Thunderbirds Are Go

[Stichill_imp]

Thank, guys! This riding life of ours is so interesting, isn't it? Lots of intangible emotions mixed up with rational analysis in the decision-making.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thank, guys! This riding life of ours is so interesting, isn't it? Lots of intangible emotions mixed up with rational analysis in the decision-making.

I suppose it is one of the few modern, arguably accessible "sanctuaries", that when respected, minimizes harm to others.

[LongRanger_imp]

I've long complained about the poor cross-wind stability of my F800GT, and of course the CBR250R that I briefly owned was a featherweight and didn't care for crosswinds either, so I would imagine the heavier and longer Triumph is a revelation by comparison. It sure is a pretty bike.

[Stichill_imp]

Insightful comment about crosswinds, LR. I don't think we typically get the sustained linear crosswinds out here that you probably experience out there in Colorado. Our winds tend to be gusty and multi-directional but can still be bothersome. The little CBR250R does tend to get blown around a bit but it's almost more of an effect on the rider's body than the bike itself. Riding out west I was gob-smacked by the power and tenacity of straight-line winds on plains and coming through passes. I could imagine they'd be challenging on the F800GT. On the Thunderbird they barely registered as a concern.

Thanks for the comment on the bike's looks, LR. I think you and I have similar tastes in bikes so it's nice to hear your reaction.

I'm looking forward to trying out some longer-haul riding on this bike. I feel like this is a bike I could happily go across the country on, even enjoying the ride across the level plains of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, etc.

[the Ferret]

enjoy riding across Kansas and Nebraska

[Stichill_imp]

enjoy riding across Kansas and Nebraska

Not the interstates. The rural highways. Traffic-free open highways appeal to me and I like the sense of isolation. I just dropped Google Street View in a few rural locations and found these scenes. I would be happy to ride along any of these roads.

Kansas






Nebraska

[GoldOxide_imp]

Agreed on rural highways. The presented examples are seriously infinite.

[Stichill_imp]

Agreed on rural highways. The presented examples are seriously infinite.

Infinite! Perfect term and concept.

Lets hope your initial impression were right and the bird suits you for a long time.

I feel really good about this bike, ferret. When I threw a leg over this bike for a test ride and thumbed the starter button, my entire being said "Oh, yeah. This is definitely it." That feeling intensified once I got underway and it kept building during the test ride. When I pulled back into the dealer's lot, it was already a foregone conclusion the bike would be coming home with me.

[Stichill_imp]

Welcome to Arizona! Not a bad time of year to visit. We're getting some heat but not the serious stuff.

I've talked to folks that own a T-bird and they love it. I could never warm to the curve of the pipes and the way they treated the over head cam caps. Naturally; my long legs had a hard time finding a good home on it. But I was still sorely tempted a couple years ago. Maybe some day you'll bring it to AZ and we can swap bikes for a bit.

It's been amazing in southern Arizona this week! Here's just a tiny sampling of what we've seen in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

[GoldOxide_imp]

AZ country is amazing. Glad you are able to get out and enjoy it.