|  | Topic : V Twin test ride |  |
| | | Leethal | | Zeus |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 04 Aug 2020 - 07:19 Post title : V Twin test ride | | | Well today i took an Indian Chieftain, 2020 model for a spin, covered about 250kms on a familiar circuit that I know quite well. The loop has highway, secondary main roads, good and shit surfaces and areas that I know the Tbird struggles with, ride comfort wise.
My first impression as I headed south on a major highway into a headwind with heavy transport around was, what the hell!! I had been looking forward to sitting behind a fairing out of the wind with hopefully some relief to helmet wind noise. What I experienced was almost enough to turn around and head back to the dealer. The turbulence was giving me severe helmet buffeting and in some parts blurred vision. I stuck it out, trying different heights on the electric perspex shield but could only get minor improvements, tried chin bar (Shark Evo) open and it was a bit better but still shit, even at 70km/h it was annoying. I could play around with my left hand above the shield and could get substantial improvement so that gave me hope.
Power from the 116 cubic inch engine was very responsive even in touring mode ( it has three, sport, standard, touring) it has brisk acceleration quickly climbing to licence losing speeds , so for me I can't see the point in messing with stage 1,2 or3  It will easily out accelerate my 1600. I liked the sound and beat of the engine, liked the idea at idle where it drops out the rear cylinder to reduce heat ( air cooled) and the exhaust note of the demo bike was good, yet to be confirmed if it had stage 1 mufflers fitted.
Seat comfort was ok but the position was too close to the bars for me which started to give me pain in the lower back. Foot boards were good, if a little high. Back rests and different seats are available.
Suspension, this is where the bike shines, for me anyway, soaking up everything that was thrown at it. We set the rear shock air pressure for my weight at the dealer and I had no need to change that for the day, no bottoming out front or rear, and where as on the Tbird I am continually looking out and swerving around potholes, bumps, depressions, I was able to just ride it and enjoy the experience, a big plus.
Electric do dahs it has plenty of, most I didn't bother with, but was very happy with tyre pressure monitoring, volt meter, distance to go on all the time, gauges at the right height, gear position display, big fuel gauge etc. I didn't bother with the sat nav, stereo, ride modes, compass and who knows what else. It also has electric locking of the panniers.
Fuel consumption was looking good, in fact when I filled it up on the way home it gave me a distance to go of 423 kms  That is a big plus for touring Australia.
So the two big gripes are the wind buffeting and the seating. Apparently they have a screen 3 inches taller than the stock, that should see me still looking over it at full height, hopefully pushing the wind over my helmet, oh it does create quite a bit of updraught from my legs, I believe this can be fixed with "lowers' but for now it's not a deal breaker. There are two other dual seats available that are called extender seats, they put you about 40-50mm further back and 20mm higher so that should be a big help. Handle bars weren't perfect, but it's hard to judge them when the seat is wrong.
I now have to decide if I want to spend serious $$$ on a bike, more than a new R3 GT and a BMW R18 ( I think) , a bit more then a BMW 1600 6 cylinder edit. I think this wrong, the BMW is early to mid 40's) etc etc. I do like the idea of air cooled engine, push rod valves ( I think they may be self adjusting) . I'm sure there are things like bad access to the rear wheel air valve, having to remove forks and who knows what else to change fork oil and heaps that I haven't thought of yet that will piss me off in the future if I go ahead.
Time to ponder.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it 
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
| | Post edited by Leethal on 05 Aug 2020 - 06:15 |
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| | | GerPa | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/12/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,919 | | Location | : | Mackay, Central Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 04 Aug 2020 - 08:28 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | Give Ya Ol Mate in the USA a touch-up. He will definitely have the answers to all your concerns  . But for Fuck sake don't bring up Oil, Tyres or Belts.
Bet Ya not game
| May-2011-1600, 20306 Tune, Mustang Vintage Solo Seat, Meerkat Cat Bypass, + Meerkat Modified Short TORS  ,K&N Air Cleaner,K&N Oil Filter, JBQ lifting system, Gold Plug Magnetic Sump Plug,Dart Fly screen, Rivco Risers, GiPro Gear Indicator, Breakaway Cruise Control, Avon ISO Grips, Scorpion Western Low Handlebars, Kury Switchblade Pegs, Garmin Zumo390LM,Michelin RC2 on Front RC 3 on ,Modified Rear Drive Pulley Hub Bearings (Mat1600/Alex4 Modification) Front Susp: Std & 7.5W Oil /126mm Air Gap & Rear:Hagon Nitro's with 26Kg/cm Springs + Lots of other "Bling" stuff.
