Dyna or Triumph Thunderbird?

[Tweedster]

I need you help. This is killing me. I currenlty ride a 1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport and love it but I need a bigger bike. I rode the new T-Bird and love it but I'm hung up on whether to get a Harley (dyna). Why? Because it's american and the social aspects of the HOGs. The RAT groups are no comparison from my experience. It seems that it would be easier to get work done on a Harley as there are more dealers and mechanics who work on them.
I've rented a Road King and Fat Bob. I didn't like the forward controls on the Fat Bob. In comparison I preferred the T-Bird but I would like to be apart of something bigger that HD has in terms of the social causes and HOGs.
Also, it seems to me that the HDs are a bit over priced and lack the incentives that other brands have. They could probably do more in this economy to move their bikes.
I'm ready to get the T-Bird but I need resolve my dilemma. I'm 50 and have only been riding for 1 year. So I lack the experience and wisdom of you guys.
Someone, please, talk me off the ledge.
Thanks.

[Dave63]

It's an HD forum.............not a Trumpet forum. Now...seriously: Which do you think we'll prefer?

Originally Posted by Tweedster

Also, it seems to me that the HDs are a bit over priced and lack the incentives that other brands have.

Overpriced? Really? If for nothing else but to buy an American made bike, by American people and support an American country?

Who made it aside.... do you really expect ""Incentives" from a company that sells a recreational vehicle, (that's what motorcycles are in the USA) for a vehicle that holds it's value better then 3 times that of any Japanese, British or otherwise made motorcycle? BMW may be the only one that gives it a run for it's money.

For the record: Japanese bike "Incentives" are only on "end of the year" or "leftover" sales. I bought a brand new Honda RC51, in August 2004, which was on the floor since October 2003. The bike listed for $12000 new, and I paid $8600, out the door, with a 5 year unlimited warranty, and the dealer (a personal friend of mine) still made $800 profit after everything was said ($550 warranty) and done.

"INCENTIVES" are when a company needs to move vehicles, and is willing to reduce PROFITS, to get you to but their vehicle.

I've ridden Triumphs, both old and new. Call me in 20 years, and let me know if Triumph is still in business.....or in production the third time, around, by some othr company. .

Just sayin'

[MikeSandy]

Originally Posted by Tweedster

I need you help. This is killing me. I currenlty ride a 1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport and love it but I need a bigger bike. I rode the new T-Bird and love it but I'm hung up on whether to get a Harley (dyna). Why? Because it's american and the social aspects of the HOGs. The RAT groups are no comparison from my experience. It seems that it would be easier to get work done on a Harley as there are more dealers and mechanics who work on them.
I've rented a Road King and Fat Bob. I didn't like the forward controls on the Fat Bob. In comparison I preferred the T-Bird but I would like to be apart of something bigger that HD has in terms of the social causes and HOGs.
Also, it seems to me that the HDs are a bit over priced and lack the incentives that other brands have. They could probably do more in this economy to move their bikes.
I'm ready to get the T-Bird but I need resolve my dilemma. I'm 50 and have only been riding for 1 year. So I lack the experience and wisdom of you guys.
Someone, please, talk me off the ledge.
Thanks.

The T-Bird or A Harley; I spent 5K More and purchased A HD Rocker.
The T-Birds are nice Bikes, But the Harley won me over.

[JBONE]

Incentives? It's a Harley!!, there are no deals, free accessories, special financing, 0% for 2 years etc..They will go no matter what, won't have left overs sitting on floors for years to come. A HD may be pricey, Yes, but your a part of a tradition, the bigger picture no other bike can give ya.. Nothing matches meeting up w/ a group of other HD riders..It's like a big family....Now, JUMP! Get the Harley, you'll know everything you ever heard is true, nothing rides or satisfies like the American Made Harley

P.S. Isn't a T-Bird a Ford car? I wouldn't ride anything called a T-bird, just sounds fUNNY

[Dave63]

It's British..... it's a Tea-Bird.

Besides...I'd buy a Daytona.

[JBONE]

Originally Posted by Dave63

It's British..... it's a Tea-Bird.

Besides...I'd buy a Daytona.

thanks DAVE....

[JimmyG]

I find it funny that neither of these bikes are sportsters!

[RRich]

I understand the peer pressure thing. I just traded for a new black Triumph Thunderbird in August... I ride with a bunch of guys at work that all have HDs, and I have to tell you that every time our group stops when we are out riding, it's all the other Harley guys that come over and have a look at the TBird. Seems like every one of the older HD guys had a Bonneville somewhere in his past.... That old bike connection is one of the things I like the most about choosing the Bird. By the way...the Thunderbird name is an original Triumph name. Triumph licensed it's use to Ford for the car....... I fell in love with the TBird after the first test ride. I have never been on any other cruiser that handles as well as the TBird...bar none... They are all great bikes... including the Dyna. But you owe it to yourself to go and test ride the Thunderbird as well. You can't go wrong either way.... but me, I chose the Thunderbird because it is simply a great bike from a company with a great motorcycle legacy as well......

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by RRich

Seems like every one of the older HD guys had a Bonneville somewhere in his past.........

Yep. Back when Triumph was a Trumpet, and not a "Jap" enfluenced, remake of a bike.

Back in the 60's and Early 70's, Triumph and Norton meant something. Having a vintage bike is one thing, with a pre-unit engine/trans, but basically, I catorgorize them with Indian now, as some 2-3rd generation, remake of a classic Icon.

Not the same.

"Legacy" isn't just a name..........

[RRich]

Good point...legacy is not just in the name... anybody remember AMF