Triumphrat

doa666duck

The overcharging issue is a real problem. On longer rides/trips you should check fluid levels in the battery. On that same note be sure to keep the battery vent tube routed down low so the expelled acid does not ruin pipes or painted surfaces. The oil breather does contaminate the air box but is an easy fix. Simply plug the air box fitting and route the breather hose so it runs to the ground. I've found through experience that the vacuum in the air box was actually causing the oil to be pulled in through the hose. Once the hose is disconnected the problems caused by oil in the air box (fouled plugs and hard starting) will disappear. Use of automotive oil and green antifreeze should also be avoided. Auto oil will ruin the sprague/starter clutch due to the friction modifiers in ALL auto oils. Use only API SG rated motorcycle oil and you'll avoid costly repairs. Green antifreeze such as Prestone will eat the rubber seal in the water pump post haste. Use only non-silicate antifreeze and all should be well.

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Dan

doa666duck

Cam chain tensioners were known to be faulty on some early (1994-1996) models. My 1996 Trident lost its tensioner and took the head/valves with it. The manual covers cam chain adjustment and I now replace the tensioner at 20K intervals. Cheap insurance.

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Dan

Zoner

'95 T-Bird with the following complaints:

Fuel in oil on several occasions. The petcock was replaced but still is leaky. Now the carbs themselves are starting to leak from some seals on the side.

Mounting tabs for sidecovers (molded into airbox) broken and cracking.

Tach needle fell off - still rattling around in the housing.

Numerous bulbs fried in the instrument cluster.

Excessive front end dive while braking. This was originally my fathers bike and he dumped it twice due to diving at low speed(operator error, I know, but it put him off the bike in more ways than one).

My biggest complaint is the horrible service from my local dealer. After hearing tales of how incredible the local guy was, I dropped it off for its 10K and got it back with the following issues:

Still leaked fuel from the(supposedly replaced) petcock.

Choke cable re-routed incorrectly(not secured at the carbs in its little cable guide thingy)

Didn't flush and fill the coolant even though I had spcifically requested the work done.

The worst was almost worse than it was. I had new tires fitted with the 10K and after less than 20 miles back out on the road, I grabbed some front brake and found........none to be had, just a horrible scraping sound and a strong pull that almost tipped me. I brought it to a stop and found that THE FRONT CALIPER WAS FALLING OFF! One bolt was missing and the other was totally loose but still in place and almost all the way out. As soon as I got my heart rate back I noticed my left for seal was spewing fork oil. I took it back again and had them fix what was now a bigger problem(charged me for the fork seal job although I'm convinced it was due to the brake issue somehow) but got no explanation or apology for the crappy work. Needless to say, I bought the service manual and have not returned to be punked by this "amazing" factory service person. I love my T-Bird and will keep it forever since my dad passed and left it to me, and I have made it my own with some Cafe mods. I just wish I could find a competent tech in my area here in the Twin Cities. Z

bonzo

So far only two complaints
1. fuel tank too small
2.no centre stand

I find the seat better than my Trophy 900

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It was the voices made me do it

Petrol

Tbirdnz

Here's an update on my 98 Thunderbird at 55,000km.

1/ Front brake stop-light micro-switch replaced
2/ Flasher indicator relay replaced
3/ Gear lever, cracked, replaced
4/ Headlight bulb replaced
5/ Front brake pads replaced
6/ Original battery replaced (9 years, not bad)

Other than tyres and spark plugs that's it. I've followed the manual for servicing.

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Ride on !

andys116

I love my '01 Legend TT - and recent cosmetics make it look like an even sportier version of the Triumph Thunderbird Sport - although it is not tuned as aggressively as that bike. However, there are some really annoying problems - any suggestions would be welcome.

1) Most annoying - required me to purchase a new tank on ebay was somehow the gas gap would get too tight - especially after running the bike hot as metal expand. I had to use WD40 and some careful rescrewing to get it back on. This was a big problem when it rained as I did not want water to get into the gas tank. I purchased a custom painted tank with pin-stripes that looked great on my bike, but that was the only "fix".

2) Very annoying - bits and pieces of the "rubberized" paint would flake into the tank. I used duct tape to pull the coating off, but it wasn't perfect and still happens. Some of the tank "paint" has the consistency of tar and is still under the lip. As this problem was first reported in '96, I can't figure out why my bike had to suffer from this in '01.

3) Annoying - After pouring two 16 oz. cans of seafoam in the bike to remove gunk from the carbs, I pulled the them (what a task - they barely fit in the bike) and looked them over - I did not pull them apart because they looked surprisingly clean. I get smooth acceleration, idle, etc. but upon deceleration they backfire. Sometimes it is pretty fierce. I have a perfectly tuned Suzuki '81 GS1100E that never does this. I took it to a dealer who rode it briefly and said his Thunderbird sounds the same, the acceleration and idle is fine, and not to worry - his customers like the sound. Even if true, most new classic triples have blue pipes (as does mine) indicating that the bike is running lean, or choked out. I've yet to see one normally chromed.

4) Least annoying - It is easy to overfill the coolant and the oil and the bike coughs some fluids over the nice shiney chrome when I ride it hard.

But, I really do love the look and the bike. It looks (to me) as nice as the Bonneville, but has the triple 900 engine which is peppier and has the cool whine. I will keep this bike for a long time.

simeym

I am looking to buy a triumph and test drove a bonneville...how does the 2001 thunderbird compare...
any assistance would be appreciated...

denny

more power,

Quite frankly the Bonneville's feel anemic to me when compared to the Thunderbird and it's derivatives.

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Cheers,Denny

WoodsieIII

My biggest issue with the Thunderbird is that it talks. It keep yelling out from the shed"Come and ride you know you want to"

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I believe there is no such thing as accidents. When I ride I must leave enough room for others stupid mistakes, added to that is enough room to make my own.