Hi Matt, that was great fun mate ,look forward to ya Bristol tour and havnt guessed what bike your getting🤷🏼♂️😄went to few gigs there many years ago, oh ye love bristol accent its girt lush is that what its called 😂😂
Nice to ride along with you this morning mate. I’m from Yorkshire but been in NZ 25 years. I have a 2003 Thunderbird. Done a few mods and love it to death. Its a keeper man ❤
I have a 2008 Suzuki VStrom 650. It currently has about 140,000 miles on it. It has never had a problem other than tire changes, a new battery, and regular maintenance. It is so reliable that I can't part with it.
Just to say you a natural commentator and I really like your new approach. I I agree with you keep the Thunderbird you will not find a better bike. At 65 I’ve learned to enjoy what I have rather than chasing what you think is better. Good luck with your marathon and your channel.
By the time I’m watching this I think you’ve already had 4” of snow, good timing. Last went out on Christmas Eve, bit cold then let alone now. Funny how we get attached to a machine. Love my VF (keeper) my VFR’s got 62k on it and forum members say it’s barely run in.
Thankfully the snow has gone already! Can live without that after about 13 years in Scandinavia! Mileage is just a number isn't it. A well maintained bike will roll over into 100k with no trouble.
Thanks Matt, as you say “Matt talking shit” but tell you what mate, you make me smile and for that, THANKS 👍 And for the record my guess is the new bike is something Harley 😉😂
Haha. Thanks mate. Wasn't going to put that in at the end, but when I heard it in the edit I found myself chuckling - had to stay. Glad you're enjoying it mate, I am too which makes it all worth it. Will be a fun and probably surprising bike reveal next week, (unless I go and find a huge pile of rust with some shiny paint on it!)
Oh, looks like i'm the first one here! Good morning Matt. Happy New Year. Thanks for all from 2024, now have a happy, healthy, mile munching 2025 with the rubber side down. Steve in snowy Switzerland..
You’re 100% right about the Thunderbird. Not many bikes beat it. Had mine for over than 25 years now and it’s like part of the family. Like you I’ll never sell it. I have two other bikes but the comfort and pleasure riding it is second to none. Slow speed city rides and errands I do prefer my V7 Guzzi though since it’s shorter and slightly lighter. Wish you and your family have a great year.
The Trident may well make it's way into my life at some point. It's a lot of bike for the money - possibly one of Triumphs best in terms of spec, reliability etc. It's great looking too.
Hi mate, great to see thre Tbird out again, mine is also 30 years old this year in May, make sure that battery is fully charged when starting the bike or it can cause sprag failure which on ours is an engine out and split job, Also the airfilter change is a pain but a must if its never been done like mine hadnt in 30k miles, i also did the valve shims myself which is ok to do (6 shims were very tight and out of spec causing a starting issue from cold) Now perfect. The trident 900 is a great bike (ive had one) Great video Matt, looking forward to the mystery bike 😃😎👍
I need to do all the general maintenance jobs, possibly shims too as there is a lot more smoke from right pipe than left for the first 5 mins or so (think that is indicative of that?) Love this bike.
@@thebristolthunderbird the right pipe being the 2 into 1 side? mine does a little from the 2 into 1 side, always has, i understand they all do this. Mine still does it even after doing my shims. But runs so much better and starts so much easier
I have the same issue Matt, I get tempted by other bikes and for good reason, as a biker if we could afford to have a garage full of motorbikes we definitely would. Then I do a check list and find the bike I already have meets the criteria. I just love to window shop older motorbikes as I find they have great lines and character. edit - I have an oxford solar panel trickle charger for my bike saves having to plug it in and it keeps the battery topped up nicely.
Didn't know there was a solar panel option, smart! I'm a constant window shopper. Lillian often catches me sat looking at bikes in Facebook market place and eBay. I've always got a good reason to be tempted! You're right though, what we have is usually more than enough.
