The Forgotten £2,250 Triumph | The Trans European Trail

Welcome back to Tuesday at Dobbs'!
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Instagram: instagram.com/@tuesday_at_dobbs
My other KZbin channel: @FreddieDobbs
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Time Stamps:
0:00: Triumph Legend TT 9090
7:04: £935 for a 15,000 Mile Service
10:15: The Trans European Trail (TET)
13:40: Ceramic Coating: Is it Worth It?
17:19: The First Hyper Motorcycle
20:30: Bike of the Week: Harley Davidson Street Glide

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

I love to Suzuki Hyabusa because it is a fantastic bike. BUT, sitting next to the Honda Blackbird it look ungainly, not pretty. I owed a black Blackbird from 2001 to 2016 and toured all of Europe on it. I even spent a week of evenings taking it around the Nuremberg ring at ridiculous speeds. It never once let me down! I have owned dozens of bike throughout my biking career but none have ever meant so much to me as that original Blackbird. So, last year, when my wife wasn’t looking, I bought another one. 14,000 miles from new 2001 bike totally original and immaculate. I’m going to be 70 later this year but I can still get into my one piece racing leathers I had made for me 40 year ago. To put them on and ride a bike so phenomenal as the Blackbird, I feel like I’m 30 again. Honestly, the best bike in the world!!!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Almost as good as my ZZR1400........

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

The ZZR1400 is a fantastic bike!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

So good I sold my 2023 Gen 3 Hayabusa and replaced it with the better ZZR1400 (2013). They really are that good. @@johnsamson-snell9558

[@collyernicholasjohn]

I feel the need for speed 😂

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I think the Hayabusa looked better than the Blackbird. I had a B-King for over seven years. A great bike.

[@CharlesDaleActor]

The first proper bike I ever rode. Stangely I also didn’t have a licence at the time. I was cast as an ex biker called Dennis Stringer on Coronation Street but they forgot to ask me if I had a licence. About 6 months in they turned up with a brand new Legend and I got to ride about the set for a couple of years, including the 40th anniversary live episode. I fell in love with it and tried desperately to fit a test in around my filming schedule but to no avail. I eventually left the Street to go and leave the BBC, sadly leaving the Legend behind. Finally got round to taking my test in 2015 and have been riding bikes ever since. Just bought a Transalp press bike from Honda (no, not your one) a grey one they lent me to go to Ireland with my friend Tony of Mancave Moto fame (three eps on his KZbin channel) Simply the best “Swiss army bike” I have ever ridden. Love the channel, keep up the good work, regards, Charlie D.

[@TheMickvee]

My wife bought a new Legend back in 1999. Over the next 6 years she put 45000 trouble free miles on it. built like a battleship, and not too thirsty, it made for a superb tourer. She sold it for a great price, and got a new 900 Thunderbird which was just as good. She now has a Street Twin which is proving to be even better!

[@ianhalliwell8604]

When i was contemplating between the Interceptor and the GoldStar i looked into service costs. The Interceptors first service was at 300 miles cost approx £165 with valve checks every 3000 miles or yearly. The BSA initial service was at 500 miles cost at my local dealer was £100 and valve clearance checks every 24,000 miles. Guess which I chose.

[@landzw]

Thanks that’s interesting to know 👍

[@davidforsdike4343]

Had a Hinkley made Thunderbird sport. Was great and better made than my last Triumph. A street twin.

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

The Blackbird was a brilliant machine and it gained an enviable reputation for quality and durability. It's a bit of a heavy beast, though. It's stable but slow steering, and it's only really in its element at illegal speeds, which is why I sold mine 2 years after I bought it new. Today I'd be tempted to buy another one, but I would look for a lighter 4 into 1 exhaust and bar risers to make it more relaxed at lower speeds...

