Triumph Thunderbird User manual

1
Foreword
FOREWORD
This handbook contains information on the Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle. Always store this
owner's handbook with the motorcycle and refer to it for information whenever necessary.
Warnings, Cautions and
Notes
Throughout this owner's handbook
particularly important information is
presented in the following form:
Note:
• This note symbol indicates points
of particular interest for more
efficient and convenient operation.
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Warning
This warning symbol identifies special
instructions or procedures, which if not
correctly followed could result in personal
injury, or loss of life.
Caution
This caution symbol identifies special
instructions or procedures, which, if not
strictly observed, could result in damage to,
or destruction of, equipment.

2
Foreword
Warning Labels
At certain areas of the
motorcycle, the symbol (left)
can be seen. The symbol
means 'CAUTION: REFER TO
THE HANDBOOK' and will
be followed by a pictorial
representation of the subject
concerned.
Never attempt to ride the motorcycle or
make any adjustments without reference to
the relevant instructions contained in this
handbook.
See pages 12 and 13 for the location of all
labels bearing this symbol. Where necessary,
this symbol will also appear on the pages
containing the relevant information.
Maintenance
To ensure a long, safe and trouble free life for
your motorcycle, maintenance should only be
carried out by an authorised Triumph dealer.
Only an authorised Triumph dealer will have
the necessary knowledge, equipment and
skills to maintain your Triumph motorcycle
correctly.
To locate your nearest Triumph dealer, visit
the Triumph web site at www.triumph.co.uk
or telephone the authorised distributor in
your country. Their address is given in the
service record book that accompanies this
handbook.

3
Foreword
Noise Control System
Tampering With the Noise Control System is
Prohibited.
Owners are warned that the law may
prohibit:
a) The removal or rendering
inoperative by any person other than
for purposes of maintenance, repair
or replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated into
any new vehicle for the purpose of
noise control prior to its sale or
delivery to the ultimate purchaser or
while it is in use and,
b) the use of the vehicle after such
device or element of design has
been removed or rendered
inoperative by any person.
Owner's Handbook
Thank you for choosing a Triumph
motorcycle. This motorcycle is the product of
Triumph's use of proven engineering,
exhaustive testing, and continuous striving for
superior reliability, safety and performance.
Please read this owner's handbook before
riding in order to become thoroughly familiar
with the correct operation of your
motorcycle's controls, its features, capabilities
and limitations.
This handbook includes safe riding tips, but
does not contain all the techniques and skills
necessary to ride a motorcycle safely.
Triumph strongly recommends that all riders
undertake the necessary training to ensure
safe operation of this motorcycle.
This handbook is also available from your
local dealer in:
•Dutch;
• French;
•German;
•Italian;
• Japanese;
• Portuguese;
•Spanish;
•Swedish.
Note:
• The fitting of some accessory kits
requires removal of the original
pillion seat, which houses the
handbook. In these circumstances,
ensure the Owner's Handbook is
removed from the pillion seat and
carried with the motorcycle at all
times.

4
Foreword
Information
The information contained in this publication
is based on the latest information available at
the time of printing. Triumph reserves the
right to make changes at any time without
prior notice, or obligation.
Not to be reproduced wholly or in part
without the written permission of Triumph
Motorcycles Limited.
© Copyright 05.2009 Triumph Motorcycles
Limited, Hinckley, Leicestershire, England.
Publication part number 3851641 issue 2.
Warning
This owner's handbook, and all other
instructions that are supplied with your
motorcycle, should be considered a
permanent part of your motorcycle and
should remain with it even if your
motorcycle is subsequently sold.
All riders must read this owner's handbook
and all other instructions which are
supplied with your motorcycle, before
riding, in order to become thoroughly
familiar with the correct operation of your
motorcycle's controls, its features,
capabilities and limitations. Do not lend
your motorcycle to others as riding when
not familiar with your motorcycle's
controls, features, capabilities and
limitations can lead to an accident.

5
Foreword
Table of Contents
This handbook contains a number of different sections. The table of contents below will help
you find the beginning of each section where, in the case of the major sections, a further table
of contents will help you find the specific subject required.
Foreword. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Warning Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Parts Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Serial Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
How to Ride the Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Accessories, Loading and Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Maintenance and Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3

6
Foreword - Safety First
FOREWORD - SAFETY FIRST
The Motorcycle Fuel and Exhaust Fumes
Warning
This motorcycle is designed for on-road
use only. It is not suitable for off-road use.
Off-road operation could lead to loss of
control of the motorcycle resulting in an
accident causing injury or loss of life.
Warning
This motorcycle is not designed to tow a
trailer or be fitted with a sidecar. Fitting a
sidecar and/or a trailer may result in loss of
control and an accident.
Warning
This motorcycle is designed for use as a
two-wheeled vehicle capable of carrying a
rider on his/her own, or a rider and one
passenger (subject to a passenger seat
being fitted).
The total weight of the rider, and any
passenger, accessories and luggage must
not exceed the maximum load limit of
231 kg.
Warning
PETROL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE:
Always turn off the engine when refuelling.
Do not refuel or open the fuel filler cap
while smoking or in the vicinity of any
open (naked) flame.
Take care not to spill any petrol on the
engine, exhaust pipes or silencers when
refuelling.
If petrol is swallowed, inhaled or allowed to
get into the eyes, seek immediate medical
attention.
Spillage on the skin should be immediately
washed off with soap and water and
clothing contaminated with petrol should
immediately be removed.
Burns and other serious skin conditions
may result from contact with petrol.
Warning
Never start your engine or let it run for any
length of time in a closed area. The
exhaust fumes are poisonous and may
cause loss of consciousness and death
within a short time. Always operate your
motorcycle in the open-air or in an area
with adequate ventilation.

