Truth be told, I a not yet a Triumph owner. I found a great deal on a 2015 Commander ABS ($9500! w/900 miles). The bike looks fabulous and comfortable, and the reviews are generally strong, but I am worried about some issues. Urgent advice would be very helpful to me.
1. I hear about engine noise problems. What is that about? Are there known defects? Does this affect function?
2. I have been having a very hard time locating a couple of important accessories: Passenger back rest/sissy bar, decent luggage... Can someone help me to find these?
3. There are rumors - here - that the line is to be discontinued. This would do huge damage to the resale value, and possibly to factory support. Any thoughts?
4. No one seems to have much nice to say about Triumph warranty support here. As this is my daily ride, nothing is more important than reliability. I would love feedback.
1). Triumphs, and perhaps Thunderbirds in particular (as far as contemporary models, anyhow), all make some noise that isn't really present in the (generally) smoother-sounding metrics and, for that matter, Harley (or perhaps the potato-potato just covers it up). It's the nature of the beast, but 99.5% of the time is not symptomatic of any engine problem. I wouldn't let this concern dissuade you in the least.
2). I'm not up on what Commander accessories exist; I would check with your local Triumph dealer. If the passenger sissybar/pad and rack setup that fits the earlier 1600/1700 models fits the Commander 1700 model, then you should be in luck either at the dealer or at the Classifieds here and/or at the Other Forum. Luggage is a different matter, but aftermarket bags exist...I've even seen some pics of folks with aftermarket hardbags.
3). Or maybe a discontinuation of the model will make it a collectible. I wouldn't worry about rumors, given that they're often proved wrong as often as they are right. 'Sides, the TBird has lousy resale value anyhow, as illustrated by the post above mine, if true, so the issue is truly moot. Trust me, you do not buy the TBird for its resale potential; if that's a priority, you'd be better served with Harley, though I've read the used bike market has become progressively soft over the years, regardless of make.
4). I never had to use my warranty, as my '12 TBird has been great. I suspect that's been the experience of most TBird owners, but I understand your concern about warranty issues. Having owned a number of different bikes and been a member on different forums, there are always some horror stories, regardless of manufacturer...I haven't sensed that Triumph is any worse (or better) in this regard.
I had a Storm for 1 year and 14,000 miles! couldn't get me off the bike. It's the same motor as the commander and it does make some disturbing noises not loud, but not rhythmic to the engine combustion, like all the mechanical sounds that follow rpm's and then there will be this odd rap rap rap completely out of tune with everything else going on. I would tell myself if my hd could get me home with all the banging going on down there (I had cams in it) this little sound can't be too bad and I never had trouble averaging almost 400 miles a week during riding season.
If I was shopping for a cruiser it would be either the R3r for its motor or the Thunderbird for its looks, handling, and torque. btw if you put offroad pipes and download in the bike it brings the power up another 500 rpm useful for triple digit passing
(1) No worries with engine noise. The big parallel twin is a good engine.
(2) Available from Triumph but pricey and I hear the Triumph leather bags are easy to warp and sag.
(3) My dealer confirmed the TBird line is discontinued although inventory will still be available for another year or so. Resale on these bikes has never been strong so get the best deal you can!
(4) My Storm may be an exception but I've had slew of warranty claims, primarily coolant leak and cold start issues. But now I'm awaiting a frame replacement from Triumph due to a break in the frame which cannot be repaired. Warranty support is only as good as your dealer and its willingness to go to bat for you.
Having said what I said about my experience, I still love my Storm. And Triumph has offered to compensate monetarily and with a warranty extension due my unique warranty issue. If you demo the Commander, love it, and the price is right, buy it!
Or, sit tight to see what develops with the rumored 1200 America. That's the bike many of us are waiting to see!
So, I am now the proud owner of a T-Bird Commander. But, I have a major dilemma: I cannot find accessories that I need
In particular, I would like a sissy bar with a luggage rack for something like a reasonable price. The Triumph official solution is incredibly expensive - nearly $1000USD. Has anyone found a third party solution that works?
Congratulations and welcome to the fold. These triumph owners are a great bunch and you should find help here, For triumph look at British customs, hardstreet, corbin, and search. I had Triumphs leather bags for the tbird and the lids started to sag early into the 2nd year! interesting because the leather bags for my R3 never sagged in 10 years. I came so close to buying the black/grey commander by me this year but 3 bikes in the garage would have cost me a cruise for my wife and probably her sister. Enjoy the ride
check out revzilla also.
Finally, there is the Fehling Sissy bar/rack combo. I was tempted, but the low seat height looked less comfortable, and less able to support a sissy bar bag.
You won't find any non Triumph accessories that are nearly as nice as the Triumph ones if you find them at all. This bike is expensive to outfit and to operate. It is unpopular so you won't find many options for it.
Resale value is horrid especially with the rumors of discontinuation. I'm betting they are true.
You'll be happiest sucking it up and buying a factory sissy bar. I have the bar and luggage rack. I also have the luggage rack that replaces the passenger seat. All if it is top quality but, as you say, is expensive.
Keep in mind that this bike is probably the best running (noisiest) and best handling cruiser out there with the possible exception of the Suzuki M109 (another maintenance disaster and another unpopular bike). My engine has been totally trouble free but it knocks like the mains are about to fall out. Perhaps somebody will some day come up with an oil pump mod that will stop it.
For those who are interested, I purchased the Hepco and Becker sissy bar backrest and rack from KGL. It took a long time to arrive, apparently because it was held up in USA customs. Once I got it, it was installed within 15 minutes, and looks great. I am very happy with it.
Just sold my 2008 Bonneville Black with 30k on the clock and bought a 2015 Red/Red Commander dealer demo with 350km on it. I hope I did the right thing because I can't have both.
I traded a Bonneville T100 for a 2010 Thunderbird. I wasn't totally sure that I had done the right thing, but could not have both. The more I rode the TBird the more I liked it. So much so that 4 years later I could not resist the deal on a demo 2014 Storm. It still makes me grin every time I ride it. I hope you have the same experience as me.
I rode a Commander for a couple of weeks and was impressed with the torque and comfort. It is also a sweet looking bike.
I have been thrilled with my new Thunderbird Commander. The best way to describe the ride for me is, "refined", but it is also a rocket. I am getting about 45 mpg (compared to 35 on my Honda 1300). Getting accessories that fit, and for reasonable prices, has been a challenge, but that has yielded to perseverance.
As for the Hepco+Becker rack, mine looks great. Four screws and fifteen minutes had it in place - though the width was a little bit off, and I had to spread it slightly with a lever... I'll upload a picture later.
It's interesting to see some of the Bonneville folks migrating to the TBird... I've had my LT since '14 and I've had 15K trouble free miles of cruising, much at high speed and hammering it. Even over the ton, that engine feels like it's not working hard at all! Great bike, and the sure handling makes it a joy to ride. I've never had that noise problem, in fact the bike was always too quiet for me until I added the TORS pipes.
CS4, T121 saddlebags. I haven't put them on yet, but they are sitting in a box and are very nice bags. Quick disconnects also. These will never sag and they have a setup for the Commander. Nice people to deal with, both before and after purchase.
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