Dyna vs Thunderbird
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
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Dyna vs Thunderbird
Thought I'd aim for some thoughts on Triumph's T-Bird vs a new Dyna. What are the advantages + or -?
The only thought that I could quickly come up with was dealership support, but I'm fortunate to live in an area with 2 Triumph dealers and 3 H-D dealers within a 90 minute ride.
I'm hoping to get "real" opinions (as opposed to "Harleys rule, Triumphs suck! Raa!", lol)... I know there's lots of folks on here who know a lot about the comparable bikes on the market and the benefits to the technologies that the different manufacturers use.
Cheers!
The only thought that I could quickly come up with was dealership support, but I'm fortunate to live in an area with 2 Triumph dealers and 3 H-D dealers within a 90 minute ride.
I'm hoping to get "real" opinions (as opposed to "Harleys rule, Triumphs suck! Raa!", lol)... I know there's lots of folks on here who know a lot about the comparable bikes on the market and the benefits to the technologies that the different manufacturers use.
Cheers!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Yeah, they're slow even by Harley standards. You might have some dealers near you but that is really rare. As long as you toodle around the house though, you'll be okay.
As far as Triumphs in general, I think they range from dude-that's-ugly to decent copies of Japanese machines from a few years back. Not much resale value so you better like the bike from the get go and plan to keep it a long time.
Dyna's -- and I don't own one -- are cool putts, sorta classic bad-*** bikes with a definite nod to California circa 1968...
This:
Or this:
To me the Triumph looks flabby, plus it's water cooled...yech!
As far as Triumphs in general, I think they range from dude-that's-ugly to decent copies of Japanese machines from a few years back. Not much resale value so you better like the bike from the get go and plan to keep it a long time.
Dyna's -- and I don't own one -- are cool putts, sorta classic bad-*** bikes with a definite nod to California circa 1968...
This:
Or this:
To me the Triumph looks flabby, plus it's water cooled...yech!
Last edited by bjewell; Aug 2, 2011 at 03:10 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
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Isn't water-cooled a good thing? Like if you are stuck sitting in traffic on a hot day I mean?
I read all them "rumors" about H-D going liquid cooled for the '12s, which of course just stopped for obvious reasons.
I read all them "rumors" about H-D going liquid cooled for the '12s, which of course just stopped for obvious reasons.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The Thunderbird is a far more competent road bike. Will safely handle pot holes and light off road adventures more than the Dyna.
It is quicker in the 1/4 mile than a Dyna with a 103. Assembly and components are high quality. Higher on the top end also. The posters you say different don't have a clue of what they are talking about.
No known issues at this time.
The resale my be lower. But it is one great power cruisers. Touring accessories are available.
This is from a Harley guy. One of the few that has a current model of each of the HD families of air cooled bikes.
If I had a dealer within a hundred miles, I would get one for my collection.
It is quicker in the 1/4 mile than a Dyna with a 103. Assembly and components are high quality. Higher on the top end also. The posters you say different don't have a clue of what they are talking about.
No known issues at this time.
The resale my be lower. But it is one great power cruisers. Touring accessories are available.
This is from a Harley guy. One of the few that has a current model of each of the HD families of air cooled bikes.
If I had a dealer within a hundred miles, I would get one for my collection.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,808
Likes: 3
EVERY magazine that reviews the thunderbird calls it well powered. I've NEVER heard anyone call the thunderbird "underpowered," especially compared to a TC 96 engine EXCEPT on a harley forum.
That's what I've read in every other publication too. It was Cycle World's "Cruiser of the year" two years in a row, and runner up to the Ducati Diavel this year.
Why do harley riders always seem to put SO MUCH emphasis on dealer network? Are you that underconfident in the HD's ability to get you from city to city without a problem? I've never had any significant problems with my sportster, so what gives?
Anyhow, if you would like a personal opinion, it would take me a little while to get used to the T-bird's HUGE fuel tank, after riding an Iron 883 for years, but I am sure I could get used to it.
There are more and more aftermarket parts for triumphs lately too.
