going down in BHP
 

Owing to one thing or another I've had a strange year, from a 139 bhp speedtriple I when onto a 100bhp TT600, not a bad change as the little lightweight was so different the two were hard to compare, but braking and performance (top end) were close, handling and acceleration were good on both although in a totally different way.

Anyway from that I had an enforced "rest" for 9 months before riding a scooter (12.24 bhp) which simpley was a nightmare,not so much the power (or lack of) but more the delivery, but then on to a CB750F2 (71 bhp) it was heavy but predictable, went well enough (about an indicated 130-40 or so) didn't feel anywhere as nice as the triumphs but way more comfy, now I've got the Thunderbird sport, another triple, with proper suspension (90 bhp) it goes great and handles better than my old Speedtriple did before I re-built the thing, I've always been addicted to the powerful mid range of monster engines ( the lump in the re-built Speedtriple has been dyno'd at 152 bhp :smt103 ), but somehow the T'bird doesn't seem to need it, even to the extent of being over geared (on purpose) cracking the throttle open to just hear the lump digging in and the exhaust bark it's .50 cal imatation, rather than dropping a cog and getting the performance I could ?

Guess it must be me, but I seem to be happy with the power it's got, getting old and slow, (see the insurance people did get it right ;) ).

Cheers Mark.

Re: going down in BHP
 

You said it mate ;)

Re: going down in BHP
 

Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Maybe you need the forthcoming 210hp V-Max next. an 1800cc V4 ought to sound good too ;)
Maybe it's just more satisfying to know your getting the engine working properly rather than nannying it like you must have to do on a 150hp naked!
Has the tbird got standard pipes on?

Re: going down in BHP
 

:D no

Re: going down in BHP
 

Re: going down in BHP
 

It's alright Paul mines got two advantages, it's owned by me and it's not a duca** :D

Re: going down in BHP
 

ANOTHER bike Rictus?!

You trying to outdo my record?

Sounds like you have the perfect balance for what you want now. Glad to hear you're enjoying being back on 2 wheels again.

Dan

Re: going down in BHP
 

think you'll have a way to go before owning as many Dan (think 56 at last count), but then again I've had a little more time than you ;) .

Yeah always liked them, sort of retro cool, with sports bike handling and a bit more power/brakes.

Cheers Mark.

Re: going down in BHP
 

Why did you choose that one over the thruxton? They look gorgeous in the flesh...erm...metal...

Re: going down in BHP
 

the Bonnie range (Bonnie/thruxton/scrambler) are much the same as the standard thunderbirds and have limited power (read 60 bhp or less) and basic suspension (preload only adjustable) and adequate brakes (single disc), where as the thunderbird sport has less chrome, twin front discs, speedtriple fully adjustable suspension and 90 bhp, so it's a step back from the performace thresh hold, just not a very big one ;)

Cheers Mark.