Royal Enfield and a trip to Fowlers Bristol

[@gairtalboys6014]

I can definitely say that the bmw r9t is worth a go. Great fun and the boxer is a peach

[@thebristolthunderbird]

They are fantastic looking bikes.

[@RichardParsons65]

Great to see Bristol. It's my hometown but I left in the early 80s to join the army, and never really went back. My daughter, however, recently started uni down there (I'm now in Manchester) so I might ride my interceptor down sometime and take a look. I bet it's changed a bit!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It's a great city. Nice you can re-live it a bit now your daughter is here. Let me know when your down with your interceptor, it's changed a lot!

[@rodenheap68]

You might already know this, the older T3's do not like starting on anything but a fully charged and healthy battery. The danger is that with a weak battery, the engine might kick back and that can destroy the starter sprag. This results in having to remove the engine and tear down to repair. Keep the battery fresh in your Thunderbird by keeping it on a tender .. I use Optimate on my bikes, they work a treat and are inexpensive. I really enjoy your videos mate, loved your Turkey trip, especially as I own a 1995 Thunderbird! Cheers, Roden ... Sydney, Australia.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks Roden. Australia must be amazing for riding. I've heard that about the sprag, thankfully not experienced that, hopefully I won't. I do have a charger, but need to get myself a trickle charger to keep it topped up over the winter.

[@leonnewcombe]

Pull the clutch in when starting it will spin over quicker

[@timbogriffiths]

Great to see a new vid out from u, ur a dream to watch

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Cheers mate! Should be more consistent from now on. Bit more time on my hands.

[@martyndunn1905]

I feel the same as you about newer bikes, manufacturers are chasing technology, torque and horsepower. Ive got a 24 yr old bandit 1200 and i bloody love it

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That's a lovely bike. Proper bit of muscle.

[@millinutz]

@@martyndunn1905 My daughter has a Bandit with 44k on the clock. A smooth and meaty bike and a joy to ride, on those odd occasions i'm allowed to ride it, but then again, it'a Suzuki! My preferred brand... but for my heart, give me a Brit anyday, no matter it's age.

[@kevindarkstar]

6:54 try tenerife around November, there are a few motorcycle rentals on the island 😊

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks for all the comments mate. Tenerife sounds like a good option too. I'll look into that.

[@stevo8629]

I had a 2017 CRF1000-l DCT that had been lowered. It was amazing because I could sling it around corners with ease. The 2024 version is a little bit taller but only by a few mm. Even with a larger full tank it's still great. I love the DCT and this 2024 AT is the 3rd DCT I have owned.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Those bikes look amazing. How does the automatic function feel? (If that's what you have?)

[@stevo8629]

The DCT is amazing. If you have the electronic shifter fitted, it's close to riding a manual geared bike because you decide the shifting if the auto changing is not to your liking.

[@leonnewcombe]

Neutral light problem. You will find it behind ‘(in ) your head lamp black and yellow wire. This black and yellow cable also splits in to four it was corroded on mine and was the cause of my neutral light falling and dimming dash lights. I have a Tbird 96 in black with TOR pipes one of 3 bikes and it’s still my favourite one. Your videos are great keep them coming.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate. I'll take a look at that cable situation. It was just gone one day! Appreciate the encouragement, thank you.

[@driver4970]

Totally agree about the thunderbird I've had so many bikes since 1976 and the most memorable is my 900 thunderbird. It just does everything I ask of it and has for the past 12 years and most of that is with a pillion. I have a BMW R1200c but still prefer the thunderbird. I also have a RE 350 meteor which even though its only 20bhp its a great bike.

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

My two bikes also. Love them both but the thunderbird is in a league of its own

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

My two bikes also. Love them both but the thunderbird is in a league of its own

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It's such a good bike. Keep thinking there must be another bike that can blow it away, nothing does though. A reasonably priced classic in my opinion.

[@markflowers1814]

Stumble across you on KZbin only to notice u live around the back from me . I potter around on my little RE classic 350 and absolutely love it.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha. There's a couple of bikers I've connected with in the neighbourhood. Time for a little ride out and a coffee somewhere?

