|  | Topic : Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD |  |
| | | Thatch | | Thor |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 06:41 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | |
Xfarmer wrote:
Wow... I'm fairly new to the forum here, but I must admit that I am a little surprised by all the negative comments about this bike.
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That being said, when I have personalized my bird... I will think twice before subjecting it to the 'peanut gallery' for consideration.
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Farmer,
Being new you might not realize that this bike is by Moto91, a Swiss triumph dealer who are one of the most active dealer customizers of the bird. They've done quite a few mods over the last couple years though this one is the most customized one yet. Being presented impersonally as a dealer bike, folks are much more free with their comments than they would ever be with a personal bike. There have been numerous personal mod bikes shown here that probably aren't as well thought through as this 'Thunderglide' and folks have been very complimentary of what they liked and mostly kept what they didn't like to themselves (or shared it in a more gentle fashion). It's for the those reasons that the comments might come off as a bit harsh, but it does not reflect how the group is on personal modifications.
Now, all that said I'd be remiss if I didn't share my own thoughts on the bike, and what better way than my favorite gif....
Ok that's probably not completely fair, but it's got so much wanna-be Harley on it where function follows form that I find it overall a pretty big disappointment. For me, and I expect for most of the folks with negative comments, it's all about differing visions than it is actual execution. I didn't get a bird for posing, but for riding and this bike is just too much of a poser, robing the original bike of handling in favor of looking 'badass'.
Having said all that I think there is some very good work on this bike. The bags and rear fender work is very good, though I think I'd still like to see a proper tail light on the bike. Overall however I think they work well, not my style but good execution.
The seat, we've seen the brown seat on a few black bikes now and it just works. So good choice there in getting some other colors into a simple paint scheme.
Speaking of paint. I like what they were thinking, I don't like how it came out. I'd love to see the dark blue background of the flag removed and it just be the black of the tank instead so that flag integrates more on the tank instead of looking like a giant sticker. I'd also like to see the bars of the flag go ahead and extend across the tank and not stop within the normal boundaries of the flag. The middle vertical bar could stop under the center console and the other 3 bars (the horizontal bar and the 2 smaller angled bars should extend to the edges of the tank. If they did that I think it would look great. The placement of the flag is great and the colors work well (except the background) but as I mentioned earlier it ends up looking like a sticker because of the sort of forced borders on the flag.
I'd also agree with the comments about the chrome to black exhaust issue. I've never cared for that. I'd hesitate going all black though as I think the bike would just be too black and wouldn't have the balance in highlight, mid-tone and shadow that you need to pull off a good looking bike. A header wrap might work, but as much as I like wrapped pipes they don't make a great deal of sense on a water cooled bike, so I'm a bit on the fence there.
Anywho, regardless of my personal view of the bike, I'm quite happy to see Moto91 doing these mods. No one's mods are going to click with everyone and sometimes when you begin to touch on the functionality of the bike within your mod you're going to get some pretty polarized opinions. That's to be expected. But, the wider audience the bird can attract the better and while most of us recoil a bit at the Thunderglide approach it's going to really click with some folks and motivate them to move over to Triumph from one of the lesser brands and ultimately, that's a good thing.
Good job Moto91. Keep em coming.
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| | | Druid | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 1,359 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 14:49 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | | Xfarmer wrote:
That being said, when I have personalized my bird... I will think twice before subjecting it to the 'peanut gallery' for consideration.
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We totaly respect everyones ride and their choice to like what they like . We also reserve the right to say what we think honestly but respectfully. This was a definate excepcion as it wasnt a members bike so we could be a little more blunt on our thoughts. When Mr Lopez put the alien queen on the front of his bike we didnt let him have it at all . I didnt even post a picture of said alien queen anywhere near the thread .
Ok I lie I did ... We totaly respected his right to strap a 1980's iconic si fi monster to the front of his machine  . Sorry if we come across a bit forthrite in our chat but we have got used to the banter here and nothing is ment in a bad way .
| 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
| | Post edited by Druid on 26 Mar 2012 - 15:47 |
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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 : 26 Mar 2012 - 15:08 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Druid) | | |
Druid wrote:
Xfarmer wrote:
That being said, when I have personalized my bird... I will think twice before subjecting it to the 'peanut gallery' for consideration.
