More Thunderbird 1600 info

[dazco]

Looks like my thoughts about the finish quality being right on par with HD was right on. I called a dealer to see if anyone had anything to say. The first thing out of the guy's mouth when i mentioned it was "oh my god". And he then when on to excitedly tell me he saw it and sat on it and he was truly blown away by it. And without mentioning it to him he brought up the finish quality and told me it's awesome. I knew it had to be because theres no way to compete with HD as they are trying to do without matching HD's finish quality, because it's always been second to none and better than most.

he also said in person it really does look a lot like a speedmaster. I would beg to differ having seen photos. But then as i've said before photos never are the same as in person. Anyways, he was hugely excited about it and was even talking about getting one himself. He suggested that the bike is too awesome in person not to be a huge hit unless it's a dog or something. He seems to think fall '09, but i have read elsewhere of people who put deposits down on them being told as early as coming out along with the '09 models. But who knows. In any case his overall impression was it's a killer. I can't wait to post at RAT when 1/2 the people there who slammed it own one. I will have to look up thier old posts calling it a POS and ask them what possessed them to buy such a POS.

 

[Merlin]

:y115: :y115: :y114: :y115:

 

[DaveM]

Well this is great news any idea on what the price tag is going to be on this one. If it has the great finish that Harley has I hope it does not have the great price tag to go along with it. I hope your deposit is down as there is going to be a wild scramble to get this one and you don’t want to find out it is sold out and you must wait another few month.

 

[Dilligaf]

Interesting, it could get me away from these damn HD dealers.

 

[DaveM]

Gary I would be very interested to read a ride report from you on this one :y18:

 

[dazco]

Every single thing i've read whether it be word from a possibly official source, a mag article estimation or anything else has always put the price at $12k US.It also makes total sense considering the prices on the lower and higher cruisers because it puts it right in the middle. If thats the list then i know a dealer who sells at an out the door price that equals list on triumphs. So that would be my total. Not sure how i'll feel about it when it arrives, but my financial sitch plus other variables including fuel prices will be the determining factors. I may not get one if things aren't god at the time.

 

[DaveM]

Well if that will be the price range then it would put it in a possible purchase price for me as well

 

[dazco]

Well, i'm glad to hear there is now the possibility for you Dave. Sounded before like it wasn't even an option. The problem for me is that since i first heard of the bike, i could have gotten enough selling my speedy to make the $12k very doable. But it's been so long since then that now my bike has 25k miles on it and now i doubt i can get more than maybe $3.5k for it. And by the time the bike is here i'll likely have 30k or more on it. Thats like 100k on a car to most people's minds. And i'm not one for making payments on a bike. I pay cash or i don't buy. So i can't even say till it's here. But as much as i want one it may not be a good move for me.

 

[DaveM]

Well I won’t be running out to buy a bike that I cannot pay cash for that is for sure. I have a few months left to pay up my car then both the cars and the bike are paid for :y18:

 

[shyguy344]

I'm anxious to see some more photos of it. It did look like a nice ride for sure, but I am still in love with the Sprint ST, and have my T-bird and Road Star, so it is a little stretch to justify getting a third bike, but....who knows?????

 

[CarlS]

Shyguy, you need a vintage Triumph for your third bike.

 

[CarlS]

Gary, I, too, would be very interested to hear your take on the new cruiser.

 

[DaveM]

 

[CarlS]

I certainly want to try one.

 

[DaveM]

Oh yeah me too, but it looks like it will now be a longer wait than we anticipated :silent:

I think Dale may just

 

[dazco]

At this point i'm not even sure i'll get one, but i just want to see/test it just so i can finally put my mind at rest one way or another. It's been a good 2 years since i stopped adding to my speedmaster because of this bike and thinking i'll probably get one. So i feel like i've been in limbo all this time. Whether i get one or not, I just want closure !!!

Carl....i'm still surprised at how often you keep saying that ! I bet you'll be the one who ends up with one ! Like i said b4, I just never thought you'd be interested in a bike like this.

 

[CarlS]

I'm getting older. :y114:

Seriously, I'm interested because it is a parallel twin and because it could easily pull a hack and lots of gear.

 

[dazco]

Hey, if it has the kind of power i think a 1600 parallel twin would have, a hack and a lot of gear won't even make any difference in the way it pulls. It'll probably pull a house.

seriously, it's actually amazing because not only will this be the worlds largest P-twin bike, but it will literally be close to double the size of the former holder of that honor ! thats incredible when you think about it. Just goes to show how little attention has been given to the P-twin since they sorta faded into history in the 70's. We can thank triumph for bringing back this design, which by the way happens to be my fav by a mile. Now if we could just bring back the 2 stroke i'd be one happy man ! (stinkin' green people....gimmie dirty skies as long as i can have a bike with no valves :

 

[shyguy344]

Carl, I would love a vintage bike, but with my mechanical abilities, I am fearful that I would not be able to take proper care of it. After talking to Pete, I am looking more in the direction of a Tiger, although I love the Sprint. My fear with the Sprint is still the issue that I have with my left side...But, no matter if I get another bike or not, just the looking, planning, evaluating, researching, etc. is a blast. I am really having fun just playing with the thoughts....

Who knows????? I have been known to be a bit spontaneous at times...lol...

 

[CarlS]

[quote author=shyguy344 link=topic=1493.msg11697#msg11697 date=1221276070]
Carl, I would love a vintage bike, but with my mechanical abilities, I am fearful that I would not be able to take proper care of it. After talking to Pete, I am looking more in the direction of a Tiger, although I love the Sprint. My fear with the Sprint is still the issue that I have with my left side...But, no matter if I get another bike or not, just the looking, planning, evaluating, researching, etc. is a blast. I am really having fun just playing with the thoughts....

Who knows????? I have been known to be a bit spontaneous at times...lol...
[/quote]

I am no mechanic either. I can change the oil, adjust the chain, adjust the clutch, change the plugs, and and adjust the valves (on the vintage Triumph). Those things are easy. All you have to do is get some to show you how. Anything over that is outside of my limits which is why Grand Paul rebuilt my 1968. I really enjoy tinkering with the 68 and with all of my bikes. A manual and advice from those experienced will enable you to do most anything you have to do to keep a vintage bike on the road. There are some folks in your area who are darn good with old Brit Iron including an engine rebuilder. I think you would really enjoy a classic Triumph, BSA or Norton.