This Was a Mistake... Part 2 Flip Project Triumph Thunderbird - Price Reveal & Profit!

You can view the full "KZbin Moto Flip Series" playlist here:
Today I'm going over how long it took to sell the Triumph Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore Monster, how much I paid for it, and what the profit was. I'll also go over how I sell my motorcycles (taking pics, posts, etc.) and some tricks and tips if you want to do the same thing. And of course we'll discuss my new budget for the next purchase.
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tags: youtube moto flip project, buying and selling motorcycles for profit, trading up to my dream bike, triumph thunderbird 1700 1600 ride review walk around honest review thoughts impressions
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[@rob7105]

Man I need to go to America and buy a few bikes to ship back to NZ, that thunderbird would have been a 15k bike here all day

[@djocharablaikan8601]

For real? I bought one for 8 k sold for 6 k in europe, it is a hell of a bike though, very reliable, sound is sick, torque is brutal and looks badass

[@rogergress9520]

I think that you are a smart, compassionate person with your life and your motorcycles. Yes, the Thunderbird is a very cool bike, but you buy and flip with integrity ! Smooth Style, Cool Style!

[@ecrusch]

I gotta admit, I would have found it really tough to let that bike go... It was a beauty.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Amazing bikes. So torquey, comfortable and great tourer. My fave bike ever.

[@FnLn55]

You're right when you said it's a dream bike for a lot of people. WIN WIN !!!

[@TheManoy66]

Shout out from the Philippines! Been following you ever since the pandemic started and i like what your doing bro! You inspired me to go back to hunting for good deals and flipping and i'm currently on my 3rd bike up for sale, a 2005 Yamaha Vstar 1100 classic. Hope this sells soon! Congratulations on that Tbird sale! Can't wait to see what you have next. 👍

[@davidelizabeth4933]

We're loving this series so far. 👨‍👩‍👧❤

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, guys! It has been a fun one!

[@jamesmegill]

I'm not sure I could have let that one go? Such a nice looking hot rod. 🏄🏻‍♂️🏄🏻‍♂️🏄🏻‍♂️🏄🏻‍♂️

[@dedmouse]

I have a 2010 T-Bird 1600...I love it! Bought it used 3 years ago from a friend of mine in NH for $3750 with 17K on the odometer. I drove it from NH to Missouri where I now live a year later. Thinking about driving it back to NH next summer for the Laconia Bike rally...if my back cooperates. 🙂. I was amazed at the torque on that bike...even in the higher gears. I call it my tractor...LOL

Thx for the shout out! Glad you like the stuff!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

💯🔥🙏Thanks again!

[@barbieheiser1957]

I have a 2014 Thunderbird LT. Love, love, love that bike. Almost 70k miles on it. Still runs like a top.

[@curtislopez8689]

Soon as you said puts it in gear and cuts off, I was like omg put the kickstand up haha

[@jdub264]

You do know you sold the bike to Boris (MIB3). Hope he likes it!

[@vernievuitton]

Daang! Looks like the retired life is treating him well xD

[@Gmart1122]

kickstand lmao, first thing that came to my mind. I had that happen to me when i bought my first honda

[@eduardomenchaca1916]

I bought my first Honda and same exact thing happened to me felt so dumb

[@arsenvokrug4198]

That was a great price for your buyer. I’d expect to pay much more here in UK. Mine (admittedly later and special edition) was about $9k and I love it!

[@StateOfMind63]

I paid 15k for my 2009 in New Zealand. It's done 10,000miles. Thats NZ dollrs too so about 9k in US dollars. Thats a pretty good price over here.

[@zimtuff]

The Triumph Thunderbird and Rocket3 are very under rated bikes in the US

[@WiscTJK]

Enjoying your videos Jon! Good work man. Started watching you when you had the Vulcan S doing cherrios and wheelies.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Awesome! Thanks for the support! 👍💯

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

that was ONE cool bike bro! good story ! c ya on the next one!

[@100thAnniversary]

Awesome bro! Just got another 100th Anniversary 883 for $2,200 for my flip. You're vids inspired me.

