Hi there, thanks for posting. There doesn't seem to be much on 2009-15 Thunderbirds on TH-cam. I bought a 2011 1600 last November (2023) and spent the winter going through chassis and brakes. The rear caliper was dragging, seems to be a common problem. I was able to pump the pistons out and clean out the seal lands, reusing the seals. Made a massive difference. The sliding pins were dry too so obviously lube them up. I got a Becker Lifter from Germany to do this, because i wanted the rear wheel out. It has been a brilliant investment. Could write loads more, but maybe i should do a video 😊. All the best with your big bird.
Thanks for commenting, I can't believe the lack of content on these bikes they are fantastic. I will be putting more content up on the Thunderbird but it will mostly be trips and tours stuff from me but I think a channel doing maintenance and repairs would be brilliant.
Maintenance and repairs are more my thing so that's possible but I'll have to learn how to do you tube videos first. And get cameras and what have you.
Nice video! I've got the same model. I've put up 2 videos on here. Under Custom Cruiser I've done a lot of work on mine. And since my last video. I've swapped out the chrome mirrors for satin black ones. They're great bikes to ride. Looks like you're having a blast on yours
Thank you, I'll check your vids out, I have fallen completely for this bike it is an incredible machine and I just can't keep off it. I don't understand why Triumph ever dropped it and I wish there was a bigger aftermarket for parts because finding stuff is proving a bit tricky.
I have a 2015 Night Storm and find it a gem of a bike, with no complaints, except that it runs a bit rough at 3,000 rpm. Above or below 3k it's fine. I've had the valves adjusted, the throttle bodies synced and the latest map downloaded for the TORS exhaust. I've decided that the vibes at 3k are the result of harmonic convergence of the TORS exhaust. Very smooth at 80mph on the southern California freeways.
I have noticed a little vibration at a constant 70mph (about 2800 rpm) but not significant to be a bother. I am currently on a 7 day trip on mine and just loving it more all the time.
@@KSRGUYW My instincts tell me that it's the convergence of exhaust from the two sides in the crossover pipe. I'll bet if that crossover pipe were blocked off at the headers it would smooth out.
I'm 61 years old (where did the years go?) and over the last 12 months or so I have reached the conclusion that ballistic acceleration and high top-end speed is something I no longer have interest in. So, having previously owned 6 Hayabusa and 2 ZZR1400's I have now got an incredibly versatile Honda NC750X, a Honda Fury (chopper) and am now trying to decide between a Triumph America or a Triumph Thunderbird 1700LT.
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne All I can tell you is the Thuderbird is amazing. It is supremely comfortable, it has fantastic "real world" power, loads of room for 2-up and luggage. I have never tried an America but I have tried the modern Speedmaster 1200 and it's a lovely bike but feels like quite a small bike and would certainly not be big enough for us to tour on.
Hi there, thanks for posting. There doesn't seem to be much on 2009-15 Thunderbirds on TH-cam. I bought a 2011 1600 last November (2023) and spent the winter going through chassis and brakes. The rear caliper was dragging, seems to be a common problem. I was able to pump the pistons out and clean out the seal lands, reusing the seals. Made a massive difference. The sliding pins were dry too so obviously lube them up. I got a Becker Lifter from Germany to do this, because i wanted the rear wheel out. It has been a brilliant investment. Could write loads more, but maybe i should do a video 😊. All the best with your big bird.
Thanks for commenting, I can't believe the lack of content on these bikes they are fantastic. I will be putting more content up on the Thunderbird but it will mostly be trips and tours stuff from me but I think a channel doing maintenance and repairs would be brilliant.
Maintenance and repairs are more my thing so that's possible but I'll have to learn how to do you tube videos first. And get cameras and what have you.
Nice video! I've got the same model. I've put up 2 videos on here. Under Custom Cruiser I've done a lot of work on mine. And since my last video. I've swapped out the chrome mirrors for satin black ones. They're great bikes to ride. Looks like you're having a blast on yours
Thank you, I'll check your vids out, I have fallen completely for this bike it is an incredible machine and I just can't keep off it. I don't understand why Triumph ever dropped it and I wish there was a bigger aftermarket for parts because finding stuff is proving a bit tricky.
Glad your enjoying the new bike mate 👍
Cheers Willie it's awesome :-)
I have a 2015 Night Storm and find it a gem of a bike, with no complaints, except that it runs a bit rough at 3,000 rpm. Above or below 3k it's fine. I've had the valves adjusted, the throttle bodies synced and the latest map downloaded for the TORS exhaust. I've decided that the vibes at 3k are the result of harmonic convergence of the TORS exhaust. Very smooth at 80mph on the southern California freeways.
I have noticed a little vibration at a constant 70mph (about 2800 rpm) but not significant to be a bother. I am currently on a 7 day trip on mine and just loving it more all the time.
@@Grumpy-Goblin Do you have the stock exhaust on yours?
@@williamrose2506 No I thought they were when I bought it but it turns out it has the long Tors exhausr but it does still have the cat fitted atm.
Mines does the same around 2800-3k i've got long tors and cat, all part of the character lol i love it!
@@KSRGUYW My instincts tell me that it's the convergence of exhaust from the two sides in the crossover pipe. I'll bet if that crossover pipe were blocked off at the headers it would smooth out.
I'm 61 years old (where did the years go?) and over the last 12 months or so I have reached the conclusion that ballistic acceleration and high top-end speed is something I no longer have interest in. So, having previously owned 6 Hayabusa and 2 ZZR1400's I have now got an incredibly versatile Honda NC750X, a Honda Fury (chopper) and am now trying to decide between a Triumph America or a Triumph Thunderbird 1700LT.
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne All I can tell you is the Thuderbird is amazing. It is supremely comfortable, it has fantastic "real world" power, loads of room for 2-up and luggage. I have never tried an America but I have tried the modern Speedmaster 1200 and it's a lovely bike but feels like quite a small bike and would certainly not be big enough for us to tour on.
@@Grumpy-Goblin Thanks for the feedback...