Happy New Year Matt. Good luck with the marathon, something to be proud of. I’m originally from Cardiff and I agree that Bristol is a great city. Your Bristol accent is not strong at all, you never say ‘gert’ or ‘formical’ 😂 KE175 I had one new in 79. Awesome little bike so sorry I sold it.
Happy new year to you and yours too. My oldest son has just bought a house in Cardiff, Riverside I think. Hopefully my little legs will handle the pounding of a marathon!
I have a Legend. As you know it is very similar to the Thunderbird, except the Legend have a lower seat height and 17" wheels (more and better options of tyres). I think its' cheaper because they replaced the chrome on the engine parts with a flat black paintjob. The Legend is top heavy too, and I try to avoid making tight U turns. All Triumphs of the T300 family are rocksolid and dependable if maintained. Easily making over 100K miles, and sounding great doing it. Great bikes! Happy New Year :)
The 17" rear wheel does look a bit nicer I think, the sport has that too I think? They are simply great bikes - The Beefy Bonnie. I almost called the channel that actually! Might change it...
Happy New Year Matt! Love your Thunderbird, can see why your so attached! I had a Street Triple 675 loved it, but wanted brand new, so in November I traded for a Royal Enfield 350 Bullet as a downsize, now 1000 miles already and completed the first service myself, I wanted something with Character, I love the trident and am only 5ft 7, I was always racing against my ego with a fast bike, so now I can commute all year round on my modern classic and get up to 75mph on the short carriageway sections, good luck with your next purchase, your lucky to live in Gorgeous Bristol, I'm Horsham West Sussex which has the South Downs to ride around, all the best Dwayne
Those 350's are great bikes. Want to try and few this year, the RE and the new Honda. I know Horsham well, lived in Crawley from 93-95. Still have some great friends there, haven't been for a while though.
Hi Matt… are you aware of the statue of the man with his head in his hand set in an alcove at the top of Jacob’s hill? It’s dedicated to men’s mental health cast n a grey silver colour… with a little bear next to him…..an interesting piece of art and very subtle, before you get to QEH left hand side down the hill
I am kind of looking forward to it a lot, slightly concerned too. The fitness side is just fine, being doing cross fit, weights, high intensity stuff for years. Running though!! Seems to mess my legs up so bad! Any tips just fire them over!
@@thebristolthunderbird I think the only things I can recommend is to miss training runs if anything is inflamed and hurting, whilst you brain tells you to do the run, it's ALWAYS a bad idea. And Ice even the slightest twinges after runs, then heat a few hours later, I use a wheat sack in the microwave. 100% go to a proper running shop and get some running shoes and get the gait checked if they have a machine, it all saves injury so well worth a few quid more than online. I use Hoka, they're amazing. Good Luck mate look forward to the videos 👍
Love your videos. I'm completely with you on getting 2024 done. I too struggled through the year. As far as 2025 goes, I have actually started making plans which I've never done.
Well we are basically neighbours, can get to Newport on about 30 mins I think. Our accents are quite different though, unless you've ended up with some hybrid version?
Same here bud I have the same T bird, I've just moved from Kent to Queensland oz, I said i would never sell her, so she's on the boat making her way here, probably cost me more then she's worth to be honest but gave up a lot to get here including a few bikes but I couldn't bring myself to leave her behind, I can't wait to get out on the roads here, I'm itching to get out and was also thinking of a big brother for longer trips with the Mrs so I've been looking at the thunderbird LT or commander, My challenge this year is to get fitter and maybe stick some videos up on UA-cam of my journey if I can get the confidence to do so , Keep up the good work mate loving the videos, 👍
Thanks mate. That sounds like a nice move! Weather will be awesome for riding. I think my T'bird would have to follow me around the world too. All the best with the channel. My only advice is to simply press the record button and make it happen.
