Triumph Thunderbird Commander User manual

Foreword

FOREWORD

This handbook contains information on the Triumph Thunderbird Commander and the

Thunderbird LT motorcycles. 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.

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.

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 10 to 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.

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.

Immobiliser and Tyre

Pressure Monitoring System

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC

Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two

conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful

interference

• This device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications to the device could

void the user's authority to operate the

equipment.

Foreword

Tyres

With reference to the Pneumatic Tyres and

Tubes for Automotive Vehicles (Quality

Control) Order, 2009, Cl. No. 3 (c), it is

declared by M/s. Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

that the tyres fitted on this motorcycle meet

the requirements of IS 15627: 2005 and

comply with the requirements under Central

Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989.

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.

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.

Foreword

Talk to Trium ph

Our relationship with you does not end with

the purchase of your Triumph. Your feedback

on the buying and ownership experience is

very important in helping us develop our

products and services for you. Please help us

by ensuring your dealership has your Email

address and registers this with us. You will

then receive an online customer satisfaction

survey invitation to your Email address where

you can give us this feedback.

Your Triumph team.

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.

Limited, Hinckley, Leicestershire, England.

Publication part number 3852561 issue 1.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Parts Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Serial Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

How to Ride the Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Accessories, Loading and Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Maintenance and Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

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:

• 220 kg for Thunderbird LT.

• 232 kg for Thunderbird Commander.

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.

Foreword - Safety First

Helmet and Clothing Parking

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.

cbma

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.

Foreword - Safety First

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.

Maintenance/Equipment

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 loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

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 will allow the motorcycle to be

banked to an unsafe angle.

Banking to an unsafe angle may cause

instability, loss of motorcycle control and

an accident.

Details of the bank angle wear limits can

be found in the maintenance and

adjustment section on page 78.

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 loss of motorcycle

control and an accident.

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.

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

•Ridererror.

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.

Foreword - Safety First

Handlebars and Footrests

Warning

The rider must maintain control of the

vehicle by keeping hands on the

handlebars at all times.

The handling and stability of a motorcycle

will be adversely affected if the rider

removes his hands from the handlebars,

resulting in loss of motorcycle control and

an accident.

Warning

The rider and passenger must always use

the footrests provided, during operation of

the vehicle.

By using the footrests, both rider and

passenger will reduce the risk of

inadvertent contact with any motorcycle

components and will also reduce the risk of

injury from entrapment of clothing.

Warning

The bank angle indicators must not be

used as a guide to how far the motorcycle

may be safely banked. This depends on

many various conditions including, but not

limited to, road surface, tyre condition and

weather.

Banking to an unsafe angle will lead to loss

of motorcycle control and an accident.

Warning

When banking and the bank angle

indicator, attached to the rider’s footboard,

makes contact with the ground, the

motorcycle is nearing its bank angle limit.

A further increase of the banking angle is

unsafe.

Banking to an unsafe angle may cause

instability, loss of motorcycle control and

an accident.

1. Bank angle indicator

Warning Labels

WARNING LABELS

Warning Label Locations – Thunderbird LT

The labels detailed on this and the following pages draw your attention to important safety

information in this handbook. Before riding, ensure that all riders have understood and

complied with all the information to which these labels relate.

DAILY SAFETY CHECKS AND SEAT CARE

CONTRÔLES DE SÉCURITÉ QUOTIDIEN ET NETTOYAGE DE LA SELLE

COMPROBACIONES DIARIAS Y EL MANTENIMIENTO DE SU ASIENTO

DAGELIJKSE VEILIGHEIDSCONTROLES EN ZADELONDERHOUD

TÄGLICHE SICHERHEITS KO NT ROLLEN UND PFLEGE DES SITZES

DAGLIGA SÄKERHETSKONTROLLER OCH VÅRD AV SADEL

CONTROLLI DI SICUREZZA GIORNALIERI E PULIZIA SELLA

日常安全点検とシートのお手入れ

Coolant

(page 74)

Daily Safety

Checks

(page 48)

Windscreen

(page 113 )

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