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Hinckley Classic Triples 885cc Classic Styled T3's: Legend, Thunderbird, Thunderbird Sport & Adventurer.

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Old 08-20-2007, 12:03 PM   #1 (permalink)
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My first Triumph - a T-Bird

Hiya,

Came across this forum. Just acquired a T-Bird, and I love the lines of the bike, took the plunge even though the bike is nearly 10 years old. Anything to watch out for or change before I go far on it?

Cheers

Cat
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Old 08-20-2007, 12:19 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Welcome aboard!

A couple questions that might affect our answer to your question:

What's the mileage on the bike?

Was it purchased from a dealership or has it been sitting unused for any length of time?

You can check the known issues sticky, but don't let it scare you.
These bikes were overengineered and very reliable.
I've put 20,000 miles on mine in the past two and a half years and the only problem I've ever had was a coil going bad. Even that didn't leave me stranded. If you ever do have a problem, you can find the answer here.
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Old 08-20-2007, 12:27 PM   #3 (permalink)
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The worst issue I've come across is that I can't stay off the thing!
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Old 08-20-2007, 10:08 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Thanks for the welcome. 25,000 on the clock, outlook seems fine. I was told bike was intermittantly ridden, owner sold because he wanted a more everyday bike and was spooked by the lack of spares.

There's gooey stuff around the forks, near the seals, rear shock seems tired, very tired. Good to put Ohlins and if so where to buy? Most people seems to put Hagon. Also advisable to get K&N?

Will get cracking on the "search" button, in the meantime I appreciate all the help that I can get.

Cheers

Cat
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Old 08-21-2007, 11:02 AM   #5 (permalink)
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If you don't know the service history, I'd replace all the fluids (brake, clutch, fork oil, engine oil, coolant). You may also want to check the valve clearances.

I haven't heard of anyone installing Ohlins : on a Tbird, but I'd be interested in any information you find. Everyone in the forum seems to swear by the Hagon. Most purchase is from www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

The K&N isn't much of a performance boost on it's own, since the airflow is restricted by undersized inlet on the airbox anyway. It is however, a cheaper alternative to the OEM filter, since Triumph requires you to purchase the entire airbox just to replace the filter.

Other than that and the obvious items (tire tread, chain/sprocket wear, etc), you should be good to go for many miles.
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Old 08-22-2007, 10:08 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BadMouth View Post
It is however, a cheaper alternative to the OEM filter, since Triumph requires you to purchase the entire airbox just to replace the filter.
Really?!!!!!!! Will just ride the bike and see what needs to be done. Best tyres?

Cheers

Cat
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Old 08-23-2007, 12:04 AM   #7 (permalink)
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I`ve had a T bird 10 years.Always use the best oil,semi synthetic at least.Use only genuine filters.tyres.............http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcyc..............but above all,enjoy
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