Triumphrat

06-14-2005

Wanted some thoughts on my "quandry". I am looking at both at 95 Tbird that is mint with only 1500 miles and a 99 Legend in excellent shape with only 6500 miles. The Tbird is listed at $4500 and the Legend for $3100...but should be able to haggle both down somewhat.

I know about the asthetic and ergonomic differences between the bikes from what I have read. What I am trying to find is if there is any signifcant "going down the road and around the curve" differences. Meaning was anything upgraded or "cutback due to cost" between those model years worth considering? In addition aren't both of these bikes at the same power level and can be bumped up to the TBS numbers with the same parts?

Thanks!!

Ethan

TBSstunta · 06-14-2005

The Legend has 17" wheels which will make your tire selections a lot easier. The Legend also has a lower seat height and some say a more comfortable seat. The TBS doesn't have all that much power over those two, and really comes down to the crossover pipe and the intake carb rubbers.

UJMrider · 06-14-2005

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that accessories are easier to find for the later T-bird/Legend. Also, IMO the blacked-out engine of the Legend is better looking than the shiny and chromed engine of the Tbird.

Given the price difference, though, I'd say it's a slam-dunk. You can buy a lot of goodies (or just do a lot of riding) with the $1400 difference, and in terms of mileage, I'd actually be concerned about a 10 year old bike with only 1500 miles on it. How many years did it sit completely immobile?

Finally, 95 was the first year for the Tbird and as a general rule, I don't like buying any vehicle in the first year of its manufacture - I like to give the maker a couple of years to work out some of the minor kinks.

Obviously, not seeing them makes it hard to judge, but assuming they are both in more or less indentical condition, the Legend sounds like the better buy.

legend21 · 06-14-2005

Same advice than Martin

I've asked me the same question when iIbought my 01 legend 3 years ago..

And now with experience I will choose the legend again

:razz:

EWC And with the extra cash you will save ,you can easy upgrade her

JohnRimmer · 06-14-2005

I would suggest it's all about preference to the looks assuming both are in good condition.I have a 95Tbird from new.32000 miles and perfect.Not used for 3 years but stored carefully.Bought a new battery,put fresh petrol in and she fired up first time.
Personally I think the early Tbirds were higher quality than later models and the Legend was built to a cheaper selling price,e.g.more basic paint and badges.But both bikes will ride similarly.
Only buy the Tbird if you are willing to spend many hours cleaning and polishing the shiny bits.

Jodel · 06-14-2005

If both bikes were the same age, I'd take the TBird. However, a '99 Legend sounds a better bet to me than a '95 TBird.

Remember though, that the Legend was Triumph's response to criticism that their bikes were too tall for shorter riders - if you are tall, you may find it a bit cramped. I'm only 5'9" but prefer the higher seat on TBird.

maxpower · 06-14-2005

TBird for me <A HREF="http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.bikes.model.specification& resource=943230&resourceId=933029" TARGET="_blank">Acceleration (Standing 1/4-mile time, terminal speed)
12.1s, 102mph </A>

Personally Like the alloy. Hey, if your going retro go retro. Yea it sounds stupid because it is.

There both excellent. forget logic go with with your heart.

[ This message was edited by: maxpower on 2005-06-14 20:55 ]

legend · 06-18-2005

I do not think that you can make a bad choice. I prefer the blacked out Legend but might like the higher seat height of the t-bird.

Does the '95 bird have 6 speed ? The Legend is has 5.
Worth looking at.

Good luck,

Mark

UJMrider · 06-19-2005

Quote:

On 2005-06-18 16:38, legend wrote:
I do not think that you can make a bad choice. I prefer the blacked out Legend but might like the higher seat height of the t-bird.

Does the '95 bird have 6 speed ? The Legend is has 5.
Worth looking at.

Good luck,

Mark

The Tbird didn't get the 6-speed until 2000, I believe.

j98sprint · 06-19-2005

Didn't the early T-300s ('95,'96,'97) have a problem with the starter sprag clutch?

j98