Comparison with Triumph Thunderbird

[fliesinteeth]

Last issue of MCN compares the new thunderbird with an 883 nightster. I have had my 07 1200c for a couple of months after along break from motorcycling and despite some reliability issues I absolutely love riding it. The torque and easily usable performance, comfortable riding position, fabulous looks, character ... wahaay. But that doesn't stop me being curious about the thunderbird. Anyone ridden one - how does it compare , particularly thinking about ride quality and cornering ....don't worry this would definitely be an as well as - not instead of !

[kevscrivener]

Tried one when they were fairly new; at the time I was riding a 45.

Found it well built, torquey engine, smooth; on the downside it felt top-heavy in the way 70's Jap bikes were and the gearchange was notchy, but to be fair it was a dealer demo bike so the latter might have eased up with use.

Compared to a 45 it had no character at all, of course; but overall I thought it was a good bike.

[littleteach]

You cant compare the thunderbird to the nightster!!!the thunderbird is by far the better bike,handles well,comfortable,plenty of grunt and 1)is value for money 2)you dont have to stage one and all that nosense you have to do with a harley; is cheaper to run,spares are cheaper and the service from triumph dealerships is second to none.I ride a harley and a triumph and i love them both but if i had to buy a new bike it would have to be a triumph.

[AndyH]

Typical MCN surely something from the Dyna range would make a better comparison both in style and price.

I quite like the Thunderbird and see it like a Victory in that they are both serious alternatives to a Harley in a way that some of the Japanese cruisers don't.

[Urrell]

That's not a very well conceived comparison, 883cc against 1600cc

Dyna or Softail would be more comparable.

[PhillSpace]

Originally Posted by kevscrivener

Tried one when they were fairly new; at the time I was riding a 45.

Found it well built, torquey engine, smooth; on the downside it felt top-heavy in the way 70's Jap bikes were and the gearchange was notchy, but to be fair it was a dealer demo bike so the latter might have eased up with use.

Compared to a 45 it had no character at all, of course; but overall I thought it was a good bike.

I believe you may be thinking of one of these Thunderbirds Kev ..



The old triple. it's replacement is a horse of a different colour ...



1600 parallel twin with, I believe, 100+ foot pounds of torque.

Certainly not to be compared to a Sporty, should go up against a Dyna.

[chilly]

Originally Posted by kevscrivener

Tried one when they were fairly new; at the time I was riding a 45.

Found it well built, torquey engine, smooth; on the downside it felt top-heavy in the way 70's Jap bikes were and the gearchange was notchy, but to be fair it was a dealer demo bike so the latter might have eased up with use.

Compared to a 45 it had no character at all, of course; but overall I thought it was a good bike.

I think the comparision is with the new 1600cc T Bird Kev.

Not an old 50s Pre Unit one

[kevscrivener]

Thanks Phil; you're right, it was the old triple I meant.


Chilly, I'm not old enough to remember the 50's ones when they were new; how did you find them compared to modern ones?

The new one's not my kind of bike at all TBH; I do like the Bonnevilles though, and the street scrambler.

[Mike Benis]

Originally Posted by kevscrivener

The new one's not my kind of bike at all TBH

Me neither. No stabilisers. What will I do at traffic lights?

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by fliesinteeth

Last issue of MCN compares the new thunderbird with an 883 nightster.

Typical MCN harley bashing

Why not compare a Dyna with a new bonnie, 86ci vs 800approx cc it would make about as much sense and be just as valid a comparison