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| Mike | | Set |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 07/11/2009 | | Posts | : | 23 | | Location | : | Bulle, FR, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 21:17 Post title : Miss your old bike? | | | I've had my TBird for about 2 weeks now (of which I was ill for 1). Am I the only one who misses his old bike now that I have the TBird?
Or did anybody else find it took time to get used to the TBird?
It's my first cruiser, so I'm finding the seating is not as comfortable as the large surface area of the padded seat led me to expect. And I miss the practicality of my Tiger 1050.
I hope this will wear off, and I'll become more comfortable on the TBird with time... but right now I'm a bit worried...
By the way, how low in the revs do you allow your engine to go while cruising along before you change down in gears? I find it's quite a vibration if I drop as low as 1500 rpm and was wondering if this is "healthy" for the engine.
Mike
| Thunderbirds are GO!
CV:
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2008 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS
2007 Kawasaki Versys ABS
Many moons...
1983 Kawasaki Z400
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| DVR | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 651 | | Location | : | I'm Denis, from Belgium |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 21:35 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Hey Mike, I do not miss my previous bike at all, glad I sold it to be able to get the t-bird.
I still haven't gotten mine but am very impatiently waiting as it was supposed to be deliverd already.
Anyway, during my 2 testrides I too found the seat not very comfortable so I have already gotten the longhaul touring seat so I can install it the minute I get my bike.
That thing is really very very comfy, I would advice to get it asap. It is really worth it.
| 1700 limited edition phantom black
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| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 21:37 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Nope - not at all, thought I would. It was the best allrounder bike I had riden and I loved it , swift handling, power,comfort,looks, it had it all (for me) and yes I would get another. But the VFR had to go. The lure of a cruiser was upon me and as soon as I tested the Bird I couldn't go on and have an affair, it had to be all the way and I have never looked back. I keep the Bird ay my workshop so I can look at it when I want (is this sounding a bit perverted ?)..... I allways think something running at the edge of a judder is going to do harm. It seems to pull fine at low end but I just change up to keep the revs around 1500+ probs used to high revs of the jap bikes. I cruised at 1200 in top at around 30mph and it seemed to be fine but it does niggle me.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| Mike | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 07/11/2009 | | Posts | : | 23 | | Location | : | Bulle, FR, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 21:48 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: DVR) | | | Hi DVR! Thing is... I already got the longhaul rider seat. Maybe my back is not strong enough - and I find it's the hip extender muscles (or whatever they're called) where I feel a bit of a pain after a while. It helps to put my feet on the back pegs to "rest".
| Thunderbirds are GO!
CV:
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2008 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS
2007 Kawasaki Versys ABS
Many moons...
1983 Kawasaki Z400
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| Mike | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 07/11/2009 | | Posts | : | 23 | | Location | : | Bulle, FR, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 21:50 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: mat1600) | | | Hi mat1600! Yes, that was what I was wondering... whether I'm just used to riding at higher revs on more sporty bikes and this is the wrong style for a cruiser, or whether these vibrations should be avoided. Thanks for the advice. I'll now keep the revs a bit higher to avoid it.
| Thunderbirds are GO!
CV:
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2008 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS
2007 Kawasaki Versys ABS
Many moons...
1983 Kawasaki Z400
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| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 22:02 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | I have no problem on the stock seat . I have spent hours on it and no problem but I am getting the Long haul dual seat cos the wife is moaning saying that she either 'puts on a few pounds for padding or I get the better seat'. So its going to be the seat 
A plus with the dual is the rider back rest option, which may come in when I put my back out again and it should help to keep my feet on the pegs when my right hand gets playful (throttle of course).
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| PES | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 03/01/2009 | | Posts | : | 927 | | Location | : | Tulsa, OK, United States |
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| | Posted : 07 Apr 2010 - 22:06 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | I went through the same thing, Mike. I was used to riding a Bonneville America and I thought...damn this thing is big and heavy. I am starting to get used to it more and I've been told that you won't want to go back to a lighter bike. It is sure planted and stable in the OK. winds. I have a 1600 mile plus trip planned in May. When I get back I will tell you if I still miss my old bike.
| "Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul."-author unknown
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| Flash | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 07/02/2010 | | Posts | : | 165 | | Location | : | South Coast, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 01:46 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | It took me about 1/2 hour to get used to my Bird. Low speed maneuvering was the biggest adjustment, and I kept trying to put my feet directly below me initially.