[@stevesanelli90]

Ohh Freddie, please, please do NOT take the Bonneville on the TET! It’s not made for it. It can do it, but for goodness sakes, keep it maintained & in pristine condition. The phoenix has risen from the ashes, please don’t send it back to purgatory!🔥

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

I tend to agree with you. Ok the trail might not be hard-core offroad but Joe is putting his heart and soul into rebuilding that Bonneville and I would hate to see anything happen to it especially on a road that it not really intended for.

[@ZZR1200ZX]

Bought a brand new Blackbird back in 98 in my mid forties it was an eye opener coming from a Yamaha Virago 750 cc. Foolishly sold it after 5 years and gave up biking for 12 years . When my friend took up biking I decided to join him and bought my Kawasaki ZZR 1200 . I still miss and regret selling the Blackbird. The only problem with old bikes getting parts especially fairings etc. I do most of the maintenance myself.

[@MrG61-u9k]

Here we go again! The CBR1100XX was named after the SR71 Super Blackbird aircraft not one of our feathered friends! You won't see any Suzukis eating them. Having owned both the Honda wins every time. Please don't do the TET on your Bonnie.

[@TNTgamer333]

I picked up a black Thunderbird about 12 years ago for £1250 with a spare exhaust, leather panniers and lots of chrome. Sold it a few years later (to my regret) for £2700. Lovely bike. Sounded gorgeous with Sports exhaust fitted. Carbs gum up and Sprag clutch can cause issues but otherwise they're solid.

[@robinwilcox9777]

The Legend was really just a Thunderbird with a lower seat. I owned a TBird for 5 years. Very reliable. I used it for ride outs and did a few trips to Europe. I would recommend

[@MrCapri78]

I bought a Triumph Adventurer new in 1996 in gold and white. Great bike, I love triples, had Kawasaki triples in the 1970s. Regret selling that Triumph.

[@davidhampton8752]

Great episode Freddie! I just discovered you on the Morocco ride, and have been watching ever since. Your passion for our "tribe" of motorcyle enthusiasts is infectious.

[@teamJJontour]

Hi Freddie, I've been driving parts of TET with my Jimny in Northern Germany. Wikiloc also has the whole thing loaded on its App

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

My Sportster has hydraulic valve adjustment and belt drive so all l have to do is change the fluids and filter. 30 min job in my driveway. All of my vintage motorcycles are easy to service. I only have dealers change the tires. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years. Reliable and dependable transportation. I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles on the original engine. I get 100,000 miles+ from a belt drive. Much cheaper than a chain drive per mile cost.

[@SMSBJM1981]

14:56 That gave me a real laugh.

[@roverchap]

I owned a 1999 Legend TT 900. Fantastic engine, the T300 triple detuned from 100bhp to 70 bhp, which means it has stonking torque from idle right through the mid-range. Very comfortable, although the seat height is a little low for riders with longer legs, something easily solved with a cushion or extra padding. Excellent quality of finishes on all parts. Can easily be customised using parts from other Triumphs of that era, or from the multitude of after market suppliers. Easy to service, tough and reliable. Worth noting that the fuel tank is quoted as being 15 litres but I did a test and got 17 litres into mine from empty. Ridden carefully I could squeeze 200 miles from a tank.

[@robinwilcox9777]

The Legend had a lower seat than the Thunderbird. Tall people would be better off with a Thunderbird

[@bruceknights8330]

I've owned the Legend, Thunderbird Sport and now the Thunderbird. They are all excellent bikes, built around that astounding triple engine. If you think the Bonnie is fun, then try one of these. Below 5000 revs they drive like a big Harley, loads of torque and you don't need to change gear. Above 5000 and they become a hooligan, with a fantastic howl and great power surge. They are big and heavy so not sports bike in handling terms, although the TBird Sport has a more active riding position. Of the 3, I prefer the TBIRD for its state of tune and riding position. The Legend was built to a lower spec to keep the price down, so I upgraded the rear shock with a Hagon. The TBird Sport has more power but it kicks in higher up the revs. Most people find the Legend a bit undergeared so increase the sprocket size. It does make it fun off the lights though. They are all getting old now, so look out for regular carb cleaning, especially if the tank inside is rusty. The starter sprag clutch is well known as a weak point so keep the battery fully charged with an Optimate. There are loads of them around so buy a good one. Once you've tried one, you'll realise how flaccid the standard Bonneville is, by comparison. Oh and put louder silencers on to hear the Lancaster howl.

