr Dmntd today. They all seemed as impressed with the bike as I am.

I don't think there is a whole lot wrong with a Speedmaster - as medium weight cruisers go - so describing the new T'bird as a Speedmaster on 'roids isn't too bad.

A number commented on the 'top gear roll on'.

I rode a Sprint ST1050 for the day and the dealers had the t'birds. Damned if I hadn't forgotten exactly how nice a bike the Sprints are too.

With all the hoopla about Daytonas and having the Rocket test bike the ST had slipped off radar a bit.

It's quick, comfortable and a it's just a pleasure to ride.

It had panniers on when when I collected it - left them at AMPS - but if I was off to do a South Island lap....it's sporty enough for road use and roomy enough to spend all day on.