Triumphrat

Birch · 11-05-2012, 09:25 PM

A couple of months ago, I rode a 1998 TBS. Felt cool, ran well, but ended up missing it as it was sold while I couldn't make up my mind.

Since then, I've wandered a bit. I tried out a 2005 Sprint ST, then got the itch for a Guzzi Breva. But the TBS bug has bit me.

Now there's a 98 locally. It's in rough shape and he thinks it "needs a new fuel line" whatever that may lead to, I don't know.

Today I see an ad for a 2001 Thunderbird (not sport) that looks decent, but 31k miles. I'm not afraid of the mileage if it's been well kept up.

Outside of suspension tuning, and dual front discs, what would I be missing out if I went the T-bird route? I'm 6'3" if that makes a difference at all?

I keep reading more and more of the forum, and more and more confused I get!!!

lovecuba · 11-05-2012, 10:53 PM

Both exceptionally good machines. Because of the twin discs and adjustable suspension and riding position plus the 6 speed gearbox I would vote for the TBS (6'). In saying that though, absolutely loved my 01 Adventurer.
Some of the 2001 T/Bird's were equipped with the 6 speed gearbox.

jaguartvr · 11-06-2012, 03:55 PM

Standard Thunderbird will be a better fit if you are tall. I find the TBS pushes me forward onto the handle bars which gives a sportier feel but personally prefer the more relaxed riding position of the standard Thunderbird. It's all personal preference.
All 2001 Thunderbirds had the 6 speed gearbox, came in during 1999. If the bike has powder coated engine and a bolt on seat it has a 6 speed gearbox.

Birch · 11-06-2012, 04:39 PM

Thanks!

Confirmed that it is a 6 speed and it has powder coated engine.

Going to have a look Thursday late morning. His price seems a touch high at $3300, but we'll see how the bike looks in person.

Anything else? 18" vs 17" wheels? Pegs a touch set back on the TBS.

My mind has me putting clubmans on it and cleaning up the arse. But we'll see!

CharlieS · 11-06-2012, 05:28 PM

I find the clubmans very comfortable. But I come from riding a Sprint.

Tigeralorange · 11-06-2012, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaguartvr

Standard Thunderbird will be a better fit if you are tall. I find the TBS pushes me forward onto the handle bars which gives a sportier feel but personally prefer the more relaxed riding position of the standard Thunderbird. It's all personal preference.
All 2001 Thunderbirds had the 6 speed gearbox, came in during 1999. If the bike has powder coated engine and a bolt on seat it has a 6 speed gearbox.

That's interesting, because one of the reasons I went for the Sport is that I thought it had the highest seat height which would be better as I'm 6'1".

I do have higher bars on it though, fitted by a previous owner, which gives a more relaxed riding position, but am considering getting the standard bars as the cables are a bit tight and catch on the top yoke when turning.

Birch · 11-06-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieS

I find the clubmans very comfortable. But I come from riding a Sprint.

I rode an 05 Sprint and found it very comfortable. But I prefer the looks of the Thunderbird.

petermholmes · 11-07-2012, 02:22 PM

Having owned a Legend and two Thunderbird Sports and having ridden a Tbird (older 5 speed) for an extended period of time, I'd vote for the Tbird Sport. While the Tbird Sport is stable under almost any conditions, the others have a distinct tendency to pogo their way around corners when the pavement gets ratty.

Just my US$0.02 on the topic.

andre12a · 11-07-2012, 02:48 PM

Hi

just a word of warning about the higher mileage on the TBird. I own a 2001 model with 50k on it. Just replaced starter motor and the igniter. Coils I did, not all that long ago. All expensive repairs and more so if you have to take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired (which I didn't). I am a bit disappointed with the electrics on the T'Bird. The original Gill equipment gives poor performance and doesn't last. I replaced coils with Nology and used a Carmo igniter. The starter motor is designed to wear out at about 50k as it doesn't have a Bendix.

I suggest you either find out if these repairs have been done and, if not, either talk down the price or get something with less mileage on it.

lovecuba · 11-07-2012, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andre12a

Hi

just a word of warning about the higher mileage on the TBird. I own a 2001 model with 50k on it. Just replaced starter motor and the igniter. Coils I did, not all that long ago. All expensive repairs and more so if you have to take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired (which I didn't). I am a bit disappointed with the electrics on the T'Bird. The original Gill equipment gives poor performance and doesn't last. I replaced coils with Nology and used a Carmo igniter. The starter motor is designed to wear out at about 50k as it doesn't have a Bendix.

I suggest you either find out if these repairs have been done and, if not, either talk down the price or get something with less mileage on it.

At 53,000 miles my previous 885 was all original in the electrical department. The starter motor is not designed to wear out at any given distance covered at all. So many variables can affect the starter the main one being engine tune and ease of starting, battery condition. Correct, there is no bendix, but there is a sprag clutch which does, in effect, the same thing as a bendix. Replacing the brushes and cleaning up the commutator should be considered as normal servicing. Like Me, many others have secured a very high milage with the original Gill equipped electrical components