Triumphrat

kingpindog

It seems like there is a huge gap between the Bonnevilles and the Rocket III. I wonder if a revamped Thunderbird line sporting a 1050cc version of the cruiser engine with modern fuel injection system could be a go. Maybe borrow some America and Speedmaster styling for a cruiser version and the more standard sit up and beg ergos for a retro. There is a place for triples and this displacement gap needs to be filled.

TBSGuy

In regards to the Thunderbird series, they should and I hope they bring it back in at least 2 models--the adventurer and the Sport.
Both should use the 1050 motoer--but make it a torque monster not a reving maniac-6 speeds the cast rims from the tiger maybe- and definately with a saddle worthy of 2 up riding--of course the Thunderbird Sport could have the revin maniac motor and cast rims from the Speed 3 since it is a 'Sport' (power cruiser) and with the same saddle options The original TBS saddle sucked and was a franks and beans crusher.
It shouold also weigh in under 475lbs wet . and have a longish wheelbase of 60 short to -65 inches max-maybe copy the Rocket 3 muffler patern-seat hieght of 27-29 inches-depending on the model.
The gas tank from the Speedmaster for more range in the new more comfortable saddles-.
The Sport should have a small fairing or sporty windshield with dragbars and the old Adventurere rear fender as well.
The Adventurer would have a more touring type as an option---both models with dual disc brakes the Adventurer should have small hard saddlebags standrard and optios on the Sport, with larger soft set wihtout barcket as options although they could interchange by using the same brackets .
Both should have the adjustable suspensions bits as well.
Those are my ideas and if there is anything else i might've forgotten to put in --well post it :hammer:

MickMaguire

Only if you tried to ride it in an upright position. the ergos were aimed at a butt back leaning forward "sportier" riding position than the stock bird. I guess this will vary by rider dimensions though

[ This message was edited by: MickMaguire on 2005-11-18 10:36 ]

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Mick...

Just remember; an awful lot of the free advice you will get on forums is worth exactly what you paid for it. There will always be somebody trying to convince you to do something really stupid, just because they did it or want to do it.

dhall10

And how about a full fairing for those who are interested in some real touring machines...

Also let make all of these add-ons retrofit-able to the older models!

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kingpindog

I think maybe more torque could be added by increasing the stroke on the 1050cc mill to make a 1200cc of it. I dont know if the cases will clear but it sounds like a way to get a torque monster in a new updated Thunderbird. Another route would require an entirely new motor with 1500 to 1600 cubic centimeters. Bigger bore and stroke with styling cues taken from the Bonnevilles by moving the camchain drive to between an end and the center cylinder and restyling the cam towers to resemble rocker boxes. Ditto for the triangular timing case on the righthand with a primary case on the left. Liquid cooling of course, but keep finning to resemble an aircooled motor. Cruisers just have to have finning on their motors and chromed case covers.

ChuckofTahoe

There was a rumor about a two thirds of the Rocket cruiser or Baby Rocket.

THe engine might look funny though kind of a cube looking thing. THe Rocket engine already looks kind of car like. But with the new blacked out engines they look great in my opinion.

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