Motorcyclist

Triumph Is Now Taking Deposits For The Thunderbird


Triumph has great news for motorcyclists. The new Thunderbird is scheduled to arrive in North America late June, nearly two months ahead of schedule, and Triumph North America is now processing deposits for the first wave of Thunderbirds that will hit the shores.


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Speedtrip

I'm interested to see how this bike does. Hope they sell gobs of them, but they seem a little Johnny come lately whith it.

The Prophet

Agreed, let's hope for the best for the iconic Triumph organisation, but...

Also agreed that it's a little too late. Isn't this Harley cruiser clone market pretty much done to death? Are there really two or three guys out there who don't already have one?

Good points:
Great Marque
Tons of low end torque ( bigger cc's, dual spark plugs on each cylinder!)
Great model name (Thunderbird)
Excellent quality build and materials I'm sure

Bad Points:
Huge Yawn factor
Too much competition for a lower price
Global economy
This 'cruiser' stuff is usually not associated with the Triumph name.

Debatable points:

Style / looks - personally, I think it looks identical to all the others, nothin' special.

Triumph should stick to making it's current models better, more efficient, more powerful, more fuel efficient, etc. Getting stretched too thin trying to cover every available niche - See GM, Chrysler for details.

motowebmaster

Personally, I don't care for it but will reserve judgment until after sitting on one. Why would a mid-size cruiser enthusiast purchase a re-hashed icon of a former existence when they can go to a Harley Dealer and get something with greater appeal that has been in production for many years?

The Prophet

Triumph perhaps should s change their slogan to "Go your own way... like everyone else!".

Seriously, looks aside, the performance is aimed at the cruiser crowd, and is what they asked for: Good solid low end torque, low slung seat, forward pegs. Big wide fuel tank, cruiser looks and styling. Obviously, these are true bike loving folks, just not into twisties and/or long range riding. To each his own, and more power to 'em.

That said, I would think the performance and build quality would be excellent, coming from Triumph. Problem might be to get that word and concept out on the streets, where many cruiser owners comment to me that Bonnie is a really nice restoration, until I let them know it's an '07.

"Really? They still make 'em?"

Harley does a little bit better job of marketing I'd suggest.

kingmoham

My $.02's on T-Bird,

I have followed this bike from the spy photos early on with interest. However, the final cut simply doesn't do anything for me. It's another black cruiser hitting the streets already littered with so many more.

I suppose it can lay claim to being a Brit Cruiser, but with the Speed Master, America & Rocket III...I have to ask why?

I am however interested in the power plant. I'd be very interested in cross-over projects into a Bonnie or Thruxton set up...if possible. With adjustments made for increased HP and lower Torque.

We'll see. ....

Right now, the leader of the Pack..H.D. is trying hard to salvage it's own image & manufacturing. With so many H.D.'s already out on the streets, many of which are hitting the auction block because of re-posessions, or panic sales, there is/are plenty, if not too much, to go around. Prices are dropping to the floor with many perfectly good H.D.'s.

motowebmaster

Make no mistake, there is a significant consumer interest in the "classic" look on motorcycles. What I'm not sure about is how a cruiser that doesn't associate itself in any way with a particular lifestyle or fashion statement will succeed.

In this month's issue of Cycle World, the review on the Thunderbird is nestled between an Aprilia Ad and a review of the 09 Yamaha R1. Pages before and after emphasize something extreme or passionate within several motorcycle types (sport, cruiser, dirt, racing, & etc). The best Cycle World could do is emphasize how well the bike was built and easy to ride.

I realize that our society is more favorable to responsibility and common sense these days, but we can say the same thing about the Honda VFR (the bike I ride). It's a very well engineered machine that looks great painted a solid color and rides extremely well; yet very few are ever sold.

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Shawn
My Photos

SidecarFlip

I'm thinking it will collect dust on the showroom floor.

I own the Triumph cruiser, the R3. I consider it a cruiser with an attitude. It's looks are a departure from the norm, it has big balls and it's imposing.

My take is put the T'Bird engine in the Speedy and/or the America to seperate the Bonnie, Thrux, Scrambler and T100 from the rest of the line but my input means nothing.

I find the styling less than inspiring.

I won't be 'rushing' down to the dealer to buy one or even test ride one.

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MIA