Triumphrat

Buelly · 01-30-2008

New poster. Be gentle. Currently own 2006 S2R Ducati Monster and 2000 Buell S3T. Rode bother-in-laws 2003 Thunderbird and fell in love. Like the look of Sport better than standard but really like upright seating position of standard Thunderbird. I have researched both bikes and I understand primary differences...brakes, breather, wheels, etc. But the only thing that is not mentioned in SPECS is handlebars. Are Thunderbird Sport and standard Thunderbird handlebars the same or are Sport bars shorter???

roy005 · 01-30-2008

Hi & Welcome. Standard Tbird bars are higher and offer a more upright position with mid-mount controls. The TBS has lower bars and rearsets for a more sporting position. I switched to a lower bar but kept mid-mount pegs & controls on my standard Tbird. I don't recall the rise and pullback dimensions on the standard Tbird bars but they are significantly higher with more pullback than on the TBS.

Ride Safe!

mellowi · 01-30-2008

The standard Thunderbird does in fact have higher bars than the Thunderbird Sport. The Sports almost flat. The good thing is that most parts are easily interchangeable between models. I know its easy enough to go the other way but I do not know if the cables will be long enough for your plans. If you just want the blacked out engine look into the Legends. Otherwise I am sure you can find someone willing to swap a Thunderbird bar for a Thunderbird Sport's. I know I would gladly switch my Adventurers old one. Which ever way you go your in for a treat with the classic line. Just know ahead of time that the after market is very limited. For some of us though that is half of the fun. Happy Hunting.

Buelly · 01-31-2008

Thanks guys. Very useful info. I do like the blacked out engine. Will check out the Legend.
Thanks
Phil

triumph900 · 01-31-2008

I have a 2002 Thunderbird looking for a new home....!

GeoffE · 01-31-2008

Hi,

Just a comment on the difference between the Thunderbird and Thunderbird Sport handlebars. The Thunderbird Sport bars are on stalked mountings - if you wish to put the TBird Sport bars onto a standard Thunderbird then you should also use the mountings to avoid the bars hitting the tank.

Good luck finding a good one, whatever model you choose.
Geoff

Buelly · 02-01-2008

Triumph 900
May be interested in your bike. I also live in VA. Color, miles, modes? Please send message or post. I sent you private message.
Phil