Triumphrat

09-29-2004

I know, it's a bit of a strange quandry... I'd imagine opinions on the two are a bit polarized. But after spending a beautiful NJ summer looking at my old Shadow sitting in the garage gathering dust, I've decided that it's time I bought a bike I actually want to ride.

I really like the Brando-esque looks of the TBS, but I fear it is (relatively) underpowered. I have a tendancy towards buying bikes on the low end of the HP scale and later regretting it. Also, I've heard that the saddle can get uncomfortable pretty quickly.

On the other hand, my buddies are mainly sport bike guys. The S3 certainly seems like the thing to keep pace with them through the twisties, without looking... well, without looking like a sport bike guy. For some reason, I've just never liked all the plastic bits. Maybe it's just my enduring rat rod weltanschung. Who knows. Who cares.

Point is, I was hoping to hear from riders of both who could tell me a bit about the performance, handling, comfort, etc. of these beautiful machines. I'd like to know what real riders think are the highs and lows of their bikes before I buy one.

Also, I'm having trouble tracking down a dealer in my area (Somerset Co., NJ). Any recommendations?

00wabbit · 09-29-2004

I think you need both.

I have a TBird and find myself eyeing the S3 from time to time.

I dont think my wife would be very comfortable as a passenger on the S3, and I don't think I would want a passenger when on the twisties. The Tbird is pretty good for riding 2 up.

While you are at it you should also pick up a Sprint for long distance travelling.

You could also do like this guy and combine both bikes into 1.
TBird Sport Triple

09-29-2004

Jazus, now THAT'S a cafe racer!

Oh, and since you ride one... How does the Tbird handle? I'm not seeing much 2-up riding in the near future as we're expecting our first child in November, but I would like something that could deal with it on those rare moments we'll have alone.

Also, I'm wondering if the Tbird is friendlier to a less experienced rider (she'll need a weekend away from the baby too, I'll bet).

[ This message was edited by: nutkeis on 2004-09-29 09:14 ]

idahotb · 09-29-2004

Nutkis-
It probably depends on what kind of riding you want to do, and how you feel about the aesthetics of both bikes (I really like the looks of both- but don't have enough hooligan in me).
I don't think that you can really consider the TBS (86 bhp) to be underpowered. It has gobs of torque throught the power band. I have riden mine in excess of a ton for extended periods on Hwy 55 in Nevada (the loneliest road in America). I also indavertantly ended up in the midst of group of speedies on a RAT ride on Mt Rainer last year. I was slightly squided, but got congratulated at the top for hanging with them (I did NOT ride back down with them).
Having said that I also ride a Sprint 900 (98 bhp) and it is a diffenently ride altogether. It likes to rev out more , and go deceptively faster. It is also WAY more comfortable for long rides. See I'm indecisive too!

09-29-2004

True, hence the "relatively" bit. But again, I have this tendancy towards underpowered machines that makes me a bit gun shy.

On the other hand, there's much to be said for ergonomics and style. Which draws me to the TBS.

I just don't want to be scraping footpegs. I want a bike that's fun to ride. Dammit.

Pablo · 09-30-2004

Well, I think I need to throw in a word for the S-3. It is comfortable enough to just motor around on but it will easily stay with all of your sportbike buddies. If the only two-up you are planning is very occasional you would enjoy the extra HP and cornering capabilities that it offers.
Then when you and Momma have more time find a T-bird to add to the stable.
Oh, and congrats Dad!

09-30-2004

Thanks Pablo!

Oh, and thanks to everyone who chipped in their 2 cents on this thread. Thanks to you, a decision has been made.

I have decided that the '03 TBS is the way to go.

Partly because my riding ability just isn't quite up to the speed triple yet, and partly because I know my wife isn't fond of the sportbike crouch, but mostly because I know it'll be easier to convince her that we need an orange standard than a black street fighter. She loves orange. I think that bike was made for her.

Then later, I can buy myself an S3 claiming that the Tbird is her bike. :-D

So in the end, I think double-aught Wabbit nailed it spot on. I award you 17,300 points, and may your rides never be soggy and your favorite roads squidless.

So I've posted in the classified forum here... I guess I'll just wait. Dum de dum de dum.... Hmm... no responses yet... maybe everyone's at lunch. I'll check back in 5 minutes. Tee tum te tum te tum... nope, not yet...

silvoor · 09-30-2004

There is no wrong answer. Annual reports from UK owners(Ride magazine) indicates a much higher level of owner satisfaction with the S3 but the TBS sure looks sweet.

09-30-2004

Oh, sure... rain on my little parade now whydontcha?

Just kidding... Thanks for the input. I figure I can give it a shot and see how it goes. I know where to sell it if I end up not liking it. :razz:

97TB · 09-30-2004

I just picked up a Speed Triple, for which I traded in a standard Thunderbird. I have, however, ridden my buddy's TBS and can say that the bike is great. It doesn't have the same punch as the S3 or the super-sharp handling, but it feels sporty enough and it does look like a beauty. Some other things to consider:

The S3 is fuel injected, as opposed to the TBS's carbs.
The aftermarket is quite a bit bigger for the S3.
The TBS is now discontinued (not sure what impact, if any, that will have).
The S3 has tubless tires, the TBS uses tubes.

Anyway, either bike will make you happy and I don't think you will fell that the TBS is slow, by any means.

Also . . there are a few dealer in NJ worth checking out:

Cycle Connection in Lodi, Freehold Triumph in Freehold and Jack Trebour (somewhere on Rt 23).

Let us know when you're on the road and we'll meet up for a ride

Dan

[ This message was edited by: 97TB on 2004-09-30 16:25 ]