Triumphrat

Steeltoe · 02-03-2004

I am seriously considering buying an '04 black/yellow tbs.
I was wondering, with the smallish 3.9 gallon tank, what is the mileage one can expect, and the range?
Also, I notice the wheelbase is much longer than
most sport bikes. How is the handling, for example, compared to an aprilia futura (my current ride) or a similiar sportouring bike?
Does anyone have the optional flyscreen, and does
it help with wind protection?
Thanks for all opinions.

Wombat · 02-04-2004

Aloha Steeltoe

I have recently purchased the same bike (2 weeks and 300miles ago) and can only say that it is the sweetest ride I have had in a long time (I hope my wife doesnt't read this) I cannot compare it to any of the sport tourers as I moved up from a Yamaha Virago, but I can tell you that it handles very well and It gives me around 45MPG (150+ miles between fills). The majority of my riding is commuting in traffic each day.

I have ordered the fly screen but it has not yet arrived so I cannot give any advise on that

Go for it, you won't be disappointed.

tbsrider2000 · 02-04-2004

I have a 2000 model with 28,000 miles on it. I usually hit just over 150 miles before I hit reserve. I've been as far as 183 miles on a tank before. I usually cruise about 75 - 80 mph on trips. If you push into triple digit speeds, mileage drops significantly, of course!

The TBS is a great bike... I would definitely snap one up.. I don't think it's replacement, the Thruxton, will do it justice..

zimtok · 02-04-2004

I also have a 2K-TBS.
I regularly get between 140 -150 miles before I have to switch to the reserve.

I have not had many bikes so my opinion may not hold much weight, but I also think the TBS is a GREAT bike.

It handles the corners very well.
I can slide my butt back on the seat and get into a more sport position, or slide forward and be in an upright position for a more relaxed ride.
Even my freind that has a Buell X-1 enjoys riding my TBS. He says: "It may not have the up front torque that the X-1 has but it is a very smooth power from start to finish" "The X-1 may take it at the start but the TBS will soon be knocking down the back door and comming right in"

I don't think you will be disapointed with this bike. :-D

I had the flyscreen on my bike for a while. It does help a little, but I see it as more of an enhancment of the looks.

My flyscreen got damaged so I removed it and decided to install a bigger wind screen. Check out my photo album in "Member Maintained Albums" (page #4 - I beleive) and you will see both screens.

[ This message was edited by: zimtok on 2004-02-04 08:41 ]

breezeon · 02-04-2004

Hi Steeltoe.
I can tell you that the standard fly screen is a good protective piece of plastic. But
like all standard bike screens, just a little short.
One problem is that at 120mph, the bike weaves, evenly left to right, when it first
happened it was a bit of a shock, so keep you speed down or go faster.
I shall be trying the bike later with the screen off; to find out if any weaveing occurs.
Yes the mileage is about 140 to 150.

Cheers Breezeon

glgavin · 02-05-2004

The TBS is no sport bike, it's no cruiser, not a touring bike nor dual sport either. THE TBS IS A MOTORCYCLE! IMHO, other than the Classic models and Bonneville there are no other modern bikes to compare it to.

I've had mine since early 98. 76k miles commuting 5 days and 1 day of fun. As we all know maintenance is done on the seventh day.

I've got the flyscreen and solo saddle. The flyscreen takes the bite out of a 30 mph headwind at 70 - 80 mph sitting up and the solo saddle, when you move back into it helps at higher speeds. For really long distances some prefer a larger screen.

My mileage is about the same as the others. Best was in stock condition on long rides it would return 55 mpg.

Over the years I have exchanged emails/posts with many TBS owners. Several owners take their bikes touring, coast-to-coast, even though they have *World Class* touring or sport-touring bikes in the garage. Several years ago a UK based tour group rode from NY to Alaska via a southern route. The tour leader rode a TBS.

Sport Bikes - I love the look on their faces as they look over their shoulder to find I'm still there, sitting upright. But that is the case with any of the media termed non-sport Triumph bikes. (Tiger, Trophy)

The TBS, Classic models and Bonneville are modern versions of what I rode in the late 60’s. We toured, raced on and off-road and commuted on those bikes. No reason not to do so now.
:-g

Steeltoe · 02-05-2004

Thanks to all. When I took my first ride, in '67, it was on a CB160 twin, and then I put some miles on my brothers honda super 90. I took out the baffle to sound louder.
Not a lot of forward motion with 90cc, but good for learning.
One day, in '68, when I was 16, my cousin
lent me his '67 Bonneville for the day! Imagine how
thrilled I was tooling around Louisville (I lived in Detroit
at the time).The look, the sound, the power! It shifted on the right. Later, in '75, I sold
my 450 honda and got a new Trident 750. Lots of character with that old meridian, including an oil leak.
Still, I loved Triumph.
I bought a new '95 speed triple and had it five years.
Then decided I wanted something with more wind protection.
So, I got an aprilia Falco, but I sold it last year, and now have the Futura. I'm planning on keeping the Futura, but adding the TBS to my stable. I've grown tired of the sportbike position, laying on the tank. Too much for my aging back. The Futura is a little more down than the TBS, but not like an all out sportbike. Funny how now
the riding position now is what qualifies a bike for me.
It was down to a Guzzi Cafe Sport or the TBS. I'm going for the TBS, since this is the last year. Thanks again for all the great input.