Thinking Of A 900

Discussion in 'Thunderbird' started by newT120, Jun 5, 2019.

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  1. newT120

    newT120 Active Member

    Apr 1, 2016
    102
    43
    London
    I've got a hankering for a 900 Thunderbird or Legend, but am a bit surprised at the prices being asked - even bikes over 22 years old are often over 4 grand. Are they that good or are sellers just hoping that punters will consider them classics ?
    Perhaps they are fast becoming classics, who knows.
    Any comments gratefully received before I take a punt !
    Cheers all
    Chris
     
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  2. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,481
    800
    California - USA
    #2 Wire-Wheels, Jun 5, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
    I picked up my '00 Legend Deluxe back in 2014 (I think) . At the time I paid $2600US for it. They DO seem to be going up over here. This is a dealer photo.of it.the day I bought it. They are a nice little ride. Too many people hacking them up to make cafe racers out of them. I plan to leave mine alone. ...J.D. 2000 Triumph Legend.jpg
     
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  3. BATEBY45

    BATEBY45 Well-Known Member

    Apr 29, 2014
    619
    93
    Hi Chris, you could go for an older 900, Trophy ,Sprint etc my 93 Trophy is still going strong at 126,000 miles and is worth about £500 but priceless to me.
    Welcome to the forum, there will be more replies shortly I am sure.
     
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  4. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    newT120
    Welcome to the family. You got the urge the wrong time of the year. Prices seem to creep up some. But its only money and that can't equal the smile you get from a new bike sitting there waiting for you to mount and own it.
    Regards
    Joe.
     
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  5. stevethegoolie

    stevethegoolie Elite Member

    Oct 16, 2014
    2,452
    800
    East Riding of Yorkshire
    900 Tridents are great (better?) value for money at the moment, although they are now holding their value quite well, with the added attraction of more power/torque. Thunderbirds are more classic/retro styled and look very nice but at a premium. I've never been fortunate enough to ride one but they are well loved by their owners, and yes, I would love one myself, if only for their (good) looks. If you can find one at a decent price then go for it. I doubt that you will be disappointed - unless you are wanting a Fireblade or similar!
    My '95 Trident 900 has done almost 54,000 miles since I bought it new, and has been toured extensively both at home and in the foreign. Still can't think of a good reason to sell it!
     
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  6. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,481
    800
    California - USA
    #6 Wire-Wheels, Jun 5, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2019
    The big difference between the Trident/Sprint/Daytona/Trophy chassis and the 900 Thunderbird/ Legend chassis is size. My Legend feels like a toy after riding my 900 Sprint. I think there is a difference in wheel size between the Thunderbird and the Legend. My Legend has 17" wheels on both ends. Turn in is quick and even an old man like me can get his knee down low if you have some good rubber on the ground. The Legend is a bit small for me but it is a real blast on the backroads. Really a lot of fun, even stock. ...J.D.
     
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  7. newT120

    newT120 Active Member

    Apr 1, 2016
    102
    43
    London
    Thanks for the comments people.
    I take your point about Trident/Trophy/Sprint etc. but I really wanted a cruiser-type machine to go with my w/c T120 and didn't want to go the Harley route (the 1600 T'bird is a bit too big) so I thought the 900 would be a better bet.
    As far as I'm concerned condition is more important than age and I've seen it written that the early 90's 900s are better than the later 2000-on ones (though that might be written by sellers of 90's bikes, excuse my cynicism).
    Like anything else I suppose it's a case of try it and see.
     
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  8. capt

    capt Elite Member

    May 8, 2016
    3,052
    750
    western Australia
    @newT120 the 900 Triumphs (885cc) were discontinued circa 1998 , after this they were fuel injected not carbureted. The differences between the models from 1991 to 1998 were mainly cosmetic, with the exception of different cam's and carburettor jetting,and on the speed triple better grade suspension and brakes.

    Cheers capt previously a 1994 trident owner
     
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  9. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,481
    800
    California - USA
    The carburetted 885cc carried on until I believe 2001 (maybe 2002) in the Thunderbird, Thunderbird Sport, and Legend. All carburetted. My Legend is a 2000 model. The standard Thunderbird is more soft where as the Thunderbird Sport is racier. I find my Legend a good compromise.Same engine as the standard T-Bird, less chrome, less racy suspension, but the 17" wheels like the Sport. Also cheaper on the used bike market. You pay your money and take your choice. Always have appreciated Triumph for giving a good selection. ...J.D.
     