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

Nice to see a new video of you again 👍 If your wife ask again. Harley ??? . just say no. A the SWM Stormbreaker V1200 😅😂🤣

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That Stormbreaker is one interesting bike. Not sure if they are released in the UK yet? When they are though I'll be trying one out for sure.

[@LeeB132]

Hi Matt, really enjoying the channel, ive got a triumph 900 scrambler and ive never found the heat of the exhaust to be a problem and as you say its quite nice in winter.Im the same as you never really liked any of the royal enfields but they have just revealed the royal enfield “bear” which is a scrambler and looks really smart but again only 47hp its not enough in my book. Keep the vids coming 👍🏻. Lee.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks for the encouragement mate. Finding time for content this last year has been really hard, loads of ideas and no time. Things are looking quite different now though, so I'm looking forward to more regular updates. Cheers!

[@DaveOasist]

Good to see you've trimmed your bush Matt haha, Great to see the Tbird out also, i havent been on mine for a couple of months now, i really should get it out again after watching this. The neutral light is very common on these, mines been out for years now. You can take the sensor out to clean failing that remove the washer and re-install without. Ps liking Brisol, Also KEEP THE TBIRD!!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Mate the Thundy is going nowhere! Bristol is a great city, not so great for riding, but most cities aren't. Bush is still being trimmed...

[@matthewfrancis8825]

HELLO. I love the new Royal Enfields: The Shotgun, the Super Meteor, and the New Bear 650. One of these will probably be my next motorcycle. My old bike was a naked 1200 Suzuki Bandit, so it should be fun to test-ride them. What make is the brown leather jacket you are wearing? I would like to get one. Great vlog. Another bike I owned was a Triumph 955i SPEED TRIPLE' Y REG, AND IT WAS A MEGA BIKE TO RIDE. I wish that I STILL HAD IT. To the next vlog.Cheers Matt from Hastings East Sussex.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

You've had some awesome bikes mate. Those old speed triples were great. My jacket was from eBay! I'll try and find the link and send it over. Only £99 if I remember right.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183261682524?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=P1PpopvER7a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=m3wCdMzBQMe&var=690546183057&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@robertboomsema4422]

I see what you’re getting at, I’ve been looking at the RE too, but decided to go for a second hand T100 instead, huge difference in ride and quality. The way you like to ride on your Thunderbird is your way of riding and the RE will bore you out quite quickly. The speed twin 1200 is definitely something you will like. I tested one of these and they are just wonderful, easy to handle, lightweight and quite quick too. But they come with a price, but a nice priced second hand maybe an option. But yes, just keep your Thunderbird as long as it goes 😊💪

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Second hand market isn't too bad, but they do keep their price. Good if you're selling I guess...

[@kevindarkstar]

10:36 my son has a beautiful hornet 900 and he smiles a lot while he's riding his 😊

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Triumph all the way for me I love them so many I would like I’ve got a 2023 triumph rocket 3gt chrome edition you should try one they are a hell of a bike so much fun and you can do all the B roads on them they are great fit and finish on the triumphs are top notch as well if it wasn’t triumph for me it would be Japanese especially there reliability oh and Bristol does look a great City I’ve only been there once take care mate keep the videos coming PS try a rocket you won’t regret it bye for now

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Those Rockets look mad. Definitely need to give one of them a try. Thanks mate.

[@mustafakemal9547]

Kid in a candy shop, that's me when i see spearguns......Love how u got side tracked with the Nortons !! Third bike coming soon ? Oh i love the bit where Lillians in the garden trying to talk u out of it !🕶

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha, she normally talks some sense into me.

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

I have the meteor 350 along side the thunderbird and monkey. Love the contrast of all 3

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Those monkeys look like a lot of fun for a quite race about town. That's 3 very different bikes.

[@martyinoregon8543]

Good to see ya on the TBird again. It’s chilly but dry here today. Think I’ll take the cb900c for a rip. Cheers

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Always a good day with a ride. I bet the scenery is amazing out there.

[@pete36524]

Nice to see Bristol at dusk ❤. The Interceptor is a great fun bike but I do think you would be disappointed if you compare it to your Thunderbird. Audi is a good comparison with Triumph as they are both premium brands. There’s an Interceptor Scrambler called the Bear that’s coming out soon and looks worth a look. I think you can rent Interceptors in Portugal out of Porto.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yea, I've seen the rentals in Porto, pretty reasonable really. You get a bit spoiled with the Triumphs though, they are just so good!