Brought it in for the 500 mile service yesterday, and road my Bonneville afterward. Yes, I missed her. She seemed so small and "skinny" when I first got back on her. But when I reached the twisting back roads, she came into her own. Much better angles leaning over when carving, and at a higher speed too. I'm keeping her for those particular days.
| 2010 Blue TBird-1700
Triumph Rally: May 28,29,30, 2020; Bennington, VT, USA
Link
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| daz | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,709 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 04:34 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | The tiger is so different that it's apples and oranges. It's very possible you are not cut out for oranges. You apparently liked the tiger a lot, and if thats your thing a cruiser, no matter how good, just may not do it for you. as much as i love the Tbird and wouldn't trade it for the world, i'm too old to not have learned lessons like these. You may get used to it and be happy. But be prepared because it could go either way. Give it time and if it turns out to not be your cup of tea, sell it, buy another tiger and consider it a lesson learned. I've done this many times and lost lots of money. But it's often the only way to know and to satisfy your curiosity.
That said, i'm also a big believer in getting used to things you are very unfamiliar with. It's human nature to become accustomed to something and have a very hard time coming to like something very different as much. But it often can and does happen. Give it time, then if it never happens head back to the dealer and get yourself a shiny new tiger. It's impossible to get thru life w/o making costly mistakes now and then. Time will tell if this is one of those or not. Lets hope not. The Tbird is a awesome ride to probably 95% of those who try it.
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
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| Mike | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 07/11/2009 | | Posts | : | 23 | | Location | : | Bulle, FR, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 05:12 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: daz) | | | Thanks, Daz! I'll report back in a few weeks/months once I'm convinced one way or the other. Shows that a 20 min test ride just is not enough to give a good impression of what it'd be like as an owner.
| Thunderbirds are GO!
CV:
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2008 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS
2007 Kawasaki Versys ABS
Many moons...
1983 Kawasaki Z400
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| Birdy68 | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 08:19 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Mike.... I'm in the same boat mate!
Fortunately I still have my (old - 1995) Tiger 900 and use the 'wechsel-nummer' system we have here in Switzerland.
I must say - the lightness of the Tiger and ride position is BRILLIANT! The transmission - silky smoooooth......
It was only the other day that I also asked my wife;
- "Is it normal that I possibly like the Tiger more than the Bird?"
She simply said;
- "Yes - but there's nothing wrong with it. It shows that you can respect different designs and that you don't have 'tunnel-vision' for only one thing."
But after putting over another 1'000 km on the Bird in wonderful sunny weather - I must say that it's a ride unto it's own!
Horses for courses.
I use my Tiger in 'bad weather' and for commuting to work and back.
The Bird for those cool - long - easy rides.
btw - I don't let the motor go too much below 2'000 rpm. I can ride through the villages (50 - 60 kmph) in 3rd gear.
I feel for you Mike - I know that I'll be test riding one of the newer 1050 Tigers in a month or two.....
I really LOVE the looks of the Gun-Metal grey Tiger 1050 SE! (If only that rear brake caliper wasn't hanging down underneath the swing arm - ready for the next rock to bash into it! STUPID design location! Should be up on top of the brake disc - out of harms way...)
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
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more info at Fuelly.com
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| Thatch | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 12:55 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Birdy68) | | |
Birdy68 wrote:
- "Is it normal that I possibly like the Tiger more than the Bird?" |
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Heaven forfend! I can't believe you said that. I'm just not sure I can have a beer with someone that would make a preference from some bug eyed wannabe dirt bike over the sex on wheels of the bird. You sir are sick!
well, maybe one beer, or a few.... but spooning is right out!
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| EnGage | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,155 | | Location | : | Grand Rapids, MI, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 13:14 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Birdy68) | | |
| Birdy68 wrote: ... "Is it normal that I possibly like the Tiger more than the Bird?" |
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I think you just like doing wheelies 
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| Birdy68 | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 13:16 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Thatch) | | | 
Well maybe not so far as to say "... more than the Bird", but at least just as well as.