[@nickfountain8420]

You've got me thinking that doing this isn't such a bad idea. Probably looking at used cruisers would be the way to go. Should be able to find some bikes in good condition b/c older folks typically take care of their stuff. Also, for resale, typically older buyer's have money to spend on toys.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I started predominantly with entry to middleweight cruisers. 💯👍

[@danield831]

While I appreciate this video there are many factors which go into "flipping" a bike. For example, I live in Spokane, Washington, a city of well over 200,000. The used bike market in this town is awful. I had a low mileage, beautiful, custom, old-school muscle cruiser, Suzuki Intruder 1400 that I tried to sell on Craigslist. It took me a year and a half to sell. At first I thought it was the metric bike market in town. Now I'm finding that I can't even sell my Harley which I've had on the market for almost 2 months now without so much as a call. I've even tried placing an ad on Seattle CL which is a 4.5 hour drive away. Granted it is the off-season here in. Most of us are not as lucky as Jon to live in a big city market and a warm weather climate in AZ!! The idea of flipping bikes is a good one. You just have to be in the right market!!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I agree. Az is near perfect because we have a year round market doe buying and selling. Definitely could not pull this off anywhere. 💯👌

[@djocharablaikan8601]

Same in europe, bikes like these are pain to sell, in the end i drove my tbird to stealership and 6500 k for it, it was a sick bike now looking back at it, never let me down. Bulletproof engine, everything just worked, just changing oil and riding. Very comfortable, sick angry throaty sound, mine had a serious crackle and pop on deccell, which was sick. Absolute headturner. I oarted ways with it when i returned from jail and needed cash, big mistake.

[@41BeachComber]

I'd love to find one at that price. It was a nice motorcycle that I never heard of.

[@DirtRider22a]

Deals like that are rare, I purchased a piaggio BV350 once for 50$ and was able to turn a 4 digit profit. Looking forward to the next deal you find

[@kumzuela]

Defo one of the most interesting videos of late, nicely done!

[@rnsclaims1792]

I have two of those tbirds 1700 one in fl and nY super reliable and underrated

[@coloradogrownHD]

I wish we had 60 deg in Colorado, we’re sitting at 21 at 7am and 45 at 2pm. I hate snow season!!

[@SeaMonkey137]

I don't care much for flippers, but that was an excellent price for that motorcycle. Like all Hinckley Triumphs they're basically Yamahas in a British wrapper which means they're highly reliable. An LT with Hog Slayers, QR passenger rack, cast/tubeless, and looks like the OEM 104 clutch embellisher. Only issues they have are occasional sleeve slip and final drive pulley alignment but they are exceedingly rare and fixable. Depending on mileage, he'll do well if/when he sells it as long as he waits for someone that knows the bike. IMO best performance cruiser to date. Hope he appreciates the deal he got. I would have gone minimum $8K if inspection held up and it wasn't stolen/wrecked.

[@JasonNowakowski]

Its not a hinkley triumph

[@darinwilliams9184]

Bought my dyna like that, dude sliming the fleet Picked up a 02 under 10k for 35 👌😎 steady looking

[@jonathantyree8172]

Profit is profit.. The buyer felt he won cause he got it under asking price. You won cause you made a profit. Awesome selling a rare bike like that. Reminds me of honda vtx 1800. I know those narrow markets. Im looking for a bike that i didnt know about a couple years ago. Victory crossroads. I think nice bikes that aren't Harley are a good find. The raider u mentioned is pretty sweet. Good job and congrats. You figure out the dream bike yet? What is the criteria for it?

[@bidness]

Just bought one of these rowdy bitches. 2013. $4000. Minty clean. And yeah the kickstand thing takes a bit to get used to. They're stupid reliable, fast, and handle incredibly. They ride like a mix between a big cruiser and a giant naked bike. Apparently some have piston slap, but it doesn't effect the longevity. I think I'm gonna hop this monster up a bit. Ride safe!

