Triumphrat

funhunter63 · 05-06-2008

Hey Scooter,

You don't hardley ever need a dealer if you can do a little work yourself. These bikes are easy to work on. Most of the known issues are very cheap to fix yourself. I get my parts off ebay and this sight for a whole lot less than the dealer sells stuff for. You won't believe the looks these bikes get. And before I forget to mention it, these bikes are FUN to ride!

Mojoinco · 05-07-2008

Maintenance is straight forward. Only one special tool (~$50) needed (well, preferred, not really needed) and that is for the valve adjustment. All very standard technology any motorcycle mechanic (non-HD) can do. And, if you are used to adjusting your own valves, then nothing you can't do (standard Jap bike shims).

Jap parts: carbs, charging system, switches (?), brakes, levers, shocks, forks, gauges.
Italian: seat (bummer, not leather).
Ignition: German and/or British (work the same).
Thailand: wiring harness (2003 TBS).

A triple is like nothing else (and save an old Yamaha or Benelli, about the only one to ride). You might want to check out a Speed Triple or new Tiger.

scooterdoodler · 05-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojoinco

Maintenance is straight forward. Only one special tool (~$50) needed (well, preferred, not really needed) and that is for the valve adjustment. All very standard technology any motorcycle mechanic (non-HD) can do. And, if you are used to adjusting your own valves, then nothing you can't do (standard Jap bike shims).

Jap parts: carbs, charging system, switches (?), brakes, levers, shocks, forks, gauges.
Italian: seat (bummer, not leather).
Ignition: German and/or British (work the same).
Thailand: wiring harness (2003 TBS).

A triple is like nothing else (and save an old Yamaha or Benelli, about the only one to ride). You might want to check out a Speed Triple or new Tiger.

If I can sell the Burgman, I'll probably reconsider a Thunderbird based on the info in the latter part of this thread.

I'm no stranger to triples, at least by definition, having owned five Suzuki GT750's, one GT550, and have ridden my wife's former K75 quite a bit, so I'm at home on the threes.