|  | Topic : Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC |  |
| | | AZCactus | | Taranis |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,515 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2017 - 04:14 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: fab) | | |
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2017 - 04:55 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Tal) | | |
Tal
You have choosen to stay with Triumph big cruisers, and i like that. IF i would considder a swap, it would be for the R3, but i am happy with the TB.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2017 - 05:08 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
Slcharger wrote:
I am still waiting for something better to hit the marked, if i had even to consider a different bike. 
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Better at what? Clattering? Chirping their belts? The bird is a nice cruiser but it's far from perfect.
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DangerMouse.
No, the TB is not perfect, but it's the most "complete" bike i have ever had. It incorporates everything i like and seek, and for me it's a great pleasure to ride. I like to mess with my stuff, and a bike that just runs and runs, like the BMW K range, is not for me. Like in the old day's, there must be something to fix from time to time.
Now, please explain to me why you did buy a TB in the first place. You are probably the most professional driver amongst us, so why did you choose a TB ??
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2017 - 05:09 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: AZCactus) | | |
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Tal | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 30/01/2015 | | Posts | : | 1,074 | | Location | : | Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2017 - 06:14 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Slcharger) | | |
Slcharger wrote:
DangerMouse wrote:
Slcharger wrote:
I am still waiting for something better to hit the marked, if i had even to consider a different bike.
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Better at what? Clattering? Chirping their belts? The bird is a nice cruiser but it's far from perfect.
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DangerMouse.
No, the TB is not perfect, but it's the most "complete" bike i have ever had. It incorporates everything i like and seek, and for me it's a great pleasure to ride. I like to mess with my stuff, and a bike that just runs and runs, like the BMW K range, is not for me. Like in the old day's, there must be something to fix from time to time.
Now, please explain to me why you did buy a TB in the first place. You are probably the most professional driver amongst us, so why did you choose a TB ??
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Whew!!...I thought I was going to get the " On ya Rocket "..Nah, even tho I now have my R3...I would still own a Tbird as well if the money allowed me to...just loved my Storm and was upset when I left her at the dealers big time!...But the Rocket was calling..."Tal...Tal....Tal..."
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 10 Jan 2017 - 00:18 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Slcharger) | | |
Slcharger wrote:
Now, please explain to me why you did buy a TB in the first place. ... so why did you choose a TB ??
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I wanted a comfortable but characterful bike to do a bit of touring. I wanted reasonable performance and handling, I liked the rocket but preferred the idea of a big twin.
I do actually like the look of the storm. In hindsight it's not quick enough nor does it have enough ground clearance. I grounded it on the first corner I went round!
It's not a bad bike but had the x-diaval been out at the time I would have bought that - though luggage would be a problem. A tuned up tb engine in a rocket III chassis would have been perfect. Twin character with better handling.
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,555 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 10 Jan 2017 - 07:24 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | | I have a mate who had a Tbird for five years, sold it, bought Roadster R3 and reckons the Tbird was a better handling bike.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it 
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Nitron R3 shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 00:28 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Leethal) | | |
Leethal wrote:
I have a mate who had a Tbird for five years, sold it, bought Roadster R3 and reckons the Tbird was a better handling bike. |
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Yes, riding very, very, very gently the Thunderbird handles more sweetly. Up the pace a little and the Thunderbird grounds out everywhere plus the lack of rear damping becomes quite frankly dangerous if you press on further.
I didn't expect to chase sportsbikes, but just riding normally ran my storm out of ground clearence and it wallowed dangerously. The rear Wilbers have helped enormously but ground clearence is still disappointing. However I can now corner at 100mph with the pegs scraping and the bike stays in shape.
