New Triumph Thunderbird (Or cruisers in general) - What's your view?

Right then.

I've been hankering after a cruiser to complement the stable for some time. I was tempted by the R1200C a few years back and I like the Harley Sportsters however I've resisted until now.

I've placed a deposit down on one of the new Triumph Thunderbirds and I'm really looking forward to getting into the whole cruiser riding mood.

My question is: Who else owns/rides a cruiser and what are your thoughts on the whole Cruiser riding experience?

:eyesdown

If I had the space ...

... then one of these would sit beside my SE

I've often looked at them, but usually been put off after a test ride.

I've ridden loads of different Harleys and they look great, but they're usually underpowered, badly finished, under-braked, poor handling, over-priced pieces of junk.

I haven't much experience with Jap cruisers - I rode a Kawasaki VN1500 once and it was horrible - it didn't handle, it didn't turn, it was slower than a 250, it weighed a ton - dreadful.

Like Oblertone, I've a sneaking admiration for the Victory cruisers, though I've never ridden one. Very few available under 10 grand, so price would rule it out for me.

The one cruiser bike I have ridden which really impressed was a Suzuki M1800R Intruder (known as the M109R in the States). This thing went like a bat out of hell, with something like 120bhp and a GSX-R front end, it also handled reasonably (given the weight) and braked well. The looks aren't everyone's cup of tea, but my word the thing accelerated like a scalded cat. Made a decent vee twin rumble on the standard pipes as well.

So, round to Triumph's offerings: I've looked at the Rocket 3, and I know they're OK to ride, but the thing is just too vast - i could imagine taking it to a rally, trying to ride it across a muddy field....if it's gonna go, it's gonna go, and nobody is going to stop it The back wheel weighs 38Kg FFS!

The smaller twins (Bonnie, America, Speedmaster) appeal in a retro kind of way - if I had to choose, would probably have the Speedmaster for it's aggresive flat-track styling. The America looks a bit silly to me.

So - on to the new 1600 Thunderbird - I have to say I really like it - don't know if I'm ever likely to have one (how much are they?) but I like the style, I like the ABS option, the belt drive, 100bhp - could be the ideal cruiser style bike.

As far as cruisers in general go, I'm not really a fan of the bad-ass outlaw biker / accountant during the week type of rider - I just ride whatever bike does it for me, and happily mix with / talk to riders of any other type of bike, be it a scooter, a 125, a tourer, a sportsbike, whatever.

At the moment it's the 1150GS, but in future it could be that new Thunderbird.

I'm now on my third Harley started on an 883R(1200conversion), DynaGlide sport 1550 and now my Street Glide so here's my view.

You either get Cruisers or you don't. People either buy one and always have one or try it decide its not for them and flog it on.

You need a slightly different mind set when riding. Forget performance compared with other bikes. While they can make progress in the right hands that sort of misses the point. Relax sit back and enjoy a more simple riding experiance.

Cruisers are timeless. By modern standards they are out of date even when new so it matters not whether you ride the latest model.

There is an element of the cruiser riding community that like to "dress up" like outlaw bikers and try to look mean and moody but is that so much different than the Tossers with fully kitted out GSAs and twat suits. Its just different taste

I couldnt have a harley as an only bike but as an alternitive to the GS I love it

Stumpy

Spot on!

stumpy said:

I'm now on my third Harley started on an 883R(1200conversion), DynaGlide sport 1550 and now my Street Glide so here's my view.

You either get Cruisers or you don't. People either buy one and always have one or try it decide its not for them and flog it on.

You need a slightly different mind set when riding. Forget performance compared with other bikes. While they can make progress in the right hands that sort of misses the point. Relax sit back and enjoy a more simple riding experiance.

Cruisers are timeless. By modern standards they are out of date even when new so it matters not whether you ride the latest model.

There is an element of the cruiser riding community that like to "dress up" like outlaw bikers and try to look mean and moody but is that so much different than the Tossers with fully kitted out GSAs and twat suits. Its just different taste

I couldnt have a harley as an only bike but as an alternitive to the GS I love it

Stumpy

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Agree with all that...could have almost been me talking

There are loads in Germany but I'm not sure that's a good sign

stumpy said:

You either get Cruisers or you don't. People either buy one and always have one or try it decide its not for them and flog it on.

