Newbie In The Us (with Question)

Hi Kevin.

Just got a new / used 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 this year.

Just finished putting 440 miles (690 if yo count the to and from the hotel) on it on the British Bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway ride. Great cruiser and great gas mileage! Mine is the red one in the middle.
Of course what other kind of dog would you take on a British bike, but a Jack Russell!

http://jack-be-quick.com/brbbr/ (not sure if this has been updated with pics from this years ride yet).

QUESTION: Need to add hard bags, and when I mount, I guess I need to know the maximum travel so the bags do not hit the stock pipes. Does anyone know how much room I should leave between the bags and the stock pipes (not the Shorts) on the Thunderbird 1600?

Thanks!

-Kevin

 

Welcome in! Try posting your question in the thunderbird section, you might get a more specific response there. Nice bike and dog btw, there is a pets section here too!!

 

Hi Kevin and welcome.
Unless I'm missing something or misunderstanding your question (both quite normal for me!), if the hard bags (panniers to us) are frame mounted, then the distance between them and the exhaust will remain constant at all times. The swinging arm will bounce up and down like a bouncey thing at full bounce but will not affect the closeness of the relationship between bags and exhaust.
Love the crazy pup though!!

 

Ok, thought the bags mounted to the fender / bolts would move independent of the swing arm where the pipes are attached. I guess I will need to take a closer look after your reply (which make a bunch of sense). Thanks!!!!

 

Just remember, Kevin ..... I may be wrong - it has happened before!!!!

 

Hi mate and welcome
The rear swing arm moves independently of the fender and the exhaust
The distance between fender and exhaust stays the same

 

Welcome aboard Kevin. Love the doggles and lid.

 

Thanks for confirming that seat and pipes move together. So I just need to account for any "flex" in the mounting system (using Easy Brackets) which should be minimal.

Funny no one asked about the "new / used". 2012 bike had 300 miles when I bought it. Guy won it in corporate contest and stored for 4-5 years with all intents of learning to ride. Never did. His loss is my gain.

PS Dog was the hit of the ride and at every break / gas stop (the Bonnevilles and Royal Enfield had to stop for gas more often than the Thunderbird).

 

Hi and welcome....................

 

Kevin.

 

Thanks to all for replies and welcomes.

Yes, I feel like a idiot (or is that "blooming idiot"). Went to bike and confirmed pipes and seat / fenders move together, swing arm separate and moves as shocks (oops dampers) compress.

 

Good point, 2012 bike with 300 miles only...that is a real bargain..nice find.
I hope you get to enjoy some long lazy miles and easy reliable riding

 

got my bags mounted, will post pictures after the paint is put on.

 

Welcome in Kevin! Lovely pictures and a very cute pillion !