[@MrWhiteTank]

I have yet to met anyone who doesn’t like the Thunderbird. Just don’t drop it because the tank instantly gets ruined. Already had to repair a tank and then replaced that one because I’ve gone down few times, but now ride it super carefully. Enjoy the ride! 🦾

[@jimmydavis5055]

You freaking bastard!!! I would have killed to find a bike at the price! I should have waited. I wouldn't have been able to afford the price you were asking, though. Haven't finished the video because I need to get back to my finals, but you are a really lucky dog. Can't wait to see what you buy next. How are able to do this, though? Do you just have better connections to buy and sell bikes like that? Are you able to take more risks with the Thunderbird, whereas normal people might not be able to spot those deals? It's like that old story where a man started off with something small but traded enough to get something great at the end. Just don't end up trading everything for some magic beans lol.

[@vernievuitton]

Idk about AZ, but Ive made quite a few big ticket purchases and sales on offer up here in LA! It's actually my favorite free platform to sell on right now and they just acquired LetGo so It's a growing platform too! Give them a try when you're feeling dry Jon!

[@vernievuitton]

I've purchased my 2015 Polaris Slingshot from coincidentally Dr J, Julius Erving's family and got a killer steal on it 2 years ago. Also picked up my 2009 Harley Dyna Fat Bob on there for a deal too. And I've made as many sales too so don't count em out! You may like what ya see too!

[@davidpeterson943]

wow that was quick nice job look forward to the next one.

[@markbaum9615]

Good flippage....60% + return... In one week....annualized rate is a whopping 3000% ROI......... Great way to get the ball rolling....

[@LifeOfBurch]

“I can’t do hand drags, and I don’t drink Hennessy.” -Jon, 2020

[@Paul20661]

:( yeah that bike was so nice Aah Arizonans and Floridians when saying it's cold and for the rest of the ward that's still pretty hot XD haha did he forgot the kickstand or what XD ahahah yes that was it,rookie mistake,we all done it Good luck with this project,loving it

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤣🥶❄🌨

[@brettcreech3490]

Glad to see you back to flippn bikes.😎

[@noahnoah4526]

Thanks for showing the process.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

👍💯Great suggestion! Ill do a video at some point with more in depth breakdown.

[@georgehays4900]

Neighbors probably love you rodding it up and down the street.

[@jerryoakley5973]

New viewer here. I liked the video. Looking forward to seeing more. 👍

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🙏💯

[@dunderaa]

Killing it dude! Super great series idea

[@jherbison]

What part of AZ are you in? I am in Phoenix. Love to ride some time.

[@twouppers4541]

He's just southeast of you

[@bulldragon1]

I have a 2015 Tbird LT 1700cc and it js the best bike I have ever owned

[@phillmypipe3091]

You guys in the states are so lucky with used prices. Here in the UK a thunderbird is minimum... £5500

[@ttmadness34]

True and thats one with high miles. Low mileage ones are going for daft money.

[@rnsclaims1792]

change batteries upon purchase always issue w triumph they will turn but eventually drain if it was sitting for a while

[@coreybruce3812]

Loving the flip project bruh, you talk about workin to a “dream bike” what’s the end goal bike for this project?

[@DavidHope1133]

I hope something stupid like a ducati v4 so the series goes on for a while.

[@twouppers4541]

I was wondering the same thing

[@nickfountain8420]

He mentioned in one of his prior vids that he was really digging the new Honda Rebel 1100, but I don't think he has an end goal yet really!

[@Steve-ec6ed]

LOL Im shocked the dude actually made it home with the bike but didnt know about not putting the bike into gear with the kickstand down. Im sure he was pretty embarrassed when he realized thats what it was. We've all been there at one point in another, cant hate on him.

[@paulvelazquez563]

I was flipped out from my motorcycle Yesterday, rainy weather and I took a Lil curved Hill too fast, I falled, But I stand up checked my byke, no damages just The right mirror was in other position, but I don't gave a shit. Started The motorcycle and took The way to my work. Today I have pain in my ribs and my right shoulder, even everytime than I remember The moment and I laugh😅 The pain Is stronger. 😩 Painkillers Is The answer that's It!

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

I have a 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander that I decker out with Triumph as a touring bike and I’ll never sell it. Whenever I park it by HDs I always get people walk by them and look at it and talk to me. The other bike I have that I won’t sell is a HD XR1200. Love that bike. I also have an Indian FTR1200 that I’m going to sell however if anyone is looking.

