Author Topic: UCE 500 Thunderbird  (Read 8790 times)

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ace.cafe

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Reply #15 on: October 07, 2012, 09:18:53 am
The Thunderbird has not been an export bike up to this point. They have had the Thunderbird model in all the engine types, Iron Barrel, AVL, and now UCE.

To me, it looks like a clone of a 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special.
I think that it does have some use for parts, in case anyone wants a triple-tree and separate headlight and twin clocks to change the look on their bike. That is a popular conversion using those parts off the T-Bird.
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GA-DK

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Reply #16 on: October 07, 2012, 07:30:16 pm
I wonder if the 20-liter fuel tank would fit my G5.  That would be an improvement.   GA-DK


barenekd

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Reply #17 on: October 07, 2012, 07:53:54 pm
The gawdawful forward footpegs and pedals kill it for me.
Interesting, though are the straight forks on a G5 frame. I guess the forward axle forks are going to be obsolete.
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wokka

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Reply #18 on: October 07, 2012, 08:26:36 pm
There'd be a few parts I'd be interested in, especially the rumoured rear disc brake. That would finally open up sprocket choices

Those forward controls aren't that far forward, certainly not compared to the avenger, but i would like to see how they are mounted


Ducati Scotty

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Reply #19 on: October 08, 2012, 03:56:49 pm
How do you know they haven't built the sprocket into the disc?  ;D

Scott


hortoncode3

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Reply #20 on: October 08, 2012, 04:07:13 pm
YAWN..nothing like changing out the ole paint scheme to attract new buyers..not.


Desi Bike

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Reply #21 on: October 08, 2012, 09:13:20 pm
How do you know they haven't built the sprocket into the disc?  ;D

Scott

Its on the other side of the spokes from the pictures Scott.
میں نہیں چاہتا کہ ایک اچار
میں صرف اپنی موٹر سائیکل پر سوار کرنا چاہتے ہیں


barenekd

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Reply #22 on: October 08, 2012, 09:31:14 pm
I don't think building a sprocket into the disk would be a great idea. It's amazing how detrimental a little chain lube would be to braking power!
Bare
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Alan LaRue

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Reply #23 on: October 08, 2012, 10:07:47 pm
I like it okay. It looks UJM to me. It's still retro, just 1970s instead of 1950s!
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Ducati Scotty

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Reply #24 on: October 08, 2012, 10:14:15 pm
Its on the other side of the spokes from the pictures Scott.

A) I was just kidding.
B) Don't put it past them to build a one piece disc/hub/sprocet that needs to be relaced to the rim when it wears out.

Scott ;)


Arizoni

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Reply #25 on: October 08, 2012, 11:19:24 pm
As I've probably said before, the T-Bird is a model for the 'wanna have a cruiser  bike' that will undoubtedly make many people in India happy.
It will be a big hit there for the people who can't afford a Harley.

Outside India however there are so many Japanese cruisers that out power and outclass the T-Bird in both looks and quality that it doesn't have a chance of succeeding.

The old models of the RE however are unique and interesting on the world market and as long as they are made they will find buyers.
In this niche their underpowered 500cc single has the market cornered. :)
Jim
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Ducati Scotty

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Reply #26 on: October 08, 2012, 11:26:57 pm
I'm sure that bike has more appeal domestically.  It kinda reminds me of the Virago.  The Virago is a really, really a nice bike to ride but it's a caricature of the Easy Rider bike. 

Scott


dginfw

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Reply #27 on: October 10, 2012, 04:51:42 am
I bought a C5 because I didn't want the typical jap-cruiser look...
But that blacked out engine belongs in the military bikes!  I would love to have blacked out cases on mine.
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meilaushi

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Reply #28 on: October 14, 2012, 02:57:11 pm
In contradistinction to other fine folks, I think it's a peach of a bike.  I like the 20 Liter tank, the headlight setup, the tach, the seats and disk rear brake, and the look of the thing, and I don't think the pegs are too far forward.  They'd sure be a help to my old creaky knees that the doc won't put grease fittings on for me. ;)  I.e., IMHO I LIKE the new thunderbird and would buy one in a minute if Kevin would begin importing 'em!
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Alan LaRue

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Reply #29 on: October 14, 2012, 03:19:59 pm
Well, I just watched the video, and I take back my "70s" comment. It just looks like a motorcycle! I actually think I prefer it to the Bullet.
Chinese food beats hopes and dreams any day.