My scentiments exactly. Love my thunderbird. Couldent sell it either. Like selling a child. Totaly over built and engineered. All the best for the half and whole marathon👍
I live in Essex, but I have a very good mate in Weston super mare that I'll be visiting at some point. If that lasagne is still on the menu come the time I want to reserve a table 😂
Have recently met a guy with a 23 y.o. T'bird, with 46'000 on the clock. A high mileage bike is often more reliable than one that sits in a garage for half it's life and then strikes when it has to work (his and my thoughts). Anyway, he says in the 10 years he's had it, it's never let him down, all he's ever done is fit the King 'n Queen seat, and had it regulary serviced. Cos of bad health, he now wants to sell. He reckons, if you can flat foot it, then the top heavy aspect is not such an issue. I asked him coz you mention it here at rugular intervals. I have two bikes I need to sell first, (bad times for selling 2nd hand, market is flooded with all sorts), If he still has it then, i'll be in touch with him again.
I agree with you. A used bike seems to have a better reliability record than something thats been sat there and used occasionally. They are built to be used, simple as that. That would be a concern if I had room for 10 bikes, they would all be used so little! 2 bikes is enough... for now.
Always keep a Thunderbird charged up, low cranking speed can cause issues with the sprag clutch. This year I have owned my 2002 Tbird 22 years, in that time the best mods I have done are Hagon progresive front springs and rear shock and a floating front disc with six piston caliper. More compliant ride, better through the bends, far better braking all on the standard engine. I will never sell the Tbird. She's not my only bike now, I have a scooter for work but when I sit the Tbird it's like a comfy pair of slippers, I feel at home.🙂
I know exactly what you mean. The bike is pure joy for me. I'll be doing some upgrades this year, sounds like the ones you mentioned are the way to go. I've heard about the sprag a few times from various owners. An absolute ball ache when that goes apparently!
Yep get one the Trident is awesome to ride I bought one cheap to sell on had a quick ride on it and now it’s part of the quiver of bikes it’s a 98 in blue and silver looks awesome in the sunshine ☀️
I also had a ‘98 blue and silver model. Always remember sitting in the dealers and hearing the sound of this bike coming round the building and clapping my eyes on what I thought was the best bike I had ever seen and thinking I should have bought one - until I realised it was the one I just had!
I'm Carl from South wales I had 99 sprint st it had 80000 thousand miles on the clock triple these engine go on for every I use to have 1975 t150 triple bCk in the 70s
Good luck with the running. Are you on Strava? If so, what's your account name? I'm getting back into running over the next few days too. No end game like you have (with the half and full marathons) but it'll be great to hit the road again, and get progressively fitter. What you call Harbourside used to just be called the Bristol Docks, up to when I left Bristol in 1983 (to join the army). The Arnolfini was the place to go in those days. Is it still there?
Hi Matt, that was great fun mate ,look forward to ya Bristol tour and havnt guessed what bike your getting🤷🏼♂️😄went to few gigs there many years ago, oh ye love bristol accent its girt lush is that what its called 😂😂
That's right mate. Saying 'gert lush'will get you some points at a local pub! The Bristol tour is in the planning stage. Thanks for the follow.
Nice to ride along with you this morning mate. I’m from Yorkshire but been in NZ 25 years. I have a 2003 Thunderbird. Done a few mods and love it to death. Its a keeper man ❤
One of the best bikes out there I think. You have the weather for riding now I guess? Not jealous or anything...
I have a 2008 Suzuki VStrom 650. It currently has about 140,000 miles on it. It has never had a problem other than tire changes, a new battery, and regular maintenance. It is so reliable that I can't part with it.
That's some miles. These bikes are built like tanks!
Just to say you a natural commentator and I really like your new approach. I I agree with you keep the Thunderbird you will not find a better bike. At 65 I’ve learned to enjoy what I have rather than chasing what you think is better. Good luck with your marathon and your channel.
That's very kind mate, thanks for the support. You are right about chasing the "other" bike. Never really satisfies.
@@AndrewandAlisonBell I'm 68
By the time I’m watching this I think you’ve already had 4” of snow, good timing. Last went out on Christmas Eve, bit cold then let alone now. Funny how we get attached to a machine. Love my VF (keeper) my VFR’s got 62k on it and forum members say it’s barely run in.