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| | | sbul2020 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 25/06/2020 | | Posts | : | 33 | | Location | : | Webster, NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Aug 2020 - 10:02 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | I had a 2014 Victory Cross Country, and the turbulence behind the fairing and helmet buffeting was horrible. I tried three different windshields of varying configuration and height, with minimal effect. Finally went to a Madstad windshield and that did the trick.
| 2012 Red Marble Haze TBird ABS
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 04 Aug 2020 - 22:37 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: GerPa) | | | He has a different Indian, screen but no fairing.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | sbul2020 | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 25/06/2020 | | Posts | : | 33 | | Location | : | Webster, NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Aug 2020 - 23:20 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | Oh, OK. He actually said fairing, so...
| 2012 Red Marble Haze TBird ABS
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 01:36 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | if I may say so, that's a lot of moola for a bike.
just wondering, have you considered upgrading the ole gal at a fraction of the cost and be the envy of all flockings
start off with a 1700 transplant (keep the 1600 motor)...it would outrun a roadmaster, then a great seat and awesome shocks. ...maybe custom paint and other ride comforts?? don't forget liquid cooled ;-)
Anyway if you go for it, enjoy 
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | fab | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,515 | | Location | : | wyong, nsw, Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 04:52 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | |
Leethal wrote:
Well today i took an Indian Chieftain, 2020 model for a spin, covered about 250kms on a familiar circuit that I know quite well. The loop has highway, secondary main roads, good and shit surfaces and areas that I know the Tbird struggles with, ride comfort wise.
My first impression as I headed south on a major highway into a headwind with heavy transport around was, what the hell!! I had been looking forward to sitting behind a fairing out of the wind with hopefully some relief to helmet wind noise. What I experienced was almost enough to turn around and head back to the dealer. The turbulence was giving me severe helmet buffeting and in some parts blurred vision. I stuck it out, trying different heights on the electric perspex shield but could only get minor improvements, tried chin bar (Shark Evo) open and it was a bit better but still shit, even at 70km/h it was annoying. I could play around with my left hand above the shield and could get substantial improvement so that gave me hope.
Power from the 116 cubic inch engine was very responsive even in touring mode ( it has three, sport, standard, touring) it has brisk acceleration quickly climbing to licence losing speeds , so for me I can't see the point in messing with stage 1,2 or3 It will easily out accelerate my 1600. I liked the sound and beat of the engine, liked the idea at idle where it drops out the rear cylinder to reduce heat ( air cooled) and the exhaust note of the demo bike was good, yet to be confirmed if it had stage 1 mufflers fitted.
Seat comfort was ok but the position was too close to the bars for me which started to give me pain in the lower back. Foot boards were good, if a little high. Back rests and different seats are available.
Suspension, this is where the bike shines, for me anyway, soaking up everything that was thrown at it. We set the rear shock air pressure for my weight at the dealer and I had no need to change that for the day, no bottoming out front or rear, and where as on the Tbird I am continually looking out and swerving around potholes, bumps, depressions, I was able to just ride it and enjoy the experience, a big plus.
Electric do dahs it has plenty of, most I didn't bother with, but was very happy with tyre pressure monitoring, volt meter, distance to go on all the time, gauges at the right height, gear position display, big fuel gauge etc. I didn't bother with the sat nav, stereo, ride modes, compass and who knows what else. It also has electric locking of the panniers.
Fuel consumption was looking good, in fact when I filled it up on the way home it gave me a distance to go of 423 kms That is a big plus for touring Australia.
So the two big gripes are the wind buffeting and the seating. Apparently they have a screen 3 inches taller than the stock, that should see me still looking over it at full height, hopefully pushing the wind over my helmet, oh it does create quite a bit of updraught from my legs, I believe this can be fixed with "lowers' but for now it's not a deal breaker. There are two other dual seats available that are called extender seats, they put you about 40-50mm further back and 20mm higher so that should be a big help. Handle bars weren't perfect, but it's hard to judge them when the seat is wrong.