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  10. stevethegoolie

    stevethegoolie Elite Member

    Oct 16, 2014
    2,452
    800
    East Riding of Yorkshire
    The Legend was produced with a lower seat height (not sure exactly how this was achieved) to appeal to those of a shorter stature and lady bikers - allegedly! Paintwork and overall appearance was slightly subdued compared to the rest of the Thunderbirds but it was also the cheapest version. Swings and roundabouts!
     
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  11. capt

    capt Elite Member

    May 8, 2016
    3,052
    750
    western Australia
    The best 'cam' was the early trident motors , it was a good all round , it was also the best for low and top speed's . My trident was good for 240/250 klms hr. You could take off at idle with a gentle clutch release and it would travel at 1/2 walking pace No throttle.
     
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  12. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,481
    800
    California - USA
    Got to agree. Just plain fun. ...J.D.
     
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  13. dirty big hands

    dirty big hands Active Member

    Aug 4, 2017
    183
    43
    sussex
    I've only had my licence a couple of years and have only ridden a few bikes, so I don't have much to compare my TBS too.

    But, it's easier to ride than an MT07 (the bike I used for my DAS).

    It's an incredible all rounder compared to a Guzzi V7, it has the weight to be stable on motorways, but also seems to be agile through the twistys.

    It is "torquey" as already said and will pull from low revs if you want to be lazy.

    Everyone on this forum who has one says that they'd never sell it, everyone who's had one says it's the bike they most regret selling. I think there's a lot to be taken from that.

    As for the prices...there's a lot of them for sale (thunderbird sport) at high prices "because these bikes are going up in value".
    Thing is, they haven't yet and the bikes with high asking prices aren't selling.
    There are ones for sale at realistic prices if you keep a look out.

    And then there's that distinctive deep raspy growling sound of the triple!

    I doubt that you'll regret owning one.
     
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  14. Godders

    Godders Well-Known Member

    Apr 29, 2019
    119
    83
    Keith
    Another point is that the earlier TBSs had aluminium alloy wheels of better quality than the later TBS chromed mild steel ones. However, the earlier TBS had twin mufflers up the R/H/S which make for high and uncomfortable pillion pegs, whereas the later bikes have a muffler on each side and correspondingly lower pillion pegs. So if you carry a pillion either go for the later TBS or stick with a non-sport model.
    All TBSports have rebound and compression adjustment on the front forks. They also have quite good double disc brakes as against the standard Thunderbirds lack of suspension adjustment and single front brake disc. .
     
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  15. Rspete

    Rspete Elite Member

    Jun 17, 2018
    1,794
    743
    Durham
    #15 Rspete, Jun 11, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
    Funny In 1998 i first rode the new model thunderbird, my dad bought one 6 months old, unfortunately he died and my uncle took ownership.
    Today I've had first refusal to buy it back.
    Decisions decisions..... as i already have an absolute minter in the garage.

    IMG-20170505-WA0006.jpg
     
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  16. dirty big hands

    dirty big hands Active Member

    Aug 4, 2017
    183
    43
    sussex
    You have to have your dad's old bike!!!!
     
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  17. Rspete

    Rspete Elite Member

    Jun 17, 2018
    1,794
    743
    Durham
    #17 Rspete, Jun 11, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
    I bought it dbh :laughing::blush:...... I'll post pics when i get it, hope it fits in the garage with the other hahaha
    ☆☆edit☆☆ OTHERS! :joy:
     
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  18. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,481
    800
    California - USA
    Nice looking T-Bird. I would love to have a nice shiny T-Bird to park next to my nice unshiny Legend, but there in no more parking available. You can't have one of everything. Too bad :( ...J.D.
     
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  19. Penty

    Penty New Member

    Jun 3, 2019
    1
    3
    London
    I bought a lovely black '96 last month for £2800 with 37000miles. on the clock. It's immaculate and only done 7000 miles in the last 12 years!
    The dealers are charging 4000+ but they are often really good low mileage examples. I don't think you'd lose money on one. The only stumbling block for me is it doesn't comply with the emissions for ULEZ in London where I live, meaning a £12.50 charge to enter central London.
     
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  20. Godders

    Godders Well-Known Member

    Apr 29, 2019
    119
    83
    Keith
    Goodness. I didn’t realise motorcycles had to be emission tested to get off congestion charges. A MOT doesn’t test so how do they know if your bike is compliant?
     
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