[@bmwrider1931]

Damn brotha that was fast. Good job.

[@roberymcgoff1904]

I think people are so used to Harley saying it does this it does that. And being disappointed. They didn't believe that Triumph could pull it off.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

I knew it was a bargain. It's my dream cruiser. They're $7000 dollars for a 1600 with high mileage $11000 for a good late Thunderbird storm 1700 or LT 1700

[@TattooedHoodlum]

No one who's ever ridden one of these, has disliked it

[@millinutz]

Yes, where have you been over the last few years.... this Thunderbird was not a huge success but it did have it's fans. I reckon Triumph did wrong not trying to put it out as the only true alternative to HD as a performance cruiser. They failed with their advertising campaine...., and now it is gone, discontinued RIP. I am in the market for a 1600 Thunderbird LT, the one with all the touring gear already fitted from stock. Gotta be in Europe tho as that will be my ride in 2022.

[@james-le2rs]

You should have kept it it is indeed a rare motorcycle and it pulls like crazy great exhaust Town also

[@sportglidejim9001]

Always liked those Thunderbirds.😁...ps: should have kept the Vrod!...... Ride hard or stay home😎

[@Fee.1]

Yea kickstand was the first thing I thought of, old school bike dudes aren’t familiar with that though

[@russcoaus2043]

Hi bro nice flip.💯%👍😁

[@darkdaze3860]

Hey Jon. I was guessing kickstand is down, just like my VTX. That was a beautiful bike, nice sale!

[@twouppers4541]

84hp 107 torque not bad

[@redbone6940]

60° is great riding weather. I'm from Wisconsin.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Do you pay taxes and transfer the title to your name before reselling? Is that required in AZ?

[@markbaum9615]

Not if you never owned the bike... That's what needs to happen

[@chrisstark6956]

@@markbaum9615 How do you ride the bike with no license plate or registration?

[@markbaum9615]

@@chrisstark6956 ...use another bike plate.....just ride carefully and hope to sell in a week or 2. ...

[@gabbyhayes1568]

If AZ is like CA, you pay the sales/use tax when you register the bike. You don't have to title the bike right away if I remember right.

[@tombryan1]

Hes a scammer and needs to be busted. This under the table business is illegal.

[@Paul20661]

What we use here to sell/buy stuff is OLX We have this site called OLX and that is the most used here Trying to sell my bike now to get a sick Vulcan I found and went to see.I also listed my bike on FB Marketplace,1st time I put something there but yeah OLX what we got :D

[@BrissoParrothead]

I like the bar end mirrors on the TBird - I've been looking for same - do you have details of those you could share please?

[@ttmadness34]

Cant get over how cheap these are in the States, would be nearly 3 times that amount in the UK.

[@albertwoodeasy9021]

Nice kick starter. Will follow..

[@poncoolride]

Id have a hard time flipping bikes too... Id keep them all. As a matter of fact I do. Lol Ive got 4 Ducati's, and three Harleys. That Triumph kinda has my wheels turning... 🤔

[@PeterScott32]

WOW 2.5 K USD = 3.5 K here in Australia ..That would sell fast in Oz for 11K AUD ... Unreal !!

[@NobilityandLoyalty]

You stole that Triumph at that price😂. Being honest as you are will bring you far more customers in the future.

[@bobbyvegas666]

Cool, love this man

[@jeffkeni]

I understand the mission is to flip and upgrade but damn for 2500 buckaroos I would have held onto it and started over! You let the VTX1800 get away. I think you may regret letting the Tbird get away too. 2500.....dude!

[@bobbyarnette1911]

My 15 road glide is shamed by the triumph thunderbird storm

[@OHBUCKEYESisBACK]

Looking at a 2011 victory kingpin 8k miles on Saturday. Clean title. What would be a good price to pick it up for?

[@reclineandride2064]

Good flip

[@jerryanderson9180]

Do you know what pipes were on it I have one I wish I had the sound

[@michaelcoulter714]

Yep kick stand..lol come on man !