Thankfully the snow has gone already! Can live without that after about 13 years in Scandinavia! Mileage is just a number isn't it. A well maintained bike will roll over into 100k with no trouble.
Thanks Matt, as you say “Matt talking shit” but tell you what mate, you make me smile and for that, THANKS 👍
And for the record my guess is the new bike is something Harley 😉😂
Haha. Thanks mate. Wasn't going to put that in at the end, but when I heard it in the edit I found myself chuckling - had to stay. Glad you're enjoying it mate, I am too which makes it all worth it. Will be a fun and probably surprising bike reveal next week, (unless I go and find a huge pile of rust with some shiny paint on it!)
@@thebristolthunderbird 😂😂👍
Oh, looks like i'm the first one here! Good morning Matt. Happy New Year. Thanks for all from 2024, now have a happy, healthy, mile munching 2025 with the rubber side down. Steve in snowy Switzerland..
Happy new year mate! Wishing you and yours all the best for the coming year. Also thanks for the support!
You’re 100% right about the Thunderbird. Not many bikes beat it. Had mine for over than 25 years now and it’s like part of the family. Like you I’ll never sell it. I have two other bikes but the comfort and pleasure riding it is second to none. Slow speed city rides and errands I do prefer my V7 Guzzi though since it’s shorter and slightly lighter. Wish you and your family have a great year.
Thanks mate. I must admit those V7's look really nice, lower centre of gravity makes slow riding so much nicer.
@ unique design, air cooled engine, easy maintenance and that drive shaft instead of chain were all good reasons that drove me to the V7.
Gold wing! Your right about the Trident I have the 900 and it's all the bike I need underrated classic. I'm 71 now and still enjoy every ride on it. 😊
The Trident may well make it's way into my life at some point. It's a lot of bike for the money - possibly one of Triumphs best in terms of spec, reliability etc. It's great looking too.
Hi mate, great to see thre Tbird out again, mine is also 30 years old this year in May, make sure that battery is fully charged when starting the bike or it can cause sprag failure which on ours is an engine out and split job, Also the airfilter change is a pain but a must if its never been done like mine hadnt in 30k miles, i also did the valve shims myself which is ok to do (6 shims were very tight and out of spec causing a starting issue from cold) Now perfect. The trident 900 is a great bike (ive had one) Great video Matt, looking forward to the mystery bike 😃😎👍
I need to do all the general maintenance jobs, possibly shims too as there is a lot more smoke from right pipe than left for the first 5 mins or so (think that is indicative of that?) Love this bike.
@@thebristolthunderbird the right pipe being the 2 into 1 side? mine does a little from the 2 into 1 side, always has, i understand they all do this. Mine still does it even after doing my shims. But runs so much better and starts so much easier
@DaveOasist yea, it's the 2 into one side. Perhaps it's nothing then.
KE 175 I had one too excellent bike for on or off road. Used to round the cows up on it in Cornwall, I have a pic.
A great little bike. Wish I still had it.
I have the same issue Matt, I get tempted by other bikes and for good reason, as a biker if we could afford to have a garage full of motorbikes we definitely would. Then I do a check list and find the bike I already have meets the criteria. I just love to window shop older motorbikes as I find they have great lines and character.
edit - I have an oxford solar panel trickle charger for my bike saves having to plug it in and it keeps the battery topped up nicely.
Didn't know there was a solar panel option, smart! I'm a constant window shopper. Lillian often catches me sat looking at bikes in Facebook market place and eBay. I've always got a good reason to be tempted! You're right though, what we have is usually more than enough.
Happy New Year Matt. Good luck with the marathon, something to be proud of. I’m originally from Cardiff and I agree that Bristol is a great city. Your Bristol accent is not strong at all, you never say ‘gert’ or ‘formical’ 😂 KE175 I had one new in 79. Awesome little bike so sorry I sold it.