[@Swedenbonnie]

The RE interceptor looks great, But! Matt do yourself a favour and try the Triumph Speed Twin will ya🤣 I think that one will fit and suit you👌 Price/quality is a huge difference, but I took a testride on both and man the Speed Twin rides amazing!! Need to say I rode a 900, not a 1200. But I loved it!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yeas, that is my favorite bike of all the Triumphs

[@trevorhussey2027]

Worth thinking about a Moto Guzzi V85TT, based on the kind of stuff you say you like. Great bike.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

From a distance that looks a little bit like a RE scrambler. Nice looking bike. Guzzi have had some reliability issues recently though? Know anything about that?

[@johnrocker2986]

Be careful starting the Triumph on a weak battery as they easily damage the sprag clutch = big expense when that happens! Strangely I use the same mirrors as you but using Triumph Hurricane Handle bars don't sell that Thunderbird or else. Lucky for me I also have a RE Interceptor, pleasure wise its very close to my Thunderbird so for me it's a win win place too be.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The Thundy isn't going anywhere. Heard about the sprag clutch a number of times. A guy here has mentioned pulling the clutch in when starting the bike.

[@This-crazy]

I’ve been looking at Interceptors keep coming back to my 2002 Thunderbird.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The TB is hard to beat. Love looking at other bikes though, it's a bit out of hand... :)

[@mikehurley5052]

Should have gone 2 miles up the road to Riders, they have Harley demos. Sportster was stopped due to emission regs, harder to get air cooled engines through, hence the change to water cooled.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I was on the phone to them yesterday. Almost impossible to get a test ride on a used Sportster. Might try out their new Sportster s though.

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

Ha, I didn’t realise you’re just down the road from me…. I’m in Southville. I did wonder why you didn’t go along Coronation Road or even St. John’s Lane to get to Fowlers, but you answered that. I bought my Himalayan from Fowlers, and now I’m very tempted to get an Interceptor or Super Meteor to go with it.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Need to do a rideout with all the bikers in the neighbourhood. There are a few.

[@MichaelWinstanley-rq9hq]

Absolute bargain the thunderbird👍

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It is.

[@1066Sussex]

Love my Triumph America

[@thebristolthunderbird]

They look comfortable those America's

[@paulmessenger1006]

As said avoid starting with low battery because causes sprag plobs. Get Yuasa YTX14AHL-BS if you have YB14L-A2. Stick coils also help. I am not far from you in Headley Park. Also have a modded interceptor. You are welcome to try a well set up one. Fowlers don't do Royal Enfield any justice. Compared to tbird you will like the inty. Very light in comparison. Neutral could just be bulb. Easy to check or switch not making contact with the gear selector drum

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Hi Paul. Your name keeps popping up in the Thunderbird world. Would be great to meet up and talk Triumphs and all good bike related things. Am I right in thinking you have some mechanical courses specifically for the Thunderbirds/Triumphs? If so where do I sign up?

[@millinutz]

Who's this guy on my screen... oh, it's you. Welcome back Mr. T. We're having good dry riding weather this Oct. which is predicted to last for the coming week, having had about 10 days already, with the temps being between 12 and 17° Just wanna say, look at your channel name... you can't have another bike "instead of", but you can have an "as well as" bike. So I can defo see a RE in the shed alongside T-bird for a year or so, i'm sure it would suit your taste and style well, and i'm sure you'll be surprised with the Interceptor. As long as you have the trusted and beloved Bike to fall back on, then go get a second one for the occasional ride out and about around town. It's a Bike f.g.s, not a girl. Nobody's gonna scream at ya for doing that! The Interceptors are cheap to buy, and hold their price well, at least they do here, so it should be ok for the bank, should you fancy another girl... eh sorry, I mean Bike, the following year in the shed! I wonder where all your unrest and doubt will take this chaannel. Take care. S.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Many thanks mate. Good to get back on the filming and getting out again. Shame I kind of missed the season with crazy projects - all for the family though so a good investment. Very much looking forward to more filming and content though. Thanks for the support!

