Thunderbird Sport 900 (2000 Model) - Maintenance Tools Recommendations

[Gareth]

Hello folks

My first post here... wondering if anyone can help with recommendations for tools needed for maintenance on my Thunderbird Sport 900 (2000) model. Not afraid to get my hands dirty, had some old bikes and cars in the past and enjoy the challenge of working on my bike, but I'm a total newbie to Triumphs. Delivery due in April 2018.

Been doing some research on common issues and carb cleaning and synchronisation pops up quite a lot, also seen this in a "known issues" thread: "Connecting between the stator and voltage rectifier gets oxidized and overheats and craps out. The solution is to remove it and replace with splices or good sized spade or bullet connectors." TBH, that means very little to me. So I'm a goddamn newbie.

So, my questions are:

1) What are the most common maintenance jobs needed to keep my TBird Sport running smooth?
2) Which tools should I get for my garage for these jobs?

Thanks in advance - any advice welcome.

 

[Rocky]

I have no experience with this particular model, but as far as tools go you will need mainly metric wrenches of various sizes, screwdrivers and also metric sockets of various sizes.
Sockets and wrenches can be had in sets which is usually the best way to buy them, but considering your history with old cars and bikes I'm sure you know that anyway.
A repair manual is a must also.

 

[Gareth]

Good advice Rocky - many thanks! Wondering about which calibration torque wrench I'd need (over here they're measured in NM - sure I can figure out conversion from/to ft.lb)?

 

[Rocky]

The torque wrenches we get in North America have both scales, but I'm more comfortable with ft/lbs too.
You can easily find a conversion scale on the internet as I did.

 

[Gareth]

Sorry Rocky - I meant from/to in terms of Nm / lb.ft measurements. I'm guessing I need a couple of torque wrenches: one for the lower values, and a longer arm wrench for the tougher stuff...

 

[Rocky]

Sorry Rocky - I meant from/to in terms of Nm / lb.ft measurements. I'm guessing I need a couple of torque wrenches: one for the lower values, and a longer arm wrench for the tougher stuff...

I have both; one I use in foot pounds for heavy fittings like axle nuts, and one in inch pounds for the lighter fittings.
Both will come in handy.

 

[Gareth]

Thanks Rocky!

 

[Rocky]

Thanks Rocky!

You're more than welcome. We love having new members who ask questions and make the forum more active.
This is a very civil and helpful forum so don't be afraid to ask questions.
You will never be criticised for any question that may seem obvious, dumb or fundamental.
Every one of us here was a newbie at one point and we don't tolerate crap from anyone.
We may not know everything, but will try to help when we can.

 

[Gareth]

Good attitude! Thanks dude.

 

[Gogreen]

There are a few TORX head fixings on the tin-wear, a set of 1/4 or 3/8 drive bits to fit your socket set is a good addition. The wheel nuts are big but there should be spanners in the toolkit (if it's still with the bike) to fit, check it out.
On the socket set, many of the engine fixings are an awkward reach so a small socket set with mm Allen head fittings are really useful and of course allow you to use your torque wrench. On that the highest torque setting is the gearbox output sprocket at 132 Nm then clutch centre nut at 105 nM (but its unlikely this side of an engine rebuild you'll be taking that off). The wheel and sprocket nuts are 85 Nm. The rear suspension links are about 100 Nm. All the screws are Pozi not Phillips.
Enjoy and good luck

 

[Gareth]

Brilliant, Gogreen. Thanks a million - got hold of some of these already, but will start adding to my stash. This advice is worth its weight in gold.