Triumphrat

Leonidas · 02-21-2010, 10:42 AM

I was at my Triumph dealership yesterday, and the weather was really nice here, so lots of guys on bikes showed up.

We discussed three bikes he had sitting there: T-Bird ABS (Silver, blk stripe,) T-Bird non ABS (Blue/white stripe) and a Yamaha Raider S (blk). BTW, dont flame the Raider "just because," Im a Triumph guy too, but, wow, that black Raider was NICE.

So, I asked for bottom line OTD for both. So, here are OTD numbers: T-Bird/ABS-13.5K (plus a discount on backrest and TORs) T-Bird non ABS-$12.8K, and 2009 Raider S-14.4K (it has $800 worth of accessories).

Both Yamaha and Triumph(local bank or Freedom Road) are running good financing specials, so thats a wash.

I also took a peek at a Yamaha Roadliner. Big ol massive thing, but there was something I liked about it, and they have some amazing deals on them at the moment. Just afraid i might get bored with one, and I am not going to go through replacing a brand new bike after 7 months again.

Here is the thing about the T-Bird. I love it, its gorgeous, and fun to ride. I need to get past the compact rear of the bike. The bike looks massive right up until the passenger pillion (which I like), then it looks kinda "chopped" to me. It almost doesnt look proportioned. Believe it or not, the America is the perfect size, but wayyyyyyyyy too under powered for me.

Dont get me wrong, think the T-Bird is gorgeous, but thats the one week link for me (other than I would want risers, but thats an easy fix). Probably would be doing 60-70% solo, but...when I do have a passenger, I want her to be very comfy (lots of room, etc) I dont want to feel I am compromising. So, thats my only hesitation with the T-Bird.

As far as the Raider, hmm..well..nice looking bike, and it has much more passenger seating room. Its REALLY aggressive looking. Mean and bad a**, no doubt. It stands out big time. Part of me likes that, and part of me doesnt. It doesnt have a 6th gear, although im not sure how important that is since the thing has a mammoth engine. Plus, I know i said dont flame it "just because," but...its a yamaha, and part of me gets the feeling that it is a "HD wannabe." If I wanted one, I would go get a HD. Still, there is something really cool about that bike.

So, from the guys who know the T-Bird best...bring it on..what do ya think?

Thatch · 02-21-2010, 12:24 PM

2009 Star Raider S 1800

Price: $14,490
Dry weight: 719 lb.
Wheelbase: 70.7 in.
Seat height: 27.5 in.
Fuel mileage: 35 mpg
0–60 mph: 3.9 sec.
1/4-mile: 12.34 sec. @ 106.44 mph
Horsepower: 85.9 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 106.3 ft.-lb. @ 2400 rpm
Top speed: 123 mph

The raider has 200cc on the Triumph and the bird is right at the same power numbers. Bump up the bird with the bb kit and it kills the Raider. Dry weight is 50lbs more on the Raider, wheelbase is massive 7 inches longer which is going to really effect handling.

On the subjective side of things the Raider looks like a soup sandwich. There is no consistency in the design, it's all over the place, not able to keep a single design flow throughout the bike. It culminates in the god awful front yoke and goofball fuel tank that just doesn't remotely work

And finally, one is a Yamaha, the other is a Triumph. When someone asks you what you have you can either answer with a sheepish 'yamaha' which will be received at best with a 'cool I've got one of those' to a disinterested 'oh'. Answer with 'Triumph' and you'll get a much different response.

Oh, and the Raider is more expensive with more plastic parts (though thankfully not the fenders) and less performance. What's the question again?

AZfun · 02-21-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonidas

...when I do have a passenger, I want her to be very comfy (lots of room, etc) I dont want to feel I am compromising. That's my only hesitation with the T-Bird. So, from the guys who know the T-Bird best...bring it on..what do ya think?

Leo, I would make a decision before the TBird price increase...hot item! Secondly, did you ever consider the RAT forum? IMO, it’s the best support site and friendly. So, if you turn Japanese…we'll still welcome you! Lol

Leonidas · 02-21-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thatch

2009 Star Raider S 1800

Quote:

The raider has 200cc on the Triumph and the bird is right at the same power numbers. Bump up the bird with the bb kit and it kills the Raider. Dry weight is 50lbs more on the Raider, wheelbase is massive 7 inches longer which is going to really effect handling.

On the subjective side of things the Raider looks like a soup sandwich. There is no consistency in the design, it's all over the place, not able to keep a single design flow throughout the bike. It culminates in the god awful front yoke and goofball fuel tank that just doesn't remotely work

And finally, one is a Yamaha, the other is a Triumph. When someone asks you what you have you can either answer with a sheepish 'yamaha' which will be received at best with a 'cool I've got one of those' to a disinterested 'oh'. Answer with 'Triumph' and you'll get a much different response.

Oh, and the Raider is more expensive with more plastic parts (though thankfully not the fenders) and less performance. What's the question again?

I would prefer a little more direct answer, i mean, tip toeing around the topic doesnt help.

Leonidas · 02-21-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZfun

So, if you turn Japanese…we'll still welcome you! Lol

Do love me some Sushi.

M.Guy.Vig. · 02-21-2010, 01:37 PM

Can't you make your own mind up about which bike to buy? Buying a bike is a purely subjective thing. I love my 1050 Tiger, but two of my riding pals hate it! Go with your heart!

AZfun · 02-21-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonidas

I would prefer a little more direct answer, i mean, tip toeing around the topic doesnt help.

Inspired by one of Thatch's comments, I did some tip toeing around the web and read a Cycle World article (7-2009) about the Raider...there were the usual pros and cons (like All bikes). But then something stood out, quote "Yes, the Raider has a look to it that makes it seem sort of like an Iron Cross genetic-mutation experiment gone awry." Ouch...it's all fun!

engage · 02-21-2010, 02:34 PM

To me, the design of the Raider is sophomoric. It looks like something I might have sketched while bored in school. It looks forced, contrived...

I can picture the guys in the Yamaha board room. "We go make bad ass motorcycle now ... show Howrey how it's done..."

True beauty is understated and passes the test of time. It may not be as eye-catching at first, but is something you won't tire of over time. Like a cup of coffee.

Wonderful things are usually original and not copied. To me, that's what the Tbird is. Triumph knows there a market for Harley-sized bikes, but to me, the size is the only thing the Tbird has in common with Harley or rice look-a-likes. After the size, it has its own story to tell.

Edit: It likely seems as if I am whole-sale bashing Japanese bikes and I don't mean to. My son owns a FJR and it is an awesome bike. To me the best Japanese cruiser is the Goldwing. Sure, it's a bit big (well, really big), but at least like the Thunderbird, it sets its own standard.