Triumphrat

welshrob · 02-01-2008

I`m considering purchasing a T-bird, just as a spare bike (I`ve almost done this 4 times in as many years) and I`ve been lurking here reading all the old stuff. I had pretty much decided it was going to be a later T-bird, as the Legend and Adventurer are quite rare out here but I have been offered an Adventurer at an incredibly good price. Can you tell me, what is the difference between the 3 models and is one considered better than another for any reason?

I`ve trawled through all the pics and have noticed most of the obvious physical differences, I think. It`s hard to tell though. Some of the Legends pictured seem to have very high bars, whilst some seem to have regular Thunderbird bars. All advice greatly appreciated.

gregp · 02-01-2008

The Adventurer was the "Cruiser" version of the Thunderbird. It had (much) higher handlebars, a Bobbed rear fender, and a "Cruiser Style" seat. The rear sub-frame was substantially different, to accomodate the different fender and seat. All other motor and chasis components were identical to the Thunderbird. There were later changes that effected the entire line up around '98-99 (?), such as the switch to Kehin carbs, a rear brake caliper change, a change to unrestriced inlet manifolds, an updated alternator drive bolt, and an upgraded sprague clutch on the starter drive.
Other foks may chime in with more.
On my '96 Adventurer with 20k miles, I have only encountered problems with the alternator drive bolt breaking (the upgrade kit cost around $90 US), and the tail light mounting rubbers shearing off (home made remedy). I absolutely *love* my Adventurer, though.

Shawn · 02-01-2008

Rob,

I used to have a '99 Adventurer. The bar height was slightly lower in that year, along with a frame redesign (it wasn't as close to the TBird as previous models), but the engine was still the same. I bolted on almost every Triumph Accessory available on that machine. There are still pictures of it in my old Photo Album.

My only major complaint was the seat. Having it rebuilt did help, but the bike's current owner says he can only do a max of 80-90 miles before having to take a rest. He still enjoys riding it.

I sold it because of the sportbike-bug that bit me at the time.

Hope this helps,

gregp · 02-01-2008

I also have a Suzuki DRZ400, which is also well known for its uncomfortable seat. When I first got the bike, I did, indeed, find the seat very uncomfortable (very narrow, inducing numbness in the nether regions). I started looking into ways to rectify the seat problem, but I found that as time passed, I got used to it and eventually it became a non-issue for me. Now I can ride the bike all day without even thinking about it.
The same thing happened with the Adventurer. I can ride all day, no problem. I have found that, generally, the folks that I am riding with want to stop long before the seat starts to bother me.
There have been some seat mods posted on this site that were very interesting to me, but I never did pursue them.

BTW- Shawn, Thank You for maintaining this site!

welshrob · 02-01-2008

Thanks Shawn and Greg. Any info on the Legend? And are the later versions mechanically different to the earlier ones?

gregp · 02-01-2008

I have read (here) that the Legend has a lower seat height than all of the others. It also has less chrome and was considered the "budget" version of the Thunderbird. I am not sure about that, though.

tnsen · 02-01-2008

i believe a thread called "butt buffer"..will offer some suggestions as to a seat mod, wich i will be purseuing soon ...as my bum cant take much torture from my birds seat after about 45 minutes or so........go ahead and take the plunge there welshrob...there great bikes ......Tom

Tommybro · 02-01-2008

The Legend has a lower seat height than the Tbird, it also has 17" wheels front and back, blacked out engine.

Great bike.

Tom

Woody1911a1 · 02-01-2008

hey welshrob , you can compare the specs here back to '99 . http://www.hermys.com/triumph/

i've got a 2k adventurer and love it . it's a lil bit cruiser , but standard mid foot position . raked 3 deg more than a standard t-bird but still handles great .

you didn't say what year you were looking at . there were many changes and improvements between the earlier and later models .

this spring i'll be buying either a speed or a street triple , but will not part with my adventurer .

cheers

Tbirdnz · 02-01-2008

I think the '98-99 Thunderbirds are the best of the best, and red and black the nicest colour. Some of the later models had a few of the nice touches left off, no lockable seat, plastic panels i/o metal and less chrome. (It's a retro so chrome is ok !).

The tail end of the TB looks good in my opinion compared to the Adventurer.

Put a K&Q seat on and you've got a very comfortable nice riding tourer.

I've seen a pic of you sitting on a Tiger Rob so the TB is Ok for you.

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Ride on !

p.s. do something with the stock pipes, that improves performance and sound.

Look at the pics in the sticky above, good comparisons.