TRIUMPH ADVENTURER 900 (1995 - 2002) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Power: 70 bhp
Seat height: Low (29.5 in / 750 mm)
Weight: Medium (485 lbs / 220 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Adventurer is a glitzy, cruiser style version of the Thunderbird. It’s an OK motorcycle, thanks mostly to the stupendous Triumph triple engine, but the Triumph Adventurer is about as cool and stylish as purple velvet loon pants.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Triumph Adventurer is more laid back, quite literally, than the Thunderbird thanks to a 19 inch front and 16-inch rear wheel combo, longer forks and higher bars. The Adventurer's handling can’t match the slice and dash of the T-bird but it’s reasonable, nevertheless and undoubtedly smooth.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

For our money, along with the T-bird, the engine in the Triumph Adventurer is one of the best incarnations of the original big Hinckley triple. The 885cc motor has been detuned from Trident and Trophy spec to give even more low down oomph. Wound open the Triumph Adventurer's engine sounds like a squadron of Lancasters and with restyled chromy and curvy engine cases it looks the business too. A classic.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

From around 1993 onwards, Triumph quality moved on apace – and it certainly shows with the Thunderbird and Adventurer. Paint and chome is thick, fit and finish is generally good and those early triples are basically over-engineered so are tough as old boots too…

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

There aren’t that many Triumph Adventurers about (it was primarily built for the American market) but even so, in the UK at least they’ve depreciated faster than the more popular T-Bird making the Triumph Adventurer good value. Comparable Japanese bikes are generally cheaper, though… Find a Triumph Adventurer for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Nothing to write home about. The Triumph Adventurer has twin dial clocks in a retro style, decent enough mirrors, capable switchgear and that’s about it. Compared to the T-Bird the Triumph Adventurer has megaphone pipes, a ‘fat bob’ rear fender (mudguard) plus different tank badge and knee pads.

Specs

Engine size 885cc
Engine type 12v transverse triple, 6 gears
Frame type Steel tube spine
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 750mm
Bike weight 220kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake 285mm disc
Front tyre size 110/80 x 18
Rear tyre size 160/80 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 44 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost -
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 13 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 70 bhp
Max torque 53.1 ft-lb
Top speed 120 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 13.4 secs
Tank range 165 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1995: Triumph Adventurer launched.
1997: Triumph Adventurer now with lower handlebars. Rear sissy bar now standard. New style seat.
1998: Triumph Adventurergets new sub frame. New wheels. Repositioned side panels. Lower seat.
2001: Triumph Adventurer discontinued.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH ADVENTURER 900 (1995 - 2002)

4 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH ADVENTURER 900 (1995 - 2002) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH ADVENTURER 900 (1995 - 2002)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
4 out of 5
30 May 2023 by Jolle judge

Version: Gold/white with single seat and pillion seat

Year: 1996

Eyecatcher, fun to ride at modest speed.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Comfortable although the steering geometry with the mini apehanger bars dont inspire the more spirited ridning in the twisties. Braking power not great but totally adequate.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is a gem, plenty of torque low down, sounds great.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Had to change coils, apart from that no issues.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Low cost for insurance.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Pretty basis, as to be expected. Equipped with original leather panniers and two windscreens, which i dont use.

4 out of 5 Love it, looks good and nice comfy ride.
06 October 2021 by Golly

Year: 2002

Delightful bike to cruise around on. Looks good and catches many an eye. Engine is very reliable sounds like a box of spanners on tick over but has a fruity roar when opened up.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Scored it quite low due to fuel consumption and ony getting about 160 miles from a full tank aprox 44mpg. Genuine parts are obviously expensive on a bike of this age

Equipment 4 out of 5

Come on, No low fuel light !!

Buying experience: Private very good buy at £3500 will only go up in value over the years.

5 out of 5 great bike
07 April 2008 by theo kuiper

my adv. is a ltd ed. build in 1998. my wife and i are travelling all trough out europe .since than it rode over 170.000 km. with out any serious problem. great isn't regards Theo Kuiper netherlands

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 I love my Adventurer
03 March 2008 by gp61

The motor is, of course, the jewel here, but the rest of the bike is very nice as well. Other riders often ask me about the bike, and I have not come across another one in my travels. It is a very unique motorcycle that has proven to be very reliable and enjoyable to ride. The forks are a bit soft, but nothing that stiffer springs will not cure. The rear shock is a bit harsh on the hacked up roads around New England, but I fitted a ZX7 shock and all is well.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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