New bars - new bike!

Machine:
2002 Triumph Thunderbird

Mods:
Tommaselli Condor Adjustable Bars

The Thunderbird can definitely be classified as a "standard" in the motorcycle world. Rather vertical sitting position, handle bars bent toward for ease-of-reach, and foot pegs right underneath you (not behind or in front of you).

I decided to give the Tommaselli Condor bars a try. The adjustable Condor bars came up alot at the Triumph Rat forum, and most of the reviews seemed to be on the good side. I got the impression that it was an easy way to get the clip-on experience without actually retro-fitting clip-ons to the T-Bird.



I gave in to curiosity and tried them out. After 3 rides, I think I can say that it changes the riding experience completely. I now ride right up against the gas tank, leaning much further forward to operate the motorcycle. This is a pretty serious change of posture, compared with the relaxed, up-right experience I had with the stock bars. It is much more like riding a sport bike, except that the gas tank feels like it's in the way of the experience...

My final verdict is that I like them. When adjusted properly, my wrists find a much more comfortable home than they did with the stock bars. Otherwise, it's something to get used to. When riding hard, the Condor bars seem to promote a decent riding position. When sitting in traffic, it's less than ideal. But I think I like 'em.

Where's the love?

Machine:
1995 Kawasaki Ninja 250

...1st in line at a red light - left-hand lane waiting for the green arrow. Cars are passing by us as their light says 'go.'

-"Nice scooter!"

Some punk yells this at us. Car full of high school/college kids with all the windows down and the sunroof open. Wow, that one hurt.

Obviously he knows something about motorcycles if he can recognize our unmarked Ninja 250. Is this the impression motorcyclists have about the Ninjette? That it's some kind of "scooter" (read with a negative connotation)? I guess some do. It's a shame when something as serious as riding becomes a pissing contest...

Introduction

Machine:
2002 Triumph Thunderbird (not Sport)

Tires:
Pirelli Sport Demons

Modifications:
Triumph OEM Off-road pipes

I'm happy with it. Found some of its weaknesses at my 1st track day, found some strengths during the last Deal's Gap trip. In the short term I see different pipes, rear sets, and handle bars. We'll try that and see how it goes.