Sun Coast Cycle Sports carries inspected used parts for the 1998-2001 Triumph Legend TT, a budget-friendly cruiser based on the Thunderbird 900 triple. The Legend TT uses an 885cc liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder engine fed by three Keihin carburetors, producing a distinctive triple exhaust note in a stripped-down package with minimal chrome and a teardrop fuel tank. Each Legend TT component at our Florida shop is evaluated, photographed under its own SKU, and shipped free to buyers across the continental United States.
Legend TT generation and parts compatibility
The Legend TT had a short production run with minimal changes across its three model years.
| Years | Engine | Variants | Key Features |
|---|
| 1998-2001 | 885cc liquid-cooled inline triple, DOHC 12-valve | Legend TT (base), Legend TT Deluxe (1999+) | Satin black engine, megaphone silencers, 17" spoked wheels, 5-speed gearbox |
The Legend TT shares its 885cc triple engine with the entire Hinckley triple-cylinder family of the same era: the Thunderbird 900, Thunderbird Sport, Adventurer, and Trophy 900. Engine internals (crank, pistons, cylinders, gearbox, cam chain) interchange across all these models. The Legend TT's engine uses a detuned state of tune emphasizing low-end torque over peak power (69 hp vs 82 hp on the Thunderbird Sport). The detuning is achieved through cam profile and carburetor jetting, not different internal components.
The Legend TT's chassis is based on the Thunderbird 900 with modifications for cruiser ergonomics: a lower seat height, pullback handlebars, and forward-positioned foot controls. Many chassis components (frame, swingarm, forks, brakes) interchange with the Thunderbird 900 family, though the Legend TT uses 17-inch spoked wheels rather than the cast wheels found on some Thunderbird variants.
The Legend TT uses a completely different engine family (liquid-cooled DOHC triple) from the later Bonneville-based twins (790cc/865cc air-cooled parallel twin). No parts from the Bonneville family fit the Legend TT, and vice versa.
Common Legend TT failure points and replacement parts
Carburetor synchronization and pilot jet fouling: The three Keihin carburetors require periodic synchronization to maintain smooth idle and throttle response. Pilot jets can foul if the bike sits unused with fuel in the bowls. A three-carburetor synchronization tool (vacuum gauge set) is essential for proper tuning.
Regulator/rectifier failure: The early Hinckley triples share a regulator/rectifier susceptibility common to many Triumph models of this era. Overcharging can boil the battery; undercharging leaves the bike stranded. Aftermarket replacements with improved thermal management are available.
Rear suspension softness: The stock rear shocks on the Legend TT are widely considered underdamped for anything beyond gentle cruising. Aftermarket progressive-rate or adjustable shocks transform the ride quality.
Rear brake weakness: The single rear disc brake is shared with other Hinckley triple models and is a known weak point across the entire platform. The rear brake provides limited stopping power and fades under heavy use. Upgraded pads and a stainless steel brake line improve feel.
Cam chain tensioner (high mileage): The automatic cam chain tensioner on the 885cc triple can develop play at high mileage, producing a rattle on cold starts. Tensioner replacement is a straightforward maintenance item.
Commonly replaced Legend TT parts
- Regulator/rectifier
- Carburetor rebuild kits and pilot jets
- Rear shock absorbers
- Cam chain tensioner
- Exhaust megaphone silencers
- Clutch cable and plates
- Fork seals and steering head bearings
- Spoked wheel rims and spokes
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will Thunderbird 900 engine parts fit my Legend TT?
Yes. The Legend TT and Thunderbird 900 share the same 885cc liquid-cooled triple engine. All internal engine components (crank, pistons, cylinders, gearbox, cam chain, oil pump) interchange directly. The Legend TT's detuned power output comes from different carburetor jetting and cam timing, not different hard parts. The Thunderbird Sport's 6-speed gearbox can also be retrofitted into the Legend TT's 5-speed cases with the appropriate internals.
Q: Are Legend TT parts compatible with Bonneville-family models?
No. The Legend TT uses the 885cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline triple engine, which is an entirely different engine family from the Bonneville's air-cooled parallel twin. There is zero parts interchange between the two platforms. Frame, chassis, and bodywork are also incompatible due to different engine mounting configurations and chassis geometry.
Q: How rare is the Legend TT and are parts difficult to find?
The Legend TT was produced in limited numbers over just three model years (1998-2001). Model-specific bodywork (teardrop tank, megaphone silencers, seat) can be difficult to source. However, the engine and most mechanical components are shared with the much more common Thunderbird 900, which was produced from 1995-2004. Sourcing engine and chassis parts from Thunderbird donors significantly expands the available parts pool for Legend TT owners.
Inspected by Powersports Technicians • Only One in Stock • Ships Fast from Florida
