Triumphrat

torquenm · 12-07-2012, 07:20 PM

I am coming back to the rat.net after nearly 5 years of absence. Nice to see my account/login still works! I owned the new Bonnie from 2002 to 2007 and put about 20k miles on it then I got into other bikes, other dreams...But now I am back with a 4K miles, 1999 Aston Green/Champagne Thunderbird that I will bring home this Sunday. Cant wait to ride it and to contemplate it at length!! Any suggestions as to what to do do next? Well, besides the oil change and a ride to Angeles Crest Highway?
Thanks for reading:-)

denny · 12-07-2012, 07:46 PM

Just take good care of it... and ride it a lot!!!

These are pretty special bikes.

If you don't believe that, just ask any of the regulars here.

torquenm · 12-07-2012, 08:05 PM

I have not even tried it yet!!!! I just sat on one back in 2000-01 at the local Triumph dealer and I was (too) impressed;-) This being said I still remember my Bonneville and I rode an SE in France a few weeks ago...is it very different?

denny · 12-07-2012, 08:14 PM

comparing a 885 Triple to a Bonneville....

Well when you twist the throttle, you better hang on.

The triples are a bit top heavy when compared to the Bonnies. You need to take some care with low speed maneuvers until you learn how to handle it.

I like the Bonnevilles, I rode a Bonnie Black for a few days one time when I was helping with Triumph demo days. I put about 500 miles on it over 3 days. A very fun motorcycle, but no way would I trade my TBS for a Bonnie.

torquenm · 12-07-2012, 09:32 PM

Alright, I get it and I am glad to read that!!! Wao...that's what I expect, that's what I want !! The Bonnie...beautiful shapes and curves, decent torque but...a bit...you know... not enough;-) Tbird sounds perfect! Too good to be true though... any weaknesses that I should be aware of (I mean with this particular yr model)?

303frost · 12-08-2012, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torquenm

Alright, I get it and I am glad to read that!!! Wao...that's what I expect, that's what I want !! The Bonnie...beautiful shapes and curves, decent torque but...a bit...you know... not enough;-) Tbird sounds perfect! Too good to be true though... any weaknesses that I should be aware of (I mean with this particular yr model)?

My Legend (pretty much the same as a thunderbird) has 36,000 miles on it, and it is in perfect running condition. These motors are bulletproof. One thing I love about these bikes is they are very easy to customize

SpeedBirdTT · 12-08-2012, 10:23 PM

303frost wondering what exhaust you have on there.

torquenm · 12-08-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 303frost

My Legend (pretty much the same as a thunderbird) has 36,000 miles on it, and it is in perfect running condition. These motors are bulletproof. One thing I love about these bikes is they are very easy to customize

I have already bookmarked most existing sites that sell stuff for the tbird. Having a hard time though finding one that sells the thick classic triangular tank pad. Any idea? Congrats on your black cafe racer!! By the way what's the difference if any with the T?
Mine ( I will post picture tomorrow) is set to ride mom & dad style (Summer Windshield, sissy bar, paniers...etc) not exactly a racer but when I do want to go twistin' n rockin' in the twisties at a good pace I got other lighter options;-) This being said, you are right this is a bike that can become a totally different one. And what a pleasure to also just look at it!!!

TBSstunta · 12-09-2012, 01:02 PM

Meh, they're alright.

303frost · 12-09-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Smith

303frost wondering what exhaust you have on there.

I have Staintune mufflers on. They sound amazing. Sounds like a classic muscle car or something.