New Triumph Thunderbird 1600

[nhmaf]

They've gone and done it this time - It wasn't enough to have the incredibly huge and torquey Rocket, now those Brits are releasing a Harley-sized displacement (1600cc) parallel vertical twin (liquid cooled) to compete with the  big displacement cruisers.   I suppose it will have some buyers, but I don't think that any of the V-twin cruiser crowd will buy one unless it makes the silly "potato-potato" sound -

When I first saw it I thought that someone had reinvented the Ariel Square 4 using the current new Bonneville engine, but no, there are just (2) cylinders there..

Would YOU buy one ??!?  Would you buy one if the economy wasn't in the bin and you actually had money to spend ?

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/355/1191/Motorcycle-Article/Triumph-Thunderbird-Set-for-2010.aspx

[fastcataz]

I read they are using a 270 crank. It should sound almost like a Hardly.
I think it is a bit silly, still waiting for a vertical twin to come along to replace my beloved Nortons. I don't understand why they can't build a modern 100 hp version.  Not interested  in ANOTHER fake Hardly.
I understand Kenny Dreer sold off his "new" Norton, the name is back in England.

[steve hawkins]

Yes, the new English Norton are trying to get Kenny's Norton into production.

They are trying to produce it for triumph money.

It might happen.

Cheers
Steve H

[nhmaf]

I got really excited about the Norton VR880 effort.  But, the advance deposit thing wasn't working for me, though I can understand the need to do such a thing with a fledgling company.  I'm glad to see that the Norton name is back in England where it ought to be - I wonder how much of the Kenny D version design is retained, and how much will be changed?    As long as they don't put Lucas electrics in it again it may prove to be a success.  Of all the "modern" Triumphs, I still much prefer the twins and the triples.

[fastcataz]

I found this posted on MCN's website.http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2009/march/9-15/mar1309-norton-commando-picture-gallery/?&R=EPI-106815

[steve hawkins]

The full article went on to say that they were trying to produce a bike that could be sold to the mass market and not a very expensive special.  So its down to sourcing the parts at a cost that will allow them to pitch the bike against its main rivals.....Triumph Bonneville/Thruxton, etc.....Good luck with that.

Time for a factory in the far east....

[montmil]

Latest issue of Cycle World had a skimpy review of the new Turnip, too.

OK, guys, help me understand a couple Triumph questions.

Who owns the manufacturing rights? Where are the bikes manufactured? Who is funding/leading the design team and where? Any good links?

I haven't kept up with the mark since the Buck Rogers Triple. Ugh.

Monte I gotta go back to work tomorrow Miller

[Ed Miller]

I read they are using a 270 crank. It should sound almost like a Hardly.
I think it is a bit silly, still waiting for a vertical twin to come along to replace my beloved Nortons. I don't understand why they can't build a modern 100 hp version.  Not interested  in ANOTHER fake Hardly.
I understand Kenny Dreer sold off his "new" Norton, the name is back in England.

Amazing that it only takes 85 hp to do 140 mph.

[fastcataz]

Not a top speed issue for me. What I want is the effortless roll on power that comes with 100 hp. Power wheelies are FUN. I have ridden a friends ST, and it is nice but....I miss the , um , feeling of too much hp. And the classic look ( and sound)  of the Norton.

[MrRiden]

Not really all that fond of the "cruser" genre. Too many "cruisers" out there for reasons other than pure motorcycle enjoyment. C'mon you've seen the rolling costume party and we all know the uniform. Black with flames, skulls, birds of prey and company logos in abundance. I'd give it a look only because it was a Triumph badged product but to me it looks like the universal clone bike that there are just so many of. Ho hum. Now here is someone, who in their later years, shares my point of view.
http://mcdavao.blogspot.com/2009/02/hells-angels-legend-does-not-like.html
"Too soon old. Too late smart"
rich

[fishypaws]

With great power comes great response(ablity) Throttulus maximus

[SCJJR65]

To quote a line from a movie I saw some time ago,

"If you build it, they will come."