Featured New Owner 2014 Thunderbird Abs

Hello everyone,

New member here! Two years ago I rented a Thunderbird 1600 in Las Vegas, USA and rode it throughout Death Valley. Bike absolutely stole my soul. Well here I am two years later and have just purchased a 2014 Thunderbird ABS with 5,000 miles on the odometer.







I bought the bike on Saturday and trailered it home for four hours in a driving rainstorm on a potholed interstate. Harrowing to say the least. Once finally home I gave it a quick wash and dry and snapped these pics. The I had to go out of town the next day, Sunday, for a week. I'll be back home for a day and a half and then I have to go out of town again for another full week. It's killing me to be away and the bike is sitting at home! I haven't had a chance to do anything with it at all.

Couple of questions:

1. Apparently the factory heated grips had breakage issues...was that ever resolved with a new part number? I have two part numbers for heated grip kits for the standard Thunderbird but don't know if either of them is a "new and improved" version: A9638123 and A93638068. Apparently these are both discontinued but if there is an updated version I might be able to locate new old stock. By the way, why does the LT/Commander heated grip kit have a different part number A9368089? If it's just an electrical connection difference that may not be a show-stopper.
2. Looks like the Jack-Be-Quick JBQ-TB-STD is out of production or temporarily unavailable. How critical is this to jacking the bike? Are there other ways to get a tire off the ground in the absence of this aftermarket kit?
3. I ride solo and love to tour. I'm thinking of the long-haul solo seat and a sissy bar rack that fits where the pillion seat would be. Thoughts?
   
4. I'm not a fan of the looks or function of the OEM bags. After the rainstorm trailer run, they were filled with water. Thinking I may go with Viking leather-covered hard bags. Anyone had experience with these?

 

Thank you and hello!

 

Thanks TEZ, Helmut, and David! Thanks for your replies and perspectives. Cool ride Helmut! Looking forward to hanging around here.

 

Thanks!

Yeah, that's about right!

That's a beauty!

 

Thanks for the welcome Billy and mp!

 

I don't know if you saw the welcome thread but here's a post with a some more info about my "barn".

 

Well I flew back in last night and have to fly out again tomorrow, but at least I got some seat time on the Thunderbird today. It is an incredible machine and I had a blast! Bike ran and handled flawlessly.

 

I appreciate the detailed technical feedback, Alatamoc. That's the great thing about these owner forums...the chance to exchange personal experience and advice.

What makes you prefer the 1600 to the 1700? I've heard of the "dreaded rattle" but haven't delved into the history of it. Does it only afflict 1700s or 1600s are susceptible as well? What is the cause? Did the big end bearings fail due to an oil pressure or low oil viscosity (summer heat in July)?

What was involved with the 12,000 mile service, valve clearance inspection? As I bought this bike pre-owned @ 5 years old with 5,000 miles and no warranty, I wouldn't be hesitant to do that job myself. With bikes purchased new with warranty it's a different matter.

 

Thanks. I'll probably use it for touring but for day trips it's nice to have the wind in your face and the bike looks meaner without it. Speaking of the screen, the so-called "quick release" mechanism was an absolute bear to use. I ended up lifting the two spring-loaded clips manually and using bits of plastic to hold them open. The screen still held fast. I ended up having to spray some lube on the contact points and loosen the mounting point screws to get it off the bike.