Happy new year to you and yours too. My oldest son has just bought a house in Cardiff, Riverside I think. Hopefully my little legs will handle the pounding of a marathon!
I have a Legend. As you know it is very similar to the Thunderbird, except the Legend have a lower seat height and 17" wheels (more and better options of tyres). I think its' cheaper because they replaced the chrome on the engine parts with a flat black paintjob.
The Legend is top heavy too, and I try to avoid making tight U turns.
All Triumphs of the T300 family are rocksolid and dependable if maintained. Easily making over 100K miles, and sounding great doing it. Great bikes!
Happy New Year :)
The 17" rear wheel does look a bit nicer I think, the sport has that too I think? They are simply great bikes - The Beefy Bonnie. I almost called the channel that actually! Might change it...
Happy New Year Matt! Love your Thunderbird, can see why your so attached! I had a Street Triple 675 loved it, but wanted brand new, so in November I traded for a Royal Enfield 350 Bullet as a downsize, now 1000 miles already and completed the first service myself, I wanted something with Character, I love the trident and am only 5ft 7, I was always racing against my ego with a fast bike, so now I can commute all year round on my modern classic and get up to 75mph on the short carriageway sections, good luck with your next purchase, your lucky to live in Gorgeous Bristol, I'm Horsham West Sussex which has the South Downs to ride around, all the best Dwayne
Those 350's are great bikes. Want to try and few this year, the RE and the new Honda. I know Horsham well, lived in Crawley from 93-95. Still have some great friends there, haven't been for a while though.
Hi Matt… are you aware of the statue of the man with his head in his hand set in an alcove at the top of Jacob’s hill? It’s dedicated to men’s mental health cast n a grey silver colour… with a little bear next to him…..an interesting piece of art and very subtle, before you get to QEH left hand side down the hill
I have seen it a number of times but never known what it is. That's cool to know, thanks.
I've done landmarks Half a few times, great event. Happy New year mate.
I am kind of looking forward to it a lot, slightly concerned too. The fitness side is just fine, being doing cross fit, weights, high intensity stuff for years. Running though!! Seems to mess my legs up so bad! Any tips just fire them over!
@@thebristolthunderbird I think the only things I can recommend is to miss training runs if anything is inflamed and hurting, whilst you brain tells you to do the run, it's ALWAYS a bad idea. And Ice even the slightest twinges after runs, then heat a few hours later, I use a wheat sack in the microwave. 100% go to a proper running shop and get some running shoes and get the gait checked if they have a machine, it all saves injury so well worth a few quid more than online. I use Hoka, they're amazing. Good Luck mate look forward to the videos 👍
As always great video lad happy new year
Cheers mate! Thanks for the watch.
Love your videos. I'm completely with you on getting 2024 done. I too struggled through the year.
As far as 2025 goes, I have actually started making plans which I've never done.
That's good to hear mate. Wishing you all the best for 25. Cheering you on from Bristol!
I was born in Newport and lived there til I was 18, I've lived in Oxfordshire 42 yrs now and a lot of people think I'm from Bristol 🤣🤣
Well we are basically neighbours, can get to Newport on about 30 mins I think. Our accents are quite different though, unless you've ended up with some hybrid version?
Same here bud I have the same T bird, I've just moved from Kent to Queensland oz, I said i would never sell her, so she's on the boat making her way here, probably cost me more then she's worth to be honest but gave up a lot to get here including a few bikes but I couldn't bring myself to leave her behind, I can't wait to get out on the roads here, I'm itching to get out and was also thinking of a big brother for longer trips with the Mrs so I've been looking at the thunderbird LT or commander,
My challenge this year is to get fitter and maybe stick some videos up on UA-cam of my journey if I can get the confidence to do so ,
Keep up the good work mate loving the videos, 👍
Thanks mate. That sounds like a nice move! Weather will be awesome for riding. I think my T'bird would have to follow me around the world too. All the best with the channel. My only advice is to simply press the record button and make it happen.
Goldwing 😉
Possibly. Not the one I was looking at though.