I now have to decide if I want to spend serious $$$ on a bike, more than a new R3 GT and a BMW R18 ( I think) , a bit more then a BMW 1600 6 cylinder etc etc. I do like the idea of air cooled engine, push rod valves ( I think they may be self adjusting) . I'm sure there are things like bad access to the rear wheel air valve, having to remove forks and who knows what else to change fork oil and heaps that I haven't thought of yet that will piss me off in the future if I go ahead.
Time to ponder.
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be careful if you do go Indian, there has been a few reports of the frame breaking at the steering head, and the frame is cast alloy
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Remember, soft cocks hang around all life long, hard ones come and go
ahh f**k im deep
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 05:42 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: fab) | | | Yes I have seen the photos mate but there has been no explanations, just photos, the latest one had virtually no other damage, how does that happen? It was possibly dropped.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 06:13 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | |
AZCactus wrote:
if I may say so, that's a lot of moola for a bike.
just wondering, have you considered upgrading the ole gal at a fraction of the cost and be the envy of all flockings
start off with a 1700 transplant (keep the 1600 motor)...it would outrun a roadmaster, then a great seat and awesome shocks. ...maybe custom paint and other ride comforts?? don't forget liquid cooled ;-)
Anyway if you go for it, enjoy
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1700 engines aren't easy to come by here, basically you have to buy a wreck to get one, so no that wouldn't do the trick. My priority for getting a new bike is touring comfort which the Chieftain does really well, the ride is way above that of the bird. It has an air adjustable mono shock made by Fox with 112mm ( I think) of travel and it just soaks up the big hits way better than my Tbird which has Hagon Nitros and Ikon Progressive front springs, I don't think any shocks would give the same ride because the bird travel is so limited. Plus the Indian has a longer wheelbase which ads to the comfort. As far as outrunning , I doubt that very much, you should take a 116 Indian for a spin, it really surprised me and I spent the whole day in touring mode, it has two more that give better acceleration and throttle response. Mind you when I got back on the Tbird at the dealer it felt like a sports bike, nimble is the word I think, it's a keeper regardless. I rode the test day with a mate on a 1600, and when I did open up the big engine he was not keeping up at all, twisties would be an exception.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | fab | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,515 | | Location | : | wyong, nsw, Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 06:30 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | |
Leethal wrote:
Yes I have seen the photos mate but there has been no explanations, just photos, the latest one had virtually no other damage, how does that happen? It was possibly dropped. |
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It still shouldn't break like they have, I have never seen a steering stem break in half and I would never own a bike with a cast alloy frame just doesn't seam right
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Remember, soft cocks hang around all life long, hard ones come and go
ahh f**k im deep
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 07:26 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: fab) | | | And yet we all own a bike that has cast alloy engine cases that is part of the frame.
It doesn't phase me.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | tamboritha | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 26/08/2011 | | Posts | : | 365 | | Location | : | morwell, vic, Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 09:18 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | good on ya Lee, nice looking bike.....Not many dealerships will give you a bike to get a few miles up nowadays, something that Triumph should look at a bit more seriously.....I think you will find that coming off your present ride you will find a few things different with the new one..Sounds like the buffeting is your major problem,,,get the dealer to supply some other options, after all these days they want the sale more than any other time...I think the Lifters are hydraulic as are HD so no more pissing around all day adjusting them and out riding instead Whatever decision you make it sounds as if you want to keep riding, and thats what its all about...Pams going in next month for a hip replacement so with a bit of luck she should be back in action again ....she hasnt been on the bike since last year, not missing this cold weather though....All the best mate greg and pam
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 13:36 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | I couldn't make a decision without riding this baby (sport or tour version), the engineering and features must be phenomenal. $24k!
2020 Goldwing Sport
This small, spring-loaded tab within the windscreen pops up to allow airflow through and reduce buffeting.
