Triumphrat

Kovika · 10-27-2009, 03:36 PM

I love my 1999 Thunderbird Sport. However, I'm concerned about the relatively high PRMs at freeway speeds. Even just cruising at 65 it runs at 5000 PRMs. That seems a little high to run for long periods of time. Is that how they are supposed to run? Do the newer Speedsters and America do the same? My Triumph dealer couldn't answer the question.
Thanks

faffi · 10-27-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kovika

I love my 1999 Thunderbird Sport. However, I'm concerned about the relatively high PRMs at freeway speeds. Even just cruising at 65 it runs at 5000 PRMs. That seems a little high to run for long periods of time. Is that how they are supposed to run? Do the newer Speedsters and America do the same? My Triumph dealer couldn't answer the question.
Thanks

You would typically have 70 mph indicated at 5000 rpm. Still, gearing is a bit short, although it won't harm the engine. It gives more power to the wheel, the cost being less relaxed cruising.

BigAl8295 · 10-27-2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kovika

I love my 1999 Thunderbird Sport. However, I'm concerned about the relatively high PRMs at freeway speeds. Even just cruising at 65 it runs at 5000 PRMs. That seems a little high to run for long periods of time. Is that how they are supposed to run? Do the newer Speedsters and America do the same? My Triumph dealer couldn't answer the question.
Thanks

Speedmasters and Americas are twins and cruise at lower RPM. 5000 RPM is nothing for our bikes, you redline at 8500.

Kovika · 10-27-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faffi

You would typically have 70 mph indicated at 5000 rpm. Still, gearing is a bit short, although it won't harm the engine. It gives more power to the wheel, the cost being less relaxed cruising.

Thanks for the reassurance. Do you know if the Speedster or America perform the same? I'm considering getting one of them and keeping my T-Bird, or getting a new T-Bird.

faffi · 10-27-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kovika

Thanks for the reassurance. Do you know if the Speedster or America perform the same? I'm considering getting one of them and keeping my T-Bird, or getting a new T-Bird.

The TBS is significantly quicker than the two twins you mention there. It also handle better. The twins are more of a retro statement than performance machines, which also the TBS is to a lesser extent.

However, fun doesn't always have to be fast. I once owned a 130hp fuel injected Kawasaki Z1300 and a 33hp Honda XL500S single at the same time. The Kawasaki was a lame POS that was highly unsatisfying to ride, whereas the Honda felt strong and eager and was fun to ride. Did't matter that the Kawasaki went 65 mph faster or blew the sidepanels off the Honda; the single felt far better than the big six.

I have never ridden any of the newer Triumph 800 and 900 twins, but I wouldn't rule out that they can be highly satisfying machines. You should try one before deciding

BigAl8295 · 10-27-2009, 08:03 PM

I've ridden both the twins and triples. The twin has more of a retro look, but the triples have more umph and handle twistie roads better.

ssevy · 10-27-2009, 08:29 PM

You might consider going up one tooth on your front sprocket at your next chain changover. I went from a 17 tooth to an 18 tooth on my Legend, and it dropped the cruising rpms a bit, with no downside when taking off from a dead stop. It also slows the wear down on your rubbing block.

Shadowofleaves · 10-27-2009, 09:35 PM

I realize we're probably comparing apples to oranges here, but my 2001 T-Bird w/ 6-speed tranny clocks 4k rpm's at 70mph.

Kovika · 10-27-2009, 10:53 PM

Perhaps there were some changes to the gearing between the 1999 and the 2001. I would feel more comfortable on longer highway trips if the RPMs were lower. Maybe I should loose a few pounds.

Forget it, I think I'll just get the new TBird and keep this one. I love the ride. I was going to make my next purchase a Road King, but I'm thinking I'll stick with the Triumph.

denny · 10-27-2009, 11:06 PM

Some of the later TBirds came with 18/43 in the US Market.

The early ones were 17/43.

I don't know years, or VIN ranges, but have seen a couple later ones with 18/43.