I've read a lot of the posts on this board, as well as on the R.A.T board and others on the net relating to the new Thunderbird. On many of the other sites, more than this one, much of the discussion is enormously critical of the bike, from its looks and design envelope to its specs. These are my observations on this bike, based upon a static viewing in Florida a few weeks ago.
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.
Having just recently seen 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. This may be due to the size of the engine vis-a-vis the size of the engine bay - there's lots of room in there and lots of light coming through. 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 170-180 rear tire, rather than the 200, but the effect of the wider meat will have to await a ride. The rep told me that the Metzlers the bike was carrying were dedicated designs for the Thunderbird - so we know they'll be expensive. 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 - though the external shocks may make these a difficult fit)).
I think some of the naysayers 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.
What do you guys think?
Ksquared
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.
Having just recently seen 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. This may be due to the size of the engine vis-a-vis the size of the engine bay - there's lots of room in there and lots of light coming through. 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 170-180 rear tire, rather than the 200, but the effect of the wider meat will have to await a ride. The rep told me that the Metzlers the bike was carrying were dedicated designs for the Thunderbird - so we know they'll be expensive. 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 - though the external shocks may make these a difficult fit)).
I think some of the naysayers 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.
What do you guys think?
Ksquared
