Thunderbird Sport - Should I?

Buy a mint TBS for a good price? Heck, don't ask - DO! If you don't want it, let me know and I'll come and collect.

How does the weight of it feel? Well, it IS an early T3 Hinckley (derivative) so it IS HEAVY and it 'carries' that weight quite high by comparison to most modern 'sports' type bikes so you will need to bear that in mind and treat it with respect and circumspection. Luckily, theTBS is slightly lower than most of the rest of the range - presumably from smaller wheels and the sculpted seat - so ...... if a 5' 5"; 29" inseam dwarf (me) can manage one, then I think you should have no problem. Early Triumphs handle reasonably well, they're not exacty GSX/FZR/CBR sharp but, treated with respect and, given decent fork and shock conditions without too much expectation of 'trackday' manners, they'll handle well enough to keep up with any comparable rider/machine.

I will add a word - or two - of caution .... the early Triumphs are NOT well served in the 'replacement parts' arena so getting OEM replacement parts can be quite challenging. You'll find yourself looking for, and at, ANY decent quality new or used parts - oem indicators; lights, mirrors, etc., will all be snapped up quickly so keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities and don't think - BUY! If you already have them, buy them anyway and trade for stuff you might not have.

They are arguably THE BEST thing to come out of Hinckley - bags of grunt; style; charisma and 'character' in one well made package. Buy it, ride it, enjoy it.

Just don't break it ........





P.S. good luck with the test .....

 

Agreed. That sunflower yellow and white colour scheme always reminded me of the T160, which is no bad thing. One of the bikes l wish l'd had back in the day

 

That is one very good looking bike….

 

I've had my 1995 Thunderbird 30 years now, the best bike I've ever had. You'll love yours too, of that I've no doubt.

 

@JRroc Welcome to the family. Yes great bike. My sport i found easy to manoeuvre on and i handled very well. Just take it easy to start with get used to the bike and different weight and characteristics.

 

That is the bike that made me want a Triumph! Unfortunately, three years back, when I sold my NC750X and GPZ900R to fund the purchase, there were no affordable examples available. Still, I love the 04 plate Thunderbird I could get and still love the look of it. Regarding spares, I wholeheartedly agree with previous comments. I broke my rear light lens getting the bike off the paddock stands. £175 spent to replace it!

 

Here's mine, as I've said 30 years I've had it. Started buying spares for her 20 years ago now. Best thing I ever did.

 

The early thunderbird remains one of my favourite looking bikes….

 

The early thunderbird remains one of my favourite looking bikes….

 

Me too. I heard you the first time