[@robinwilcox9777]

I had the sprag clutch stick a couple of times. Bike would not start. Cured by putting into gear and rock the bike forward.

[@MrVulcan1963]

That Honda VFR800 valve inspection/adjustment quote of 1600 quid doesn't surprise me. I was quoted $1000 in labour charges alone. I bought the special tools and did it myself back at 16000 miles, and my is it a royal pain. I spent $500 in gaskets and shims on my 32000 mile go around of this maintenance process. I'm almost tempted to buy a simpler motorcycle, but I love my VFR too much and its paid for.

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Fascinating insight

[@banzobeans]

TET sounds incredible! Thx for pointing it out.

[@petercarr6599]

I own a 900 thunderbird, it's been in the family since new. Wonderful bike, cool and better than any modern triumph IMHO. 😊

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Brilliant!!

[@iangriffiths9930]

TET is fantastic Freddie, just research the parts you want to ride first as some sections are pretty difficult 👍

[@flexywing]

Hi Freddie I owned the Triumph 900 Adventurer, it was a great bike, the TT Legend was the low seat "cheaper" option of the Thunderbird range, there was also a Thunderbird sport, which was a really nice bike too. I suppose this was the one bike I wish I still had, a head turner, good handling and reliable

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Right, good question about the servicing costs. OK, I live in Spain, not the UK, but big deal, mechanics' hourly rates aren't far off back in Britain, and parts and oil cost the same. I'm going to pitch in for my Guzzi V7 again. 2 cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder. My last major service - oil change, valve clearances, adjust clutch - total €240 at the local Guzzi dealer. Fine - it's a naked Italian "Bonneville" that's shaft drive. You prefer Maxi-trails? Guess what - the V85TT has practically the same engine, so service costs are going to be similar. I'm done with 16 valve Japanese in-line 4s.

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Fascinating insight. I’ve heard many many stories of the V85TT and V7 strong reliability. Someone mentioned last week a few V85s now have 100,000 miles on them, and they are seriously tough bikes

[@eddyhoughton6542]

@@tuesdayatdobbs There's literally nothing to go wrong on them, mate. They're absolute mules. One of my mates has a V85TT and it's rock solid. I was thinking of trading my V7 in for a V100, but I'd miss it too much. And the V100 is a liquid cooled 4 valve per cylinder engine... But back to the subject of your video, the Triumph Thunderbird is certainly well appreciated over here. I did a quick look on the second hand market and there's not one going for less than €4000. So they hold their value for old girls. I wish I could post a photo on this comment, just looking out the window and it's 15 degrees and glorious sunshine on the snow-capped Sierra de Guadarrama. I think I might have to get out and make the Guzzi do what its maker intended!

[@biker_dale]

Always love your excitment Fredie, it's great to see someone so pationate about bikes, never lose that. The TET looks like a great resource for some epic rides in some beautiful countries. I'd be keen to know of you could do it on a road bike (Guzzi V7) or is it a little too rough and ready.

[@N269]

Ceramic coating.... get your exhaust downpipes done Endurance Black at Zircotech.... expensive, but a finish that just doesn't discolour or chip and has lasted me for at least 12 years.

[@nemerkha]

The TET is absolutely amazing! Opened up a new motorcycling experience. So much to do and so little time!

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Freddie, the Triumph legend was and still is a great bike, built like a tank but a bit on the heavy side..

[@SMSBJM1981]

Freddy, looking at TT used prices. You've driven up the price. 😂 Beautiful bike.

