Launch report: Triumph Thunderbird
Ben Miller reports back from the world launch of Triumph's new cruiser
Triumph Thunderbird ... in dealers July 2009
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I'm at the launch of Triumph's Thunderbird, their new model aimed squarely at the Harley crowd. Thunderbird is a big name for Triumph, it was an iconic sporty model in the 50s which was then re-launched in the 90s.
Triumph have been pouring cash into developing their sportsbike range, with the ever-popular 675, but this model marks a point where Triumph have declared they're not ashamed of the past, so this bike is a big deal for them.
The price and specification of the Thunderbird aims it right at the Harley market, it's styled traditionally - it's not trying to be outlandish like the Rocket III. The 1600cc parallel twin engine feels strong but it's not the centre-piece like the engine on the Rocket III. Everything on this bike is very refined because they're not chasing outright performance. The engine itself is whisper quiet but it sounds good through the pipes.
The controls are nicely judged, there's nothing awkward in your field of vision. The gearbox is slick - you don't feel like you're shifting heavy cogs around like you might on a Harley. The handling is nice and precise and the bike works well with the Metzeler tyres which were developed with this bike in mind. The Thunderbird doesn't need wrestling around corners and it has a bit more of an edge to the ride quality over a Harley-Davidson Road King. You get the impression you can crack on down a country lane but then you realise the footpegs are but 3-inches from the ground.. The brakes are good, not too grabby and there's optional ABS should you need it.
I wish the Thunderbird had an bit more of a focus point to it, it's great when you get on a bike and one aspect, like the handling, or engine really stands out. On the Thunderbird everything takes equal place but that said, it's got a massive accessories catalogue that will enable you to treat the bike like a blank canvas and take it in any direction you fancy. The build quality is as you would expect from Triumph, it's a quality bike, solid and finished off well.
It's available in Silver, Blue or Black, with an stripe down the centre of the bike as an optional extra. the base model comes in at £9499 (£9794 with stripe) and the ABS model comes in at £10099 (£10394 with stripe).
Although it'll have limited appeal in the UK, the Thunderbird is sure to impress the US market and that's exactly what Triumph have in mind. It'll be in dealers for demo rides on the 7th July.
Discuss this story
Hi, eojmo Your words are make sense now. Good Speaking !
Posted: 15/05/2009 at 06:56
£300 for a stripe? Fuck! I bet the other accessories are dear then!
Posted: 15/05/2009 at 13:43
Eojmo, It won't have to be good to convert the USA market from Harley as Triumph is already cooler over there by a LONG way, always has been and this is exactly the sort of bike that will just dig even deeper into the Milwaukee Massives heartland. Sadly it's the Brits that can't see past the badge and think they need to buy HD, but then most of the people on them aren't buying a bike are they, they're buying a "lifestyle"!!!
Posted: 15/05/2009 at 15:21
lostboysaint I'm not sure on Triumph being cooler by a long way in the US than the Harley. I'm traveling Canada and the US at the moment on a new Bonneville,and it gets a lot of attention from old timers who owned Triumphs in the past but I think now they are a bit of a novelty bike and have a long way to go before they make a big dent in the Harley market. I met up with the Triumph owners club and they say the brand has improved and sales are increasing but not many of the guys liked the new Thunderbird design.The Rocket seems to have captured some could have been Harley buyers,but it dosent appear that the average Triumph buyer would have considered a Harley anyway. I hope Triumph can break into the cruiser market with the Thunderbird, but I think it will have to be a little more radical and stand out from the crowd to be any challenge to Harley.
Posted: 15/05/2009 at 19:50
I think the new Thunderbird will make a small impact on Harley Davidson sales but I think it will have a greater impact on Triumph America and Speedmaster sales. I’ve been thinking about getting a cruiser as a second bike for some time but haven’t quite convinced myself that Harley is the way to go; perhaps the new Triumph is the answer. A test ride should prove interesting. I like nearly everything about it with the exception of the rather silly name, “Thunderbird”, which conjures up images of a ridiculous American sports car and cartoon characters. I wonder if they gave consideration to the name, Thunderchicken…
Posted: 16/05/2009 at 07:58
All very well but when are Triumph going to build a proper sport-tourer to compete with the K1300GT, GTR1400 etc? With the dollar low and the euro high they'd be better off in the European market where Tiger and Speed Triple sales way exceed the cruisers. (The Sprint ST, a failed sports bike with added panniers, doesn't cut it for me.) 
Posted: 19/05/2009 at 18:52
Interesting comment about the Sprint ST and one that I'm bound to take issue with as I own one! It was never designed as a sports bike but rather to take on the VFR and the K engined S series BMW. Both of which, according to most people, it beats (character, value etc.) You are absolutely right about them failing to replace the Trophy with a proper tourer though.
Posted: 20/05/2009 at 08:32
Cooler than Harley in the US? Sort of.
Harley is still the king brand, and customs with one-off frames and S&S Engines are still regarded as Harley's. Yet, if you have a completely stock bike there is slightly more Kudos to Brit-iron and Cafe Racers than, say, a Softail Standard. The only problem I can see with the Thunderbird is the rear fender - too 'metric'. Where Harley have gone for the custom style 'slammed' look of cose fitting mud-guards, or else the kicked up bob-tail of the Crossbones, or integrated style of the V-Rod muscle; Triumph have stuck with the old style oversize look. The integrated taillight is a nice touch, but I can imagine many wanting to ditch the fender for another style one (and a solo seat). Ok, so customisation is the idea, but this is a fair payout when a lot of the competition doesn't need one as much.
Wouldn't take much to change it. Losing the straight bottom edge in favour of one that tracks the rear tyre would be a good start. Otherwise, good looking bike. Reportedly handles well. Big CC kit might seal the deal  
Posted: 20/05/2009 at 13:02
Interesting comment about the Sprint ST and one that I'm bound to take issue with as I own one! It was never designed as a sports bike but rather to take on the VFR and the K engined S series BMW. Both of which, according to most people, it beats (character, value etc.) You are absolutely right about them failing to replace the Trophy with a proper tourer though.
I knew someone would bite! I've only had a very short test ride on an ST, but at 6'4" it was too cramped for touring for me (+ Mrs + kitchen sink etc). Don't like the panniers & their mountings either. I'm sticking with my Daytona-spec Trophy until they make something that suits me better, or a used GTR1400 finds it's way to my garage. 
Posted: 20/05/2009 at 20:05
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