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Nice flip. Traditionally this time of year is a buyer's market but with the Kungflu thing it's anybody's guess this year. So far so good on your end.

[@timr4853]

Do a video on the roof flip!

[@ibranger6439]

“Oh my back...” Back flips off the roof begin to add up; don’t ask how I know 😓

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤣

[@ferociousfrankie]

Hahaha, I would get super anxious and an air of suspicion if a buyer calls about something post sale.

[@mirlkman]

How many bikes are allowed to flip in AZ before needing a dealers license?

[@R3N1R3N]

Yeah super pretty bike

[@Jimmy_Watt]

Jon, it must be a regional thing, because Craigslist is still free where I am.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hmmm...it's free to browse but costs $5 to post an ad..at least for motos and vehicles. Could be regional...

[@Jimmy_Watt]

@@JonsMotoGarage I'm in Southern Illinois, and I sell vehicles there a few times a year. Must be regional.

[@EasyRiderGreg]

I would have liked to ride it but not keep it. I did not like the looks of it. I think you made a good profit, congratulations. I'd disable the kickstand safety switch. Good luck on the next 1 too.

[@arsenvokrug4198]

Why bother with disabling the kickstand cut-out? You can run it in neutral. You just can’t put it in gear with the kickstand down - and who wants to? It’s a fab bike and the looks grow on you. But even I have to admit that a HD Lowrider S probably has the edge on it!

[@EasyRiderGreg]

@@arsenvokrug4198 I just don't care for safety features like that. But I didn't know it would run in neutral. There have been times when I got my kick stand on the 2 bikes I own now caught in a crack between pavers and could not raise it up high enough to lift it out. Slowly letting out the clutch and staying in the friction zone pushed the pavers far enough along that I was able to get the stand up. I could not do it without using the engine.

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

PROBLEM WITH ME IS I WOULD'NT WANT TO SELL IT , IT WOULD STAY IN MY PERSONAL STASH FOR THAT PRICE

[@topshelf6623]

That bike would've started its life as a 1600. The 1700 big bore kit is kinda rare in that year... you might have to go a Storm if you wanted the same power on another..

[@shegocrazy]

You let him go out on a test ride? I'd never do that. I guess that he doesn't think helmets are a thing and so wasn't planning on dropping it.

[@rnbspowa7of69]

Nippy 60° LMAO I saw 4 riders today January 10 2021 Spokane Washington 37° low sunny now snow.

[@rnsclaims1792]

5g's one in gainsville fl w 2500 miles 6300 one in fl w 2400 miles good rides taken them far

[@Onewholovesrock]

What about tax and registration? Do you just hold the title and not put your name on it? Do you insure these flips? Just curious how you manage all that. Thanks.

[@californiapoontappa]

I had the same thing with a kick stand taking a test ride then the guy was probably second guessing me taking the bike out

[@kencohagen4967]

I want to come out to look at it, and I already know what I have to spend. I have $.78 in my account, and some loose change I’ll throw in whatever else I can dig out from between the couch cushions! Oops, I was too low. And it was damn a cold this morning, and there’s a freeze warning tonight. Bundle up the kids!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤣💯

[@purpleheartvet24]

Yo Jon Arizona isn’t a cold weather glove state 😂 send me the gloves and I’ll try them out here in New Jersey 🤙🏼

[@ericchatelaine3599]

I have a 2015 thunderbird Lt if anyone wants one? It's in Canada with me. I'm having a hell of a time selling it. It's mint.

[@talkingrock7011]

I don’t offer a warranty on anything I sell used , it’s a small market in today’s economy

[@gabbyhayes1568]

Was that guy a midget cause he was having to tip-toe to reach the ground sitting on the seat? It doesn't have a particularly high seat height. By the way, those Thunderbirds are very, very nice bikes. Too bad Triumph discontinued it.

[@coloradogrownHD]

I dropped my bike once and it hurt me deeply lol never drop it again, I hope not!

[@monty-9269]

Kickstand sensor lol

[@zenaldiak]

Whwn he call you was the sign to give the money back and take the bike home

[@outspoken5326]

i got a 1999 triumph thunderbird 900..........its a project bike and i need to get rid of it. i