[@johnharvey5338]

If you are interested in the TET you should check out the ACT in Europe, I recently want a couple of guys riding in Portugal which was a 5 day trip, getting my off road skills up to do the TET or ACT this year.

[@Patshes]

In South Africa we love British bikes . Especially Truimph and there is a large following with all the latest models still being sold here . I would grab that bike no questions asked 🆒😎👍!

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Enjoy it mate. I worked in SA between 10 and 15 years ago, and absolutely loved it. You're privileged, whatever angle you look at it from. 👍🏻🇿🇦👍🏾

[@grahambarber2766]

Some Hinkley triples suffered with starter clutch issues but an easy if not cheap fix (my 94 Speed Triple needed fixing)

[@_audacerider3838]

When I was looking for my new bike in 2019 I was considering Ducati Diavel. The The interesting thing was that most of the second hand bikes were near 12K miles or 24K miles or 36K miles. I was very interested why. So, I went on the Diavel forum and asked the question about that. And nothing until I got a private message from one of the guys. At round that time or every 3 years a Disavel requires a big service ( all 3 engine belts plus pulleys need to be replaced ) dealer costs of this in 2019 was between 1100 to 1300 pounds. I do a 12K+ miles per year. So on top of tyres (Diavel has a 240 section rear tyre again not cheep) and small services( oil and filter every 6-8k miles) you got this big bill to think about. That was just finally not acceptable if You only run one bike garage like I do. In the and I got myself a Moto Guzzi 1400 Audace the best kept secret of the motorcycle world. And yes you have to do valves every 6K miles but they are just there sticking out so it takes me 1.5 to do them and oil and filter. If You have never ridden one and I think you probably didn't cause there are only 15 left on the road in UK. That are an absolute dream. They look like a cruiser but that ride more like a big Jap muscle bike ( xjr 1300 or a GSX1400 or CB1300 ) epick brakes super handling for the size and weight. And a engine full of character and real world umph. And I sold a GSXR1000 to get mine so I know what I mean by "fast bike"

[@trailingarm63]

I think the British motorcycle industry built its own coffin, the Japanese just politely attended the funeral. For decades British industry was chronically under-capitalised and investment in production engineering and R&D was poor. Many companies had gone to the wall or fallen into mergers before the Japanese became a dominating force. Through proper investment Japan set new benchmarks for reliability, user-friendliness and innovation. In my opinion they did the entire biking world a big favour. When John Bloor relaunched Triumph he knew he had to match Japanese standards and to his credit he did so. The Triumph 955 Sprint ST I bought new around the turn of the century was made in Hinckley but I couldn't care less if new ones are made on the Moon as long as best engineering practice is maintained.

[@stewy62]

I agree with you that the role of the Japanese is always overstated in the demise of the British motorcycle industry. In addition to the points you made, increasing affluence in the “You’ve never had it so good” era and cars such as the Mini resulted in people changing their two wheelers and sidecars for four wheels and an over reliance by British manufacturers on the export market i.e USA. Similarly in West Germany, the late 1960’s saw their motorcycle industry practically becoming extinct. NSU went from being the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the World in 1955, primarily making commuter bikes for their home market, to closing its motorcycle division in 1968 in favour of making cars.

[@crispinleslie]

Freddie; I live in BC- a couple of years ago I picked up a 2002 Triumph Thunderbird 900. Hinkley built- pretty rare over here. This bike is every bit as handsome as you say (mine has the silver engine from which the Legend is derived) but that is only half the story. Impressive performance and an addictive exhaust note. Beautiful bike to ride, all day comfortable. Mine has just under 40,000 miles on it (60,000 km) and it still looks like new. I paid $6K for it (about 4K sterling). I will never sell it- I will be buried astride it like a Viking :)

[@mantarayal]

When the Legend breaks...and it will...good luck finding the parts. Gotta say though...nice looking thing!!

[@77archibald]

Freddie, I had a Legend TT about ten years ago. The build quality was excellent, and the engine was very good. The only drawback was that I found it very top heavy.

