Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamie  He simply does not have enough dough to afford a T'Bird, one would surmise 
Jamie |
I'm not 100% certain that personal finance alone is the real reason, but maybe so.
What I've found is that many hopelessly insecure types have a burning need to attempt to force a "class" structure, or construct "levels" of class distinction, this being the only means they can fabricate to artificially elevate themselves amoung peers.
Alert and experienced riders will remember well when motorcyling was "the great equalizer" and all riders mutually respected each other, regardless of whatever one did outside the biking world, or what type, model, year, or whatever bike you rode, etc. Petty, small-minded guys such as this would have been beaten to a pulp and/or avoided at all costs.
We see this all over, not just in the motorcycling world. Private clubs, VIP lounges, "Elite" status this 'n that - you get the picture. Oddly, this "class structure" is what the USA rebeled against in part during the Revolutionary War - now many disillusioned and confused Americans are falling over themselves to create a distinction of classes once again. A Wall Strret criminal, hedging and playing dangerous, risky games with the economic structure, forces millions of American citizens out of their homes and workplaces, but is considered a "Success", and "Wealthy" by weak, like minded souls. A new low in civilizations history, but sadly real.
Fun Fact to ponder: No civilization has ever been able to pull itself out of, nor survive an festering period of "decadence", which utimately results near the end of an era. (See: Roman Empire, Greek History, Mayan, Aztec, etc.)
Uh-Oh!
IMHO, the introduction of the T-bird was a very bold move on Triumph's part, risking the wrath of the loyal Bonneville America and Speedmaster owners, as well as some Rocket III owners. It may have been unbelievably strategic, introducing a high quality, high performance, beautifully crafted big cruiser just as the "King" - Harley Davidson - was losing many "lifestyle" members who suddenly woke up - startled but well - to reality.
From the lowly Bonneville perspective, it was the bike so many disillusioned bonny modders had been trying desperately to achieve for years, but sadly on another model! Man instinctively mocks and jeers at that which he fears, and cannot comprehend.
I've noted a certain level of distain for the T-Bird on many Triumph Forums, which I guess is expected. Time will heal those wounds. In the end, it's a great bike, and from what I can see, the critics are usually those that haven't ridden nor viewed one!
Ride Safe!
Bob
Triumph Thunderbird Truths
Triumph Thunderbird Truths 
, and a slow, heavy machine with a motor that s**ks."
