Triumphrat

ivar · 04-12-2007

Always had a soft spots for the Hinckley machines, so last year I got hold of a nice 02 Bonnie. Now, I'm wanting a suitable stablemate for it (The SV has to go), and thinking a Thunderbird/Legend etc would fit the bill nicely.

I'm just a little lost with the differences between the different models, and wonder whats the main differences between the TB, TBS, Legend and Adventurer...?

hill8586 · 04-12-2007

You are looking at trim (bling), and some minor tuning......I have had the 900 Trophy and 900 Sprint Sport.....excellent match in the stable for my bonnie......too much fun ! :-D

TonyD · 04-12-2007

Have a look here, Ivar:

FAQs

jimmyj900 · 04-12-2007

The Adventurer was designed to be the 'cruiser' of the group and has a shortened rear fender with some chrome bracing/trim along it.

It also has the lowest ground clearance and uses a 19" front tire with a 16" rear to make the front suspension look longer -- although the front suspension geometry with reference to the frame is identical to the other models.

The suspension difference makes steering a bit slower and requires more force but that's offset by a smoother ride from the bigger wheels. It's a better highway/distance bike than the other Classic triple models but will still do a fine job on the back road twisties.

My main complaint is that it's only a 5-speed transmission and I'm always looking for one more gear. (Of course, I've always wanted one more gear on every bike I've owned so that's kind of a moot complaint.)

The rest of the differences are pretty much cosmetic and chrome plated. :-D

Jim

04-12-2007

I have the legend with its lowered rear end and 5-speed. I would second the sentement to find a 6-speed equipped model. An equvalent TBS should set you back only $500-$1000 more, but you will appreciate any kind of higway cruising much more.

ChiefTBS · 04-12-2007

I feel that a properly set-up TBS is the World's Finest Motorcycle. A Thruxton makes a good substitute.

Gdsila · 04-12-2007

I tried to solve the hi-way cruising issue on my Legend by replacing the stock 17 tooth counter-sprocket with a T-Bird 18 tooth.
It knocked off about 4-500 revs at hi-way speed and took a bit of "ooomph" from the low end but I think the trade off is worth it.
Since all the Hinckley Classics are 90-95% identical it has been theorized(on this board) that you could add a 6th gear (say from a T-Bird Sport) on a 5 speed but that is only theory as far as I know. I don't believe anyone has actually done it.
Some would say it's not worth the effort. Just get a TBS to start with.
Whichever you choose it will have more grunt and more horsepower than even a hot-rodded Bonnie.
And the steering will be quicker as well.
I've a friend who has "done-up" his 04 Bonneville and it's not quite a Legend if ya know what I mean. :hammer:

thelegend · 04-12-2007

my friend has a thunderbird and i a legend. i prefer the legend more, lower seat position, less bling, and is just more comfortable. the legend is much more torquey than the thrux. i put lower bars on it and lower profile tires than my budddies t-bird, just gives you a more aggressive feeling on the bike. if i were to get the t-bird i would go with the thunderbird sport.

denny · 04-13-2007

Quote:

On 2007-04-12 18:42, Gdsila wrote:

Since all the Hinckley Classics are 90-95% identical it has been theorized(on this board) that you could add a 6th gear (say from a T-Bird Sport) on a 5 speed but that is only theory as far as I know. I don't believe anyone has actually done it.
Some would say it's not worth the effort. Just get a TBS to start with.

It's been done before.

http://moe27.tripod.com/6gear.htm

Not cheap, newer TBirds have it already, i think 99 and newer as well as all TBS.

ivar · 04-13-2007

Thanks all.

Not too many of those around here in Norway, so I'll just have to keep my eyes open and see whatever comes up.