Triumphrat

scooterdoodler

I hope this is the place to ask!

1. Will the Thunderbird run well on 87 octane unleaded, or run at all on 85? Hopefully it doesn't require 91 all the time.

2. How about the 10% ethanol blends that in some states are the only thing available?

3. Is there any big advantage to the later 6 speed Thunderbirds? Is the 6th gear an 'overdrive' ratio? I have the thought that with the decent midrange power of the triple 885 that a 5 speed would do quite well, and perhaps tolerate one or two less teeth on the rear sprocket if a guy wanted to go 'taller' for interstate traveling at the expense of a little acceleration.

Thanks for any info on this stuff, and have a little patience with the 'noob' queries....I'm trying to decide if I will buy a Thunderbird or a ZRX1200 Kawasaki this time around, the T-Bird is such a piece of eye-candy to me that the entertainment it might provide just sitting in the garage being observed over a good cup of coffee may well compensate for the arm-yanking qualities of the retro Kaw four.

denny

I use 89 with ethanol blend. It's mostly the only thing available around here. It will run oK on 87.


I find myself using 5th gear unless I am cruising on the Interstate at speeds above 70 mph.

The first 5 gears of all T3's are the same ratio, 6th gear is an additional gear.
I'd not consider it an overdrive though, because it is pretty close to 5th.

The 5 speed TBird cruises just fine at 80 to 85.
although it's not too comfortable because of the lack of wind protection.

The 6 speed is a little more relaxed at Freeway speeds. Since I don't ride on the Interstates much the 5 speed meets the majority of my needs.

__________________
Cheers,Denny

funhunter63

I run 87 octane most of the time.

2. How about the 10% ethanol blends that in some states are the only thing available?

I don't because I am scared that the alcohol might have bad effect on the rubber parts it touches. I don't know that my fears are justified though.

3. Is there any big advantage to the later 6 speed Thunderbirds?

I have a 6-speed T-bird and two of my friends have 5 speed Adventurers. The difference is about 500 RPM at interstate speed. Thats not much difference. Of course they have the roll-on power advantage since they are running a few more RPMs.

__________________
If it hurts, quit doing that.

scooterdoodler

Of course you can always drop a gear and match them there, the 6 speed just adds a bit of versatility to the whole package, so I tend to like the idea for interstate cruising...living in western South Dakota.


Have you noticed any differences in fuel mileage between the 5 and 6 speed bikes on the highway? With only a four gallon capacity, it'd be nice if I could get mid forties for mpg's if ridden conservatively, out here in the middle of nowhere.

And thanks to both for your input.

funhunter63

No. I can't say for sure that there is any noticable fuel mileage difference between a 5 and 6 speed. Actually, the best milage I have seen any of them get was the nearly stock 2000 Adventurer with a 5-speed. I haven't had the carbs off it yet, but I think the dealer just put TORs on it and turned the mixture screws. He got between 45 and 50 mpg consistently for highway cruising. I might get close to that now with my six speed t-bird if I could control myself, but my airbox is opened up etc. I guess mine was probably never tuned correctly before my airbox mod but it only got 35 then.

__________________
If it hurts, quit doing that.