SPECIFICATIONS TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD

SPECIFICATIONS TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD
LIST PRICE: $8995
ENGINE: DOHC, in-line three cylinder
CARBURETION: Three, 36mm flat side CV
COMPRESSION: 10:1
FRONT SUSPENSION: 43mm Telescopic fork
REAR SUSPENSION: Prelood adjustable monoshock
FRONT BRAKE: 320mm Single disc
REAR BRAKE: 285mm Single disc
TIRE SIZE: Front: 110/80-18 Michelin rear: 160/80-16 Michelin
WHEELBASE: 61.2 inches
DRY WEIGHT: 494 lbs


   Get in the corners and a strange thing happens. The Triumph is easier to go fast on, but the Sportster is more fun to go fast on. The 'Bird's generic qualities are no match for the sheer excitement created by muscling the Sporty through the turns. The Sportster's new suspension makes it corner like no Sportster before. It is as close to the Harley 883 racers as most of us will ever come Like we said, the 'Bird is smoother, but the fun meter is definitely pegged by the 1200 Sport.
       That of course brings us to personal taste. While we were all seduced by the Thunderbird for a day or two, we were drawn back to the Sporty's character. Its classic looks clearly show its association  right back to where it came from. The winner? You decide, in the Thunderbird gathers dust.             HB