Triumph Thunderbird reviews

I absolutely love this bike! Mine is colored precisely like the picture: Sunset Red/Opal White. I use the stock seat for looks and for the ability to hang off on the fast curves, but any long trip would require a decent seat. I'm 48 years old, and yet I have passed young punks on sport bikes on curvy roads. So happy was I with this Triumph, that I became the first RAT Pack leader of the local dealership. Show less

I bought mine new in 1998 after test riding a standard Thunderbird then the Sport. I liked the bike for what it does. It cranks, runs good, handles ok and is a Triumph. I have owned older Triumphs with Big Bore kits that are faster than this bike but they were not as reliable. The biggest problem is the air box is not user friendly. Show less

I bought the bike new. I traded a Sprint ST for it. My wife wanted a more comfortable riding position. It was a big step down in power, but much to my surprise I found I was taking turns faster. My first long ride was from LA to Tucson. When I arrived I was disappointed that the ride was over. I had done the same ride on the Sprint and didn't feel that way. I have taken the wife as far as Utah on one trip and Colorado on another. The Thunderbird is a very comfortable and capable bike. Four weeks ago I made a solo trip to Colorado. On day two of the ride back I crossed 8 passes, two of which were dirt roads and one a jeep trail. The following day I put in 920 miles. The more I ride this bike the more I love it. The only problem the bike has had was a broken speedo cable about 3 years ago. The Thunderbird is very capable in all riding conditions from Interstate to forest service roads, canyon carving or riding two up. Perhaps it is my size but I find this the most comfortable and rider friendly bike I have ever had. It is my 5th bike and probably will be my last, but that was what I thought of my BMW before it blew a tranny in Tucson, a drive shaft on I-15, and the alternator in San Diego. Last but not least it is a real show stopper. I have had more praise about the bikes looks than all the other bikes combined. Show less

I bought my bike used in '05 from a Honda dealer out of state. '99 model with only 2200 miles on it. This is my second bike; I held out for a long time until I could afford a Triumph, and I am glad I did. The bike handles well, very agile, quick off the line and fairly comfortable on long rides. Maintenance has been minimal with oil change, coolant change, and a set of new tires in '06, and keeping the chain oiled and adjusted. Whoever owned the bike before me removed the factory air box and put on UNI Filters, also put on a set of Supertrapp Exhaust pipes, which makes the in-line 3 sound great and gets the attention of everyone around, and it seems lower than stock. I love this bike and plan to keep it forever. If anyone is looking for quality and fun in a used bike, you can't go wrong with the T'bird Sport. Show less

I really like this bike. I saw it first at a Cycle World show last year, and it was love at first sight. I am an older guy (58)and had several Ducatis lately, but spent years on Britbikes (Nortons, Triumphs, BSA) and this one captures the look of that era better than even the new Bonneville series. It handles like a sportbike should, and the brakes are up to the task. I would recommend this to anyone, it is a shame that they are out of production now. The stock seat is pretty bad, but the solo is very comfortable, and the off-road pipes are a must. K&N filters and rejetting the carbs transformed the engine, and I still get 40MPG. Show less

I have a '98, actually, but they're the same bike. I've had this bike for 3 months. I love the bike because it takes a certain involvement to ride it. It always starts, but it doesn't always sound like it will. It's not the fastest bike, but it's fast enough. It's not the quickest through the twisties, but it's quick enough for me. Not many folks own these and I like that, too. My CB1000 Honda vibrates worse. Overall, I like the T-Bird a lot. Show less

Having written a review some time ago, titled the retro ride of your life. Now I have done 9000ks on the T-bird sports. I can confirm this bike is a keeper. It handles like a dream now that I have the bikes handling tuned up by a road racer pal. Always the head turner and draws a crowd when parked up. Much to the disgust of my mate who has the latest Harley Sporster!! This bike is a winner all round. And well worth the dollars. Also the Triumph holds their value!! Unlike the rice burners. Do yourself a favor and test ride the Thunderbird Sports before buying another bike!! You like myself will be surprised at the performance and handling of it. Only a couple or three improvements Triumph should consider in my personal view. The petrol tank should hold at least 20 liters (15 at present) Fuel gauge or low fuel warning light required. (Neither at present) Side stand is to upright. Right angle Valves to pump up the tires. Impossible the way they are. But having said a few thoughtful upgrades are required you can betcha Triumph Hinckley will be reading this review and will!! Take what I have said aboard. The Thunderbird Sports is a truly great performer!!! Show less

I have had my 2000 Thunderbird for a year and a half and ridden in all kinds of conditions and many types of roads (all flat land). I can testify to this - This is the perfect bike for my size and riding style. Except for a new battery, I have not touched it other than standard maintenance. I ride with a verity of other makes and am able to out run almost all of them. The brakes are very good but I would rather have had dual front disc. It handles corners as if they were straight. By far the best all around I have ever ridden. The ergonomics are correct for me as they come from the factory but the seat can become uncomfortable on long runs. The fit and finish are almost 100% and the "look" is enviable. A friend parked his brand new 100th anniversary $27,000 HD next to my Thunderbird recently and everyone that passed by was looking at the Thunderbird. He was not happy. I waited quite awhile to share this review so that I truly had an overall perspective on the bike. In my opinion, this is the greatest value in motorcycles today, especially if you like the classic style. Too bad Triumph has decided to cease production of the Thunderbird. Show less

This is one of three bikes I own. It's what I call my serious, city, highway do anything bike. If I want to go on a long trip, this is the one. If I'm going downtown L.A. and need to white line, this is the one. If I'm running errands around town, nope, I'll use the Ural sidecar rig. I sold a Harley Low Rider Sport to buy this and have never regretted it. Everyone's got a Harley, but you don't see a whole lot of T-birds. On bike night there's more people looking at my $8,000 Triumph than at the dime-a-dozen $30,000 H-D's. It's got excellent speed and power, handles superbly, super reliability, great comfort (I've got the King/Queen seat), and looks darn good, too. Mine's four years old, and I plan on keeping it forever. This is the first bike I've had that I didn't get tired of. Show less

I owned a 1995 T-Bird for 8 yrs. and put on 50,000 trouble-free miles. Only had to replace the tachometer on warranty. Just got the '04 Sport and it does everything better! Brakes, handling, and performance are MUCH improved. Looks just as gorgeous and draws heads everywhere, even non-bikers. This is the bike that us middle-aged codgers wish we had in the 70's. It actually looks like a bike, and not something out of a sci-fi flick, but handles and performs like a modern motorcycle. And that legendary snarl from the "off-road" pipes is magnificent! While it may not keep up with the top sport bikes, it is plenty capable. I had to put on the standard T-Bird handlebars, to improve the ergonomics, and have made minor adjustments to the stock seat. You'll have to play with the ergonomics to make it really fit you. This bike does everything very well, and looks great doing it! Triumph was really only out of production for 5 yrs. out of the last 102 yrs., yet so many folks are still surprised when they see one. They are very reliable, have a great shop network, and are different enough to make you feel special riding one. It's a hard combo to beat. Be prepared that if you test drive one, if you can find one, be ready to buy it. ENJOY! Show less