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.
cfcu
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 authorized Triumph dealer.
Only an authorized 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 Triumph Motorcycles America
Limited on [phone]. 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 a safety course approved by the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation to ensure safe
operation of this motorcycle. Information
about the nearest Motorcycle Safety
Foundation course to you can be obtained by
calling the following nationwide toll free
number: 800-447-4700, or by writing to the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation at: 2, Jenner
Street, Irvine, California 92718. To ensure a
long and trouble free life for your motorcycle,
maintenance should be carried out as
described in this manual by an authorized
Triumph dealer.
This handbook is also available from your
local dealer in:
•Dutch;
• French;
•German;
•Italian;
• Japanese;
• Portuguese;
•Spanish;
•Swedish.

4
Foreword
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.
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 America Limited.
© Copyright 05.2009 Triumph Motorcycles
America Limited.
Publication part number 3851646 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5