For the past couple of months my wife & I have ridden 2012 Americas, 2010 & 2011Thunderbird & Storms & a 2005 Rocket when weather permitted sometimes 37degrees & sunny 2014 we road to Alaska & back R1100RT 2016 We road to Canada, Prince Edward Island & Nova Scotia & back 1997 HONDA PC800 At this time we have a 2004 BMW R1200CL, 1997 Honda PC800 & a 1984 V65C Moto Guzzi My wife (Elizabeth) says we decided on a Thunderbird I'm 68 & we ride 2up, she seldom let's me off by myself We live in Arkansas & have some great roads Any thing to watch for on used Thunderbird , Storm or other wise? Thanks Glad to meet you Sanders
Welcome to the madhouse you should fit right in. The inmates like photos it keeps them quite. Any triumph in Black. Tucker one colour for all seasons.
Hi mate and welcome Ditto the above....BLACK Never had one but I had a test ride on a thunderbird storm Lovely bike
Welcome in Sanders as you can see we have some members that just love BLACK but each to our own, you've had some great bikes and rides and the weather on your side. I own a 1600 Thunderbird(2011) dont think they have too many known issues, but always best to do your homework.
Hey great to be here So tell me your Thunderbird impressions, any long trips? What have you changed or added? How do you find it in the twisties?
I have a 2012 Thunderbird I bought about a year ago from a dealer in Austin with less just over 3k miles on the bike. After about a week it started shifting roughly. Then it wouldn't go into gear at all. I trailered it back to Dream Cycles in Austin. They looked at it and found that apparently a part within the transmission was actually left out at the factory. They replaced it without charging. I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem but thought I would share. Works fine now and really like the way the bike runs and handles.
We have the LT, fully decked out, one thing I would say, for two up, and miles, upgrade the seat and back rest, the wife will appreciate it, and so would you on the front, problems, we have had none, but the bright work and wire wheels take some looking after, miles for smiles, and gets others attention for sure
Thanks Yea we had figured out the seat needed to be changed, I won’t do wire wheels anymore, started riding in 61 & even road a R100 BMW UNTIL 2002, no more tubes or spokes, although the 2004 Guzzi I had, wheels were spoked but tubless, like you said more maintenance Thanks for the reply Sanders
Tyres are one of the best upgrades, Avon Cobras front and rear make a massive difference to handling. I would also suggest fitting the auxiliary lights as well.
Thanks Yea we had figured out the seat needed to be changed, I won’t do wire wheels anymore, started riding in 61 & even road a R100 BMW UNTIL 2002, no more tubes or spokes, although the 2004 Guzzi I had, wheels were spoked but tubless, like you said more maintenance Thanks for the reply Sanders Looks good Thanks Sanders
First impressions was its heavy coming off an America but having had a 1900 Stratoliner just before the America against that I found it quite ok, very powerful quick enough for me (58yrs) at my age but I'm still a boy on here compared to some members, I've not had it any great distance, to be honest with you I cant do that now too many aches and pains and of course some very tying family commitments, I find it very easy to handle and very comfortable to ride feels really good having sold my 1900 Stratoliner and missing it as you do I bought the 900 America loved the feel of it, but to much of a drop in power so went for the 1600 Tbird and of course its looks and very low under 4k miles got me straight away, I'm glad I made the change I love the cruiser feel, Since getting it what have I done, the removable screen and fitting kit came to me still in there sealed boxes and remain that way, I took off the very comfortable long haul seat which if you ride two's up as you do then that's a must, I may again one day tempt the wife back on the bird with that in mind its boxed up and kept safe, I fitted the single seat and back rack after having removed the sissy bar and rack again very easy as its key removable, again this is boxed up safe and sound, Because I still do the odd weekend rally when I'm able I like to tow a trailer to carry my beer and luxuries with me, it also aid's an easy sunday pack up and the head back home is more convenient way better than bungies and bags. For this reason I designed my own tow bar and helped a local engineer manufacture it, powder coated and I wired it in to an easy 5 wire multi plug for easy removal. I will add a few pics below cos I love me bike and showing it off PS - Forgot to add it has Triumph's Short Tor Exhausts on (which aid rear wheel removal as you have easy access to rear spindle, again originals are boxed away) I have also just decreased its weight by 11llbs and improved the sound to make it seem like a real man's bike by - removing the cat WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!!! OOHH and I've had a set of Avon's fitted !!! OOHH and again the guys will tell you I prefer not to ride it in the rain.(if I can help it)
