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2000 Triumph Thunderbird 900

Regular price $7,500.00

Only 1 in stock

CALL OR TEXT JR. (860) 471-0192

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Description

2000 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 900 

Gorgeous Original Cardinal Red & Chromium Silver Two Tone From The Terry Sprague Collection With Only 20,603 Miles One of the Finest For Sale in  The U.S.A.  $7,200 Just Invested; Fully Serviced, Tuned & Detailed Triumph OEM Stage 1 Mufflers Look & Sound amazing Triumph OEM Dealer Installed King Queen Saddle With Chrome Backrest and Pad 

Terry was a lifelong Triumph enthusiast with a particular passion for the early Hinckley-era Triumphs that helped resurrect one of motorcycling's most legendary brands. His collection included Four Modern Classic Triumph's, each meticulously maintained and carefully preserved.

This particular Thunderbird was the crown and jewel, Terry's pride and joy.

Finished in Triumph's stunning iconic cardinal red / Chromium silver paint scheme with hand finished gold coach line pinstriping,  classic garden gate Chrome Triumph tank badges, chrome wire-spoke wheels, and classic British styling, it captures everything enthusiasts loved about the iconic Triumphs of the 1960s while delivering the reliability, performance, and refinement of a thoroughly modern motorcycle.

At first glance, it looks like a vintage British roadster.

Twist the throttle and you'll quickly realize it's something entirely different.

The Motorcycle That Helped Save Triumph

Before the Bonneville revival became a global success, motorcycles like the Thunderbird 900 helped put Triumph back on the map.

Built in Triumph's modern Hinckley factory, the Thunderbird combined timeless styling with advanced engineering and exceptional reliability.

Powered by Triumph's legendary 885cc liquid-cooled DOHC triple-cylinder engine, the Thunderbird delivers approximately 70 horsepower with smooth, effortless torque throughout the rev range.

The engine produces one of the most distinctive exhaust notes in motorcycling.

With the Free Flow Mufflers installed Many enthusiasts consider the Thunderbird triple to be one of the best-sounding production motorcycles ever built.

One ride and you'll understand why.

Fully Recommissioned by Kaplan Cycles

Although Terry maintained the motorcycle beautifully, declining health and reduced riding over the past several years meant the bike sat a few years and now required a comprehensive recommissioning before being offered for sale.

When the motorcycle arrived at Kaplan Cycles, our lead A-Tech, Justin "Mr. Turbo," was assigned to go through the machine from top to bottom.

No shortcuts.

No guesswork.

No compromises.

The work included:

Fuel System

• Fuel tank drained completely
• Fresh VP94 ethanol-free fuel installed
• Airbox removed and thoroughly cleaned
• New K&N air filter installed
• Carburetors removed and fully disassembled
• Jets and passages cleaned
• Carburetors soaked and ultrasonically cleaned
• New float needles installed
• New float bowl gaskets installed
• Carburetors reassembled and synchronized
• Fuel mixture adjusted and tuned

Hydraulic Systems

• Front brake system flushed and serviced
• Front caliper bled
• Rear brake system flushed and serviced
• Rear caliper bled
• Hydraulic clutch master cylinder rebuilt
• Hydraulic clutch slave cylinder rebuilt
• Hydraulic clutch system flushed and bled

 

Electrical System

• Brand-new Yuasa battery installed
• Battery tender lead installed
• Complete electronic system inspection performed
• All switches, lights, and controls tested

 

Drivetrain & Service

• Oil changed with Amsoil synthetic oil
• New gold 530 drive chain installed
• Sprockets cleaned and serviced
• Tire pressures adjusted
• Full road testing completed

 

Everything works exactly as it should.

Cosmetic Preservation Service

This motorcycle was not cosmetically restored.

Instead, it received what we call a Preservation Service.

The goal was to retain the originality while presenting the motorcycle at its absolute best.

The bike received:

• Full rotisserie detail
• Steam cleaning
• Degreasing
• Chrome polishing
• Exhaust polishing
• Engine cover polishing
• Rim polishing
• Spoke cleaning
• Paint correction
• Complete buff and wax treatment
• Swingarm refinishing
• Center stand refinishing
• Side stand refinishing

The result is one of the nicest original Thunderbirds we've seen in years.

Condition

The paint is original.

The chrome is spectacular.

The gauges remain crystal clear.

The switchgear looks nearly new.

The wire wheels are beautiful.

The motorcycle shows only 20,603 miles and presents as a machine that has been carefully loved and properly maintained throughout its life.

Being completely transparent, there are a few minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with a 26-year-old original motorcycle:

Full Disclosure 

• Small tank ding
• Minor belt-buckle style scratch near the tank

Neither detracts from the overall presentation.

This is an exceptionally honest motorcycle.

Ride Quality

This is where the Thunderbird shines.

Compared to many motorcycles from the same era, the Thunderbird feels remarkably refined.

Features include:

• Liquid-cooled triple-cylinder engine
• Six-speed transmission
• Hydraulic clutch
• Modern rear monoshock suspension
• 41mm front forks
• Powerful front disc brake
• Comfortable upright ergonomics

At highway speeds, the bike is smooth, stable, and comfortable.

Cruising at 80+ mph is effortless.

Put your significant other on the back seat and head for the coast. That's exactly what these motorcycles were built to do.

Why Collectors Love These

The early Hinckley Triumphs are becoming increasingly collectible.

They represent:

• The rebirth of Triumph Motorcycles
• Bulletproof engineering
• Timeless styling
• Unique triple-cylinder performance
• Outstanding reliability

Many examples routinely exceed 100,000 miles on their original engines.

They were simply built right.

Investment Summary

Professional Shop Labor:

46 Hours

Shop Labor Value:

Approximately $6,900

Parts Installed:

$363

Total Recommissioning Investment:

Over $7,200

This does not include transportation from Chicago, acquisition costs, detailing supplies, administrative expenses, or the original value of the motorcycle itself.

The Opportunity

We Just Invested $7,200 in parts and labor into this classic Triumph,

And Thunderbirds are gaining in value every day, a 2001 model sold on Bring a Trailer Recently for $8,700 and another one for $6,600, with average condition daily riders trading in the 3k to 5k range.

Finding a 26 year old Thunderbird 900 in good running condition is not easy.

Finding one with documented ownership history, careful stewardship, original cardinal red and chromium paint, with low mileage, that just received a $7,200 complete Kaplan Cycles recommissioning is another story entirely. 

This motorcycle needs absolutely nothing.

Turn the key.

Hit the starter.

Listen to that legendary Triumph triple come to life.

Ride it anywhere.

Whether you're a Triumph collector, vintage motorcycle enthusiast, or simply someone looking for one of the most charismatic motorcycles ever built, this Thunderbird delivers on every level.

Call Kenny Jr. at 860-454-7024 with any questions.

Licensed and insured nationwide shipping is available.

Financing is available.

A beautiful British classic, ready for the next chapter of its story.

God Bless America.

And God Bless this Modern Classic 2000 Triumph Thunderbird 900

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”


AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192


We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.


Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.

Congratulations! You qualify for free shipping!
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