Triumphrat

Penguin · 02-06-2008, 08:48 AM

Hey new here, I'm about to buy a 99 TBS and wanted to know if theres any problems with this year I need to know, I took a look at her lastnight and she's real clean black and yellow one, problem was the battery was dead so he couldent start it up, so he told me he would buy a new battery and I could come back and here it started up and take it for a spin.

A few details on the bike, it has almost 5,000 miles, has new tires, comes with off road pipes,different bars, bar end mirrors and a solo seat, wanted $4600 he told me I could have it for $4,000, its missing a left passenger peg.

He told me he has done all the oil changes and kept up on all other maintnice.

My reason for being a little weary is he hasent ridden it for almost a year (new baby) and I have had nothing but Jap bike til now.

Should I be sweating it? or I have nothing to worry about TBS's are rock solid.

Thanks for any info

OUsooner · 02-06-2008, 01:01 PM

I have over 22k miles on mine. Bomb proof engine, only problem I have had is a $9.00 seal.

As far as being nervous riding the TBS vs. a "crotch rocket" No problems. In fact with the mods I have done, I have no problem beating my buddy on his R6.

TBS is a ROCK SOLID bike. I would be a little concerned with rust in the gas tank, as well as gas gumming up the carbs for sitting so long without being ridden. Check with the owner on how he stored it during that time.

They are hard to find with low miles like this one, sounds like a good price.

What color?

Penguin · 02-06-2008, 03:21 PM

Whew thats a relief, he told me he does a total winteriztion on it, drains carbs,changes oil and puts stabil in the gas.

BTW here is a pic

Tre900 · 02-06-2008, 04:44 PM

I think there's a sticky thread with common problems so be sure to search if your in a hurry. Always make sure your holding in the clutch when start the bike. Just trust me. after you get the bike home post again with a pic and we can tell you some stuff to check out like the old drain hose from the airbox (if it has one?) and the common sticky kickstand kill switch.

Happy buying. (dude will never tell you how sad he is he had that kid!)

Eyun_G · 02-06-2008, 06:19 PM

I'd do a cursory check to see if it's fallen over, mine had been dropped and repaired, as it had two dents in the headlight behind where it mounts to the forks, just something to look for. Other than that and a bad coil (see common problems thread) the bike runs like a top. It's a little cold blooded, but that's not a big deal. If you're coming from an FI bike, the engine won't be really happy until it warms up, I can usually cut the choke off by the time I leave the neighborhood (about 5 minutes).

Dknapp · 02-07-2008, 12:57 AM

Don't be put off or worried with the "Common Problems" thread. It seems that major problems with any of these triples are few and far between. But if you do have an issue, it is invaluable. You're going to love that bike. This is a line of Triumph (Thunderbird, TBS, Adventurer, and Legend) that should have never been discontinued.

BRG-BIRD · 02-07-2008, 01:25 AM

Sounds like a good deal to me.

GeneralPig · 02-07-2008, 12:13 PM

Very good price. only 5K! TBS prices in the UK seem to be on the up now. A definite keeper.

Greaser · 02-07-2008, 02:02 PM

70,000km on my Y2K TBS. Still on original coils and clutch, althoughthe clutch will most likely get changed this year, especially if I do anymore drag racing.
Make SURE YOU OIL THE THROTTLE CABLE!!!!!! I don't go anymore than 5000km between oilings! They will break.

triumphjan · 02-07-2008, 02:21 PM

I am very happy with this bike and it is a great pity Triumph don,t make the model any more.

The T- bird is a real keeper and they are now sort after.Never sell is the best advice.

TBS prices in europa also seem to be on the up now.

They seem to be acquiring true cult status, and are bulletproof.

It ran like a champ and I had zero problems.

Buy this bike.

Cheers jan.