Triumphrat

10-05-2005, 07:27 PM

Hi,,, this is my third post and Im sorry I havent introduced myself yet. Hi everyone I'm Darrell I just recently purchased a 96 Triumph Thunderbird,with only 16,000 miles on it. Its Aegean Blue and looks and runs like a new bike (aside from a minor annoyance im trying to sort out). but thats another post.
I find this forum to be very informative and enjoy reading and learning as i go ,,,tons of usefull info here.
a few days ago I stopped for gas and someone approached me and we went through the regular questions like "i didnt know they still built triumphs ,,, a water cooled triumph? etc,,, etc,,,his buddy came over as well and remarked ,I thought that was a triumph! and in Aegean blue no less. thats a rare one,,,dont ever repaint it , not many of those around...etc,,,etc,,,
Anyway, is it really that rare of a color? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks'

parrycm · 10-05-2005, 08:39 PM

Welcome!!

I know one 95 TB in Aegean Blue, was here in Texas - now in Columbus. You might try using Aegean as a keyword in Search as I seem to recall some previous posts about the rarity of that colour.

SWare · 10-05-2005, 09:12 PM

Quote:

On 2005-10-05 18:39, parrycm wrote:
Welcome!!

I know one 95 TB in Aegean Blue, was here in Texas - now in Columbus.

Was that Aegean Blue or some sort of blue algae growing on it? That poor bike never got washed. :-D

Stan

cafetbird · 10-05-2005, 11:10 PM

It was a reasonably common color in '95 and '96 - BUT, there are not many '95's & '96's around to begin with....

[ This message was edited by: cafetbird on 2005-10-06 04:35 ]

BritBloke · 10-06-2005, 02:23 AM

Darell,
Good to know there are other Agean Blues around. I bought my 95 blue T-Bird this summer from a dealer in Wisconsin. It had 1400 miles on the clock, now has 4300. I've seen one other blue at the British Biker Cooperative rally in Wisconsin this summer. I attempted to go to Sturgis on it but was rained out. Drove 800 miles in two days, mostly in rain. I have never been so wet but the bike was surefooted all the way, and I loved every miserable mile!
I suggest you install a fuel filter and check the condition of the paint inside your tank. Tiny specks of primer and topcoat can be dislodged while pumping gas. This crude can jam up your carbs and allow gas to flow into the oil or through the airbox. Make sure you ALWAYS shut off the petcock when you switch off or you may have to change your oil on a regular basis. I just had the carbs rebuilt and have stripped and cleaned the tank and petcock. I tried to change the oil tonight but didn't have a 12mm hex for the sump plug. (didn't get a tool kit with mine). I bought a used service manual which is proving very useful. If you need parts quickly, contact Baxter Cycles in Iowa. I called them for an oil filter and sump plug washers - 24 hours later they were on my doorstep - awesome service.
I'll look for your post about the problem you are having.
Andy

cafetbird · 10-06-2005, 07:08 AM

Quote:

On 2005-10-06 00:23, BritBloke wrote:
Darell,
I've seen one other blue at the British Biker Cooperative rally in Wisconsin this summer.

That is a great crew, and one heck of a rally. Used to go every year when living in Wisco.

Quote:

I suggest you install a fuel filter and check the condition of the paint inside your tank. Tiny specks of primer and topcoat can be dislodged while pumping gas. This crude can jam up your carbs and allow gas to flow into the oil or through the airbox. Make sure you ALWAYS shut off the petcock when you switch off or you may have to change your oil on a regular basis. I just had the carbs rebuilt and have stripped and cleaned the tank and petcock.
Andy

No need starting a hysteria here - my '96 has 40,000 miles on it, and has never experienced this problem. Perhaps it has something to do with that Ethanol you guys run out in Iowa ;-) Low mileage certainly doesn't help a fuel system on bike this old, particularly if it isn't stored properly. The best way to keep the fuel system clean is to RIDE the bike. I use Sea Foam about once per year as well.

That being said, it is never a bad idea to shut off the petcock - as long as you can get in the habit of turning it back on!! :-D

[ This message was edited by: cafetbird on 2005-10-06 05:48 ]

parrycm · 10-06-2005, 02:55 PM

Stan....

You're right there, mate!