That was me asking for the Bristol English. can't wait for it 😛
Thank you very much for the video & tour 😀
Ah yes it was! There will be a short Bristol accent tutorial on the channel soon. Cheers!
@@thebristolthunderbird Thanks 😀
My scentiments exactly. Love my thunderbird. Couldent sell it either. Like selling a child. Totaly over built and engineered. All the best for the half and whole marathon👍
By the way brizzle isnt it?
Selling the T'bird would be impossible, too many memories. It's a beauty.
It is! Haha.
I live in Essex, but I have a very good mate in Weston super mare that I'll be visiting at some point. If that lasagne is still on the menu come the time I want to reserve a table 😂
Sounds good mate. When you're passing through drop me a line.
Have recently met a guy with a 23 y.o. T'bird, with 46'000 on the clock. A high mileage bike is often more reliable than one that sits in a garage for half it's life and then strikes when it has to work (his and my thoughts). Anyway, he says in the 10 years he's had it, it's never let him down, all he's ever done is fit the King 'n Queen seat, and had it regulary serviced. Cos of bad health, he now wants to sell. He reckons, if you can flat foot it, then the top heavy aspect is not such an issue. I asked him coz you mention it here at rugular intervals. I have two bikes I need to sell first, (bad times for selling 2nd hand, market is flooded with all sorts), If he still has it then, i'll be in touch with him again.
I agree with you. A used bike seems to have a better reliability record than something thats been sat there and used occasionally. They are built to be used, simple as that. That would be a concern if I had room for 10 bikes, they would all be used so little! 2 bikes is enough... for now.
Always keep a Thunderbird charged up, low cranking speed can cause issues with the sprag clutch.
This year I have owned my 2002 Tbird 22 years, in that time the best mods I have done are Hagon progresive front springs and rear shock and a floating front disc with six piston caliper.
More compliant ride, better through the bends, far better braking all on the standard engine. I will never sell the Tbird. She's not my only bike now, I have a scooter for work but when I sit the Tbird it's like a comfy pair of slippers, I feel at home.🙂
I know exactly what you mean. The bike is pure joy for me. I'll be doing some upgrades this year, sounds like the ones you mentioned are the way to go. I've heard about the sprag a few times from various owners. An absolute ball ache when that goes apparently!
Yep get one the Trident is awesome to ride I bought one cheap to sell on had a quick ride on it and now it’s part of the quiver of bikes it’s a 98 in blue and silver looks awesome in the sunshine ☀️
I also had a ‘98 blue and silver model. Always remember sitting in the dealers and hearing the sound of this bike coming round the building and clapping my eyes on what I thought was the best bike I had ever seen and thinking I should have bought one - until I realised it was the one I just had!
They are amazing bikes. It's sad (but probably good) that I only have room for 2 bikes!
Haha. The triple engine has such a great sound. The baffles in mine are going a bit which makes it sound even better when you open it up a bit.
Wells,Whales,Wales...no difference for a Bristolian.Good luck with your training .Richard (48k on the Honda 2017 CBX)
Haha. That's true, literally the same word for us! I blame the education...
I'm Carl from South wales I had 99 sprint st it had 80000 thousand miles on the clock triple these engine go on for every I use to have 1975 t150 triple bCk in the 70s
I do like the triple engine, plenty of character and loads of grunt. 80k and still running well. That's a good thing!
Im 68
Good luck with the running. Are you on Strava? If so, what's your account name?
I'm getting back into running over the next few days too. No end game like you have (with the half and full marathons) but it'll be great to hit the road again, and get progressively fitter.
What you call Harbourside used to just be called the Bristol Docks, up to when I left Bristol in 1983 (to join the army). The Arnolfini was the place to go in those days. Is it still there?
The Arnolfini is still there. Harbourside is a place full.of restaurants and cafes, walked around it today actually. Training just hurts right now...
Gold wing, as you mentioned it, or a Harley.
You're on to something there!
@@thebristolthunderbird Haha.