Triumphrat

winwahoo

OK...I know cross-posting probably isn't allowed, so I'll ask here: I'm trading in my Victory and I can't make a decision on the Triumph I want. My dilemma: I want a used T-bird 1600, but there are none to be found near me. I could get a used Storm, but I've been told that there are no windshield options for it. (I need protection!) My dealer has a great new America (I test-ride a '12 tomorrow) , but I'm wondering if it will be enough 'oomph' for me, after owning a Honda Shadow 750 and now the Kingpin..and my buddy who owns a Bonnie has already said, in explicit terms, that I should "go Bonnie". I test-rode one over the weekend, enjoyed it, but wonder if the 'cruiser' guy in me will still love it as my 'primary ride' in 3 months or so. Thoughts? Thanks, ya'll!

Gob-ny-geay

I would stay the course, and keep looking for the bike you mention that you "wanted" - the used T-Bird 1600.

Seems to me that whenever we settle for something other than what we really want... it's never the same. Find one, and get a buddy to drive you to pick it up wherever it's at.

Roadtrip!!


Bob

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epynt1050

I have not ridden a Storm but have ridden a std Thunderbird 1600, Bonneville and America.

Between the America and the Bonneville, I would definitely choose the Bonneville, primarily for the better handling but then I am not a crusier type guy.

Between the the Thunderbird and the America I would go for the Thunderbird, it is more "together" than the America but then it was designed as a crusier from the outset.

Never ridden a Victory (very rare in UK) but I can assure you, an America has far more "oomph" than a Shadow and handles better.

leftarmlogan

I say Bonneville because I have one and I like it.

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echoraven

TBirds sell well. I paid for my R3T about the same as I would have for a TBird with saddlebags...

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TrumpetRat

I don't know whether or not it would have enough power, but as a cruiser I love my father's Speedmaster (essentially the same bike as an America). I prefer my Bonneville because I feel like I'm more in control of the bike in the upright position.

But I will say this about going from a Victory to a Bonneville: I bought my 2002 Bonnie from a guy who had ridden big Harley's all his life and also is a pretty accomplished flat-tracker. He sold me the Bonnie and bought a Victory. He just said recently that while he likes his Victory, he misses the Bonnie and thinks it was the best bike he's ever owned.

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Junipero

If you really want a cruiser, hold out for the T-bird.....but if you think you might want something very fun, and comfortable, and zippy, easy to mod with tons of aftermarket stuff, and a bike that seriously attracts all kinds of attention (I'm not lying here) then get the Bonneville. I don't know if you really feel that you are a cruiser guy or not. If so, you may miss a cruiser some, but you won't ever regret owning a Bonneville. I promise.

Head over to the Twins forums on this site...you'll quickly learn why so many love these bikes.

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robertrichhart

After having a Bonnie, America and now a 1700 TBird...go for the TBird. Handles great and the power of the 1700 is phenomenal!

Sal Paradise

One of my best friends has a Victory, I think its an 8 Ball. I have ridden it a few times, what a tank - but very torquey. From a stop light he can get 1 or 2 bike lengths on me. Other than that ( and we live near mountains and winding roads) my Bonny regularly beats the crap out of that Victory. Top end the Bonneville has more. Handling, they are two different worlds. I can sweep by him in a turn like he is standing still. The Bonneville is just too ****ing good. Then again, its hilly here with many curvy roads, YMMV.

There is no one reason why the Bonny is as good as it is ( modified) rather it is a combination of things. My Bonnie won't wheelie in 3rd gear or anything. But it seems strong and fast, especially when wound up. We traded bikes a few times and his biggest complaint is the Bonneville shocks are harsh. He is right, it has cheap ass shocks.

If you do a lot of straight flat riding, the Bonny may not shine as much.

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Irishguy

I love my Bonneville and I love my wife's America for what it is. They are both great bikes, but neither one is a Thunderbird. I would keep looking for the right Thunderbird. If I was in the market for a larger cruiser, the Thunderbird would be tops on the list.

Use a search phrase like: triumph thunderbird site:craigslist.org and expand your search to outside your area.

If it's a long way off you can possibly find a Triumphrat.net member in the area to check the bike out for you and if it checks out you can get a cheap one way ticket, fly out and ride the bike back home. It can be your first adventure with your new bike.