98/99 Thunderbird Sport Owners Supplement

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1998/99 MODEL

Thunderbird Sport

Owner's Handbook Supplement

Thunderbird Sport

This handbook supplement contains information of the Thunderbird Sport model only. The information given describes only those items which are different in operation or specification from the Thunderbird or Adventurer models.

Full details of all other aspects of the motorcycle's operation and maintenance are given in the main handbook supplied with this supplement. Always store this supplement with the main handbook which, in turn, should always be stored with the motorcycle.

Thunderbird Sport

Steering Lock

To turn the steering lock from OFF to the PARK position, push and fully release the key in the OFF position, then turn to PARK.

Maximum Loading

The maximum loading for the Thunderbird Sport is 200 Kg. This loading weight is made up from the combined weight of the rider, passenger and any load carried (including the weight of any load carrying equipment.

WARNING: Never exceed the maximum vehicle loading weight of 200 Kg.
Exceeding the maximum load limit may lead to instability, loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Front Suspension

The Thunderbird Sport is fitted with forks which are adjustable for spring pre-load, compression damping and rebound damping. The standard suspension settings provide a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics for general solo riding. the chart over shows suggested settings for other riding conditions.

The spring pre-load and rebound damping adjusters are located in the top of each fork. The compression damping adjuster is located near the bottom of each fork, adjacent to the wheel spindle.

NOTE:

The setting figures described for the front and rear rebound and compression damping adjustment sections are measured as adjuster "clicks" out from the fully-screwed-in position. For front spring pre-load, the adjustment is measured as the number of graduation lines in view.

Thunderbird Sport

Suspension Settings

The standard suspension settings provide a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics for general, solo riding. The chart below shows suggested settings for front and rear suspension in other riding conditions.

WARNING: On models with adjustable suspension, ensure that the correct balance between front and rear suspension is maintained. Refer to the chart below for further information or consult your Triumph Dealer.

Loading		Front			Rear
		Spring Pre-Load	Rebound Damping	Compression Damping	Rebound Damping	Compression Damping
Solo Riding Condition	Standard	6	4	4	6	6
	Softer	7	6	6	8	8
	Firmer	5	2	2	4	4
Rider and Passenger		4-6	2-4	2-4	4	4
Rider, Passenger and Luggage		1-4	1-3	1-3	1-3	1-3

NOTE: This chart is to be used as a guide only. Setting requirements may vary for rider weight and personal preferences. See the following pages for details of how to adjust your suspension.

Thunderbird Sport

1. Rebound Damping Adjuster
2. Spring Pre-Load Adjuster

Spring Pre-load Adjustment (front)

To change the spring pre-load, rotate the adjuster clockwise (screw-in) to increase pre-load, or anti-clockwise (screw-out) to decrease pre-load. Always set the pre-load adjusters such that there are an equal number of graduation lines visible on both forks.

NOTE: The motorcycle is delivered from the factory with the spring pre-load set on position 6.

Rebound Damping Adjustment (front)

To change the rebound damping force, rotate the slotted adjuster clockwise (screw-in) to increase, or anti-clockwise (screw-out) to decrease. Maximum damping force is obtained when the adjuster is rotated fully clockwise (screwed fully in). Minimum damping force is obtained when the adjuster is rotated fully anti-clockwise (screwed fully out).

When changing the rebound damping setting, always count the adjuster "clicks" out from the fully screwed-in position and ensure that both forks are set to the same setting.

NOTE: The motorcycle is delivered from the factory with the rebound damping adjuster set at position 4.

Thunderbird Sport

1. Compression Damping Adjuster

Compression Damping Adjustment (front)

To change the compression damping force, rotate the slotted adjuster clockwise (screw-in) to increase, or anti-clockwise (screw-out) to decrease. Maximum damping force is obtained when the adjuster is rotated fully clockwise (screwed fully in). Minimum damping force is obtained when the adjuster is rotated fully anti-clockwise (screwed fully out).

When changing the compression damping setting, always count the adjuster "clicks" out from the fully screwed-in position and ensure that both forks are set to the same setting.

NOTE: The motorcycle is delivered from the factory with the compression damping adjuster set at position 4.

Rear Suspension Adjustment

The rear suspension is adjustable for both compression and rebound damping adjustment.

WARNING: Rear suspension unit spring pre-load is not rider adjustable. Any attempt to adjust the spring pre-load could result in a dangerous riding condition leading to possible loss of control and an accident.

Thunderbird Sport

1. Rebound Damping Adjuster

Rebound Damping Adjustment (rear)

The rebound damping adjuster is situated at the lower right hand end of the rear suspension unit. To adjust the rebound damping setting, rotate the adjuster clockwise to increase rebound damping, and anti-clockwise to decrease.

NOTE: The motorcycle is delivered from the factory with the rebound damping adjuster set at position 6.

1. Compression Damping Adjuster

Compression Damping Adjustment (rear)

The compression damping adjuster is located beneath the seat. To adjust the compression damping setting, rotate the slotted adjuster clockwise (screw-in) to increase, or anti-clockwise (screw-out) to decrease.

