Thunderbird Storm,the bad things

Thaiberian · Apr 23, 2013

Hi

I´m looking to get in a Thunderbird Storm, not sure if the 2013 model or wait until the new 2014 arrives.

I´ve been following this forum for several months, learning as much as I can about the bike. Great source on info!

I know this bike is awesome and can´t wait to have one.

But since I´ll have to invest a hard earned cash on it, I want to be sure I know all the "bad things" just to avoid bitter surprises.

those are the issues I know so far:

- The bike eats rear tires quite fast
- Rear axe alignment issue with belt chirp
- Get to the plugs is a PITA, same for valve adjusting
- Paint is too soft
- Engine sounds like an old laundry machine until breaks in
- MAP sensor tubes falling off
- Some report hot starting problems
- Some report fork seals leaking
- Some report speedo failure
- OEM oil filter comes tightened by hulk ans is a PITA to get it off
- Original Triumph complements suck
- Triumph takes too long time for send spare parts.

Well that´s all I know.. do I miss something?

Does any of this issues got fixed for the last model?

Would you wait until 2014 model arrives?

Thank you

Tipsi · Apr 23, 2013

Its a wonder we every buy the bikes ! you can add wheel corrosion to the list if you live in a area that gets a lot of salt on the the roads, but really for every gripe there will be 25 people with a grin from ear to ear ! don't worry to much about it, its all part of the Triumph experience....

Pali · Apr 23, 2013

I have a 2013 storm and can say I have not had one issue with it...with paint...I never rated triumph as the best paint job and doesn't influence the buying decision for me...does sound a bit like a whipper snipper on steroids at idle...

.....until you get under it ..and then it makes one sweet sound..as it disappears from sight...

Wells · Apr 23, 2013

I think that these are ones that are really no longer valid. Many of them were problems with 2010's and 2011's, but since then I have not seen too much mention of them.

Thaiberian said:
Hi
- MAP sensor tubes falling off
- Some report fork seals leaking
- Some report speedo failure
Thank you

The bit about the valves and spark plugs being a pain to get to is something inherent in the design of the bike, but there are other bikes out there where it is even worse to deal with things... like having to pull the entire engine out in order to replace a stator or something...

joey1970 · Apr 23, 2013

I have a 2012 and I had the MAP tube issue. It was an easy fix tho. I haven't had any issues since my dealer changed them out at my 1st service back in Aug 2012.

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Deefer1700 · Apr 23, 2013

Blimey after all that I wouldnt buy the bike either lol. Thats the trouble with the internet isnt it ? You read everything and find out your dog is a wolf and will probably eat you and the gut rot you have after eating a super hot curry is actually stomach cancer.

joey1970 · Apr 23, 2013

Well.. it's very unlikely that anyone will experience ALL of the things listed. And to be honest.. even with everything listed.. the Tbird is still an outstanding bike. I'd go for it if you like it.

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dougl · Apr 23, 2013

The forums are self-selective for coming up with problems.

The biggest problem is lack of power, compared to my previous R3. However, on the whole, it's a better bike. Modern Triumphs are great bikes.

Thaiberian · Apr 24, 2013

well, I´m already sold. I love the bike and if those things of the list are all the bad issues I can deal with them.

As for the lack of power, I plan to do the short tors+filter+no cat+ tuneEcu mod so I guess it should be enough.

I think I´ll wait for the 2014 model, I like the front fat wheel.

dougl · Apr 24, 2013

It's never enough. Also, if you're going to take the cat off and retune you should consider hotter mufflers like Forans or BC Hog Slayers.

Schroder · Apr 25, 2013

I fell in love with the colours first (Captain America) then the sound I like the fact that with the short pipes I can just burble out of suburbia then crack it on the open road to make that unmistakable sound ,only drawback is the pipes stop before the pillion so she needs earplugs

Thunderbird Storm,the bad things

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