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We totaly respect everyones ride and their choice to like what they like . We also reserve the right to say what we think honestly but respectfully. This was a definate expection as it wasnt a members bike so we could be a little more blunt on our thoughts. When Mr Lopez put the alien queen on the front of his bike we didnt let him have it at all . I didnt even post a picture of said alien queen anywhere near the thread .
Ok I lie I did ... We totaly respected his right to strap a 1980's iconic si fi monster to the front of his machine . Sorry if we come across a bit forthrite in our chat but we have got used to the banter here and nothing is ment in a bad way .
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+1
But I do have a massive hatred for ape hangers. I get a funny twitch just looking at them.
xfarmer - if it wasn't for people putting up there ideas, the forum would be as deserted as the health food section of Walmart.
We look forward to any ideas you may post.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| | | zolti | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 23/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 3,127 | | Location | : | newcastle , United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 15:37 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Birdy68) | | | i did like the poster on the back wall
chololate, banks and cuckoo clocks
now you know why
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| | | zolti | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 23/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 3,127 | | Location | : | newcastle , United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 15:39 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: mat1600) | | |
mat1600 wrote:
But I do have a massive hatred for ape hangers. I get a funny twitch just looking at them.
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yeah.... I wouldnt want to stand up to ride either 
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 15:47 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: zolti) | | |
zolti wrote:
yeah.... I wouldnt want to stand up to ride either |
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| | | Xfarmer | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 05/11/2011 | | Posts | : | 407 | | Location | : | Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 16:08 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Thatch) | | | Thatch wrote:
Farmer,
Being new you might not realize that this bike is by Moto91, a Swiss triumph dealer who are one of the most active dealer customizers of the bird. They've done quite a few mods over the last couple years though this one is the most customized one yet. Being presented impersonally as a dealer bike, folks are much more free with their comments than they would ever be with a personal bike. There have been numerous personal mod bikes shown here that probably aren't as well thought through as this 'Thunderglide' and folks have been very complimentary of what they liked and mostly kept what they didn't like to themselves (or shared it in a more gentle fashion). It's for the those reasons that the comments might come off as a bit harsh, but it does not reflect how the group is on personal modifications.
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Ok, I'm with ya.  Initially I was thinking, "Damn... tough crowd!"
I understand the aversion to 'form over function' mods. We probably see more impractical trailer queens on this side of the pond, so I've become desensitized. However, being an artist (see my avatar) I do appreciate the motorcycle as an art form and this bike is very aesthetically pleasing IMO. Impractical?.... Hell yes, with the exception of the beautifully sculpted hard bags.
Since I first saw the 1600 Thunderbird, I have been struck by the beauty of the design; it's lines, the flow of the different design elements. But... I've always thought it would look much better with a 'less busy' rear tail section and a slightly lowered rear fender. I will most likely put a shorter pair of shocks on, which is arguably a 'form over function' modification. But hey, I'm the one who's gonna ride it and the opinions of the purists are irrelevant to me.
Thanks for the clarification, this is a great forum!
| John
Suzuki Boulevard S83, 2010 T-Bird 1700
***Love one woman.... many guitars.***
artjohnmayer.com
| | Post edited by Xfarmer on 26 Mar 2012 - 16:20 |
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 16:24 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | |
Xfarmer wrote:
Initially I was thinking, "Damn... tough crowd!"
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Understandable. We'll raz each other on personal mods but for the most part negatives are handled more in the 'wouldn't be my choice' or kinder method. (except perhaps for Nar's alien queen fairing, but that was mostly in jest and we all knew he could take it.)
However, being an artist (see my avatar)
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Have I missed you posting a larger version of that image? If so could you point me to the thread, if not, what the hell is wrong with you... post that for all to enjoy. It looks awfully good in tiny avatar size.
