I'm looking at buying a 1994 Thunderbird that is in descent shape but has one noticeable potential issue. When idling the left pipe has a slight ping sound to it, and when accelerating or decelerating there's a slight back fire. What could this be? I'd consider dirty or old fuel, but it only coming from one cylinder. Any advice? Also, the cost of the bike is $2,000. Is it worth it?
1994 Triumph Thunderbird - Slight Sputter/backfire Out Of One Pipe
- Thread starter Mr Gouv
- Start date
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@grandpaul will be able to give you a good idea on this when he logs in later 
1. It's a piece of junk, you don't need it, and it's way too expensive.
2. Where is it, so I can go buy it out from under you?
3. The pinging and popping is due to leaness (carb settings which require removal and a bit of fiddling, not hard to do), and probably a bit of imbalance between carbs. Worst case scenario is that it may need the valves adjusted which requires a selection of shims and most of a day of fussing with the top end.
My advice: BUY IT!!!
I love my 2000 Legend which is very similar, it's my highest mileage regular rider for the last 10 years.
(and technically, this topic belongs in the "Modern Classics" section with the classic triples)
2. Where is it, so I can go buy it out from under you?
3. The pinging and popping is due to leaness (carb settings which require removal and a bit of fiddling, not hard to do), and probably a bit of imbalance between carbs. Worst case scenario is that it may need the valves adjusted which requires a selection of shims and most of a day of fussing with the top end.
My advice: BUY IT!!!
I love my 2000 Legend which is very similar, it's my highest mileage regular rider for the last 10 years.
(and technically, this topic belongs in the "Modern Classics" section with the classic triples)
I've had mine for 20 years, and love it, buy it and for gods sake don't sell it. Happy riding.
Could also be one slightly dirty carb (low speed jet partly clogged). A good carb cleaning and re-adjustment should fix it. DO NOT un-link the carbs.
Buy it!
Well done, you won't regret it.
Yep, good decision. If you haven't done so yet, swing by the "Modern Classics" section of the forum and get to know the crowd...