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,515 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 01:41 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
...I can now corner at 100mph with the pegs scraping and the bike stays in shape. |
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Nice! ...don't think a Rocket or most cruisers will do that in a twistee.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 04:04 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | | DangerMouse wrote:
Leethal wrote:
I have a mate who had a Tbird for five years, sold it, bought Roadster R3 and reckons the Tbird was a better handling bike. |
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Yes, riding very, very, very gently the Thunderbird handles more sweetly. Up the pace a little and the Thunderbird grounds out everywhere plus the lack of rear damping becomes quite frankly dangerous if you press on further.
I didn't expect to chase sportsbikes, but just riding normally ran my storm out of ground clearence and it wallowed dangerously. The rear Wilbers have helped enormously but ground clearence is still disappointing. However I can now corner at 100mph with the pegs scraping and the bike stays in shape. |
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I do experience the same as you. I installed raised forward pegs, and now it's the exhaust scraping, but my lean over angle has increased so much that there are no chicken stripes on my rear tire anymore.
The TB is not a sport bike, it's supposed to be a cruiser, but with the right setup, it can come very close to a sport tourer.
My next move will be to install bigger wheels, to increase ground clearance further. 
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
| | Post edited by Slcharger on 11 Jan 2017 - 04:05 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,555 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 06:14 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
Leethal wrote:
I have a mate who had a Tbird for five years, sold it, bought Roadster R3 and reckons the Tbird was a better handling bike. |
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Yes, riding very, very, very gently the Thunderbird handles more sweetly. Up the pace a little and the Thunderbird grounds out everywhere plus the lack of rear damping becomes quite frankly dangerous if you press on further.
I didn't expect to chase sportsbikes, but just riding normally ran my storm out of ground clearence and it wallowed dangerously. The rear Wilbers have helped enormously but ground clearence is still disappointing. However I can now corner at 100mph with the pegs scraping and the bike stays in shape. |
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Horses for courses I guess, the chap I mentioned is a sergeant at arms of one of our OMC's, so I doubt he would ride very gently. 
I will have to tell him that 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, Nitron R3 shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 10:34 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Slcharger) | | |
Slcharger wrote:
I do experience the same as you. I installed raised forward pegs, and now it's the exhaust scraping, but my lean over angle has increased so much that there are no chicken stripes on my rear tire anymore.
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May I ask where you got those pegs from? That may help my situation somewhat - thanks.
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 10:51 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
Slcharger wrote:
I do experience the same as you. I installed raised forward pegs, and now it's the exhaust scraping, but my lean over angle has increased so much that there are no chicken stripes on my rear tire anymore.
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May I ask where you got those pegs from? That may help my situation somewhat - thanks. |
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Sure you may.
Link
Not cheap, but high quality.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 10:52 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Leethal) | | |
Leethal wrote:
Horses for courses I guess, the chap I mentioned is a sergeant at arms of one of our OMC's, so I doubt he would ride very gently.
I will have to tell him that though. |
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Well the truth is quite simply the Thunderbird handling falls apart if you ride anything other than gently. the Rocket is bigger and harder to steer but it can corner much, much faster than a Thunderbird before things start to get out of shape - it may not feel as "sweet" doing it but the rear suspension quality and ground clearance is much better. Don't get me wrong, I scraped the Rocket III everywhere when riding my brother's one - but at least it felt like I was making good progress whilst doing so - when riding in groups I could keep pace no problem on the Rocket. With the T'Bird I find even when I'm just ambling about I scrape everything without even trying. I really like the bike, but Triumph marketed it as a muscle cruiser, I would expect such a bike to be able to be ridden even slightly aggressively.
As I said the Wilbers have helped, I will fit new fork springs next and perhaps drop the forks down the yokes a few mil' to increase ground clearance. The rear Wilbers are over-length so I'll just be restoring the bike to standard rake. I bought the 'bird to slow down so I'm not expecting 120mph knee down action - just the ability to ride normally! I still have my Hayabusa so can use that if I want to crank a bike on its ear - I just want my bike to behave itself when ridden 8 tenths. The Tiger Explorer 1200 my brother replaced his Rocket with can genuinely scratch with sportsbikes it's a fabulous handler with tonnes of ground clearance but doesn't have the soul of my Storm.