NOTE: The motorcycle is delivered from the factory with the compression damping adjuster set at position 6.

Thunderbird Sport



	1. Front Brake Fluid Reservoir 2. Fluid Level Window		1. Front Brake Fluid Maximum Level 2. Front Brake Fluid Minimum Level Mark

Brake and Clutch Fluid Reservoirs

The procedure for checking and topping up the fluid in the Thunderbird Sport reservoirs is as described in the main handbook.

The appearance of the Thunderbird Sport reservoirs differs from those shown in the main book as can be seen from the illustrations above.

Thunderbird Sport

1. Lever Adjuster Wheel
2. Triangular Reference Mark

Brake and Clutch Lever Adjusters

Fitted to both the brake and clutch levers are adjusters which allow the brake and clutch lever positions to be changed.

The adjustment allows the distance from the handlebar to the brake of clutch lever to be changed to suit the span of the operator's hands. Each adjuster has four positions.

To adjust the levers, push the lever forward and turn the adjuster wheel to align one of the numbered positions with the triangular mark on the lever holder.

The distance from the hand grip to the released lever is shortest when set to number four and longest when set to number one.

Thunderbird Sport

WARNING: Do not attempt to adjust the lever with the motorcycle in motion as this may lead to loss of control and an accident.

After adjusting the levers, operate the motorcycle in an area free from traffic to gain familiarity with the new lever settings. Do not loan your motorcycle to anyone as they may change the lever settings from those you are familiar with causing loss of control or an accident.

Changing Gear

The Thunderbird Sport is fitted with a six speed transmission unlike the Thunderbird and Adventurer which has a five speed transmission.

Thunderbird Sport

	Thunderbird Sport
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power	83.0 PS @ 8,500 rpm (r/min)
Maximum Torque	76.0 Nm @ 6,500 rpm (r/min)

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	2250mm
Overall Width	860mm
Overall Height	1150mm
Wheelbase	1580mm
Seat Height	750mm
Dry Weight	224kg
Maximum Payload	200kg
(rider & passenger & luggage & accessories)

ENGINE
Type	in-line 3 cyl.
Displacement	885cc
Bore x Stroke	76x65mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Cylinder Numbering	Left to Right
Sequence	1-2-3
Firing Order	1-2-3
Starting system	Electric Starter

Thunderbird Sport

	THUNDERBIRD SPORT
LUBRICATION
Lubrication System	Forced Lubrication (wet sump)
Engine Oil	Fully or semi synthetic motorcycle oil which meets specification API/SG
Engine Oil Capacity	4.00 litres
(including filter, wet fill)

COOLING
Coolant Type	Mobil Antifreeze
Mixture Ratio	50/50
Coolant Capacity	2.8 litres
Thermostat Opens	83° C

CARBURATION
Carburettor Type	3xKeihin Variable choke Flat Side CV

FUEL
Type	Unleaded (95 RON)
Tank Capacity (inc. reserve)	15 Litres
Reserve Capacity	4 Litres

Thunderbird Sport

		THUNDERBIRD SPORT
IGNITION SYSTEM
Ignition system		Digital Electronic
Ignition Timing		5°BTBC @ 1000rpm (r/min)
Electronically Advanced		30°BTDC @ 6500rpm (r/min)
Electronic Rev Limiter		8750rpm (r/min)
Spark Plug		NGK DPR 8EA-9
Gap		0.8-0.9mm (0.031-0.035in)

TRANSMISSION
Transmission Type		6 Speed, Constant Mesh
Clutch Type		Wet, Multi-Plate
Primary Drive		Gear
Final Drive		Chain, Regina 136 ORP 114 Link Endless
Primary Drive Ratio		1.75 (105/60)
Final Drive Ratio		2.5 (43/17)
Gear Ratio:
	1st	2.733 (41/15)
	2nd	1.947 (37/19)
	3rd	1.545 (34/22)
	4th	1.291 (31/24)
	5th	1.154 (30/26)
	6th	1.074 (29/27)

Thunderbird Sport

	THUNDERBIRD SPORT
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Battery	12V 14AH
Alternator	12V 25A
Headlight	12V 60/55W Halogen H4
Tail/Brake Light	2x12V 5/21W
License Plate Light	12V 5W
Directional Indicator Lights	12V 10W

FRAME
Castor	27°
Trail	105 mm

Thunderbird Sport

TYRES: THUNDERBIRD SPORT		Make/Type	Recommended Pressure
Option 1	Front	Avon AV27 120/70 R17	2.5 Kg/cm² (36 lb/in²)
	Rear	Avon AV281 160/70 R17	2.9 kg/cm² (42 lb/in²)
Option 2	Front	Pirelli Dragon GT 120/70 R17	2.5 Kg/cm² (36 lb/in²)
	Rear	Pirelli Dragon GT 160/70 R17	2.9 kg/cm² (42 lb/in²)

WARNING: Use recommended tyre options and tyre pressures only in the combinations given and do not mix tyres from different manufacturers. For example, do not mix option 1 front tyres with option 2 tyres. Failure to observe this warning may lead to motorcycle instability, loss of control and an accident.