And as you quite rightly pointed out - they are totally different, be it bug-eyed or just pain sexy.
The Tiger is for throwing around and frantically riding through the woods and off-roads.
The Bird is for those pulsating torque moments and cooly riding the open roads with the sound of Thunder in your ears.
OK - I'll pay for the first round if I can't convince you the Tiger can be loved
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
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more info at Fuelly.com
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| Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 13:24 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Birdy68) | | | Well, you must of taken your lithium as that post was much more lucid.
Of course the tiger can be loved. As you said, horses for courses and the tiger does things the bird can't. I'd love to have a bike that a scratch would build character, not well up tears. For some of the riding you do off road you could sort the tiger to do quite well at that. (though I have heard they've made the tiger much less dual purpose over the years).
It might just be that you love motorcycles, period.
*edited to add smileys for those that might think I'm serious
| | Post edited by Thatch on 08 Apr 2010 - 13:25 |
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| Birdy68 | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 13:30 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Thatch) | | |
Thatch wrote:
.... It might just be that you love motorcycles, period. |
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I do - I do - I do....
Just sooooooo many out there I'd love to get my grubby hands on!
I REALLY love the Moto Morini Scrambler:
  ... but don't get me started on things/ideas like that 
Where my....
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
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more info at Fuelly.com
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| daz | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,709 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 14:00 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Mike wrote:
Shows that a 20 min test ride just is not enough to give a good impression of what it'd be like as an owner. |
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You're quite right. I've told this story here many times, but when i got mine i had no test ride. I just believed in triumphs and bought it w/o even hearing it started. The ride home was 30 miles and by the time i arrived i was worried whether i'd made the wrong decision. The next day i did a 200 miler thru the twisties and by the time i got home you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I went from one end of the spectrum to the other overnight and became one of the many here who think this is the best bike i've ever owned or rode by far. But after a week on it and assuming you've put more than double digits on it, then you may be a different case. I'm interested to see how it turns out for you, hopefully the same way it did for me and most others.
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
| | Post edited by daz on 08 Apr 2010 - 14:01 |
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| Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 14:11 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Birdy68) | | |
Birdy68 wrote:
I REALLY love the Moto Morini Scrambler:
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I can see why, that's a sexy piece of kit. A 1200 scrambler would be a lot of fun, but they are dear though. Not sure I could bring myself to spend that money on a bike to play in the rocks with. (I suspect few of them end up there though) I would like to try some trail riding once I make the move. I might have to track down a used bike to bounce around on.
What I really want for that is a TPR scrambler though... and I'm quite sure they're right up there with the Morini
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| Druid | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 1,359 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 14:35 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Thatch) | | | I would love a bike that I could drop on the floor and not be bothered . Id like a bike that i could jump on and throw it
around traffic ,lift up the front when stuck in a jam and man handle it out of tight spots.
Id like a bike that I can take out in wet weather after snow and not worry about the salt . Id like a bike I could take on a field
and hack about and leave the mud on .
Would I swap that for the Bird , not in a million years . Oh Id like a Rocket roadster as well , A Vrod , a Hyaboosa , a Fireblade, a
Goldwing , a BMW 1200gs , a KTM 990 adventure, a Ducati 996 , a Kawasaki 1400 GTR , a Triumph Speed tripple and a Scambler.
| Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery - W.Churchill
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| KingOfFleece | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 30/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 304 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 14:36 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Thatch) | | | As for your other question, NEVER lug your engine. Change to a lower gear.
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| HooRad | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 19/01/2010 | | Posts | : | 280 | | Location | : | Richmond, VA, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 19:08 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Druid) | | |
Druid wrote:
Would I swap that for the Bird , not in a million years . Oh Id like a Rocket roadster as well , A Vrod , a Hyaboosa , a Fireblade, a
Goldwing , a BMW 1200gs , a KTM 990 adventure, a Ducati 996 , a Kawasaki 1400 GTR , a Triumph Speed tripple and a Scambler.
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Dude, that's like my wish list of motorcycling. Well done, sir! The Bird still would be at the top of the totem pole, though!
| Not likely to die of natural causes. At least I hope not.