I think that they have designed a superb range of cruisers:
T-bird
T-bird storm
america/speedmaster
Rocket III
I do still prefer the HD styling over the larger triumphs, but it's not the biggest factor for me any more.
The Thunderbird is a far more competent road bike. Will safely handle pot holes and light off road adventures more than the Dyna.
It is quicker in the 1/4 mile than a Dyna with a 103. Assembly and components are high quality. Higher on the top end also.
No known issues at this time.
It is quicker in the 1/4 mile than a Dyna with a 103. Assembly and components are high quality. Higher on the top end also.
No known issues at this time.
Why do harley riders always seem to put SO MUCH emphasis on dealer network? Are you that underconfident in the HD's ability to get you from city to city without a problem? I've never had any significant problems with my sportster, so what gives?
Anyhow, if you would like a personal opinion, it would take me a little while to get used to the T-bird's HUGE fuel tank, after riding an Iron 883 for years, but I am sure I could get used to it.
There are more and more aftermarket parts for triumphs lately too.
I think that they have designed a superb range of cruisers:
T-bird
T-bird storm
america/speedmaster
Rocket III
I do still prefer the HD styling over the larger triumphs, but it's not the biggest factor for me any more.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,808
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Even Evel Knievel jumped Triumphs before he got the sponsorship from Harley.
The only real issues I've ever heard about Triumph was electrical. They probably fixed that by now.
The only real issues I've ever heard about Triumph was electrical. They probably fixed that by now.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Water cooling sucks on a hot day, especially in traffic. I've seen the Triumph line up close and I'm not impressed by the look of the parts. The Thunderbird looks ugly to me, especially that funky add-on radiator.
I guess it's whatever floats yer boat...
I guess it's whatever floats yer boat...
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
I like both the Harley Dynas (own one), and the Triumph Thunderbird (checked one out last year).
Biggest differences other than manufacturer, is obviously the Triumph is a parallel twin and is water cooled. The Thunderbird is a heavy bike but well balanced, maybe feels even slightly lighter to handle than a Dyna. The Tbird's primary drive is styled similar to a Harley, the rear fender looks similar to a Harley Deuce, the middle frame section resembles a Harley FXR, and it also has a belt final drive like a Harley. They even use a 270 degree firing for the cylinders to make it sound a bit like a Harley.
I actually do not find the radiator too obtrusive depending on the color of the bike. The right side of the Tbird does not look as appealing as the left side, whereas the Harley looks good on both sides. The big downfall of the Tbird is the side covers are made of plastic. More subjectively, the Harley's look better, as well as having several versions of the Dyna to choose from against the single model of Tbird.
If you are not a "Harley only" guy, take each for a test ride then decide. Since Harley has come out with the FLD, I would definitely buy one of those over the Triumph. The Triumph is not cheap, and you may also have to put up with the "why didn't you buy a Harley" question all the time. And until the economy improves, either bike will drop considerably in value once you own it so make sure whichever you choose you plan to keep for a while.
Good Luck,
J
Biggest differences other than manufacturer, is obviously the Triumph is a parallel twin and is water cooled. The Thunderbird is a heavy bike but well balanced, maybe feels even slightly lighter to handle than a Dyna. The Tbird's primary drive is styled similar to a Harley, the rear fender looks similar to a Harley Deuce, the middle frame section resembles a Harley FXR, and it also has a belt final drive like a Harley. They even use a 270 degree firing for the cylinders to make it sound a bit like a Harley.
I actually do not find the radiator too obtrusive depending on the color of the bike. The right side of the Tbird does not look as appealing as the left side, whereas the Harley looks good on both sides. The big downfall of the Tbird is the side covers are made of plastic. More subjectively, the Harley's look better, as well as having several versions of the Dyna to choose from against the single model of Tbird.
If you are not a "Harley only" guy, take each for a test ride then decide. Since Harley has come out with the FLD, I would definitely buy one of those over the Triumph. The Triumph is not cheap, and you may also have to put up with the "why didn't you buy a Harley" question all the time. And until the economy improves, either bike will drop considerably in value once you own it so make sure whichever you choose you plan to keep for a while.
Good Luck,
J