7
Foreword - Safety First
Helmet and Clothing
Warning
When riding the motorcycle, both rider
and passenger must always wear a
motorcycle helmet, eye protection, gloves,
boots, trousers (close fitting around the
knee and ankle) and a brightly coloured
jacket. Brightly coloured clothing will
considerably increase a rider's (or
passenger's) visibility to other operators of
road vehicles. Although full protection is
not possible, wearing correct protective
clothing can reduce the risk of injury when
riding.
Warning
A helmet is one of the most important
pieces of riding gear as it offers protection
against head injuries. You and your
passenger's helmet should be carefully
chosen and should fit you or your
passenger's head comfortably and
securely. A brightly coloured helmet will
increase a rider's (or passenger's) visibility
to other operators of road vehicles.
An open face helmet offers some
protection in an accident though a full face
helmet will offer more.
Always wear a visor or approved goggles
to help vision and to protect your eyes.
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8
Foreword - Safety First
Parking Parts and Accessories
Triumph does not accept any liability
whatsoever for defects caused by the fitting
of non-approved parts, accessories or
conversions or the fitting of any approved
parts, accessories or conversions by
non-approved personnel.
Warning
Always turn off the engine and remove the
ignition key before leaving the motorcycle
unattended. By removing the key, the risk
of use of the motorcycle by unauthorised
or untrained persons is reduced.
When parking the motorcycle, always
remember the following:
Engage first gear to help prevent the
motorcycle from rolling off the stand.
The engine and exhaust system will be hot
after riding. DO NOT park where
pedestrians, animals and/or children are
likely to touch the motorcycle.
Do not park on soft ground or on a steeply
inclined surface. Parking under these
conditions may cause the motorcycle to fall
over.
For further details, please refer to the 'How
to Ride the Motorcycle' section of this
owner's handbook.
Warning
Owners should be aware that the only
approved parts, accessories and
conversions for any Triumph motorcycle
are those which carry official Triumph
approval and are fitted to the motorcycle
by an authorised dealer.
In particular, it is extremely hazardous to fit
or replace parts or accessories whose fitting
requires the dismantling of, or addition to,
either the electrical or fuel systems and any
such modification could cause a safety
hazard.
The fitting of any non-approved parts,
accessories or conversions may adversely
affect the handling, stability or other aspect
of the motorcycle operation that may result
in an accident causing injury or death.

9
Foreword - Safety First
Maintenance/Equipment
Warning
Consult your authorised Triumph dealer
whenever there is doubt as to the correct
or safe operation of this Triumph
motorcycle.
Remember that continued operation of an
incorrectly performing motorcycle may
aggravate a fault and may also
compromise safety.
Warning
Use of a motorcycle with bank angle
indicators worn beyond the maximum limit
(when the bank angle indicator is worn to a
minimum of 5 mm in length) will allow the
motorcycle to be banked to an unsafe
angle. Therefore, always replace the bank
angle indicator pegs when they are worn to
5 mm in length. Banking to an unsafe angle
may cause instability, loss of motorcycle
control and an accident.
5 mm
Warning
Ensure all equipment that is required by
law is installed and functioning correctly.
The removal or alteration of the
motorcycle’s lights, silencers, emission or
noise control systems can violate the law.
Incorrect or improper modification may
adversely affect the handling, stability or
other aspect of the motorcycle operation,
which may result in an accident causing
injury or death.
Warning
If the motorcycle is involved in an accident,
collision or fall, it must be taken to an
authorised Triumph dealer for inspection
and repair. Any accident can cause
damage to the motorcycle that, if not
correctly repaired, may cause a second
accident that may result in injury or death.

10
Foreword - Safety First
Riding
Warning
Never ride the motorcycle when fatigued
or under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs.
Riding when under the influence of alcohol
or other drugs is illegal.
Riding when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs reduces
the rider's ability to maintain control of the
motorcycle and may lead to loss of control
and an accident.
Warning
All riders must be licenced to operate the
motorcycle. Operation of the motorcycle
without a licence is illegal and could lead to
prosecution.
Operation of the motorcycle without
formal training in the correct riding
techniques that are necessary to become
licenced is dangerous and may lead to loss
of motorcycle control and an accident.
Warning
Always ride defensively and wear the
protective equipment mentioned
elsewhere in this foreword. Remember, in
an accident, a motorcycle does not give the
same impact protection as a car.
Warning
This Triumph motorcycle should be
operated within the legal speed limits for
the particular road travelled. Operating a
motorcycle at high speeds can be
potentially dangerous since the time
available to react to given traffic situations
is greatly reduced as road speed increases.
Always reduce speed in potentially
hazardous driving conditions such as bad
weather or heavy traffic.
Warning
Continually observe and react to changes
in road surface, traffic and wind conditions.
All two-wheeled vehicles are subject to
external forces which may cause an
accident. These forces include but are not
limited to:
• Wind draft from passing vehicles;
• Potholes, uneven or damaged
road surfaces;
• Bad weather;
• Rider error.
Always operate the motorcycle at
moderate speed and away from heavy
traffic until you have become thoroughly
familiar with its handling and operating
characteristics. Never exceed the legal
speed limit.