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| erey | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/04/2009 | | Posts | : | 100 | | Location | : | Bulle, FR, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 19:18 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Hi Mike,
Like you I let my Tiger for a new Bird.
It take a little time to enjoy the TBird coming from a Tiger.
IMHO to be confortable, some accessories needs to be installed like the Windshield, the Seat with the backrest and the highway pegs.
But to be fair, commuting with the TBird is not so easy as with the Tiger. Top case is not an option for the look and the saddlebags are not enough (The Triumph's model).
Now with more than 2'800kms I like my TBird. It's another way to enjoy the ride. More relax but with a good engine (when you want to have more fun). Low rpm is not well managed, I try always to stay with a good rpm.
If you want you can test mine to have a second view.
Eric
| erey - Eric / Blog Link
«Tout ce qui est excessif est insignifiant.»
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| zolti | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 23/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 3,127 | | Location | : | newcastle , United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 08 Apr 2010 - 19:45 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | to be honest i dont miss my old bike at all, traded in a thruxton for the bird and never looked back both single and two up its great.
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| Birdy68 | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 09 Apr 2010 - 07:59 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: zolti) | | | BTW Mike,
I find that I can ride longer with the Bird. Last Monday I was in the seat for over 5 hours - not ONE problem!
The Tiger always starts giving me pain in the knees. After an hour of riding I find myself HAVING to constantly keep dangling my legs or standing up to stretch my knees!
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
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more info at Fuelly.com
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| Mike | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 07/11/2009 | | Posts | : | 23 | | Location | : | Bulle, FR, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 16 Apr 2010 - 20:21 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Don't know what it was that got into me last week - a bout of the account-balance blues, perhaps... or the weather...
Anyway, I've now got the first service behind me and am revving the engine higher than 3000 RPM... enjoying it hugely now! Not really only due to the RPM, but perhaps a growing confidence, less sensitive butt...
You're all right! It's a great bike.
| Thunderbirds are GO!
CV:
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2008 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS
2007 Kawasaki Versys ABS
Many moons...
1983 Kawasaki Z400
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| Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 16 Apr 2010 - 20:48 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Glad to hear it Mike. Getting a new bike is like meeting a new person. You can have a conversation with anyone just like you can ride any bike but it's always a little awkward at first while you figure each other out, you're still communicating but it seems a bit forced. Keep up with it and the conversations start to flow, and if the two people click you start finishing each other's sentences and it becomes like a dance. Looks like you're finally past that awkward first stage.... have fun, the bird is a great conversationalist
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| Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 19 Apr 2010 - 15:15 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Thatch) | | | Oh, Birdy.... did you see where Silvio's brother bought Moto Morin (and is looking to buy MV Agusta as well) Hopefully this will mean new life for Morin (after some favorable deals from Silvio) and some shared technology (a somewhat smaller price wouldn't be bad either)
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| Birdy68 | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 20 Apr 2010 - 07:11 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Thatch) | | |
Thatch wrote:
... and some shared technology (a somewhat smaller price wouldn't be bad either) |
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Now that sounds promising
But as you said - I honestly can't see myself 'willingly' throwing a new MM Scrambler around in the Rocky Piermont...
That's is - as you stated - too much money to 'play' with.
Alas - one day there will be a few on the after market at good prices I hope...
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
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more info at Fuelly.com
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| Sam77 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 03/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 469 | | Location | : | Finland |
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| | Posted : 20 Apr 2010 - 08:29 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Mike) | | | Do I miss my old bike? Yes, very deeply. Even more right now because haven't yet got a chance to push TBird to its limits due to poor weather conditions.
Hope you find a good new home
| A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station...
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| feduke | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 11/08/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,441 | | Location | : | Daytona Beach, Florida, United States |
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| | Posted : 21 Apr 2010 - 01:46 Post title : Re: Miss your old bike? (Re: Sam77) | | | I traded my Rocket III Touring for the TBird (sight unseen) and am so happy I did. The Rocket is a great bike but, for me to lug it around town just wasn't fun. The Bird is the best bike I've had in over 50 years and I have no problem with the stock seat. I was not fond of the original foot pegs but the floor boards are much more comfortable for me.
| I'm a secondhand vegetarian. Cows eat grass. I eat cows.
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