RideApart

Triumph TBird & Honda Fury – hard to decide which deserves to be named 2009′s most depressing bike of the year. Co-winners perhaps? Oh wait, HD has yet to unveil its factory trike, rumored to include a colstomy bag as a zero cost factory option.
And its only January 2nd. I need a drink.

the Fury is arguably more mediocre, the Triumph more depressing.

I don’t think it’s worth it to pursue this line of thought.

I wonder what the profile of chopper riders is. I read somewhere that Ford did some research and discovered that SUV drivers were nervous and scared and they wanted a car to make them feel safe. Perhaps choppers are like this in a way? Or maybe it’s a generation thing and it’s just not for me.

Sam

I’m not understanding the whole ‘factory chopper’ ideal. Isn’t the idea behind choppers the fact that you are taking a factory bike and personalizing it by making it a custom, one of a kind experience that isn’t like what others are doing? I watched one youtube video about the Fury, and the Honda rep. said “It’s still a Honda…” Give me the H-D’s of yesteryear, and take these new-fangled ‘jap-traps’ and haul ‘em off to the landfill. (I prefer my old ’72 Sportster over anything coming out of today’s factories.)

I’ve read all of the posts in this thread and the others relating to the new Thunderbird – many of which are very interesting. These are my observations on this bike.

I’ve been following the development of this bike for a couple of years now. The tech specs intrigued me – especially the 1600 parallel twin. It looked like it was going to be about 100 hp – a nice number. The preliminary photos I saw were kind of bland, but not without some attractive features. It was clearly a “cruiser” look (which I like), but had elements of a standard as well. The bike was clearly going to be adaptable to a wide range of riding styles, so that kept my interest.

Well, it turns out that they developed the engine to be understressed out of the box, with substantial room for development, since the final HP number is 85, with 106 pounds/ft of torque (more important for this type of riding anyway). The big bore kit will take the hp number to over 100, according to the South Florida factory rep, which will be a good thing for those so interested.

I just recently saw the bike in person. I’m telling you that it looks FAR BETTER in the “flesh” than it does in the photos. It has a look of “litheness” that I’ve not seen in any other bike in its class. There are things I would have rather seen done differently, especially the tank mounted instrument pod, but on the whole, the bike looks very good to my eye. I would have also preferred a 180 rear tire, rather than the 200, but the effect of the wider meat will have to await a ride. Detail development is first class, as are the fits and finishes. It has just enough chrome, but more will be available for those who like that look. The aluminum wheels are beautifully finished, with high luster. They even put right angle valve stems on, so checking the tires should be easier, encouraging us to check them more often. The coil over shocks are easily adjustable for preload and fit the look of the bike perfectly. The fenders do have a rather conventional “standard” look to them, but they are well integrated with the bike as a whole. In fact, the bike hangs together as a whole very well. The taillight is nicely frenched in and looks very clean. This is a bike which will be easily distinguished from any other cruiser on the road; clearly modern, but with retro overtones which are very appealing. The engine dominates the look of the bike in person far more than it appears in the photos.

The stock seat was very comfortable for my build (6’3 – 215#). There was plenty of wiggle room and the bike will be available with floorboards for those who want them, giving even more options for position changes while riding. Setback on the bars was perfect for me. The low seat height worked well for me. The ergos were as if they’d measured the bike for me personally.

The bike comes up off of its stand easily, belying the substantial 680# dry weight. It appears that the weight is carried fairly low, so low speed handling should be good, though perhaps slightly compromised by that wide rear tire.

I figure I will be able to get 35 – 40 mpg, so the 5.8 gallon tank should give something in excess of 200 mile range per tank – a nice number indeed.

I really wanted a ride, but it was a static display only. Nevertheless, I was impressed enough to plop down my advance deposit and will be riding one of these in late June or early July. I will be adding the quick release windshield and passenger backrest and rack. I’m still pondering the floorboards. I’ll want to add some bags, but they will have to be quick release and lockable – so probably aftermarket (LeatherLykes come to mind).

I think some of the naysayers here will come around when the see the actual bike. If not, then different strokes……It most reminds me of the Victory Hammer, but without the big 240 section rear tire compromising the handling and steering and at 2/3 the price. Value wise, the Thunderbird is a winner. I’ll be voting with my dollars

I have just had two test rides.Having wanted to buy British for some time but not liking anything in the Triumph range this bike did it for me.I have had 5 Honda Pan Europeans which were great bikes. I am now back to a cruiser. I have ordered the Thunderbird.Great looks and great performance. This bike is no slouch when you twist hthe grip. Try a ride before you condemn it. There is only so much anyone can do with cruiser design.