Triumph Thunderbird Sport

I own a "98 Triumph Thunderbird sport and love it. It gets lots of attention whenever it is parked. It sounds great with the "Off road" pipes. I have installed k&n filter, bar end mirrors, and intend to customize it more over time. Don't have as much time to ride as I would like. But a guy needs toys to look at in the basement to and from work.

I bought my first bike (scooter) in 1959. Since then, I've had a lot of bikes and six Triumphs (five of them were triples built since 1998). Aside from the overall quality of workmanship and engineering, the howl of the Triumph Triple is incredibly addicting. I understand the excitement that comes from the sound of the Honda V-4, the thunder of a big V-twin, the turbine-like whine from a 5-valve Yamaha in-line four, and the unique sound from a Ducati reaching red-line. But, give me the sound of a triple every time. It sends chills down my spine to hear it, and to feel it.

I had a '98 T-Bird Sport and loved the upswept dual exhaust on the right side of the bike. Thinking I would be doing more touring, I replaced it with a Sprint ST (also an outstanding bike). But, I always missed my TBS. This past summer, I found a "project" '99 TBS that was abandoned during a conversion to a cafe racer. A number of parts were removed and replaced with aftermarket pieces to conform to the look of a cafe racer. The new black D&D exhaust system looked like the original pipes, but they made the bike so loud I hated to hear it run. The carbs were in need of rejetting, so it wouldn't run sufficient to ride it. The original airbox was replaced with pod air filters for "that look". The only handlebars were clip-ons that required a very aggressive riding position. The Triumph cafe racer single seat option was on the bike, and the original long seat came with the bike.

Once the carbs were rejetted, the bike ran okay, but the noise was still too much and the handlebars would have to be replaced. I tried to put more fiberglass packing in the end cans, but this didn't help. I finally found some stock mufflers on E-bay and paid $60 (incl freight). They bolted right on and allowed the mellow growl associated with the triple. Now, the carb needed one last adjusting. The handlebars were replaced ($23), and the bike to was ready to ride.

Holy crap... this mother moves and sounds awesome. One thing about the sound that's different from my other TBS that I had fitted with the Triumph "off road" factory replacements is this: the bike is a little quieter at idle and under normal acceleration... but when cranked, the sound of sucking through the pod filters gives me shivers. It's so cool.

I have one other bike that I had always planned as a long term keeper (1991 Suzuki VX800 V-twin), but now that the TBS is running and looking so great, I may have to keep both... or even sell the Suzuki.

The Triumph Thunderbird Sport classic motorcycle has upswept dual mufflers on one side are the Trademark looks. These dualies on one side were only offered on the '98 and '99 models, subsequent models, until 2004, had separate mufflers on each side; not nearly as attractive as the dual mufflers!! The bike is simply stunning to look at and completely unique....You can go to any bike meet with hundreds and even thousands of bikes and not see another 98 or 99 model year! Very special; incredible value for money, can be had with low miles and excellent shape for 4 g's , that's downright cheap for a timeless classic that handles, accelerates with ease...Pure classic beauty...did I say STUNNING!

I've owned a T-bird sport for about 4 years and approximately 10,000km. Longest single day trip 850km resulted in extremely sore butt and shoulders from wind buffeting. This bike is a pleasure to ride on medium to short trips up to 400km, it has snappy performance with good handling characteristic's for type of bike and up to around 140kmph speeds, through tight curves and bends. The engine sound is a terrific cross between twin and four. Generally good finish and appearance. Anyone thinking of purchasing similar should be aware of seating problem and look for a King/queen or corbin seat unless using around town or short trips. A friend has a similar standard T-bird that is much more comfortable but doesn't handle as well. Overall rating around 7.5, a test ride will ensure you won't be disappointed.

I have owned a Triumph Thunderbird Sport for 18 months from new.

It looks great in its yellow and black livery, set off with a gold pin stripe.

It attracts lots of admiring looks and comments such as "It looks and sounds like a real bike" (I did fit off road pipes). The bike has fully adjustable suspension, twin front disks and handling to match. It's my Sunday best bike not used for commuting, but I still managed nearly seven thousand miles in my first year of ownership, including a two up with luggage trip around Ireland. Down side is the stock seat which is not the best.

In my opinion the Triumph Thunderbird Sport Classic Motorcycle is one of the best value for money bikes on the road today, with style and quality that makes heads turn. Many extras that personalise the machine to your taste.

Cheap to maintain and run with minimal damage to your pocket.

A pleasure to ride just dont be too heavey handed with throttle as it will catch you out, but very forgiving.

Recently reintroduced to the market again in 2004 after being taken off the market in 2001, which shows the demand for this very popular bike.

A credit to triunph keep up the good work