Nice finish and 200mm rear tire (I'm selling myself on this bike ;)
Better warranty
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
| | Post edited by AZCactus on 05 Aug 2020 - 21:19 |
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 22:11 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | Bump, updated post
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 05 Aug 2020 - 23:30 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | That's a nice looking Honda, I may have to check them out, not even sure if they are here yet.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,790 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 06 Aug 2020 - 02:14 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | Naaa, too much red, you'd have to paint it AZ.
I see my signature is getting smushed. They just don't like animated gifs here.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 06 Aug 2020 - 06:42 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: tamboritha) | | | tamboritha wrote:
good on ya Lee, nice looking bike.....Not many dealerships will give you a bike to get a few miles up nowadays, something that Triumph should look at a bit more seriously.....I think you will find that coming off your present ride you will find a few things different with the new one..Sounds like the buffeting is your major problem,,,get the dealer to supply some other options, after all these days they want the sale more than any other time...I think the Lifters are hydraulic as are HD so no more pissing around all day adjusting them and out riding instead Whatever decision you make it sounds as if you want to keep riding, and thats what its all about...Pams going in next month for a hip replacement so with a bit of luck she should be back in action again ....she hasnt been on the bike since last year, not missing this cold weather though....All the best mate greg and pam |
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Greg, thanks for the positive response, I'm pretty keen it's just getting my head around spending big $$$ on a bike. Please give my best regards to Pam, I hope all goes well. She is young for a hip replacement. I'm not holding my breath for the October flocking or the Classic racing at Phillip Island in January with all these border closures, will really miss both if they get canned.
BTW, the dealer is my local Triumph dealer. Polaris was running factory dealerships with Indian and Victory (goooone) but recently closed them and Motorcycle Holdings (Team Moto etc) have taken them on.
Take care mate.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
| | Post edited by Leethal on 06 Aug 2020 - 08:23 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 06 Aug 2020 - 06:44 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | Turns out they are just called a Goldwing here, more expensive than the Indian and same warranty, I will eyeball one though.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 06 Aug 2020 - 10:44 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | | Leethal wrote: ...more expensive than the Indian and same warranty |
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That's crazy. ...maybe you were quoted a price for the Tourer (the Sport cost less)?? And Honda advertises a 3 year unlimited warranty, first model in 2018. Anyway good luck in your bike search! There's always the old reliable......HD
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 06 Aug 2020 - 23:22 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | It appears that the range we have is the Goldwing, Goldwing Tour and Tour Premium. Warranty is definitely 2 years.
One of the things that I like about the V twin is old school pushrod activated valves with hydraulic lifters, not bloody shims, just a shame they don't do a shaft drive. Big negative is having to remove the fairing to replace the fork oil and apparently Indian use dino oil in the forks and require it to be changed every 24000kms. Finding out the viscosity (which they don't publish) may be a challenge, the replace it with synthetic to get more kms out of a change.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,790 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 07 Aug 2020 - 03:51 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | Don't forget the 1800 BMW. I think somebody around here was lusting after one o' those. Some big touring models, too, guaranteed to have every bell and whistle.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 07 Aug 2020 - 04:01 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: MotorMac) | | |
That someone was me, it has a few drawbacks, 16 litre fuel tank which gives it a max range of 280kms ( consumption from BMW specs I found on the www) , so on a long ride you would be getting nervous around 200-220 kms, the feet position, I suffer from leg cramping sometimes so that would be an issue , a bagger is not in the first release and information from dealers on it's release is zip.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
| | Post edited by Leethal on 07 Aug 2020 - 04:02 |
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 07 Aug 2020 - 07:58 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | Well if you check out the Goldwing, hopefully you can test ride and write a review.
I don't know if Yamaha, Kawasaki have something similar. Another possibility that comes to mind is Italian.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | davetac1 | | Thunderbird | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,379 | | Location | : | Haverhill, Ma., United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Aug 2020 - 08:51 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: GerPa) | | |
GerPa wrote:
Give Ya Ol Mate in the USA a touch-up. He will definitely have the answers to all your concerns . But for Fuck sake don't bring up Oil, Tyres or Belts.
Bet Ya not game
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Keep it up ya fresh prick and I'll give ya a TOUCH UP!!!
