JUST RIDE, SALLY
The bells and whistles are useless if riding isn't any fun, and all three of these machines offer very different riding experiences. Laid-back, lazy riders will enjoy the manners of Star's Silverado. It has a powerband best suited for lugging out of corners, and loafing around at low RPM. Although it can rev out when pushed, it's happiest and feels best in the low revs. Kawasaki's Vulcan is the opposite, with a motor that likes to be spun up, and feels clattery if shifted short. The 17's high-geared six-speed transmission feels oddly matched, as we rarely got into 6th gear. Unfortunately for both of those bikes, the smaller-engined Triumph adapted to both kinds of riders better. With a motor that is as at home lugging as spinning, all comers found the T-Bird to their liking.
As long-distance superslab haulers, the bikes performed somewhat predictably. The Silverado was out of its depth at highway speeds. Handling is more disconnected and vague compared to the other bikes, and for some riders it could be unnerving. Quick movements of the bars made for unstability in the front end, and wind only made it worse. The Vulcan is a light-steering bike, which was not to everyone's taste either. Though it never felt detached like the Star (indeed, the front feels very solid) it's just a super-light touch. Unfortunately it's not just the rider that can change directions on the Kawi, as the wind also will blow this bike around. The solid-feeling and neutral-handling Thunderbird was a joy on the open road, as it tracked straight and positively, feeling controllable at all times. Gearing was similarly perfectly spaced on the Triumph; although it's lower-geared than the Kawasaki, it revved out nicely to make up for it. The Star was tapped at highway speeds but could keep up with anything approaching the legal limit.
As the roads tightened up, the Silverado came into its own. More aggressive riders were still frustrated by the lack of feedback from the front, and its inability to change directions quickly without shimmying, but if taken in a relaxed fashion, twists and turns actually suited it fine...until it ran out of ground clearance. The Kawasaki felt a touch more top-heavy than the others, but its light handling was welcomed, even if its revvy nature kept it usually a gear lower than the others to keep the engine in its happy place. Just as on the highway, the T-Bird was as at home with aggressive as with passive riders, with a motor that pulls strong from the bottom and a chassis that felt far better at an accelerated pace.
Braking followed a similar path; the Star was least aggressive, while the Vulcan was a bit touchier, and the Thunderbird had the strongest, most responsive binders. For those afraid of heavy braking, the Triumph also had the advantage of ABS, making stops on any surface absolutely fear-proof. Unless you count Harley's Road King, it's the only bike at this displacement so equipped (though we have a feeling that will soon be changing).
Even when you took into account each bike's range, the Triumph dominated, with the best gas mileage as well as the biggest tank in the group. It almost wasn't fair.
SO THE TRIUMPH WINS, RIGHT?
Well, mostly. In case you couldn't tell, we fell in love with the Thunderbird all over again. In two tests against very different opponents, the Thunderbird has shown itself to be a versatile machine, from aggressive, sporty cruiser (vs. the Star Warrior , April '10) to more sedate long-distance hauler. However, if you're looking for a more classic-looking machine, it's probably not going to float your boat without some extensive modifications. Luckily, Triumph has rolled out a boatload of accessories for this model. (see
www.triumph.co.uk/usa) And if you absolutely need a V-twin, this isn't your bike.
As much as our testers might have ragged on it, the Silverado has a lot going for it. It could be a fine mount for those who like to just sit back and watch the scenery go by. Handling problems aren't a problem if you're just cruising along, and isn't that what these bikes are about?
For a more involved experience, Kawasaki's LT steps up to the plate. It's immediate and visceral, demanding of your attention to get it to the right gear or to stay headed the right direction. It's connected to you, and offers up a wealth of information on its LCD if you need something to look at on a long trip.
So here's to the newest Thunderbird: we look forward to the next one.
The Kawasaki and Star bring...
The Kawasaki and Star bring similar 2-piston front brakes.
The T-Bird sports the most...
The T-Bird sports the most advanced setup, with a low-profile tire, 4-piston calipers and ABS.