TRIUMPH LEGEND TT (1998 - 2000) Review

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £130

reliable and comfortable

Buying experience: dealer

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £60

It is very primitive, and I'm not writing that as a fan of any modern bikes. Compared to my Gpz Kawasakis from the '80's, it seems pretty basic. However that simplicity does mean it's easy to service. Bucket and shim valves are a pain, and although removing the carbs to get at the air filter sounds mad, it actually takes about 10 minutes. Chain adjustment lacks the eccentric spindle of other triumphs and old kawas, which is sad. Two bolts undo the seat, no fuel guage, no centre stand, no lock on tank cap, very basic and harsh suspension, but a surprisingly good ride.

Buying experience: Bought privately; I'm the 5th owner, so I was suspicious, but it seems it was just a neglected toy. I've put a few miles on it now to feel easier about it. I payed £2k in 2013. Hope it's worth a bit more now. It is certainly popular; every time I park it someone makes me an offer. I don't quite understand that, for a primitive semi-retro. However, it has a lot more poke than a new Bonneville; maybe that's it.

Year: 2000

not a lot of accessories

Buying experience: I saw it I wanted it!

The MCN Review says "Plain & Dull" - for me it is "Restrained & Classy".....if I'd wanted to ride around covered in shiney stuff I'd wrap myself in tin foil - or buy a Harley :-) But of course different strokes for different folks........ I bought the Triumph Legend (year 2000 with 15000 miles on the clock) on impulse in July 2008, no great love of Triumphs or British Bikes but the bike just looked right.....plus a 900cc triple - what's not to like! Have done around another 3000 miles mainly short urban commute. Not the fastest bike in the world, but loads of character and a relaxed riding style. Nice and slim for traffic splitting. Brakes are ok, but not up for floating rear wheel "stoppies".....but bike does not encourage that sort of riding even though plenty of grunt when wanted, albeit cornering is slightly behind the engine - which seems to flatter the rider. One of those bikes that is better than the sum of it's parts, so I will be keeping the Triumph for another few years at least - even if joined in the stable by others. The only mod I have done is fit some new (Triumph OE) exhausts - the intermediate versions, not stamped for road use, but sound classy noisey with more than a bit of base. Like a 900cc Triumph Triple. Makes me smile riding the bike :-)

With new pipes I'm finding this triple engine to have all the push i need. The stock suspension is mushy. I've broken the rear turn signals off twice now so a light mount a little less rigid would be better. Overall, very comfortable and fast enough. For the price its a great way to get into a Triumph with classic style but more HP than the new Bonny.

With new pipes I'm finding this triple engine to have all the push i need. The stock suspension is mushy. I've broken the rear turn signals off twice now so a light mount a little less rigid would be better. Overall, very comfortable and fast enough. For the price its a great way to get into a Triumph with classic style but more HP than the new Bonny.

Despite the fact that I bought the Legend because its seat height suits my not so leggy legs, and I think it looked and sounded great, everyone who has ridden it has been pleasantly surprised by what a decent bike it is. The Legend handles well and is deceptively quick if you want it to be. But if, like me, you love the sound the triple makes and want a comfortabe blast round some country roads its quite happy to do that too. I picked it up at a good price after a few years away from bikes and everytime I ride it I'm glad I puruaded the misses it was a good idea for me to get back on a bike!