Electrical/Other Problems

Namaste

.020 Over
Joined
Jun 22, 2007
Messages
38
Location
Elk Grove, CA
After a bad get-off last November, I am looking at getting a new bike. I had a 2007 Rocket before, looking at a Thunderbird now.

Does the Thunderbird have the same problem with burning out ignition switches as the Rocket?

Any other serious issues anyone is seeing? I have done some searching and this site and others, but not a lot of information out there.

Thanks
 

Good to see your up and about mate, remember reading ya scape post, cant help with the T/Bird, but welcome back
 
I don' t think the burning out ignition switches was as big of an issue as it appears on the forums. I have an '04 with the original ignition switch.. and have never had a problem related to that.

I don't think you would go wrong either way..
 
Thanks for the responses. Yeah, for awhile after my crash I was sure I wasn't going to ride again. Four months off a bike changed my mind on that.

Was just curious about ignition switch thing. My Rocket had the switch go out on me on a ride up in the mountains. Had to wait a LONG time for a flat bed tow to get me back to where we could fix it.

I loved my Rocket, but the Thuderbird is a sweet looking bike and I think I am going to get one. Just have to decide between a flat black Storm or a Marble Red Fusion Thunderbird 1600.
 

I've had my bird for 2 years now, and never a single problem other than belt chirp (sqeeky sound) If you've never ridden one, I recommend you trying her out...you'll be very impressed. It sits a bit lower, and you're a bit more in a "cruiser" position when compared to the rocket. Power is obviously not what it is in the rocket, but it's impressive nonetheless. Mine is the original 1600, and I love it! The ONLY complaint about my bird is that the headlight does not have a vertical adjustment, and the light does not project far enough ahead at night. It's not a diff thing to improve on, but it was a minor issue initially. Good luck with your choice! Cheers!
 
I have just parted with my T'Bird,Dec. 2009 vintage, with the 1700cc kit installed up front (now standard on the Storm), @ 10'000-some miles . The ONLY problem I ever had with it was a minor -although ugly- coolant leak around the thermostat. A faulty washer, if memory serves. Changed under warranty @ 200 miles. And no belt-related qualms whatsoever.

Highly recommended from a reliabiliy standpoint, then.

In retrospect, my former Rocket (2004-2009) was more temperamental (occasionally erratic idling, capricious fuel gauge and other-often recurrent- irritants). And although it only let me down once in six years of ownership, the incident was indeed due to a broken wire in the ignition switch!

Hope this helps! Jamie
 
Well???

Did you end up pulling the trigger and getting a bird? Post up pics when you get her.
 
Namaste said:
Insurance of the cager who took me out finally paid off, picked up my 2012 Thunderbird. I am loving this bike!
Click to expand...

Who wouldn't? Nice paint. Just on the ignition switch, I believe a large part of the problem is the two headlights. Reckon you'll be fine with that beautiful 'Bird. Glad you're back in the saddle and better luck this time.
 
Namaste, I see you got the same color combo I had when I the 1700 Thunderbird. I am riding a Rocket III Touring now (also red and black...2014) but I do have great memories of my time with the T-bird. I had two 2,600 miles trips on it and it ran like a champ.

Then I bought a 2012 HD Road Glide Ultra...had it for about 16 months...now I am back on a Triumph...need I say more...at least I got the Harley thing out of my blood but it was an expensive lesson that I hopefully will never repeat (unless I become a millionaire and just want to have a variety of bikes to ride).

Good luck with it and I hope it gives you many great times.

Dennis
 
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