You need a slightly different mind set when riding. Forget performance compared with other bikes. While they can make progress in the right hands that sort of misses the point. Relax sit back and enjoy a more simple riding experiance.

Cruisers are timeless. By modern standards they are out of date even when new so it matters not whether you ride the latest model.

Click to expand...

That's probably why I've never really "got" cruisers - I get on expecting something to handle, stop and go as well as my 1150GS, and then I'm surprised when it doesn't.

I've only ever had one 'cruiser',one of the first M1800Rs a couple of years ago :

<img src="http://img.skitch.com/20080911-rw52a5usmt54at38fah1j9dsg9.jpg" alt="P6270068"/>


I did enjoy it but it wasn't really for me in the long term.

I've hired numerous HDs in the USA over the years but cannot ever see myself buying one-the build quality is generally dreadful,especially when you consider the price they charge and the technology is about 50 years out of date.

Victorys do seem to get good reports though.

I've only ever had one 'cruiser',one of the first M1800Rs a couple of years ago :

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Thats a cool looking bike

I must admit I really like the new Thunderbird and if its like the other Triumphs should be great.

stumpy said:

Thats a cool looking bike

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If you get the chance to ride one, do - they go like a bat out of hell - very quick for a cruiser.

stumpy said:

Thats a cool looking bike

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+1 - I like it Arsey - something like that would be in my virtual stable of bikes for sure

had a Road king a Road Glide then a Fat Boy!! loved them but cleaned them more than I rode em!! turned into a Chromosexual.After some cognitive behavioral therapy I bought a GSA1150 and never looked back.Will probably buy another Fat boy for my 50th Birthdaythey are a Hoot to ride

I really like the fact that you can enjoy a cruiser without going at fast speeds and they are great for a bimble although they are not slow either. I am thinking of selling my Harley as I just never seem to use it with less than 200 miles this year and probably less thsan 2000 miles in the last 5 years

Anyone want a really nice Harley for around £7k (nearly £14k new without accessories)...

So - on to the new 1600 Thunderbird - I have to say I really like it - don't know if I'm ever likely to have one (how much are they?) but I like the style, I like the ABS option, the belt drive, 100bhp - could be the ideal cruiser style bike.

That's the sort of thing that I was thinking. It's not too big and cumbersome plus it has (According to what I've been told) enough grunt to make it interesting without being daft.

I really want to "Get" the whole cruiser thing. Whilst I enjoy a spirited ride as much as the next bloke I now want something that will make sense when SWMBO comes out with me on her Harley Sportster.

As for price. I don't know. I've been told around 9-10k. I'm rather hoping it doesnt go above that!

AndyT said:

Anyone want a really nice Harley for around £7k (nearly £14k new without accessories)...

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I might be tempted.

Is it behind that rather camp looking mauve thing?

I sold my GS last week and was looking at getting another Fatboy - my previous one was plagued with electrical issues, thankfully whilst under warranty.

Anyway, I tried a Thunderbird LT which really did nothing for me as it wallowed like a pig and the screen just sent a constant blast of air at my helmet which became annoying upwards of 60 mph. I could, of course remove the screen but it'll still wallow.

I then tried a Speedmaster and was pleasantly surprised at what a great little bike it was. Great for daily use but lacking in power once you reach 65 or riding two up. It would do me fine for 90% of my riding but maybe not suited for the other stuff.

So now considering a Night Storm or back to a Fatboy, which of course is considerably more expensive.

If anyone's got one or ridden one, I'd really be interested to hear what you think of them

Thunderbird

Hi,
I've got a 2014 Thunderbird Commander & I really rate it. Very good handling for such a heavy bike, runs 17" tyres rather than the 16" on the LT, & its a little bit lighter too. Not sure if the spring rates are different, but definitely no wallowing. I've got a q/d screen, which allows cruising at 80 plus if you want, but i'm a short-arse so I'm sat behind it most of the time. Not keen on the typical Triumph gear-whine, & it needs louder exhausts, but apart from that, no complaints. Nicely different to the GS

Chris

Ooooh ta and thanks.

Was planning to spec a louder shorter set of pipes.

Well, here she is in all her glory. Really pleased so far!

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