[@TheSpectre223]

I think it's definitely worth extending the cave to the back wall at least, it's a shame to not be utilising that space. Wider probably isn't needed just yet, and it'd be a shame to lose more of the hedge to achieve it, but that back section is definitely a go-er. Those Enfields are good bikes these days, and I'm keen to see their new Bear 650 scrambler based on the Interceptor when it reaches the dealers, but when it came to my own money a few years ago, I chose to get a second hand Triumph T100 over a brand new Interceptor. The Triumph was faster, 20 more hp, higher quality finish, and ultimately also cheaper by some 800 quid at the time, and that was still me buying from an official dealer with low mileage. Now though, the Triumph is gone too and I ride a 29 year old Honda Magna 750, V4 muscle-cruiser, and it's fantastic. The way it rides and feels, the attention to detail in its design, and the rarity factor on modern roads, there's a lot to be said for bikes of that era. Whatever you get next, I think you're wise keep hold of the Thunderbird.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The Thunderbird is a keeper, can't imagine getting rid of that. I like the look of the Honda, very classic. There is something about that era of bike. Without sounding like an old man, they don't make them like they used to.

[@kevindarkstar]

25:04 easy to fix... If you can get the parts 😏

[@thebristolthunderbird]

True!

[@Howard1776]

I got a 2004 Thunderbird Sport 900 five years ago. Was looking at a newish Triumph 900 at the time but for the money the TB gives you much more. Have been considering the 650 REs . They have all the power you will need but after a TB has it the power you want?? It’s a big step down in power from the TB and Fazer while being a similar weight. I also have a 40 hp bike which is great for commuting but I would miss the shove and drama of the TB! Ps. You can now get new Inteceptors for the same price as that one you were looking at, though not the chrome one!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The thunderbird sport is a lovely bike. Wouldn't mind one of those in the stable too.

[@jobucklandbuckland8031]

going by what your saying i think a good second bike is another Thunderbird maybe a sport or for winter the Legend , modern Triumph are expensive and harder to fix with all the tech , the Enfields are great bikes get a test ride , try yje 350 and 650 ,

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yea, some of the other triples are great. You might be right, another one of the same is not a bad idea. It's just a good thing I don't have endless space - I'd have bikes everywhere!

[@ianfutcher1518]

Riding in the winter is ok as long as they haven’t salted the roads. Nothing worse for the bikes especially the TBird.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I'm going to ride plenty this year. Just get my heated gloved on!

[@TheTigerman62]

Like you I’m contemplating for a 3rd bike and Royal Enfield was top of my list. But now I tried a Moto Guzzi V7 Special and can’t stop day dreaming. 😆. Still love my Thunderbird though. It will always be my favorite.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Those Guzzi's are amazing. Need to try one

[@TheTigerman62]

@ yes. A bike with character and a brand with amazing history. Moto Guzzi is the longest continuous bike manufacturer in Europe too.

[@bobd4149]

Possibly a bit late to the RE party and these days it's the 450 Himalaya that's getting all the love, though that's being overtaken by the CF Moto 450. Only just released however do have a look at the RE 650 Bear which is a scrambler based version of the Interceptor. You've already mentioned it however get yourself round to Bristol Motorrad for a look at the latest R9T and it's many variants; a great bike however for me the pillion capability was woeful.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I've heard about the Bear, will be trying that for sure. Something about those R9t's that I really like. Ridden a few BMW's and always liked them. Will try one soon for sure.

[@NoNameMotoTV]

If you like the BMW rninet, try a Triumph speed twin 1200

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The speed twin is my favorite Triumph for sure. One of those in the future maybe...

[@kevindarkstar]

Wait till you see the royal enfield Bear 😉

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Looked at a youtube video last night. Nice bike!

[@joedudz]

Would think about a 2nd hand Triumph but not paying those new prices. Yes, the quality of RE is slightly lower but the bikes are half the price of Triumph.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yea, not sure how they do it so cheap - or maybe it's Triumph that are so expensive. It's never going to be a cheap hobby though is it!?