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 11:15 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Slcharger) | | | Slcharger wrote:
Sure you may.
Link
Not cheap, but high quality.
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Excellent, thanks. They look really good. 800-900 Euros is cheap insurance if it avoids me breaking a foot when it gets torn off the pegs for the millionth time! I usually tiptoe with my toes on the root of the pegs when cornering, but whenever I've forgotten to do it, I've had a few hairy moments! it's also a drag ('scuse the pun) to do that in a foot forward position. On fast sweepers where I don't need gears I often use the passenger pegs but that probably looks very silly indeed!
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
| | Post edited by DangerMouse on 11 Jan 2017 - 11:17 |
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 11:46 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
Slcharger wrote:
Sure you may.
Link
Not cheap, but high quality.
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Excellent, thanks. They look really good. 800-900 Euros is cheap insurance if it avoids me breaking a foot when it gets torn off the pegs for the millionth time! I usually tiptoe with my toes on the root of the pegs when cornering, but whenever I've forgotten to do it, I've had a few hairy moments! it's also a drag ('scuse the pun) to do that in a foot forward position. On fast sweepers where I don't need gears I often use the passenger pegs but that probably looks very silly indeed! |
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I use the passenger pegs a lot, it's not only a good riding position, when you ride fast, but it also release the stress from my back.
When cornering fast, my heel of the boot scrapes the tarmac, and the back edge is chamfered about 20 mm. Using the passenger pegs avoid this.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,555 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 21:43 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
Leethal wrote:
Horses for courses I guess, the chap I mentioned is a sergeant at arms of one of our OMC's, so I doubt he would ride very gently.
I will have to tell him that though. |
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Well the truth is quite simply the Thunderbird handling falls apart if you ride anything other than gently. the Rocket is bigger and harder to steer but it can corner much, much faster than a Thunderbird before things start to get out of shape - it may not feel as "sweet" doing it but the rear suspension quality and ground clearance is much better. Don't get me wrong, I scraped the Rocket III everywhere when riding my brother's one - but at least it felt like I was making good progress whilst doing so - when riding in groups I could keep pace no problem on the Rocket. With the T'Bird I find even when I'm just ambling about I scrape everything without even trying. I really like the bike, but Triumph marketed it as a muscle cruiser, I would expect such a bike to be able to be ridden even slightly aggressively.
As I said the Wilbers have helped, I will fit new fork springs next and perhaps drop the forks down the yokes a few mil' to increase ground clearance. The rear Wilbers are over-length so I'll just be restoring the bike to standard rake. I bought the 'bird to slow down so I'm not expecting 120mph knee down action - just the ability to ride normally! I still have my Hayabusa so can use that if I want to crank a bike on its ear - I just want my bike to behave itself when ridden 8 tenths. The Tiger Explorer 1200 my brother replaced his Rocket with can genuinely scratch with sportsbikes it's a fabulous handler with tonnes of ground clearance but doesn't have the soul of my Storm. |
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It's all subjective I guess, including riding styles. I ride every week with a mate who scrapes his pegs all the time, his feeler pegs went on the first week of owning the bird and now both pegs are actually worn half way through their thickness. Push comes to shove he is quicker through the twisties than me, but I am always within sight of him so it's not huge. I tend to move around a bit more in the saddle, my peg feelers are worn off flat.
I also have trouble with dragging my right foot off the peg if I forget to move onto my toes, have had some really painfull contacts with the bitumen.
