Triumph Thunderbird (2004)
2004 Triumph Thunderbird
CarHunch analysed 184 real MOT records for the 2004 Triumph Thunderbird. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 Triumph Thunderbird passes its MOT first time in 88.6% of cases, a solid 8.6 percentage points above the UK average, and dangerous defects are rare at 9.2%. This is a genuinely reliable classic that won't give you expensive shocks in the test bay.
These bikes are being ridden gently—median mileage of just 11,394 suggests most are cherished rather than commuted on—and the average of 1.42 failures per vehicle reflects well-maintained examples. Before buying, check the service history carefully since the 3.3 advisories per bike indicate these are high-mileage machines when they do clock up the miles, and Thunderbird parts can be pricey to source.
What to check before buying a 2004 Triumph Thunderbird
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Triumph Thunderbird
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 182 | 88.5% | 1.44 |
| Other (1%) | 2 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Triumph Thunderbird vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2004 Triumph Thunderbird vehicles fall between 6,098 and 16,998 miles.
2004 Triumph Thunderbird — Still on the Road
88 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 65% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Triumph Thunderbird
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
33.5%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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28.7%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
26.3%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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14.4%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
-
12.6%
Headlamp aim too low
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12%
Exhaust noisy
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11.4%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
10.2%
Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Triumph Thunderbird?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.