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will a thunderbird tank fit a thunderbird sport?

12K views 20 replies 14 participants last post by  Dindar the Grey 
#1 ·
First let me say this forum is a fantastic wealth of knowledge. I learned more just reading these posts then I have in my first 9 years of riding.

I've done a bunch of searching on these forums, and I think I already know the answer, but I wanted to just make sure..
have the tanks changed shape at all since '95?
I'm guessing the legend, adventurer, tbird, and tbird sport have interchangeable tanks... would somebody like to correct or back-up that statement?

Thanks,
Adam
 
#3 ·
Sorry to drag up such an old topic, but I'm buying my first Triumph Triple on a budget and hoping to mix and match parts from different models (Mr Martini style: http://www.mrmartini.it/italiano/index.html).

I know there was a lot of crossover between engine and frames, I'm just wondering exactly what fits what: did the Legend, Adventurer, T-bird, and T-bird sport (and even the early Speed Triple) all use essentially the same frame, so parts can 'easily' be swapped between them? What about the early Trident, Trophy & Daytona... were they different?

I was really hoping to pick up a cheap Trident or Daytona 750 base and backdate it with a T-bird tank, seat and side panels to create a retro bike with more dynamic geometry than the T-Bird... does that sound possible, or am I barking up the wrong tree. Yes, it would make more sense to start with a T-bird, but they're still pretty expensive.

Any help greatly appreciated.
 
#5 ·
Sorry to drag up such an old topic, but I'm buying my first Triumph Triple on a budget and hoping to mix and match parts from different models (Mr Martini style: http://www.mrmartini.it/italiano/index.html).

I know there was a lot of crossover between engine and frames, I'm just wondering exactly what fits what: did the Legend, Adventurer, T-bird, and T-bird sport (and even the early Speed Triple) all use essentially the same frame, so parts can 'easily' be swapped between them? What about the early Trident, Trophy & Daytona... were they different?

I was really hoping to pick up a cheap Trident or Daytona 750 base and backdate it with a T-bird tank, seat and side panels to create a retro bike with more dynamic geometry than the T-Bird... does that sound possible, or am I barking up the wrong tree. Yes, it would make more sense to start with a T-bird, but they're still pretty expensive.

Any help greatly appreciated.
I've thought about this myself, a possible route to a 98hp classic triple.

Have a look at the frame detail on the bikebandit.com fiches (fishes?). I think you'll need a classic model rear subframe & associated fittings, battery box etc. but it should just bolt up.

On the main frame, I could see the coil mount points were different under the tank but these could by moved I guess. (Then use a 'classic' wiring loom to put connections in the right place.)

Fork top yoke would need to be changed to take 7/8" bars?

It would make sense to use the Trident wheels brakes etc. (17" wheel variants for easier tyre choices.)

Mostly I think it's very doable.

If I had the spare cash for another project I might well be at this myself.

Photos & info as you go please ! :)

Mike
 
#7 ·
I was just typing a reply to this when yours came through: I hadn't banked on having to change the rear subframe, but if as you say you can't anyway, that's that out of the way.

I know with the Twins the differences in geometry come from different springs/spacers in the fork, differently-sized front wheel on the Thrux and longer/shorter rear shocks, so I was presuming (hoping) that it was similar on the T3 models.

Cosmetically it looks as though a T-Bird tank would pretty much bolt straight on to a Trophy/Trident/Daytona (other models too?), and I'd imagine the cowled seat unit from the T-Bird Sport could be adapted to fit with a little persuasion. That leaves the side panels, which I'd imagine might be more of a problem.

Geometry-wise I'm guessing I can choose to set the bike up with any of the shock or fork options - my preference at the moment might be for T-Bird looks with a Daytona top yoke and bars for a Classic/sportbike combination, more akin to a Ducati SC1000.

Any chance of using the wire wheels, or would a T3 frame be stuck with the cast versions?
 
#10 ·
Cosmetically it looks as though a T-Bird tank would pretty much bolt straight on to a Trophy/Trident/Daytona (other models too?),
Not a direct bolt on as the rear mount for the tank is on the rear subframe on a T3 classic and the other T3's used a different rear mount so some bracket fabrication would be required
 
#8 ·
wheels would not be a problem.

The T3 sport and touring main frame is pretty much identical to a T3 classic (apart from the subframe at the rear), so everything will bolt up. The under-slung variant rear brake is an exception - the T3 classic frame did not include the mounting bracketry for that, but its easy to convert to the overslung type found on the later Sprints and Trophys
 
#17 ·
I'm looking at this myself. Thinking of adapting the seat from a MK1 Speedy, then fabricating a bracket for a TBS tank, changing the side panels (fabrication of fitting brackets) then leaving the rest alone . Has anyone done this? I just love the TBS tank (got a spare one) and the MK1 Speedy's performance. Other option would be speedy guts in my TBS.
 
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