Jeff Cameron
Supercharged
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2014
- Messages
- 470
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta Canada
- Ride
- 2014 Triumph Rocket III Roadster
I like the bike more after reading your report on it.
2014 T-Bird Commander Report
- Thread starter Boog
- Start date
steve59
Nitrous
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2013
- Messages
- 1,053
- Location
- carol stream il
- Ride
- 2016 KTM 1290 SDR SE. 2012 K1600 GTL Schwinn S-30
Still, The Rocket is better for the same money so if your going to add a bike to the stable why not get something different? an s1000r say
wildchild
Turbocharged
- Joined
- May 1, 2013
- Messages
- 601
- Location
- New Prague, Minnesota
- Ride
- '16 Roadster 240 hp pkg, 2019 BMW 1250 GS
Thank you for the review, it's helpful. I really like the Thunderbird and the dual headlamps w/out that back plate. It's like a rocket's little brother. The red marble haze is pretty awesome color scheme.
1BigDog
Gone to the Dogs!
Great write up Boog. I love the looks of the Tbird but for the same price I would be forced to go with the Rocket.
Boog
Traveling Story Teller
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2013
- Messages
- 8,501
- Location
- Dumfries, Virginia
- Ride
- 2014 R3T, RAMAIR, Full Viking Dual exhaust
I hear ya guys, there are indeed many other bikes out there and many are less expensive. That is the beauty of being able to ride something other than your main ride once in awhile. With that said, last week I had the chance to ride another T-Bird Commander while my R3T was getting its 20K mile check-up. I had this bike for three days (a day longer than expected but that is for a different time). This T-bird had the optional bags and seemed to suit it ok but I am not sure that I like the look of the Triumph side bags on this particular bike. They function just fine and held my lunchbox, extra cold weather gear and a few odds and ends like my first aid kit, tie down straps and reflective vest. The latches are leather straps that connect via a hidden plastic male to female connection. Rather cheap looking but work ok for starters I suppose.
This bike, like the one mentioned above, is a stock demo bike but this one ran a little faster than I remember the first one running. The seat holds the rider firmly in place helping to push the rider to twist just a little harder. The 1700 CC engine also begs to be ridden hard and doesn’t seem to mind care one iota. Like before, I found my limit before I found the T-Birds limit in the twisties. This bike also reminded me of why I both love having a wind screen and why I love riding without one. Even on the cold mornings (around 38 degrees F) at 80ish MPH, holding on is the only concern. If the wind blast gets a little too much, just duck in low and hug the tank and let him have his head.
All in all, I still say this is a well built machine.
This bike, like the one mentioned above, is a stock demo bike but this one ran a little faster than I remember the first one running. The seat holds the rider firmly in place helping to push the rider to twist just a little harder. The 1700 CC engine also begs to be ridden hard and doesn’t seem to mind care one iota. Like before, I found my limit before I found the T-Birds limit in the twisties. This bike also reminded me of why I both love having a wind screen and why I love riding without one. Even on the cold mornings (around 38 degrees F) at 80ish MPH, holding on is the only concern. If the wind blast gets a little too much, just duck in low and hug the tank and let him have his head.
All in all, I still say this is a well built machine.
steve59
Nitrous
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2013
- Messages
- 1,053
- Location
- carol stream il
- Ride
- 2016 KTM 1290 SDR SE. 2012 K1600 GTL Schwinn S-30
My Storm felt modern compared to the rocket, I liked the weighted tach, fuel gauge with miles to empty, six speed smooth tranny, the insanely bright headlights and overall style. If I didn't need to pass semi's 3 in a row at hwy speed I would be satisfied with the power because at low RPM the Storm chugs along even better than my rocket! thats right at 35 mph in 6th gear roll on the throttle and it's like a catapault the way the engine pulls you up to speed, pretty cool but not in your face.
Idaho Red Rocket 3
Living Legend
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2008
- Messages
- 5,748
- Location
- Nampa, Idaho USA
- Ride
- 2006 RIII Standard Bagger w/Fairing
Nice write up Boog. What are your thoughts on the gas tank speedometer and no tachometer ? I know your T is like that too.
Boog
Traveling Story Teller
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2013
- Messages
- 8,501
- Location
- Dumfries, Virginia
- Ride
- 2014 R3T, RAMAIR, Full Viking Dual exhaust
I really do not like the tank mounted gauges at all. And I would prefer to have a tackometer. I am not the proverbial speed racer but I do like to keep my eyes on the road and not looking for the speedo...
rayjay
Nitrous
I don't like tank mounted gauges..they belong on a Harley..Revcounters I can take or leave but why can't we have a proper temp gauge and a Oil pressure gauge.
What's better than looking down and seeing your temp and oil pressure is ok..sure we have warning lights but you get the feeling it's too late when one comes on
RJ
cr0ft
Living Legend
Well, the tank mounted thing is a cruiser thing. That's why Triumph started with that too, the throwback to earlier ages thing is a staple on the American market. It's a huge pain in the butt at first (my R3 Touring has it) but once you get used to it it's not so bad - just glance down and then back up, really. There's some benefits too, the triple tree and the bars are pretty unobstructed instead.
