2010 Triumph Thunderbird

**YellowDog** · 22nd May 2009, 13:57

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I reckon these look pretty darned cool. I will be interested to see how the inline twin performs compared to similar sized cruiser Vs.

A 22 litre tank is a great idea. I also suspect that the mph/kph speedo may well be just for the North American market. Like most bikes, it takes a brief period of time to figure out where data you need can be found.

At least Triumph doesn't appear to have skimped on suspenders and brakes, but the proof will be in the riding.

Bring on the demos!

Looks like a total 'Cool Timeless Classic' to me. Looking forward to seeing one in the flesh. It may have some odd features, but it is the well proportioned design that I like. And yes it has pulled upon some of the Triumph herritage as well as copying some of the modern players.

Can anyone suggest a better looking bike in this class? I can't think of one.

**Big Dave** · 22nd May 2009, 14:02

Originally Posted by Skyryder

I've no doubt this Thunderbird will get it's admirers but I just can not get my head around a Thunderbird with a radiator. Sports bikes with performance yes.
Skyryder

My '95 Thunderbird has a radiator - so do most of the late model Metric Cruisers.
Mostly water - some oil.

It all comes back to emissions. These large capacity donks have to be more efficient to pass the gas laws. Most manufacturers determine the best way is to liquid cool them.

**Big Dave** · 22nd May 2009, 14:07

In some ways the new T'bird harks back to the original Hinckley concept of modular design.

You will be able to flavour the bike more cruiser - tourer - or 'dragbike' - from the extras list.

**oldrider** · 22nd May 2009, 14:16

Hey Dave, whats the real guts on belt drive and gravel?

Are they as suspect as one hears or are they just subject to the "I haven't got one" brigade!

Surely damage can be just as likely when one traverses road works etc, as it is when useing a gravel access road!

Can you help me through the

on this one please!

**Big Dave** · 22nd May 2009, 14:32

Simply odds.

There are odds that it will all line up and an errant stone will enter the mechanism and snap the belt.

They are mitigated or exaggerated by where the vehicle is ridden and the design of its enclosure.

If I lived up 20 miles of bad road a belt drive cruiser probably wouldn't be my first choice.

I live in the middle of Auckland and a smooth, clean, hassle free drive is desirable.

I do ride a quite lot of dirt roads on my XB12X - it has suitable enclosures - and there is a spare belt on my bookshelf.

It's that ol' drum we beat about suitability for purpose.

**vifferman** · 22nd May 2009, 15:21

Originally Posted by Big Dave

It all comes back to emissions. These large capacity donks have to be more efficient to pass the gas laws. Most manufacturers determine the best way is to liquid cool them.

All new vehicles need to be more efficient to pass emissions laws, so they run leaner, which makes them run hotter. They also have to meet noise emission regulations - air-cooled bikes radiate a lot of noise from the cooling fins, and don't have the benefit of a water jacket to help suppress sundry internal whirrings, clickings and whining.

**Big Dave** · 22nd May 2009, 16:40

Interestingly air cooled Harleys still pass. Buell says they will make the grade with the next euro...whatever number he said they are up to.

Triumph went to efi on the Bonnevilles to pass muster at the next round of regs.

**Conquiztador** · 8th June 2009, 20:00

Look! A V-Rod from Triumph!

**Big Dave** · 8th June 2009, 21:31

Originally Posted by Conquiztador

Look! A V-Rod from Triumph!

If its legs are a long as a v-rods that will be very impressive indeed.

I rode the V-rod 'Muscle' for 3 weeks* and didn't get anywhere near redlining it.

**Conquiztador** · 8th June 2009, 21:40

Originally Posted by Big Dave

If its legs are a long as a v-rods that will be very impressive indeed.

I rode the V-rod 'Muscle' for 3 weeks* and didn't get anywhere near redlining it.

And I would not have a clue. Never ridden the V-Rod and most probably never will. Just the impression when looking at her. The radiator, the low front, the low bike and the long frame. But what would I know?

**Zuki lover** · 8th June 2009, 21:47

Originally Posted by Conquiztador

Look! A V-Rod from Triumph!

Wow - good to see you know your bikes

**Motu** · 8th June 2009, 21:53

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I rode the V-rod 'Muscle' for 3 weeks* and didn't get anywhere near redlining it.

You should come down here for a day - there is some clown who rides a V-rod red lining it around town.He must have a special license to ride like that....part of the license conditions is that he wears a special helmet.....

**Big Dave** · 8th June 2009, 23:02

Bonus point if it (helmet) has a spike on it.

**Motu** · 9th June 2009, 00:03

He does some real fancy gearchanges too....he must drive an old truck,because he double clutches up and down.When I hear him coming I turn my hearing aids down....just as a precaution...