[@mrdee1986]

I love Triumph, had several including the Scrambler 12xc I'm 6ft so not a problem with the seat height, however they run far to hot and cut out at the lights and junctions, or at least mine did. The exhaust design is a totally impractical and as you say burns you leg a massive cock up in my opinion from Triumph, needless to say I got rid after a month of ownership

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I know what you mean. I know a few guys that have had them and chopped them in. Just too hot for any longer rides.

[@Dozeyish]

Just my opinion as a Harley rider for over twenty years . I now have two Enfields. Sold both my Harleys as the Enfield gt 650 has just as much character, looks good, is lighter and handles better and defo faster than the Sportster. Far better value than triumphs as well. IMHO. Get a test ride don't think you will be disappointed.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Honestly, I've been trying to get a test ride for a used Sportster at the local dealership. They refuse to let me, I have to commit to buying first. What's that all about?? Anyway, interesting to hear you've gone fully RE. They must have plenty of character to replace your Harleys.

[@Dozeyish]

@thebristolthunderbird well that's almost like they don't want to sell motorbikes. Had a similar experience at a dealership near me. That was the last time I am going there. And some of them wonder why they are closing. You should have no problem getting a test ride on an Enfield though. Good luck and ride safe.

[@stevo8629]

Whilst I like Triumph have you looked at the 2024 africa twin? Its a big bike but I'm short and can flat-foot it easily. If you haven't tried one you should maybe take a look. Not a big fan of Fowlers other than to look at bikes. Wouldn't recommend buying from them

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Tha Africa Twin is an absolute beauty. I'll look into that for sure. Always assumed they were just massive and tall.

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

I do know what you mean about the thunderbird. I dont think theres any triumph up to the overbuild of the t bird

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It really is a tank, one of the things I love about it. Over engineered goodness.

[@kevindarkstar]

20:53 ironically you would probably get from A to B just as quick on a Honda 500 in any urban area 😂

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Very true, probably a 125 too!

[@alanjones8810]

I bought a new KTM 1190 Adventure from Fowlers in 2014, At the time they did the best deal I bought some new gear at the same time, I was worth travelling 230 miles.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

How can that be 10 years ago!?? Still got the bike?

[@alanjones8810]

​@@thebristolthunderbird I exchanged it in 2017 for a KTM 1290superduk gt I rang Fowlers but they said they had too many 1190 and would not do me a deal. I would have liked to have kept it, but my other half said if you keep it I have to sell my Honda st1100 I bought that new from Bill heads in Preston in March 1999. Unfortunately women just don't understand.

[@joedudz]

I was in Fowlers a couple of weeks ago and they are no way promoting RE against their huge stock of Triumphs. If in the south west GV Bikes in Taunton is a way better please for viewing the complete RE range.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yea, they were tucked a bit out of the way! They are a Triumph dealership really. No surprise, they are all lovely bikes and very much 'in' these days.

[@cedhome7945]

I used to work there back in the 90s and you would not believe the bunch of monkeys that where in the stores..... Happy days. Mind you the ignorance displayed by customers some days was shocking........ 👍

[@KevinofWessex]

The shotgun suits you....

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Cheers mate. It was way more comfortable than the Interceptor.

[@Geekontourwheels]

Thats the thing with aesthetics...if you are a Triumph person...an RE wont cut it for you! And as you mentioned...if you like an Audi...a BMW wont cut it for you!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The Triumphs have (in my opinion) ruled the market with design in recent years. Having said that I can see how other manufacturers can have the same effect on people. Each make has its own "thing" that appeals.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Triumph is a poser bike as they are just not reliable

[@muckergee2113]

anything to do with royal enfield starts around 27 minutes in !

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha, yeah, a bit of a wait. Wanted to show you my garden first!

[@johngilbert7357]

I've gotta say...that was the worse route to Fowlers I have ever seen! 🤣

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha, without doubt! Wanted to take the non Bristolians on a little guided tour...

[@GrahamNewman-mq7gr]

These "Palaces" are very nice BUT , THE FIGURES DO NOT ADD UP IN MOTORCYCLE MARKET WINTER 2024. The volume of STOCK is disproportional to the volume of business been achieved.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yeah there's a lot of kit there for sure.

[@kevindarkstar]

20:53 ironically you would probably get from A to B just as quick on a Honda 500 in any urban area 😂