Advertising

Motorcycle News

Subscribe to Ultimate MotorCycling Magazine

Facebook Subscribe Twitter Free RSS Polls eMail

Advertising

Advertising

Advertising

Triumph Thunderbird... SE offers Versatility

Staff
04/16/2010

Click the images below for bigger versions:
Triumph_Thunderbird_SE 1.jpg
Triumph_Thunderbird_SE 2.jpg
Triumph_Thunderbird_SE 3.jpg
Triumph_Thunderbird_SE 4.jpg
Triumph_Thunderbird_SE 5.jpg

Commuter Features

Triumph's all new Thunderbird debuted to rave reviews for its comfort, styling and performance. The venerable British marque has now upped the ante with the Thunderbird SE, a limited edition model that comes ready for daily commuting and week-long road trips.

The 1600cc (98 cubic inch) Thunderbird SE comes with special Carnival Red paint, Triumph's sophisticated anti-lock braking system (ABS), a quick detach touring windshield with wind deflectors, leather saddle bags, touring seat, quick detach passenger back rest with luggage rack, and rider and passenger floor boards. MSRP is $14,999, which represents a value of nearly $1,600 compared to purchasing each of the accessories individually.

"The all new Thunderbird was designed so customers could easily tailor the bike to fit their individual tastes and riding styles," said Jim Callahan, North American Marketing Manager for Triumph Motorcycles. "We created the Thunderbird SE to feature the most highly desired touring accessories and a stunning new paint scheme. Best of all, it's scheduled to arrive at Triumph dealerships just in time for summer."

The parallel twin engine cruiser has won rave reviews by the motorcycle enthusiast press. The Thunderbird's unique parallel twin engine produces 85 bhp and more than 100 ft.lbs. of torque, which is transferred to the ground through a six-speed transmission, belt final drive and a meaty 200mm rear tire. Dual front disc brakes with braided stainless steel brake lines are standard for sure-footed stops.

North American riders will appreciate the Thunderbird's relaxed riding position, forward mounted controls, pull back handlebars and agile suspension. An elegant instrument cluster with integrated speedometer, tachometer and odometer is mounted on a shapely 5.5 gallon gas tank that promises many miles of riding between fill-ups.

Also available for a limited time is the Thunderbird 1700, which features the optional ‘big bore' 1700cc (104 cubic inch) engine upgrade, which increases peak power 99bhp. The bike also comes standard with ABS and features a stunning Phantom Red Haze paint that is exclusive to this model. MSRP is $14,799.

The full range of Triumph motorcycles are available at authorized Triumph dealers throughout North America. To find your local Triumph dealer, please visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.

Comments

I love the bike. It's "different" enough from the standard fair to really fit my personality.But I won't buy one. The reason: not enough bag space. A Kawasaki Nomad has almost as much storage capacity in ONE bag as the Thunderbird does in two. If Triumph will drop the angle of the pipes to allow a much deeper bag then there would be a Triumph in my garage NOW! That is definitely the single and only show stopper for me in spending $$ on a Thunderbird. Aside from that I really love the bike.

Been loving my new SE-a pair of driving lamps are standard and you can fit a brighter bulb that won't last as long.For real night driving you need a set of PIA lamps at least. The factory light bar really makes a bigt difference at night. Twin lamps are possible. It's not a question of can you put something on a bike,boat or plane but really how much and how long to do it! Like you mentioned it's a matter of preference. My heel toe shifter did not make it out of the dealers parking lot. This bike handles like a sportbike. The main problem with mine is that I work full time and have family responsibilities and can't ride as often as I would like to!

Perhaps the weakest part of the new Thunderbird is the rather anemic, small headlamp, that is plain inadequate on low beam. The solution may be to install twin headlamps or one from a Harley Davidson parts department. The motorcycle is fast, shifts very smoothly, tracks like an arrow, gets great mileage on regular gas, and can stop with its anti-lock brakes. The headlight needs a fix. Most other concerns are cosmetic, or just a matter of personal preference. The heel/toe shifter is a nice touch. This bike is very well priced and a viable choice option to the Company for many riders.

Nice bike but I wish Triumph would put a nice ,distinct gas tank badge to set the bike out from the crowd one on the lines of the Bonni.