Triumphrat

Lifer · 11-01-2009, 04:25 PM

Hey... Just wanted to introduce myself to this great community.

Like most people, seeing my 1999 Triumph Legend was love at first sight. Being in Germany, the cost of the motorcycle was a bit more expensive at nearly $6000 but the bike only had 16,000 km (10,000 miles), new tires, new battery, all periodic services and well maintained in a garage - meaning no rust, dents, or scratches. I couldn't figure out a way to get the bike from southern Germany to my home in the north... so I rode the 550 km in a few cold hours and am happy for the experience.

I started reading some of the posts regarding the Legend and just had a quick question:

My Legend says it is a Limited Edition. What does Limited Edition mean?

Second question is to ask if there is any real difference between the 1998 - 2001 Legends? Or is it only the date of manufacture / registration?

Lastly... is there a post that tells the history of Triumph... mentioning the fire, ownership changes, etc all in one post?

Legend JJ · 11-02-2009, 08:48 AM

welcome to the forums! not really sure about the Limited Edition marking but it does look like your Legend came with some bells & whistles (OEM Grab Rail & Rack, OEM King & Queen Seat, and perhaps OEM Luggage Bags?). either way, it's a nice emblem for your side panels

i'm not too sure about the difference in models between 99-01 so you'll have to wait for the more senior members with that

here's all the info you could want on the Triumph brand...

Triumph Engineering Co Ltd (Original Company)

Triumph Motorcycles Ltd (Current Company)

cafetbird · 11-02-2009, 01:06 PM

Interesting - are those stickers above or below the clear coat? If they are above, I suspect they were something that was added after the factory...

ssevy · 11-02-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifer

Second question is to ask if there is any real difference between the 1998 - 2001 Legends? Or is it only the date of manufacture / registration?

Lastly... is there a post that tells the history of Triumph... mentioning the fire, ownership changes, etc all in one post?

My buddy's 2000 Legend has different clocks than my 99 Legend. His 10th mile indicator has a red background and mine does not. Both of ours came with Bridgestone tires stock. I haven't seen the 2001's, so I cannot compare, but I believe they were all the same. Perhaps your limited edition sticker was something the original dealer came up with. Here in the states, car dealerships used to special order certain custom models from the factory which they alone sold. I don't know if any motorcycle dealers were ever able to do this? In my region of the world, any classic triple from Triumph would be a "limited edition", as I only know of 3 locally, and I have only seen two others passing through. Harleys, on the other hand...(unlimited edition?)

Lifer · 11-02-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssevy

Harleys, on the other hand...(unlimited edition?)

I took a look at the decal. It appears to be over the clear coat... but so does the Triumph decal on the gas tank. I sent an email to the press office at Triumph and asked them about the "Limited Edition" claim. Best to get the answer from the horse's mouth.

I know that there was a 2002 Limited Edition Bonneville... and a Limited Edition when one of the Royal's got married

I would think, at most, it was a sales package promotion that included the rack, grip, and seat for a special price.

It has a chrome horn of the left side... If that makes a difference

Legend JJ · 11-02-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifer

It has a chrome horn of the left side... If that makes a difference

that's a stock horn

Lifer · 11-02-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mienzigo

that's a stock horn

Yes, I figured that out after reading selected Legend posts in this forum

Having said that... I am a bit concerned about the age and availability of parts and the prices of spare parts once found

I wonder if the Legend is more expensive to maintain than a new bike?

Then I wonder, if I wanted to trade it for a new Triumph, which model would give me the same quality ride?

GrvThang · 11-02-2009, 06:06 PM

My '99 Legend has a tank badge, rather than a decal.

denny · 11-03-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifer

Then I wonder, if I wanted to trade it for a new Triumph, which model would give me the same quality ride?

There is nothing in Triumphs current model offering that will give you the same combination of performance and styling. The classic styled triples are unique. It's a pity as many of us will tell you. The masses who spend money dictated that the Bonneville series
are the current retro styled models in Triumph's lineup.

buckoz · 11-03-2009, 04:11 AM

lifer never seen that badge in australia , we to pay good money for these bikes and in my opinion they are great value and same price to maintain as late models ( i had 2006 T100 and 2005 tiger ) to my knowledge no major changes in the legend the later TB and TBShad 6 speed transmisson
bike looks great by the way
cheers buck