2004 Triumph Thunderbird Sport Motorcycle reviews

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

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 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

Bought new in April '03. Too bad it's the last year for this machine. Fun to ride, fast and smooth. Lotsa compliments on the sound and the looks. Definitely a keeper. Show less