I have changed my suspension some years ago which helped, I could keep on improving and spending more $$ on it but have decided to slow down a bit and just enjoy the ride rather than competing against friends.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Nitron R3 shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2017 - 22:42 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Leethal) | | |
Leethal wrote:
I have changed my suspension some years ago which helped, I could keep on improving and spending more $$ on it but have decided to slow down a bit and just enjoy the ride rather than competing against friends. |
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The vast majority of my riding is alone - I'm not competing with anyone - just trying to ride at my natural pace without the bike trying to kill me! :)
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
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| | | KeithM | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 08/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 32 | | Location | : | Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 14 Jan 2017 - 09:00 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
Leethal wrote:
Horses for courses I guess, the chap I mentioned is a sergeant at arms of one of our OMC's, so I doubt he would ride very gently.
I will have to tell him that though. |
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Well the truth is quite simply the Thunderbird handling falls apart if you ride anything other than gently. the Rocket is bigger and harder to steer but it can corner much, much faster than a Thunderbird before things start to get out of shape - it may not feel as "sweet" doing it but the rear suspension quality and ground clearance is much better. Don't get me wrong, I scraped the Rocket III everywhere when riding my brother's one - but at least it felt like I was making good progress whilst doing so - when riding in groups I could keep pace no problem on the Rocket. With the T'Bird I find even when I'm just ambling about I scrape everything without even trying. I really like the bike, but Triumph marketed it as a muscle cruiser, I would expect such a bike to be able to be ridden even slightly aggressively.
As I said the Wilbers have helped, I will fit new fork springs next and perhaps drop the forks down the yokes a few mil' to increase ground clearance. The rear Wilbers are over-length so I'll just be restoring the bike to standard rake. I bought the 'bird to slow down so I'm not expecting 120mph knee down action - just the ability to ride normally! I still have my Hayabusa so can use that if I want to crank a bike on its ear - I just want my bike to behave itself when ridden 8 tenths. The Tiger Explorer 1200 my brother replaced his Rocket with can genuinely scratch with sportsbikes it's a fabulous handler with tonnes of ground clearance but doesn't have the soul of my Storm. |
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Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link
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| | | DangerMouse | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/03/2016 | | Posts | : | 546 | | Location | : | South East, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 14 Jan 2017 - 19:31 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: KeithM) | | |
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
| Black SuperStorm, shortie TORs, wilbers +10mm shocks, Hagon progressive fork springs, Harrison Billet 6 pots.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 14 Jan 2017 - 19:57 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | | DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
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I have tried these, can't recommend them.
Yes, they give a bit more ground clearance, but they also alter the relationship between compression and rebound action. Rebound action helps the suspension return to the proper position, after a bump or other irregularity causes the fork to compress, in a smooth and controlled motion. Since the rebound damping i not adjustable, and the fork tube getting very close to the rebound spring, it works all the time against this spring, and the result is the bike to handle poorly.
But who am i to tell a suspension test rider.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
| | Post edited by Slcharger on 14 Jan 2017 - 19:58 |
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| | | fab | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,515 | | Location | : | wyong, nsw, Australia |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 05:07 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Slcharger) | | |
Slcharger wrote:
DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
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I have tried these, can't recommend them.
Yes, they give a bit more ground clearance, but they also alter the relationship between compression and rebound action. Rebound action helps the suspension return to the proper position, after a bump or other irregularity causes the fork to compress, in a smooth and controlled motion. Since the rebound damping i not adjustable, and the fork tube getting very close to the rebound spring, it works all the time against this spring, and the result is the bike to handle poorly.
But who am i to tell a suspension test rider.
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all you do is cut the spring spacer 1inch so its the same length when combined with these
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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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| | | KeithM | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 08/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 32 | | Location | : | Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 06:31 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
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The manufacturer ships to the UK.
Orders can be placed through their website.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 08:07 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: KeithM) | | | KeithM wrote:
DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
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The manufacturer ships to the UK.
Orders can be placed through their website. |
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And the result of this ( cutting the spacers 1 inch ) is 0 gain in ground clearance.
Sorry wrong quote.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
| | Post edited by Slcharger on 15 Jan 2017 - 08:14 |
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 08:15 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: fab) | | |
fab wrote:
Slcharger wrote:
DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
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I have tried these, can't recommend them.