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| | | davetac1 | | Thunderbird | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,379 | | Location | : | Haverhill, Ma., United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Aug 2020 - 09:04 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: fab) | | | fab wrote:
Leethal wrote:
Yes I have seen the photos mate but there has been no explanations, just photos, the latest one had virtually no other damage, how does that happen? It was possibly dropped. |
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It still shouldn't break like they have, I have never seen a steering stem break in half and I would never own a bike with a cast alloy frame just doesn't seam right |
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The one you're talking about was posted on the Indian website I've been hangin around on,but it was the only one and NO ONE could explain how it happened.However,after looking at that picture "CLOSELY", and IMO, it was either fabricated by someone in a picture to dis credit the machine,or it was "infact broken intentionally" again to try and discredit the machine.But there's a shit load of guys on there running these Indians,yet no one has had that problem.
However,there was a cold weather starting problem [slow starter cranking] which I had as well,but more pronounced in the colder temps.The starter would drag in the cold weather when first engaged and the problem,which I believe I found and corrected, was two fold: #1: the battery ground point,where all the ground wires came together on to the frame rail under the seat,which included the battery negative cable,were not tight,creating a poor connection,and caused either from vibration or carelessness from the factory,and #2, one of the starter brush tension springs would over heat due to its' location being right next to the motor,creating poor brush to stator contact.So I pulled the starter,disassembled it,cleaned and lubed the brushes to prevent em from rusting,and then insulated the starter itself so that brush tension spring would not over heat which created that starter brush problem.[What I did was place a little piece of asbsestos in the little space right between the starter and that hot spot on the engine [insulating that brush from the heat] and ,again, problem solved.
So naturally,I passed that info along on the website AND to the service manager at the Dealership where I bought it because he's a good guy and actually cares,unlike so many of these other service managers.Dave!!!
| | Post edited by davetac1 on 08 Aug 2020 - 10:44 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 09 Aug 2020 - 06:21 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | Mate one of the reasons I am leaning towards the Indian is the simple old school engine mechanics, push rods, hydraulic lifters and no valve adjustments. I also like the air cooling and the rear cylinder deactivation when hot idling. The Honda, BMW etc are all hitech stuff, valve shimming etc the same as our Birds, I do my own stuff so it will be nice to do the Tbird less often.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
| | Post edited by Leethal on 09 Aug 2020 - 06:22 |
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 09 Aug 2020 - 11:29 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | No hydraulic valves in Honda, oh well. I read it can be easy to check or adjust with a few basic tools.
Excessive heat generation (less efficient) by a large air cooled engine would be my concern. I remember Dave mentioned heat, it's discussed on Indian forums. And I think air cooled technology is becoming a relic. Good info Link
If you're into Indian, checkout the new Challenger "liquid cooled" bagger.
Whatever you choose, Congrats
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 09 Aug 2020 - 22:14 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | The only reason air cooling is becoming obsolete is pollution restrictions, not efficiency, they still produce good HP and torque. I didn't notice any heat on my test ride but then it's not our summer, I assume Dave's bike has the rear cylinder deactivation technology. I have checked out the Challenger, it's right there on the showroom floor but I may be a bit weird as I have to like the look of things that I buy, I don't like the fairing and I don't like the look of the water cooled engine ( even though it has better HP and Torque) . BMW must have found a way to get the R18 through strict Euro EPA regulations and it is air cooled Plus, not having a radiator, fan, hoses, water pump, thermostat, extra sensor, coolant changes to worry about is a positive, for me.
Don't forget that I will always have the Tbird to ride, or my Honda4.
You should be happy that I may be helping your economy
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
| | Post edited by Leethal on 09 Aug 2020 - 22:17 |
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 09 Aug 2020 - 22:51 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: Leethal) | | | a guy on an Indian forum posted "his legs feel like they're on fire". I hope he's exaggerating
As for the benefits of not having a radiator, fan, hoses, water pump, thermostat, extra sensor, coolant changes...that's an air cooled sales pitch. But I did change the coolant.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
| | Post edited by AZCactus on 10 Aug 2020 - 01:00 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 10 Aug 2020 - 05:16 Post title : Re: V Twin test ride (Re: AZCactus) | | | Reading through the Aussie forum heat doesn't appear to be a major issue on the Thunderstroke models.
There was no sales pitch at all, I've dealt with the dealership, also Triumph, for ten years now so they know me well enough.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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