11-20-2013, 03:56 AM
Fellows I own a Bonnie, an America and a Thunderbird in addition to others and of course the CB1100.
This is a bit like discussing flavors of ice cream.
From the point of view of an owner I can't say that I see much if ANY difference in quality Honda to Triumph. Of course that could change given time and use.
The Thunderbird is one powerful smooth and impressive bike. I like to say that it out Harley's the Harley's to which I think it is most comparable. Better smoother engine other wise pretty similar to my Harley Fatboy.
The Bonnie SE is my favorite bike. It's smaller and a little easier handling then the CB but I could see how a larger person would prefer the Honda but performance to me at least is a pretty academic discussion.
The America is just a nice all around cruiser bike and should not be overlooked.
As to preference to brands? I'd rank Honda and Triumph equal pretty much across the board. Quality of build, form and function. Harley is in the hunt. My only "complaint" with Harley is their motors are not as smooth or as powerful as their competition but I am CONVINCED that most Harley owners prefer what I object to regarding their engine designs.
We owners of other brands tend to speculate that Harley owners some how just aren't informed as well as "us" and that they buy Harleys for reasons of prestige or image. I think that's a simplistic view. We are all influenced by image to a greater or lesser degree. Harley is making very nice motorcycles. Very nice.
I believe people buy what they like and obviously I like them all pretty much and I find positive aspects to each of my bikes. The Bonnie is the "best" for me and the one I would pick if I could only pick one. Having said that if a bunch of guys came to my garage and test road all of them my suspicion is that the best bike pick would be pretty much what the market place shows. Lots and lots are going to pick the Harley and the Honda. Having said that each and everyone of the perspective riders when stepping off the various Triumphs is going to say "nice bike". (The CB as well.) They may not drop their own money on one but in my collection there are no bad ones. Nice place to be. I do have to thin the herd next year and I'm going to have to make some difficult choices.
I have not owned a MotoGuzzi it's about the only one I have not. Ducati another one.
This is a bit like discussing flavors of ice cream.
From the point of view of an owner I can't say that I see much if ANY difference in quality Honda to Triumph. Of course that could change given time and use.
The Thunderbird is one powerful smooth and impressive bike. I like to say that it out Harley's the Harley's to which I think it is most comparable. Better smoother engine other wise pretty similar to my Harley Fatboy.
The Bonnie SE is my favorite bike. It's smaller and a little easier handling then the CB but I could see how a larger person would prefer the Honda but performance to me at least is a pretty academic discussion.
The America is just a nice all around cruiser bike and should not be overlooked.
As to preference to brands? I'd rank Honda and Triumph equal pretty much across the board. Quality of build, form and function. Harley is in the hunt. My only "complaint" with Harley is their motors are not as smooth or as powerful as their competition but I am CONVINCED that most Harley owners prefer what I object to regarding their engine designs.
We owners of other brands tend to speculate that Harley owners some how just aren't informed as well as "us" and that they buy Harleys for reasons of prestige or image. I think that's a simplistic view. We are all influenced by image to a greater or lesser degree. Harley is making very nice motorcycles. Very nice.
I believe people buy what they like and obviously I like them all pretty much and I find positive aspects to each of my bikes. The Bonnie is the "best" for me and the one I would pick if I could only pick one. Having said that if a bunch of guys came to my garage and test road all of them my suspicion is that the best bike pick would be pretty much what the market place shows. Lots and lots are going to pick the Harley and the Honda. Having said that each and everyone of the perspective riders when stepping off the various Triumphs is going to say "nice bike". (The CB as well.) They may not drop their own money on one but in my collection there are no bad ones. Nice place to be. I do have to thin the herd next year and I'm going to have to make some difficult choices.
I have not owned a MotoGuzzi it's about the only one I have not. Ducati another one.