2000 Triumph Thunderbird 900 

A Mint Original Survivor  

 From The Terry Sprague Collection 

Fully Serviced, Tuned & Detailed Classic British Triple

Feast your eyes on another diamond from the Terry Sprague Collection out of Chicago.

Terry was a lifelong Triumph enthusiast whose garage housed a collection of exceptional Hinckley-era Triumphs, including two beautiful Thunderbird 900s. Sadly, health issues forced Terry to give up riding, so he entrusted Kaplan Cycles with finding forever homes for his beloved collection.

Unlike many collector motorcycles that spend their lives hidden away, Terry enjoyed this bike exactly the way Triumph intended.

This was his touring Thunderbird.

The one he used to take his wife for weekend rides.

The comfortable one. The smooth one.

The one built for making memories.

And after one ride, you'll understand exactly why he loved it.

Classic British Style – Modern Engineering

At first glance, this Thunderbird looks like it rolled straight out of the 1960s.

The massive two-tone fuel tank.

The iconic Cardinal Red and Chromium Silver paint.

The gold pinstriping.

The oversized Triumph tank badges.

The chrome wire-spoke wheels.

The knee pads.

The sweeping chrome exhaust system.

Everything about it captures the spirit of a classic British roadster.

But beneath that timeless styling lies something far more sophisticated.

The Thunderbird is powered by Triumph's legendary 885cc liquid-cooled triple-cylinder engine featuring:

 

Producing approximately 70 horsepower, it delivers performance comparable to many modern retro motorcycles while maintaining the unmistakable character that made Triumph triples famous.

One of the Best Exhaust Notes in Motorcycling

Ask Thunderbird owners what they love most and many will give the same answer:

The sound.

The Triumph triple produces an exhaust note unlike anything else on the road.

Smooth, Mechanical, Distinctive & Authentically British.

Many enthusiasts consider it one of the finest-sounding production motorcycles ever built.

While this example retains its original exhaust system for quiet touring comfort, anyone familiar with these motorcycles knows that a set of Triumph Stage 1 pipes transforms the soundtrack into something truly unforgettable.

Fully Serviced by Kaplan Cycles

Although Terry maintained the motorcycle exceptionally well, several years of limited riding required a thorough recommissioning before offering it for sale.

Our A-tech Aaron went through the motorcycle from front to rear to ensure everything operated exactly as it should.

Services performed include:

Fuel System

 

Engine & Drivetrain

 

Electrical System

 

Controls & Hydraulics

 

Everything functions exactly as Triumph intended.

Cosmetic Preservation Service

Following mechanical servicing, the motorcycle underwent a complete rotisserie detail.

Services included:

The result is one of the cleanest original Thunderbirds on the road.

Condition

The motorcycle presents beautifully.

Highlights include:

 

The tires were replaced by Terry years ago but saw very little use afterward, less than 200 miles on them.

The rear tire still retains many of the original molding nubs, a testament to how little the motorcycle has been ridden since replacement.

Why These Are Becoming Collectible

The Thunderbird 900 occupies a unique place in Triumph history.

These motorcycles helped establish the modern Triumph brand and paved the way for the enormously successful Bonneville lineup that followed.

Collectors increasingly recognize their importance because they offer:

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

They're known as some of the most durable motorcycles Triumph has ever built.

This one with documented ownership history, original paint & clean title has received a complete Kaplan Cycles recommissioning.

Turn the key.

Hit the starter.

Listen to that legendary Triumph triple come to life.

Then point it toward your favorite back road and enjoy one of the finest Classic British motorcycles of the modern era.

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

Licensed and insured nationwide shipping is available.

Financing is available.

A beautifully preserved British classic from the Terry Sprague Collection, ready for its next caretaker.

God Bless America.

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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”

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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

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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.

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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.