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| | | Xfarmer | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 05/11/2011 | | Posts | : | 407 | | Location | : | Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 16:46 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Thatch) | | |
Thatch wrote:
Have I missed you posting a larger version of that image? If so could you point me to the thread, if not, what the hell is wrong with you... post that for all to enjoy. It looks awfully good in tiny avatar size. |
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Actually, I haven't posted any pics of my paintings. Photobucket is giving me trouble this morning for some reason, so here's a link to my website:
Link
Thanks for your interest! I'm feeling more and more like part of the family.
... and I feel perfectly comfortable telling someone if I think their bike belongs in a zoo!
| John
Suzuki Boulevard S83, 2010 T-Bird 1700
***Love one woman.... many guitars.***
artjohnmayer.com
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| | | BlueNose | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 17:11 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | |
Xfarmer wrote:
|Actually, I haven't posted any pics of my paintings. Photobucket is giving me trouble this morning for some reason, so here's a link to my website:
Link
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Impressive stuff John
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| | | Xfarmer | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 05/11/2011 | | Posts | : | 407 | | Location | : | Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 17:30 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: BlueNose) | | |
BlueNose wrote:
Xfarmer wrote:
|Actually, I haven't posted any pics of my paintings. Photobucket is giving me trouble this morning for some reason, so here's a link to my website:
Link
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Impressive stuff John |
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Thanks.
I haven't posted painting pics before, because I didn't want people to think that the reason I joined the forum was to promote my business. However, When I finish something that I think you guys might want to see, I will definitely post it.
| John
Suzuki Boulevard S83, 2010 T-Bird 1700
***Love one woman.... many guitars.***
artjohnmayer.com
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| | | Druid | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 1,359 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 17:50 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | | Hell John thats a great piece of work on the TBird and its the fastest colour too .
I just love well done water colours .How much is a print mate?
| 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
| | Post edited by Druid on 26 Mar 2012 - 17:52 |
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| | | Birdy68 | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 19:16 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Druid) | | | Druid wrote:
.How much is a print mate? |
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+1
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
 -x-  -x- 
more info at Fuelly.com
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| | | Daycruiser | | Chaac | | | Reg. Date | : | 08/11/2011 | | Posts | : | 704 | | Location | : | Garner, NC, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 20:48 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: BlueNose) | | | When I looked at the back end of this bike my first impression was Victory X-Roads knock off. Some see HD, that too I guess.
| | Post edited by Daycruiser on 26 Mar 2012 - 20:48 |
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| | | CornerBanger | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 07/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,113 | | Location | : | Charleston, SC, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Mar 2012 - 23:46 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | |
Xfarmer wrote:
Thatch wrote:
Have I missed you posting a larger version of that image? If so could you point me to the thread, if not, what the hell is wrong with you... post that for all to enjoy. It looks awfully good in tiny avatar size. |
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Actually, I haven't posted any pics of my paintings. Photobucket is giving me trouble this morning for some reason, so here's a link to my website:
Link
Thanks for your interest! I'm feeling more and more like part of the family.
... and I feel perfectly comfortable telling someone if I think their bike belongs in a zoo!
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Very nice work Mate!!! The Bird painting is awesome! I would like to get a print. Nice VTX too. That was my last bike.
On the side, like Thatch so well put it, most of us prefer function over form and anything that resembles a coffee table, no matter how beautiful, is going to get ripped. We like to ride, not go to the local pub for a style and profile session. A good number of us are at 25,000 miles plus already. I think Dave is close to 30,000. I look at a bike and the first thing I ask myself is can I ride it over 350 miles and still be happy, if not, then it does not do anything for me. One caveat, if it goes fast, like the Speed Triple, then the 350 mile litmus test is overlooked. In short Ape Hangers cant do either so 
| There are those who own and there are those who ride!