[@karlsquire8148]

that's Canadian about 1600 British.

[@paulmorris7989]

Hi I had a TT Legend new in 2000 and only changed it when I bought the bike of my dreams, a new Bonnie. This was a mistake and I wish I had kept it. It had plenty of power and rode beautifully. Like Freddie I can thoroughly recommend it, you won’t be disappointed

[@apacherider7110]

If you used your bike all year round for commuting or despatch riding or if you're an instructor, bloodbiker, police then ceramic coating makes sense, if like most riders it's the weekend or holiday touring then it's not worth it. When you clean your bike properly, you can check to see if there is anything wrong with it that needs looking at before servicing.

[@adrianwalker7189]

Freddie had a lovely Triumph Legend 2000 model had full service history 18000 miles on the clock, did about 5000 miles on it, that was over 5 years so only covering about 1000 miles per year ,and sorry to say had a lot of problems with mine so in the end traded it in for one Kawasaki ern 650.

[@hectorshouse7348]

Best motorbike name for me is…Honda Fireblade, Urban Street Tiger. I love it

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Good shouts!

[@Howard1776]

I have had a Trident 900 and now a Thunderbird Sport both with the 885 cc triple engine. Was thinking of getting a RE or more modern Bonny 900 but despite it being heavy, you get more bang for your buck in terms of power and character The ‘ bogey’ item is the sprag clutch which can fail if the battery is low as it’s an engine out job. The Bristol Thunderbird has taken one to Turkey and back on 40k miles without issue.

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

These really do seem to be incredibly tough bikes

[@jedw9983]

If you're doing TET, hit us up in southern Portugal. We'll look after you...

[@rickystephens7354]

A friend of mine has a '98 triumph thunderbird sport he is the 2nd owner and has put over 120k miles on it himself, absolutely bombproof engine.

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

That’s incredible!

[@pauldickinson2764]

Freddie, I have a 1996 Thunderbird, slightly different styling which you would struggle to spot the difference. I paid £3000 in 2016. MCN are correct about the over engineering, every nut or bolt i've undone has been a joy, the quality is far above anything that is 28 years old. Don't regret buying it at all.

[@stevemilne750]

You would be amazed at and i am sometimes myself at the sub £1000 bike market and if you select well you can have a very reliable bike for little money may require a little work but my last bike a fj1200 £900 needed a air box to carb rubber and that was it years of reliability never let me down toured scotland on it great bike and cheap to run.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*Better than ceramic coating is a clear vinyl wrap.* The vinyl takes the beating and lasts longer. You still have to wash the bike - 5 minutes at your local self service car wash. (Note: keep the pressure nozzle far enough where only the mist touches the bike to prevent damage.)

[@bankruptpensioner]

The Suzuki Hayabusa is very popular in the Middle East, as their local sport heads up on Falconry. I have seen plenty over in Qatar and the locals love them 👍

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Ah yes of course, this makes perfect sense

[@freemenofengland2880]

Freddie, I believe your old Speed Triple you used to own was probably made in England. You can tell by looking at the Vin number.

[@georgeouthwaite5397]

Hi Freddie, I bought a 900 thunderbird in 1997 , I rode it hard until 2003 when I bought a speed triple, I was offered £1500 for her as a trade in. I still have it in my stable. It never let me down, I toured all round France more than once, with TOR pipes it sounds like nothing else. The Legend was a cheaper version of the Thunderbird, which is possibly the reason for the lower price? All in all a good bike if a touch thirsty. I enjoy Tuesday now, cheers.

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

I did wonder where the Legend sat in Triumph’s lineup back in 1999. The old Thunderbirds are very very nice!

[@offgridlife1362]

You need to promote this channel on your other one sir . Been subed to your other channel for a while . Didn't know anything about this one topics look great

[@jamesonpace726]

TET sounds even better than a flight of Lancasters & less explody, too....

[@allaboutkalergi5012]

Look for a Triumph Thunderbird 900, which is a higher spec than the Legend model. Awesome styling and sound.

