Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Importers

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1990s Triumph Thunderbird 900 Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Hinckley-built Triumph Thunderbird 900 (885 cc triple) arrived in the mid-1990s as a classically styled roadster with modern reliability. Smooth torque, relaxed ergonomics and period British looks helped it become a UK favourite. From 1998 the Thunderbird Sport added higher-spec suspension and brakes plus extra power and twin high-level silencers, and it now commands a premium with collectors. Many UK bikes were used for real-world riding and touring, so service history and originality now separate average examples from the best.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and year/variant)

Condition	Early Standard (1995–1997)	Late & Sport (1998–2003 incl. Thunderbird Sport)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; may need top-end work, carb overhaul, brakes and cosmetics	£1,800 – £2,800	£2,200 – £3,200	Car & Classic – Triumph Thunderbird archive; eBay UK completed listings
Roadworthy / Presentable Running and usable; typical wear, older tyres/exhaust, minor mods; tidy riders	£3,200 – £4,800	£4,000 – £6,000	H&H Classics – Motorcycle results archive; Iconic Auctioneers – bike sales
Restored / Excellent Very original or fully refreshed; strong history; stock silencers and bodywork	£5,500 – £7,500	£6,500 – £8,500	Bonhams – Motorcycle auctions; The Saleroom – multi-house results

Notes: The Thunderbird Sport typically sits 10–20% above an equivalent-condition standard model. Low-mileage, unmodified late bikes with full dealer/service records sit at the top end. Imports with corrosion or missing history tend to fall 10–15% below midpoints.

Value Influencing Factors

• Variant & year: 1998–2003 and especially the Thunderbird Sport command a premium over early standard models.
• Originality: Factory paint, instruments, indicators, mirrors and stock silencers add value; aftermarket cans or chopped rear guards reduce it.
• Mileage & usage: Genuine low-mile bikes with continuous MOT history outperform high-mile commuters and winter-used examples.
• History file: Invoices, stamped service book, old MOTs and handbooks/tool kit strengthen buyer confidence.
• Mechanical condition: Carb balance/diaphragms, charging system (reg/rec), radiator/fan, brake caliper seals and cush-drive rubbers are common attention points.
• Accessories & taste: Period luggage and screens are neutral; heavy customising or loud pipes can cap values.

Conclusion

The UK market treats the Thunderbird 900 as a usable modern classic. Projects start around £1.8–2.8k (early) and £2.2–3.2k (late/Sport). Roadworthy riders typically change hands at £3.2–4.8k (early) or £4–6k (late/Sport). Collector-grade, very original examples achieve £5.5–7.5k (early) and £6.5–8.5k (late/Sport), with the best Sports at the top end when stock and well documented. Buyers consistently reward originality, low mileage and a thick history file.

Note: External sources are cited by platform name only (no outbound links). Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from sale records at the time of writing.

All Valuations