Triumph Thunderbird (2009)
2009 Triumph Thunderbird
CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 2009 Triumph Thunderbird. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 Triumph Thunderbird passes MOT at 91.2%, well above the UK average of 80%, suggesting these bikes are generally well-maintained and reliable. However, 17% have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which isn't severe but warrants a pre-purchase inspection of brakes and suspension.
These Thunderbirds show low mileage for their age—a median of just 13,145 miles—indicating many are weekend or leisure riders rather than daily commuters. With an average of 1.15 failures and 4.3 advisories per test, common issues tend to be minor; before buying, get a full service history and have an independent mechanic check the charging system and exhaust condition, as these are typical wear items on air-cooled cruisers.
What to check before buying a 2009 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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Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 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 2009 Triumph Thunderbird vehicles fall between 9,194 and 17,397 miles.
2009 Triumph Thunderbird — Still on the Road
67 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 77% 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 — 2009 Triumph Thunderbird
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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42.6%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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40.9%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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34%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.2%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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24.7%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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23.4%
Exhaust noisy
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23%
Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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22.1%
Exhaust noisy
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009. 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.