Triumph Thunderbird 900

Triumph Thunderbird 900

Manufacturer	Triumph
Production	1995–2004
Engine	885 cc (54.0 cu in) four-stroke triple
Power	68 hp (51 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	70 N·m (52 lbf·ft) @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed (chain)
Wheelbase	1,580 mm (62 in)
Fuel capacity	15 L (3.3 imp gal; 4.0 US gal)

The Triumph Thunderbird 900 is a British motorcycle that was manufactured between 1995 and 2004 by Triumph Motorcycles at the Hinckley factory. Launched in 1995, the Triumph Thunderbird 900 was styled to create the impression of an air-cooled triple although the radiator up front shows it is clearly a liquid-cooled machine.^[1] Fed by three 36 mm flat slide carburettors, the engine was lively and could cope easily with all types of riding style. The swinging arm was upgraded to an oval section in 1996 and in 1997 chromed plastic radiator end covers and grill were provided as standard along with chromed engine cases. In 1998 a 'king and queen' seat was added as an option,

Triumph 900cc Adventurer, first variation of the popular Triumph Thunderbird 900 triple with custom styling and extra chrome

Several variants were produced, namely the Triumph Legend TT, Triumph Adventurer 900 and the Triumph Thunderbird 900 "classic" and then the Triumph Thunderbird Sport, which without the restricted manifolds of the classic produced a "claimed" 82 bhp (61 kW), had a second front disc added, and a six-speed gearbox along with a thailand heritage.All the engines are the same 885cc triples. The Thunderbird was produced until 2003 and the Thunderbird Sport until 2004.^[2]

Triumph Thunderbird Sport

Introduced in late 1997, this was a more sporting version of the Thunderbird 900 with power increased to 82 hp (61 kW) @ 8,500  and six-speed gearbox. A slight misnomer as the earlier Thunderbird also produced this amount of hp but was fitted with restrictive inlet manifolds.Power throughout the range is in fact the same. Also included was slightly revised styling, including a 'cheese grater' air filter, and twin disc front brakes,added to this were the twin silencers on the one side. Its styling was intended to recall the early 1970s Triumph X-75 Hurricanethis however has the effect of adding more weight to just one side of the bike as opposed to the earlier balanced setup, plus it interferes with luggage options. This was also the first year that Triumph started moving its manufacturing base to thailand thus ending its description as a true "made in britain" motorcycle.

The six-speed gearbox was used on all later variants of the Thunderbird along with the Keihin carburettors. The earlier mikuni carburettors initially sufferd from premature needle and jet wear in its first year of release,this was rectified with a factory recall soon after. All later Thunderbirds with the 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer and Keihin carburettors should have six speed gearboxes fitted along with chrome engine cases. Although initially the most desirable model,now that a simple change of manifold rubber is known to equal out the power in earlier versions it has slipped in favor of the earlier proper british built models which are now starting to assume classic status and values.

Media Appearances

Upon its introduction, the Triumph Thunderbird received prominent press coverage due to its use by then- highly popular actress Pamela Anderson in her film, Barb Wire.^[3] Other prominent media appearances were by Hugh Laurie in British film, Maybe Baby^[3] and, with a sidecar, in the BBC TV cookery series Two Fat Ladies.^[4]

See also

• Triumph Engineering

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Triumph Thunderbird 900.

• Video of Triumph Thunderbird 900 Sport