MotoService Log
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Triumph · Shim-adjusted overhead-cam four-stroke twin, wet sump, gearbox shares engine oil, belt drive

Thunderbird Commander (1699 cc)

Library entry covers 2014-2019

39 factory 46 guideline

Published source

Triumph Thunderbird Commander and LT owner's handbook (10.2013), scheduled maintenance pp.68-70

Factory owner's handbook. Covers Triumph Thunderbird Commander and Thunderbird LT owner's handbook (foreword names both), part no. 3852561, 10.2013; filed for the Thunderbird Commander.

85 items for a 2018 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)
Engine cycle
Four-stroke
Engine lubrication
Wet sump (oil in crankcase)
Oil filtration
Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear
Overhead cam, shim adjusted (incl. desmo)
Ignition
Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging
Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery
Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system
Fuel injection
Cooling
Liquid cooled
Primary drive
Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil
Shares engine oil
Clutch control
Hand lever, cable
Final drive
Toothed belt
Front suspension
Telescopic fork
Rear suspension
Swingarm, twin shocks
Front brake
Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake
Disc, hydraulic
Wheels
Cast / alloy, tubeless
Sidecar
No sidecar
Maintenance schedule

2018 Triumph Thunderbird Commander (1699 cc)

On the road: every 300 km

1 item
  • Check engine oil level
    Pre-ride / on the road
    Guideline

    Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 500 km

2 items
  • Check lights, horn, brake light switches
    Pre-ride / on the road
    Guideline
  • Check tire pressures
    Pre-ride / on the road
    Guideline

On the road: every 800 km

1 item
  • Check coolant level
    Pre-ride / on the road
    Guideline

Every 1,600 km or 6 months

1 item
  • Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes
    Wheels and tires
    Guideline

Every 4,000 km

1 item
  • Drive belt tension (check and adjust)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service; every 2,500 miles (4,000 km).

Every 5,000 km or 12 months

7 items
  • Check throttle cable(s) free play and return
    Fuel and air
    Guideline
  • Check steering head bearing adjustment
    Front end
    Guideline
  • Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots
    Front end
    Guideline
  • Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline
  • Grease and check center / side stand and springs
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline
  • Check brake pads and discs
    Brakes
    Guideline
  • Check wheel bearings for play
    Wheels and tires
    Guideline

Every 6,500 km or 12 months

2 items
  • Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs
    Engine
    Guideline
  • Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot
    Primary and gearbox
    Guideline

Every 8,000 km or 12 months

3 items
  • Change engine oil
    Engine
    Guideline

    Pre-1970 machines: many owners run non-detergent or classic-spec oil with no filter, so short intervals matter. Dry sump: drain the tank and the crankcase/sump, flush the tank and clean the feed and return screens.

  • Replace oil filter
    Engine
    Guideline
  • Inspect drive belt, pulleys and tension
    Final drive
    Guideline

Every 9,500 km or 12 months

7 items
  • Inspect coolant hoses and clamps
    Engine
    Guideline
  • Clean / inspect air filter
    Fuel and air
    Guideline

    Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.

  • Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out
    Ignition and electrics
    Guideline
  • Check swingarm bushes for play
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline
  • Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline
  • Lubricate control cables and lever pivots
    Controls and cables
    Guideline
  • Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive
    Controls and cables
    Guideline

    A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 10,000 km or 12 months

28 items
  • ABS and immobiliser ECMs, stored DTCs (check)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Autoscan with the Triumph diagnostic tool
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Coolant level (check and adjust)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km).

  • Cooling system leaks (check)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Drive belt wear or damage (inspect)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Engine leaks (check)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Engine oil (renew)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Engine oil filter (renew)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Fasteners, security (visual inspection)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Headstock bearings (check and adjust)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Lights, instruments and electrical systems (check)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Throttle bodies (balance)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Fuel system leaks and chafing (check)
    Fuel and air
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Clutch cable (check and adjust)
    Primary and gearbox
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Forks, leaks and smooth operation (check)
    Front end
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Steering free operation (check)
    Front end
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Side stand operation (check)
    Rear suspension and frame
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Brake calipers, fluid leaks and seized pistons (check)
    Brakes
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Brake fluid levels (check)
    Brakes
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Brake master cylinders, fluid leaks (check)
    Brakes
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Brake pad wear (check)
    Brakes
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Spoked wheels, broken or damaged spokes and spoke tightness (check)
    Wheels and tires
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Tire pressures (check and adjust)
    Wheels and tires
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Tire wear and damage (check)
    Wheels and tires
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Wheel and belt pulley bearings, wear and smooth operation (check)
    Wheels and tires
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Wheels, damage (inspect)
    Wheels and tires
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Exhaust butterfly valve cables (check and adjust)
    Controls and cables
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Throttle cables (check and adjust)
    Controls and cables
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every day; first service at 500 mi (800 km) or 1 month; annual service; 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km); 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

Every 10,000 km

1 item
  • Spark plugs (check)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 6,000 and 18,000 mi (10,000 and 30,000 km). Marked in the 6,000 and 18,000 mi column only.

Every 16,000 km or 2 years

1 item
  • Compression test (or leak-down)
    Engine
    Guideline

Every 19,500 km or 2 years

3 items
  • Replace air filter element
    Fuel and air
    Guideline
  • Synchronize throttle bodies
    Fuel and air
    Guideline
  • Grease swingarm pivot
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline

Every 20,000 km

6 items
  • Coolant (renew)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Headstock bearings (lubricate)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Spark plugs (renew)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Valve clearances (check)
    Engine
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Air cleaner (renew)
    Fuel and air
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

  • Fuel filter (renew)
    Fuel and air
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 12,000 mi (20,000 km); 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

Every 24,000 km or 3 years

1 item
  • Change fork oil
    Front end
    Guideline

    Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 24,000 km or 4 years

1 item
  • Check valve clearances (shim adjusted)
    Engine
    Guideline

Every 25,500 km or 4 years

1 item
  • Replace spark plugs
    Engine
    Guideline

Every 32,000 km or 4 years

2 items
  • Repack / replace steering head bearings
    Front end
    Guideline

    Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.

  • Repack / replace wheel bearings
    Wheels and tires
    Guideline

    Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 38,500 km or 4 years

1 item
  • Replace fuel filter
    Fuel and air
    Guideline

Every 40,000 km or 6 years

1 item
  • Replace swingarm bushes / bearings
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline

Every 40,000 km

1 item
  • Fork oil (renew)
    Front end
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: 24,000 mi (40,000 km).

Every 48,500 km or 6 years

1 item
  • Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs
    Front end
    Guideline

Every 80,500 km

1 item
  • Replace drive belt (wear or damage based)
    Final drive
    Guideline

Every 6 months

1 item
  • Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap
    Ignition and electrics
    Guideline

Every 2 years

5 items
  • Replace coolant
    Engine
    Guideline
  • Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points
    Ignition and electrics
    Guideline
  • Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks
    Rear suspension and frame
    Guideline
  • Brake fluid (renew)
    Brakes
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

  • Replace brake fluid
    Brakes
    Guideline

Every 4 years

4 items
  • Fuel and evaporative loss hoses (renew)
    Fuel and air
    Factory

    Factory: Scheduled maintenance (printed pp.68-70), odometer reading in miles (km) or time period, whichever comes first. Marked: every 4 years, regardless of mileage (evaporative system on California models only).

  • Replace fuel lines
    Fuel and air
    Guideline

    Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.

  • Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber
    Brakes
    Guideline
  • Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)
    Brakes
    Guideline

Every 6 years

1 item
  • Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)
    Wheels and tires
    Guideline

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.

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