Triumphrat

Texascat · 05-15-2008

Hi gang, sort of new to this side of the forum but active on the twin talk forum. Currently own a scrambler and a MG Griso. Always liked the TBS model and I came across a 1998 model. Not sure how reliable the NADA/KBB guides are, so I wanted to check with you guys on what is a fair price for a 98 TBS with less than 7K miles.
Also, I have not seen the bike yet. Should I be looking for anything in particular when I go to inspect the bike (known issues... etc..)

Thank you in advance.
texascat

triumph4ever · 05-16-2008

i purchased mine for around $3,500 - only had 3,000 miles on it - 98 tornado red - stock mufflers though - you'll want to get some aftermarket mufflers - at 7,000 miles it's barely broken in - my advice though is to have a triumph shop do a quick once over of the bike - you wouldn't have to pay much at all for it - and it's worth it - i've seen some 98 models run for as much as $5,000 or $6,000 but those all come with the goodies (aftermarket stuff) - if you look really hard on the internet you can find them for $3,500 to $4,500 with not many miles on them - there was one in alabama for 3,000 that i posted on here not too long ago - not sure if it's still available - do a google search for "1998 triumph thunderbird sport, craigslist" and you'll probably pull some up

Mojoinco · 05-17-2008

Presumably you have read the 'sticky' for the goods and bads (or maybe best listed as differences among the various years). But a Griso -- mama-mia! That looks like one to watch when my TBS starts getting long in the tooth.

Texascat · 05-17-2008

thanks triumph4ever...

Mojoinco - I did look at the sticky but nothing jumps out as a 'commom' issue... the only 3 that got me a little concerned (but not sure how widespread they are) were:

- 'well known temperature warning light issue. It will turn on when fan starts - false alarm' Is there a fix for this?

-paint flaking off in the tank - this seems odd

Sprag Clutch issues - How can I spot check if the clutch is ok?

bloke · 05-19-2008

just for the record i looked at three TBS all in the 3500 to 4500 range and they we all beaten to death POS i finally found one locally for 5k and got the guy down to 4700, it has a couple of nice mods (seat and fairing) but nothin major and 12k, good luck findin a nice one with the right miles for the right side of 4500 bucs

Dumluk · 05-19-2008

I was lucky enough this last weekend to snag a nearly perfect, very low miles (4500) yellow 98 TBS for $4000, here locally. I felt the price was just right. That TBS sure attracts a lot of attention, where ever I go.

I put a couple pix of it along with my previous T-bird under "lets see your triple classics". I'm hoarding them now.

OUsooner · 05-19-2008

They are becoming more and more popular. With that said it is very hard to go off of KBB. Some enthusiasts are already saying the TBS is a collectors bike.
I got mine a couple of years ago for $4k, it had all the extras, however had higher mileage.
It is a very fun bike to ride, don't think I will be selling this one.

For what it is worth my local dealer http://www.performancecycleokc.com/n...222&pov=772309 has a mint condition TBS for sale.
He is on the high end of price, but I can tell you it is amazing condition.

Texascat · 05-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUsooner

For what it is worth my local dealer http://www.performancecycleokc.com/n...222&pov=772309 has a mint condition TBS for sale.
He is on the high end of price, but I can tell you it is amazing condition.

I saw this ad... looks pretty sharp... although I like the yellow/black or black/yellow combination best.

Tomorrow I am going to take a look at an 04 with 8K miles, with epco pipes (I believe), sissy bar and flyscren (asking $5,800) and Sunday I will go check out a 98, 6.8K miles (asking $4,600).
On picture they both look well kept.
I assume there are no major differences between those two year?

Thanks for your feedback

cpallen · 05-22-2008

The 04 will be black, with yellow tank insert and one muffler on each side. The 98 will be yellow or red with black tank insert with two mufflers stacked on the right. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same.

Good Luck!

cafetbird · 05-22-2008

The 98 is probably going to be more collectible down the road, due to it being the first year, and also the stacked muffler configuration. No major issues to be concerned with. Go for it!