Thunderbird Spares was started by Ian in 2007 after many years working  in the modern motorcycle trade for franchised dealers of the big names; Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi etc.

He had started out as a mechanic in a small classic bike restoration business in the 1980s and has had a lifelong interest in British bikes of the classic era, repairing, riding and developing them. Later as a parts manager in the modern motorcycle trade he had specialised in mail order parts and as the internet grew the potential for a really good mail order classic bike shop was obvious. 

After trying some of the auction site dealers to buy parts for his own machines it became clear that some of them were in it for a fast buck and didn't have any real technical knowledge let alone any inclination towards customer service.

He felt that there was a place for a web-shop that gave a fast international mail-order service but also be able to back it up with proper technical knowledge and real customer service so he started trading on an auction site to "test the water" . The response was overwhelmingly positive and after two years he was getting emails every week asking when the web-shop was opening.

Well, wait no longer, welcome to Thunderbird Spares!

We are based on an ex-Fleet Air Arm base near Preston in Lancashire and specialise in parts for classic Triumph and BSA motorcycles although there will be a number of parts suitable for other makes. Our range is expanding all the time but if you don't see the part you need please ask as we order weekly from our suppliers and may be able to get the part you need quickly.

We also provide an engine rebuilding and tuning service. We can either blueprint your engine to original spec or provide different levels of tuning to suit your requirements, we have a number of upgrades and improvements that are tried and tested that can be incorporated in the rebuild. All engine work is fully documented  and a copy of this is given to you at the end of the work. If you are interested in our engine service please ask but bear in mind we usually have a waiting list as it is a popular service.

We hope that you will enjoy dealing with us, please feel free to offer any suggestions for ways that we can improve our service and if you do want to compliment us then we like that too!

Triton glory days!                                                         Vintage 1980s workshop shot, Norvil Commando.

Before and after shots of our hard-working T100, parts supplied by us!

        
Tiger 100 engine rebuilt by us & tuned to race kit spec with dynamically balanced crank.