Yes, they give a bit more ground clearance, but they also alter the relationship between compression and rebound action. Rebound action helps the suspension return to the proper position, after a bump or other irregularity causes the fork to compress, in a smooth and controlled motion. Since the rebound damping i not adjustable, and the fork tube getting very close to the rebound spring, it works all the time against this spring, and the result is the bike to handle poorly.
But who am i to tell a suspension test rider.
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all you do is cut the spring spacer 1inch so its the same length when combined with these |
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And the result of this ( cutting the spacers 1 inch ) is 0 gain in ground clearance.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 08:17 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: DangerMouse) | | |
DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
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Anyway, it's a lot cheaper just to cut 1 inch longer spacers, and adjust the oil level accordingly, to maintain the air spring tension.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,693 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 08:22 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: KeithM) | | |
KeithM wrote:
DangerMouse wrote:
Leethal wrote:
Horses for courses I guess, the chap I mentioned is a sergeant at arms of one of our OMC's, so I doubt he would ride very gently.
I will have to tell him that though. |
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Well the truth is quite simply the Thunderbird handling falls apart if you ride anything other than gently. the Rocket is bigger and harder to steer but it can corner much, much faster than a Thunderbird before things start to get out of shape - it may not feel as "sweet" doing it but the rear suspension quality and ground clearance is much better. Don't get me wrong, I scraped the Rocket III everywhere when riding my brother's one - but at least it felt like I was making good progress whilst doing so - when riding in groups I could keep pace no problem on the Rocket. With the T'Bird I find even when I'm just ambling about I scrape everything without even trying. I really like the bike, but Triumph marketed it as a muscle cruiser, I would expect such a bike to be able to be ridden even slightly aggressively.
As I said the Wilbers have helped, I will fit new fork springs next and perhaps drop the forks down the yokes a few mil' to increase ground clearance. The rear Wilbers are over-length so I'll just be restoring the bike to standard rake. I bought the 'bird to slow down so I'm not expecting 120mph knee down action - just the ability to ride normally! I still have my Hayabusa so can use that if I want to crank a bike on its ear - I just want my bike to behave itself when ridden 8 tenths. The Tiger Explorer 1200 my brother replaced his Rocket with can genuinely scratch with sportsbikes it's a fabulous handler with tonnes of ground clearance but doesn't have the soul of my Storm. |
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Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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The right thing to do would be to get longer fork tubes, but they are difficult to find.
I tried several manufacturers, but none would do them i EU.
I found out though that 47mm is a Honda standard too, so that might be an option.
Maybe one of you US riders can help out.
Any supplier in the US that custom make 47mm tubes ???
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | fab | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/10/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,515 | | Location | : | wyong, nsw, Australia |
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| | Posted : 15 Jan 2017 - 20:11 Post title : Re: Thunderbird 1600 traded for Tiger Explorer 1200 XC (Re: Slcharger) | | |
Slcharger wrote:
fab wrote:
Slcharger wrote:
DangerMouse wrote:
KeithM wrote:
Have you considered these to give a little more ground clearance
Link |
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Yes I'd love a set but don't know anyone who sells them in the UK.
|
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I have tried these, can't recommend them.
Yes, they give a bit more ground clearance, but they also alter the relationship between compression and rebound action. Rebound action helps the suspension return to the proper position, after a bump or other irregularity causes the fork to compress, in a smooth and controlled motion. Since the rebound damping i not adjustable, and the fork tube getting very close to the rebound spring, it works all the time against this spring, and the result is the bike to handle poorly.
But who am i to tell a suspension test rider.
|
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all you do is cut the spring spacer 1inch so its the same length when combined with these |
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And the result of this ( cutting the spacers 1 inch ) is 0 gain in ground clearance.
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no incorrect , then you move the forks down the triple tree and make them flush ,more ground clearance
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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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