Triumphrat

ericp · 03-31-2009, 06:22 PM

I am looking at buying a '95 T-bird. Always loved the look of the bike and the price is currently in my budget. I have a question though. I have heard that the bike is a bit hard to stop with only a single disk up front. Is this true. Can any current owners let me know if this is something they would agree with?
I have owned a sprint st and a 955 tiger in the past. I am sure it won't perform like those bikes. But for a mild mannered rider in traffic are the t-bird brakes something for me to worry about?
Thanks.

Avatar · 03-31-2009, 07:30 PM

The Legend ( which I own ) has the same front brakes as the Tbird. I have no issues with the stopping power. I believe it is adequate.

If you're looking for better brakes, you may want to refocus on the Thunderbird Sport (TBS) as it has double rotors up front.

IrlMike · 03-31-2009, 07:32 PM

I think the single disc is best described as 'acceptable'. Compared to what we used to use years ago it's actually very good. And if you have good technique/feel with the rear brake you can get a bit of performance back using that effectively as these bikes are somewhat rear weighted, more so with the riders weight & centre of gravity added in. Certainly wouldn't let it put you off.

Mike

Petrol · 03-31-2009, 07:39 PM

Only one caliper can be an issue,If like me you tour two up with luggage.One up solo fast or two up without cargo steady riding are fine.I fitted a six piston lightwieght caliper,It bolts straight on and Its superb!...........heres a link http://www.billet.co.uk/index2.html?home.html~mainFrame

ericp · 03-31-2009, 08:15 PM

It would only be me on the bike. 6'0 about 210 lbs. I would have a rear bag on a rack, that's all
The bike has a windscreen, would that help stop the bike due to the extra wind resistance?
(kidding of course).

So you can actually upgrade the brakes with aftermarket calipers? Wow. Does that improve it to perhaps the braking performance of the TBS?

My riding would definitely be in traffic though, basically commuting back and forth to work. I never go on trips, just do the 60 mile round trip in the warmer weather.

I could just look for a TBS but I really like the looks of the T-bird much better. I just want to make sure I'm not taking on extra risk with the T-Bird brakes.

Tbirdnz · 03-31-2009, 08:24 PM

I think IrlMike says it all, I was always perfectly happy with the stopping power of my TB until I got my double disk CB, it just had that extra. It's probably the only mod I would really like to have but I can easily live with the present set-up.

------------
Ride on !

bueller · 03-31-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petrol

Only one caliper can be an issue,If like me you tour two up with luggage.One up solo fast or two up without cargo steady riding are fine.I fitted a six piston lightwieght caliper,It bolts straight on and Its superb!...........heres a link http://www.billet.co.uk/index2.html?home.html~mainFrame

I have a billet 6 fitted to my legend and second this comment.....Superb

patrol21 · 04-01-2009, 10:58 AM

I have a 95 bird and hard stopping can catch you off quard if your used to a duel set up, but it all depends on how you ride. To be honest, I can lock up the front end on any bike with good pads...its all how hard you want to bury your grip into the brake. If your looking to do front end stands, these brakes may leave you wanting but for normal riding they are fine. I find the rear brakes are a bit touchy....they go from slight drag to fully locked very quickly.

walshja · 04-01-2009, 11:29 AM

I have a '95 and I upgraded the brake lines with the steel braided lines, cheap upgrade that made a difference.

I am 6', 180lbs, and I neve felt like the brakes were inadequate on my bike, I wouldn't worry at all about the brakes

you will love these bikes, go for it !!

GeoffE · 04-01-2009, 11:33 AM

Hi,

I have a '95 Thunderbird and find the braking fine now, however I did change two things:-

- The original '95 front brakeline fitted by Triumph was rubber. It should have been changed by now, so make sure you have a braided brakeline (e.g. Goodridge, or the later OEM part).

- I uprated the front brake pads to sintered (e.g. EBC FA196HH).

I did find the original set-up a bit mushy, and the two above changes made a big difference.

I can perhaps add a couple of other comments that could help put the above improvement into context? I actually have a Beringer 4-pot caliper to fit, but have not felt the need (but I guess I will use it one day). My other regular ride is a Sprint with twin Triumph/Alcon 6-pots, and I have little problem switching between the two rides.

Hope this helps?
Geoff