Triumphrat

Suncoast · 10-03-2005, 05:19 PM

Hello, I'm new here and am in the market for a bike for my wife I'm considering a Triumph Classic either an Adventurer or T-Bird Sport, She's new to riding and is concerned about the seat height, I haven't been able to find a bike for her to sit on and check out,Triumphs are rare here. I'd probably have to buy one on line from cycle trader or E-Bay and have it shipped to Vancouver or Seattle. My question is how low are these bikes I read somewhere that the Adventurer has a 26 1/2" seat height, I'm curious about the T-Bird as well can anyone advise me if this is a good bike for my wife to get going on? She's 110lbs as well so doesn't want to have to wrestle something like my Vulcan classic around. They seem like a fantastic bike from everything I've been able to read, I can't wait to get a Classic for her and a Sprint ST for me in the Garage Any advice is very much appreciated.

TBSstunta · 10-03-2005, 05:25 PM

Out of the Thunderbirds I'd recommend the Legend. Other choices would be a lowered Bonnie or a Speedmaster.

[ This message was edited by: TBSstunta on 2005-10-03 15:26 ]

Suncoast · 10-03-2005, 05:52 PM

Can you tell me why?

fbird · 10-03-2005, 06:57 PM

The Thunderbird and TBS have a seat height of around 31in. which would be difficult for her to manage. The Legend or Adventurer would be a better choice. The Bonneville may be better for her with its lower seat and lower weight. Speedmaster is lower yet and may be easier to find(Bonneville to). Definately can't go wrong with a Classic if you can find one that fits.

Slinky · 10-04-2005, 03:07 AM

It is very easy ( and cheap) to lower a Tbird or Adventurer, by fitting the suspension links from a Legend. Be aware that the Tbirds etc can feel a little top heavy at low speed, so they may be too much for your wife. They also have limited steering lock.

A Speedie would probably be the best bet.

rayhyland · 10-04-2005, 04:15 AM

My Wife finds my Adventurer way to big for her. She's also about the same height and weight as your wife.

She finds the Adventurer tall (though you can shorten it) and very heavy, with a high centre of gravity. She rode a Honda Custom back when she rode, it was low, light and easy.

One of the issues my wife has with my bike is with the pipe location. She has to keep her legs close to the bike to reach the ground, and that means that her ancles are almost against the pipes when the bike is at rest. again, if you lower it, that's less of a big deal, but you should see if you can ride down to Seattle or somewhere that has a dealer so she can see the size and weight first hand.

Sechelt eh? Nice town.

Ray

suemchenry · 10-04-2005, 08:30 AM

I'm 5'5" with a stock seat on my '96 T-Bird. I have boots with a heel of a couple of inches, and if I didn't, I could reach the ground with my toes, but not my heels. Since the bikes are so heavy (almost 500 lbs), if you can't reach the ground with a good grip, you're totally dependent on the bike never leaning while at a stop.

Good luck, and have fun in your search.

Suncoast · 10-04-2005, 12:44 PM

I've found a deal on a beautiful 98 T-Bird down in Washington State, it's good to know that they are easy to lower, someone said that the 99 or 2000 adventurers were low at 26 1/2" seat height can anyone confirm this? Is the legend a similar model it just seems they have less chrome am I right? Thanks again guys.

Bushwhacker · 10-04-2005, 01:37 PM

With a 60 series rear tire and a modified Corbin Gunfighter seat (Made for 95-97 TBird) my seat height is probably down around 25-26 inches.

And, the Tbird Sport has better suspension and brakes than the other triple classics.

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MickMaguire · 10-04-2005, 02:01 PM

Quote:

On 2005-10-04 10:44, Suncoast wrote:
I've found a deal on a beautiful 98 T-Bird down in Washington State, it's good to know that they are easy to lower, someone said that the 99 or 2000 adventurers were low at 26 1/2" seat height can anyone confirm this? Is the legend a similar model it just seems they have less chrome am I right? Thanks again guys.

The legend was specifically made lower for people with shorter inseams. the seat, subframe and suspension were altered from the base TBird in order to make it - they used the altered subframe on the later TBirds too but I'm not sure it changed the seat height as there was a redesigned seat for that model too.