1998 Triumph Thunderbird 0.9L Petrol · S421 AFB
1998 Triumph Thunderbird (0.9L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 18,922 miles. MOT expired on 15 Nov 2022. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Nov 2022
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 18,922 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S421 AFB Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/11/2021
- 18,922 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S421 AFB MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1998 Triumph Thunderbird (S421 AFB) between November 2021 and November 2021.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution. While the
The most critical point of negotiation and inquiry is the gap in the MOT history. You must establish why the vehicle has not been tested since 2021 and whether it has been stored in a climate-controlled environment or left dormant. Request all available service invoices to see if maintenance continued during the period where no MOTs were recorded.
Given the age of this 1998 model, check for evidence of fuel system degradation or battery failure resulting from long-term inactivity. If the bike has been sitting, budget for a full fluid flush and a comprehensive mechanical overhaul before attempting to ride it on the road.
Running costs for an 885cc petrol classic are generally moderate. Fuel economy will be typical for a 1990s large-capacity twin, and road tax for this era is usually affordable. Insurance costs will depend on the rider's profile, though the bike may qualify for classic vehicle policies which can be more economical.
Maintenance costs can be unpredictable for older Triumphs, as some specific parts for the 1998 Thunderbird may require sourcing from specialists. Expect annual costs to be higher than a modern equivalent due to the age-related upkeep required for a 28-year-old machine.
Focus your inspection on components that degrade with time rather than use. Specifically, check the tyres for cracking or 'flat spots' and inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion, as the 2021 MOT pass is now outdated. Ensure the fuel tank is free from internal rust, which is common in bikes that have been stored for several years.
While the 2021 test recorded no defects, you should now manually check all electrical connections and lights for corrosion. Inspect the frame and engine casings for signs of oxidation or leaks that may have developed since the vehicle was last officially inspected.
This black 1998 Triumph Thunderbird 885cc has a very sparse MOT record, with only one entry provided: a pass in November 2021 at 18,922 miles. The absence of any MOT data between late 2021 and September 2026 is a primary concern for any buyer. While the mileage recorded five years ago was relatively low for its age, the current state of the vehicle is undocumented.
There is no aggregate MOT data available to provide a general reliability assessment for the Triumph Thunderbird.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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