[@breakersteve]

Hi Freddie. Re main dealer service costs. My Yamaha MT-01 needed a new starter motor. I was quoted from Yamaha £750 PLUS fitting for a genuine part. Did some research and found a matching part from Italy that had got a good reputation between other owners and I got one new for £116 off EBay! I fitted it myself and complete costs inc 1litre of oil (oil tank had to come off) £130. Same bike I was also quoted £450 to supply and change 4 spark plugs!! (Twin cylinder bike with 2 plugs per cylinder). 😮

[@dbharrold]

I chose a Moto Guzzi because valve clearances are easy to adjust, it’s overhead. Valve. My service with valve check is £350. My mates Triumph Tiger was £800 for a valve check. Main dealer prices. Oh yes the TET runs through my street here in Carmarthenshire. It’s hard, you couldn’t do it on a Bonneville

[@mattie_world]

Do the TET Freddie! I've done Wales, the GWT (James Higgs') in southern England and bits in the Pyrenees in Spain. You will love it!! What bike would you use? 🤔

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

I’m currently googling the British routes🤩 Maybe doing it on the Bonneville would help stupid… so a Himalayan would be high on my list. Or an old Transalp

[@ashleyritchie4948]

Us older bikers certainly know about the Legends ! I would guess it is only newer / younger riders that do not know of them!

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Interesting!

[@JLOSTAFF1]

The Triumph Adventurer and Thunderbird almost identical bikes to the Legend. I've had 2 Thunderbirds, lovely bikes but beware, some parts not available, the thermostat being one!

[@johndaniell887]

My late partner had a 96 t bird she loved it

[@Alex_mkII]

Mate, sometimes you have the taste in bikes of a man 40 years your senior! That Legend looks like it should have come from the factory with a sheepskin seat cover pre-installed 😂

[@richardjohnson3463]

Re the Triumph Legend, I bought a low mileage (sub 5k) one in metallic red and silver one back in the late 90's. Kept it for a year and put 5k miles on it before deciding it wasn't what I'd hoped it would be. Known to have issues with the electric starter sprag clutch self destructing in an expensive way! Nice enough thing lots of grunt, but, top heavy and thirsty, and really it needed a 6th gear like it's sister model (thunderbird 900) as top gear was buzzy. A forgotten model, yes, but why?

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

Freddie, are you seriously going to take your Bonny off-road on the TET after Joe as put so much work into it?

[@stevenrobinson5035]

Manufacturers do the name baiting thing quite a lot. Dodge brought out the 850 bhp Charger Demon. So Chevrolet responded with a Hennessy tuned, 1000bhp Camero Exorcist.

[@jonathantrice7614]

I test rode a Blackbird 3 times in the 90's, but each time, I bought a Kawasaki ZZR1100. My last bike of this genre was a ZZR1200, which was the pinnacle of this type of bike for me. 2-up touring with hard luggage was my requirement, so the Hayabusa was ruled out and I just did not gel with the Blackbird. Sadly, Kawasaki made the ZZR1400 too sporty and the GTR1400 too lardy for me.

[@FoxtrotOscar999]

Dobbs old boy, please do a review on a Honda CB1100RS!

[@ukvamp]

Servicing costs at dealers is crazy, Honda do service plans which can be quite cost affective. My speed twin is due a big service later this year which I'm expecting to be around 800 quid! I know 2 people that got rid of their Tiger 900s because they got fed up of the service costs especially once they got the big one which seemed to be about £1200 plus! I've always fancies a Ducati myself but have to say their desmo service is very very expensive if done by a dealer! Looking at £1500 roughly depending on dealer. Some specialist can do it for less but that could come back and hit you on resale value. Not sure what you'd save going to a specialist will make taking the hit on resale value worth it over just getting it done at a main dealer.... suppose it depends on the age of the bike.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I'd never heard of the TT. Nick

[@peterreeton6051]

try a starter motor for a 08 bandit quoted over 1200 pounds, i made a starter from another model fit 60 pound for a new heavy duty one

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Wow😳

[@peterreeton6051]

i woonder if theres a few 07 to 2010 bandits languishing in sheds etc with a dud starter?@@tuesdayatdobbs

[@sonnyf1213]

pleasant vid could u do a vid on nortons?