2010 Thunderbird
2007 Kawi KX250F
2010 Kawi KX85 (My boy's ride)
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| | | TBRider | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 21/10/2011 | | Posts | : | 834 | | Location | : | Foothills, The Mountains, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Mar 2012 - 00:50 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Thatch) | | | Ya Thatch, I think with your arm reach the ape hangers ought to be right down your alley! As you're from the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant, they'd be more like drag bars to you!:
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| | | Noladuck | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 05/06/2011 | | Posts | : | 260 | | Location | : | Portland, Oregon, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Mar 2012 - 05:34 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: TBRider) | | | Some people like to ride, and some people like to draw attention to what they occasionally ride. Some have the money to spend and push the design envelope. There are a few design elements I don't mind on this mod, but overall, it's more like a harley/victory/triumph hybrid. I put triumph third, because obviously, the performance aspects were not their primary intention. There are ape hangers, and then there are really rediculous ape hangers. I kind of like the rear fender of the bike, and the bags have some potential. The asymetrical design on the tank seems too unbalanced. I would rather it be symetrical with the british flag design. Black or chrome... like many of you have said, make up your mind. Maybe a brushed steel might have made more sense with the black, but honestly, I like chrome. I do like the way the exhaust sounds, though.
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Mar 2012 - 09:18 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | | Xfarmer wrote:
Actually, I haven't posted any pics of my paintings.
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Well I'm glad you finally did. That's some awfully nice work Farmer. Having done a bit of watercolor myself I can certainly appreciate some of the unique challenges (and happy accidents) along with the skill required that rendering vehicles/machines in that medium can bring. Thanks for posting them.... though your work deserves it's own thread, not lost in here.
Keep up the good work, can't wait to see more.
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Mar 2012 - 09:20 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: TBRider) | | |
TBRider wrote:
Ya Thatch, I think with your arm reach the ape hangers ought to be right down your alley!
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You'd think, instead I've got the smallest, lowest bars of anyone on here... I never claimed to make one bit of sense though.
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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 : 27 Mar 2012 - 09:41 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Xfarmer) | | | Brilliant stuff there X. Like thatch I have also used water/c (and many others) but have never attempted to create hard finishes with it - you make it look easy.
I will carry on with the pencil till I pluck up the courage to attempt a Bird.
Thanks for shareing.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| | | DC13 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 347 | | Location | : | Westbrook , Maine, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Mar 2012 - 23:21 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Birdy68) | | |
Birdy68 wrote:
Druid wrote:
.How much is a print mate? |
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+1 |
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+ another
That bike just proves there are those that ride and those who own.............and he looks happy as hell owning that one.
I like the idea of that sort of rear fender/ bags more than the execution of them. I think they need rounder lines and those are just too angular for my taste
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| | | Birdy68 | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 16/07/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,352 | | Location | : | Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland |
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| | Posted : 29 Mar 2012 - 05:25 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: DC13) | | | DC13 wrote:
That bike just proves there are those that ride and those who own.............and he looks happy as hell owning that one. |
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He can afford to be happy - he can have ANY bike he wants - he owns the garage 
Amongst a variety of Triumphs he has....
a HD
(no pictures sorry)
a ZZUZOOOKI
and a cool Bonneville that he did for CASTROL oil
His moto:
"The bike doesn't have to please ANYBODY... It's for ME!"
| Birdy68
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Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!
-x- -x-
more info at Fuelly.com
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| | | DC13 | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 347 | | Location | : | Westbrook , Maine, United States |
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| | Posted : 29 Mar 2012 - 11:27 Post title : Re: Moto91 - Converted STORM -> APEBIRD (Re: Birdy68) | | |
Birdy68 wrote:
His moto:
"The bike doesn't have to please ANYBODY... It's for ME!" |
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I couldn't agree with him more...........a bike only needs to be what you want it to be. I personally will make a bike as ugly as it needs to be to go faster or stop harder, lots of people don't get that. It sounds like he can have a bike for all seasons so to speak so devoting a bike to being an art project rather than a rider is possible. I get it, I have a 95 Ducatti SS/SP that I plan to mount on my living room wall when I finally can't ride her anymore. I still have to convince the wife, but I can appreciate a bike for more thanits rideability.
Still makes me sad to see a bike capable of such good performance rendered impotent by a set of apehangers. They make me scratch my head when I see them on my brothers soft tail and they don't hurt that bikes handling or his riding ability . IMHO neither exist
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