Just ridden the new Thunderbird

**DMNTD:Me** · 28th August 2009, 14:17

Originally Posted by Devil

Sat on it last night at the pub. Feels very nice so far, pegs aren't too far away and bars are just nice too. Dont feel too much like a parachute.

Sounds pretty sweet.

I'll be coming to take it for a ride soon Chris!

You're making me nervous young fella

**AllanB** · 28th August 2009, 18:50

Originally Posted by Big Dave

It's a technical review.

Yeah - but from the cover it looks like a full on NZ road test

nothing new inside that has not been covered before.

Besides - it's a big twin cruiser - it's target market won't care what's inside the engine, they want to know how shes goes an looks

Buggers will want another $10 from me to read that now! Sneaky marketing .......

(yeah I could test ride one, but I feel kind of dishonest test riding with no intention of buying - or worse I go for a test ride just for the hell of it and suddenly I get the feeling I have to own it!!!!).

It is still a 'she'? As the bikes get bigger are they still referred to as a 'she'? and if so do they get a suitable ' large girl' name - Burtha springs to mind for a Goldwing or R3 ...........

**Big Dave** · 28th August 2009, 20:31

The T'bird isn't a massive machine like a R3 - think speedmaster on roids.

Oct edition in production now has the quick ride impression and release news (that is on the web site currently with the video)

The test bike was available again as of today - but I have the Aprilia Doraduro so It can hold over till next week.

There will be a ridden article for it Nov issue.

**martybabe** · 28th August 2009, 23:03

Originally Posted by pritch

Hmmm might pop along if I can drag myself outa the sack in time...

See you there then, don't have brecky, they've got a BBQ on the go.

**malfunconz** · 29th August 2009, 09:43

been up last two nights to look at bike in window(taranaki) and its been under a cover , missing the grand unvieling and sausages as am at sea today out at maui platforms , talk bout suspense.hope the covers off sat night as ill be walking into town from the port to gape .

**martybabe** · 29th August 2009, 13:14

Originally Posted by Big Dave

The T'bird isn't a massive machine like a R3 - think speedmaster on roids.

.

Your right there, much smaller than I was expecting. Apart from what looks like a massive tank it does just look like a beefed up speedmaster, If you weren't in the bikey know you'd be hard pushed to tell them apart.

Nice though and defo on the short list.

**Big Dave** · 29th August 2009, 14:38

Originally Posted by martybabe

Your right there, much smaller than I was expecting. Apart from what looks like a massive tank it does just look like a beefed up speedmaster, If you weren't in the bikey know you'd be hard pushed to tell them apart.

Nice though and defo on the short list.

The main difference is at the right wrist.

**Sensei** · 29th August 2009, 19:43

Me & my boys went to check the T-Bird just before my shop here closed today & have to say its a good looking bike , afew area's that I would change like the length of the pipes , I would cut them back to under the pegs with a small slash cut type megaphone muffler convert to chain & black out some of the chrome on the motor as it was abit much for me . Felt like a good ride postion with easy to reach controls & not to bad weight balance & with the 270-deg firing order will sound sweet once it has the right exhaust system fitted along with the 1700cc Kit . The price was pretty competitive . If only bikes shops here would let me ride their bikes I could see how they went but haven't been allowed for near 3 decades now so don't bother asking any more LOL

**Big Dave** · 29th August 2009, 20:29

One of the demo bikes I rode had the shorter/stumpy 'off road' pipes. They give it more bark - I personally don't think they enhance the sound much - just make it louder - but I was in the minority on that.

I quite like way it sounds stock. Don't often say that about a modern Triumph.

the 1700 kit and pipes gives it 100hp.

**scumdog** · 29th August 2009, 21:08

Originally Posted by Sensei

afew area's that I would change like the length of the pipes , I would cut them back to under the pegs with a small slash cut type megaphone muffler

Yep, my thoughts too - waay too long.

A shame it has to have a radiator, I guess it's a sign of the times, - I'll give a chocolate fish to the first bofin to invent a hidden radiator.

**Big Dave** · 29th August 2009, 21:23

Originally Posted by scumdog

Yep, my thoughts too - waay too long.

A shame it has to have a radiator, I guess it's a sign of the times, - I'll give a chocolate fish to the first bofin to invent a hidden radiator.

Aye - but It's one of those 'camera adds 20lbs things' - It's not nearly as noticeable/prominent in the flesh.

Take your point about the mufflers - but actually from a rear 3/4 angle they looks the shizz

**tri boy** · 29th August 2009, 21:23

Originally Posted by scumdog

I'll give a chocolate fish to the first bofin to invent a hidden radiator.

A copper's (chocolate) star fish is more of a nightmare than incentive.

**Big Dave** · 29th August 2009, 21:39

Originally Posted by tri boy

A copper's (chocolate) star fish is more of a nightmare than incentive.

No ordinary copper.

**AllanB** · 29th August 2009, 21:54

Originally Posted by scumdog

A shame it has to have a radiator, I guess it's a sign of the times, - I'll give a chocolate fish to the first bofin to invent a hidden radiator.

Benelli had a model a few years back with the radiator under the rear tail piece. It needed fans to extract the heat when in slow traffic. Plus there must be a bit of weight in a full radiator/plumbing and thats not a ideal place for extra weight.

If Buell were to build a cruiser they would put the water in the frame!