[@steinarbrevikknudsen1546]

We have people who spend a fortune and a lot of time on the car, on watches and on the motorcycle. I live in Spain and here you probably have the "R group", otherwise it is a means of transport that is used most days throughout the year. Big, heavy bikes don't make sense or give any special status.

[@JH-ox7hn]

In my opinion, the T-Birds, Legends and Adventurers are not appreciated for a couple of reasons, the first being the horrible brakes, which were bad even for 90ies standards, adding the lackluster rear suspension and the permanant leakages on the engine. Loved the triple engine on mine, but the flaws this bike had, made me sell it after 2 years (to a considerable loss). Happy for everyone who enjoys these bikes, but they were really nothing for me. Went to a Bonnie, and stayed.

[@gzk6nk]

I had a Blackbird for a few years. Yes, it is a superb bike - very very fast, comfortable, reliable, good looking..... But oh so bland and characterless. It is better made than the Hyabusa, but it is almost silent and so smooth it could have been electric rather than petrol. I like a bit of character in a bike, and the Blackbird has none. So I could not gel with it and sold it and bought an 1150GS. Now there's character!

[@georgesmith-yl6dl]

have a look a 3Phills vlog triumph trident repair cost. Oil leak!!!!

[@johnriley8713]

My 2014 Street Triple was "still" make in England 👍

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Ah this is very interesting!

[@martythompson6509]

Any of you people who believe in ceramic coating, I've got a ripper bridge for sale here in Australia.......

[@andreastomblin2137]

Don't see Cyprus on the TET Freddie.

[@allanhughes7859]

Had a few Hinkley bikes so so so so over engineered you will not or can not go wrong !! Only came away due to age because they are not the smallest of bikes but would used one to travel the world without doubt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

I’m so glad to hear this💪🏼🇬🇧

[@landzw]

Have you seen with some new cars the service book has gone digital, not sure if this has come to bikes yet , but this is clearly they don’t want you doing your own servicing. 🤨

[@N269]

Got a Thunderbird Sport 900 (885cc) 2004 model.....85hp..... what a pig! Comfortable after 20mph, but unbalanced and awkward at slow speeds.

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Interesting😆

[@nikitis13]

Yeah, the Blackbird never really had it's time in the sun, "The falcon" from Suzuki plucked the dear old thing from the sky as quickly as it took flight... Kawasaki soon humbles any pretender who dares stands in it's way when the gods of speed declare war. Think ZX1400's, H2R's without limiters/governors. Kawasaki horses tend to be a wee bit more wild. 😆

[@stevenrobinson5035]

I bought a TT legend used about 12 or so years ago for £1100. No one wanted them back then. They wanted the Thunderbird, which was the same bike with loads of bling. The guy let me take it for a short test ride. And while i was away, my wife managed to blag 6 chicks of him. So i ended up with a cheap bike but had to buy a chicken coop and build a run. Great eggs though 🤣

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Brilliant!!😆

[@johndaniell887]

I had a zzr 1100 c1 to me it handled better and was much better on petrol

[@teltwosheds2972]

In 40 years I've never let a dealership touch my bike!

[@kevindarkstar]

It's got to be more reliable than your bonny Freddie 😂

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Surely!!

[@johndaniell887]

No there not there heavy and use a lot of petrol the injection model have a lot of ecu problems due to the hiss system

[@grahamkorn6236]

Interesting what you were saying about the TET website but I was a bit disturbed by your "when I get my bonneville back" comment. Aren't these off road trails? I suspect half the problems you've had with your Bonnie are related to the fact that you've tried to make a road bike do off road things. The trails sound great but get a more suitable bike or better still get some nice dealer or manufacturer to lend you one.

