Triumphrat

Muttleyone · 03-29-2012, 05:03 PM

Hi, Newbie here. I haven't ridden since I was a teenager and it was all dirt. Now I'm looking for my first road bike and looking for advice. I'm 45 years old 6'3" and 230lbs. I'm getting ready to take the riders safety course then I will be getting my first bike.
Ok, I'm not looking for a sport bike. I'm too old to try to fold myself on a bike and flying around like my hair's on fire. I'm not goo goo over Harleys. I see them super loud and it looks like the bike is trying to shake the kidneys out of the rider. Not for me!
I love Triumphs. I love they they look and I love their history. Now for help with my first bike. I thought about getting a (UJB) cruiser, and still might but it seems that you see one on every corner. I sat on smaller bikes like 250s but I felt like a clown on one of those tiny bicycles. I just feel cramped. I wanted to get a Speedmaster but when I sat on it, it felt a little small. I then sat on a new Thunderbird and it felt good and seemed like it fit me, but it's a 1600 and a little pricey for a new rider.
Now I'm looking at the 95/04 Thunderbird. Do you guys think these T-Birds would be a good first bike? I like the look of the TBS but I think the pegs are set a little farther back then the Thunderbird/Legend. For those who have ridden both, is it a noticeable difference? Is there a big difference between the different models? Why would you choose one over the other? Thanks for any other tips or help you could give, thanks.

Mutt

ArferBrick · 03-29-2012, 06:05 PM

Welcome to Triumphland

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It's a great feeling getting back into bikes after a long pause, I did the same. I still wonder why the hell I ever forgot about bikes and wasted so many years in cars

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These Hinckley triples are a great all-round bike for any rider, they are quite fast, handle great, easy enough to work on yourself, and are cheap enough to buy. They have their quirks but I'm sure you'll be in love in no time.

Those cruisers look nice, but I'm glad I didn't buy one, I would have been bored with their "old man" handling and sluggish take off speeds in no time. Try zipping through traffic on one of those, I don't see it happening

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If I had the money and choice again then I would probably go for a Thunderbird Sport, mainly because they have twin disks on the front, but I also love the looks of the standard Thunderbird too.

Puff98TBS · 03-29-2012, 06:07 PM

You can't go wrong with the Thunderbird and a set of highway bars. How it compares to the Legend I don't know and yes, the Thunderbird would make an excellent first bike that you can keep for a long time.

mimizanrsp · 03-29-2012, 06:10 PM

Given your body's specs, the TBS is probably going to be slightly uncomfortable for you. I am 32, 6'0", 185 lb, and the TBS feels slightly cramped for my legs. The stock handlebars put you in a somewhat aggressive position which can hurt the back, but then you probably have longer arms than me.

In addition, the TBS is quite powerful even at stock configuration. Of course, it depends on your intended use, but I'm not sure you want this much power in a first road motorcycle. I would suggest something along the lines of a pre-owned 650 or 500 cc. That is still enough power to be highway-capable. Ride it for 1-3 years. Then sell the bike and get your Triumph.

Just my 2 cents.

jwolf · 03-29-2012, 06:11 PM

Four years ago I was in a similar position. Hadn't owned a bike in 20 years and was nearly sixty years old.
I set parameters of a good looking bike under $3000 that ran well.
After watching ebay for months, a Triumph Legend came up that fit the bill.
My concerns were the somewhat top heavy feel, but can honestly say it's never been a problem.
The Legend has a lower seat height which might cramp someone your size, but the TBird or TBS would be a good choice.
I've never felt the need to move on to another bike.
Good riding!

denny · 03-29-2012, 07:19 PM

I'd look for a '97 or '98 T'bird if I were you.

Listed in order of seat height.
Legend has the lowest seat height.
Adventurer
Post '99 T'bird
Pre '99 Thunderbird
Thunderbird Sport

The rider pegs on the Thunderbird Sport are set slightly behind (5") the position of the others.

I think the biggest negative of these bikes is maintenance. Many of the Triumph dealers do not have any mechanics that know carburetors. All of the newer bikes hae fuel injection. My local Triumph dealer has dismissed all of the older mechanics who do GOOD work on carburetors. The younger mechanics did not start working on Triumphs until after the fuel injection bikes were on the market. So if you are going to depend on a mechanic to keep your bike serviced, make sure you know someone who has the knowledge and is willing to work on slightly older technology.

If you are reasonably OK with a wrench, patient, and have the inclination to do your own work then I say go for it. If you have some experience working on carbureted cars that will be a plus.

BigAl8295 · 03-29-2012, 08:06 PM

I learned how to ride on a Legend. It might have been easier to learn on something lighter with less power, but I would have gotten bored.

The Legend is still a great ride after almost 8 years.

Muttleyone · 03-29-2012, 08:21 PM

Thanks everyone. Is the Thunderbird a maintenance hog? Are they easy to work on? I'm pretty handy with tools but I haven't worked much with motors. The new Thunderbirds have a pretty low seat but have forward controls and it fits really well. I wonder if the Legend would be too low with the more standard controls?

Mutt

ssevy · 03-29-2012, 08:53 PM

I'm 5'11" with a 30" inseam. I put lower pegs and got a higher custom seat, as my hips felt like my sister's Barbies used to after her Ken doll had a go at them. Definitely ride on whatever you are buying first, as peg-seat relationships don't have alot of room to tweak.
Denny's comments were spot on in regards to service. If you have any hesitation at all about doing your own work, or do not have a great old school mechanic nearby, get a new bike. The closest modern equivalent of our bike is the 800 Tiger roadie, and it would probably fit you better. It gets great reviews, as it has a triple. Mufasa has both a Legend and one of the new 1600 Tbirds, and they are completely different beasts. Both great, but not the same type at all. Personally, I think the 1600 is fine for an experienced rider, but quite a bit of bike for a newbie.

denny · 03-29-2012, 09:58 PM

They are not hard to work on. They are not built for easy access to all serviceable parts.

For instance you must remove the Carburetors to change the air filter. That is not difficult, if you are patient and a careful worker. The clearance to remove the carbs is very tight, and if you just yank them out it dammages some expensive parts.

The air filter only needs changed every 24,000 miles...Someone correct me if that is wrong.

Oil changes are easy. Valve adjustment (12,000 miles) is not so hard, but it is best to plan to do a coolant flush and change at the same time. So far I've not had any problem getting parts from my local dealer.

If you start with a smaller lighter bike you'll learn to ride quicker, but you'll tire of a smaller bike and want something bigger before the end of the first season.

As far as the position of the pegs... When I am at a stop and standing, the TBS pegs touch the back of my calves, The T3 Tbird pegs touch my shin. The new Tbird also fits me pretty good, but forward controls are very uncomfortable for me. That position aggravates my old back injury, I can only deal with that riding position for about 30 minutes.

I am 6' inseam 32" the 3cylinder Tbird fits me really well, I have lowered my TBS a tiny bit to be more comfortable.