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1998 Adventurer vs. 1999 TBird Sport

5K views 30 replies 13 participants last post by  dogboy443 
#1 ·
Hi,
I am looking to buy one or both bikes but need some help please.

What is the power curve like for these bikes?

Are the about the same or does the T-Bird have an edge on the Adventurer? I find conflicting info when I web search.

Since the riding position is different due to the foot pegs on the T-Bird being 5 inches behind the ones on the adventurer (I think), would the T-Bird be significantly less comfortable for a older rider who is heavy (me)?

I used to ride a 1999 TBird Sport but I was in better shape then and younger of course (10 Years)

Your comments and advice, please!
Thank you.
 
#2 ·
How tall are you? That's the only thing that would probably be relevent to footpegs being further back.

Power delivery is (as far as everyone here says) is the same, they have the exact same cams, carbs, jets, airboxes - only difference is the exhaust.

I'd go for the Sport anytime, even though I own an Adventurer.

Also depends on your riding style I guess.
 
#3 ·
You`ll pay about twice as much for a T-bird sport, as an Adventurer, they are getting very sought after.

All T-bird Sports are 6 speed, I`m pretty sure all Adventurers are 5 Speed, which gives the Sport the edge. Plus the Sport has twin discs.

So more go, more stop and more bucks.
 
#4 ·
The suspension (adjustable) on the TBS is much better as stock, and the 17" wheels mean a much wider choice of modern tyres. The TBS is already a classic. The only downside of the TBS is the twin exhausts on one side mean pillion footrests are only suitable for the shortest leg passengers. The riders pegs you already know are semi rearset, but if you're tall, some custom work lifting the seat cushion higher could help, as the stock seat height is low-ish to begin with.
 
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#10 ·
Nice example but that seat has to go or be recovered! :surprise:

I've said it before but I'll say it again, you guys in the US are very lucky to keep picking up low mileage bikes for a good price. We're not really green with envy over here!

As for comfort etc. I was going to say that you need to try both really but as you are buying both you will be in the ideal situation to assess them!
 
#11 ·
nice tbs! mine used to be that colour before i changed it up a little! i have the factory single seat with the cowl and although it looks great its not comfy after an hour! its amazing for a fairly rare bike how many low mileage examples keep showing up! i waited for two years to find one up here and it had 80000km on it!
 
#17 ·
Hi, the Adventurer is sweet!
I am riding it to a rally in Janesville, WI tomorrow then leaving it for a complete mechanical check over and oil change. I am doing that just to be sure it is running as well as it can and that I have no surprises later. Machine looks and runs almost like it just came off assembly line. Carbs may need a clean and or tune, not sure, seemed to have one or two flat spots running up past 4500 rpm. Chain needs adjustment and lube. Tires look good.
Thanks for your interest.
 
#20 · (Edited)
The TBS is fairly cramped , I'm 5'11'' and find after an hour riding my right knee does start to hurt but yours might be fine.
As for the twin discs..i just put a brand new set of callipers from a 675 Speed Triple (same) and they are still poor compared with good brakes.
http://www.triumphrat.net/attachmen.../362202d1461047323-new-tbs-owner-img_2170.jpg
I have a Ducati with Brembo's ..much better.. and yesterday I test rode the New Thruxton R, the brakes on that are amazing, Brembo's too. One finger jobbies.
Suspension on the TBS is ok but they are all old bikes now and the shocks might need a refurb anyway. I put a Hagon on the rear and had the forks rebuilt with new springs..pretty good now.
These bikes are not powerful bikes, however the engines are near perfect for what these bikes are intended for.
The TBS is a brilliant bike once you have brakes, suspension, engine all working as Triumph intended..it handles so well..I love mine.
BTW I really like the Adventurer in that purple colour.
One more thing..low miles is not always a good thing..engines especially need to be run regularly as well as oil changes. You want a bike that has been looked after by as few people as possible and no hacking into the electrics. These bikes are built to last, they can do many miles.
 
#26 ·
I own both, The TBS does everything better than the Adventurer. You can make the TBS more comfortable to ride by swapping footpegs, shift levers and brake pedal with the adventurer. however when you do that you have to learn to shift backwards (up for 1st) . I also changed the bars for some with a little more rise and pullback.
 
#27 ·
I've had every version, often at the same time so have done many comparisons. Out of all the versions (take cover here comes the flack) I dislike the Sport most. I don't like the riding position, I find it pushes all my (considerable) weight onto my wrists, the rear sets make a small bike even more cramped and personally I don't like the black engine.
I have a standard Thunderbird with a Wilbur shock which is far superior to the TBS shock and a 4 pot single calliper on the front which provides more than enough braking.
My best ever T'bird was an Adventurer fitted with TBS front end, TBS wheels and rear shock. The later Adventurer had a 6 speed gearbox and lots of chrome and a Gulf Oil paint job. Being a Harley owner I have to accept being a Chromosexual.



When I painted the body up I had a second set painted in exactly the same colour, the intention was to fit it to my 1200 Big Bird, where does the time go, maybe next week!
 
#28 ·
Love the Gulf Oil paint job! :thumbsup
 
#29 ·
"Chromosexual"...excellent moto phrase.

You're right about the TBS..I have a Ducati 1000SS, it's known for being uncomfortable and the TBS is no different to me in the legs anyway. As for the bars I have fitted some Rentals (TBS) which lower and straighten the arm reach and I love it. You can throw that bike around so easily, it;s just a fun bike to ride...the Ducati needs a lot more input and concentration but comes into it's own at 3 figure speeds (mph). I don't think I have ever been over 80mph on the TBS, not worth the abuse.
 
#30 ·
lovin the gulf paintjob! to me the main attraction of a tbs was the lack of brightwork, the black motor and polished (not chromed) akronts set the bike apart, i even left the header wrap on so there would be less shiny stuff, i want to lose all the chrome if i can, different strokes for different folks i guess,
 
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