[@milabaigar]

Just had my 1 year service bmw 7,500 k , oil filter oil brake fluid change about 200 ml , 229€ it’s the vat that screws it @21% here like 45€ tax . 84€ hourly rate here la our bmw for bikes ffs . Europe is asfíxiate ing the customer the buyer .

[@Paul-lc4io]

How can that legend have an MOT till May 25? It is still February 24

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

I couldn’t figure that out either😳

[@AlienBumProbe]

I wouldn’t take your Bonnie on the TET. It won’t survive!

[@Neilisatwin]

Thunderbirds are a miss fire looks wise-old man’s bike haha

[@JIMWSMITH]

Freddie your at it already and you haven't even got the triumph back , you want to take it on the TET , wash your mouth out 😂

[@gzk6nk]

I used to own a real Meriden (never mind Hinckley!) Bonneville, a 1979 T140D. A true British bike. Frankly, it was awful! Terrible vibrations, oil leaks, and it needed 'fettling' after every ride to keep it going. It did handle well, though. And it sometimes decided it just didn't feel like starting (kickstart only) so gave me plenty of physical exercise! In contrast, my 2023 Speedmaster is a superb bike!

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

That's why it was suggested to buy the Hinckley version because it was light years ahead of old triumphs.

[@wiganwench1]

Re Harley: are you aware of the cost of the drive belt which dealers state should be changed at 30k miles? Very expensive job, the bike needs to be dismantled, so may not be such a bargain.

[@dreamcrusher112]

Servicing is ridiculous based entirely on the bike you buy. My Tracer 900 went in for its 24,000 mile service and cost me just £550. That was a service, filters, plugs and the bike taken to bits for the valve check and adjustment. Yamaha dealer. That was 5 hours of labour, and parts. Stop getting ripped off! Cars are worse, almost £300 for an oil change nowadays.

[@ahmetsokullu1866]

You need a Harley

[@johnhudghton3535]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@Chuka67]

Sorry Freddy cannot believe you are willing to take the Bonneville on off road tracks after all the work that young man is doing for you on your bike surely you could get a lone bike very disrespectful after all the effort and time to sort parts and labour not good mate

[@Chuka67]

I agree bikes are for riding but you would not take a R1 green laneing 🤔

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

@@Tomasz.P___b It's not like he isn't going to ride it. Just not on surfaces that it wasn't intended for.

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

@@Tomasz.P___b In the trim that Freddie's bike is in, they weren't generally used off road and as is said, it would be disrespectful to abuse it by going on those sort of surfaces.

[@joebloggs1583]

The triumph legend needs to be reliable as you have zero chance of getting any parts for it no wonder its cheap.

[@robgerety]

Probably not a good idea to own a 20 year old bike if you are relying on a dealer for service.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*The so-called **_adventure_** category has to be the most delusional of the motorcycle markets.* Manufacturers have taken a Paris-Dakar rally bike, made it heavier, installed non-military-grade gizmos, and pushed it on city slickers who believe a prepped, dirt road is what Marco Polo had to confront. The first tip over of many is the catalyst for all of the adventure bikes on CycleTrader. I bet that a *250cc motocross bike and a backpack* would take folks further/farther than kitted-up GS or similar.

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

I tend to agree with you to a certain degree. It's all about marketing and they have certainly tapped into a certain bikers psyche that this is the bike you need, even though 90% won't even take them off road, well not to the degree they are intended for and as you say, if you are a serious off- roader then I motocross bike would be far better bet. It's a compromise, these adventure bikes have got to perform on and off road so it's obvious they are not going to excel at both.

[@kevindarkstar]

9:42 and bmw are gaining a reputation for buggered up drive shafts on the GS models and a few others, even adding the replacement in the service schedule, and doing it at their expense, fan boys say wow that's great bmw after care, yeah or in a word 'liability' 😂

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

😆