2016 Triumph Thunderbird

Back to 2016 Triumph Motorcycle Model Review Page

Click photos to enlarge. Our big, clean bike pics make great desktop wallpaper.

2016 Triumph Thunderbird
2016 Triumph Thunderbird

2016 Triumph Thunderbird
2016 Triumph Thunderbird

2016 Triumph Thunderbird
2016 Triumph Thunderbird

2016 Triumph Thunderbird
2016 Triumph Thunderbird



2016 Triumph Thunderbird Review

2016 Triumph Thunderbird on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

Style, performance and control…

It’s a classy combination, but it only takes one look at the Triumph Thunderbird Range to instantly know they’ve got the lot. From making big miles disappear to dominating the urban landscape; whichever you choose, the world’s largest parallel twin engine has every answer.

Laid back and relaxed, the Thunderbird is everything a cruiser should be , but with a uniquely British touch. Twice awarded “Cruiser of the Year” by Cycle World, the Thunderbird combines classic cruiser styling with class leading chassis and engine performance.




2016 Triumph Thunderbird www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

•ABS
•Adjustable suspension
•Belt drive
•Liquid-cooled
•Self cancelling indicators

•Distinctive 1597cc, belt drive, parallel twin engine delivering 146Nm of torque at just 2750rpm.
•Overdrive sixth gear ratio delivers excellent fuel economy from long range 22 litre tank
•Low 700mm seat height delivers classics looks coupled with an easy riding dynamic
•Showa suspension and Nissin ABS brakes

The Thunderbird is available in:
•Phantom Black
•Lava Red/Silver Frost


 

 

 

2016 Triumph Thunderbird www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine


The Triumph Thunderbird engines look every cubic inch a classic cruiser motor, designed with Triumph’s unique, big-bore parallel twin twist. But don’t be fooled by the air-cooling fins. Because inside is a modern, high-performance, water-cooled power plant with sophisticated electronic fuel injection and engine management, built with Triumph’s cutting-edge quality and durability.

Configuration

With forged pistons the size of saucers, the Thunderbird’s 1597cc, Thunderbird Storm, Commander and Thunderbird LT’s 1699cc, eight-valve, water-cooled parallel twin is engineered with a 270° firing interval for a chunky, charismatic power delivery. Twin balance shafts soothe low frequency vibes, allowing the Thunderbird’s pulsating torque to be felt across the rev range.


Performance

At a colossal 1699cc, the world’s largest parallel twin engine powering the Triumph Thunderbird Commander and Thunderbird LT packs a mighty big punch, pounding out a remarkable 94PS and truly staggering 151Nm at 3550rpm. This barn-storming low down performance makes it the perfect engine for anything from effortlessly relaxed cruising across entire continents on the Thunderbird LT to cutting a domineering dash along today’s roads on the Thunderbird Commander. But with phenomenal overtaking power always on tap whichever gear you’re in, your Thunderbird is never found wanting.

The 1597cc Triumph Thunderbird motor thumps out a fulsome 86PS, but the real story is a whopping 146Nm of peak torque at a mere 2750rpm. Meanwhile the 1699cc Thunderbird Storm engine raises the bar even higher to 98PS and a simply colossal 156Nm of torque. It means both Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm’s low down power deliveries are specifically engineered to suit their chilled-out cruising vibe, but both bikes also come fully armed with serious performance under the tank to lay down the law when action is called for.


Gearbox-Transmission

The Triumph Thunderbird’s smooth, six-speed gear ratios deliver every ounce of the engine’s torque-rich performance, from the intense thrust of first gear right the way to an overdrive top gear for relaxed cruising and exceptional fuel efficiency. But with phenomenal overtaking power always on tap whichever gear you’re in, the Thunderbird is never found wanting.


Belt Drive

The Triumph Thunderbird belt drive, with carbon fibre in the belt and a tungsten carbide treatment on the rear pulley, has a higher tensile strength than steel and ensures snatch-free transmission with high durability and almost no maintenance compared to chain-drive. And it doesn’t need oiling.



Chassis

Overview


The Triumph Thunderbird’s dynamic engine demands an equally dynamic chassis with handling developed as a priority, not an afterthought. As a result, all Thunderbirds can supply relatively high levels of agility, control and precision usually unheard of in a cruiser, with plenty of ground clearance for when the ride gets interesting.


Suspension

Stylish on the outside, modern on the inside. The Triumph Thunderbirds feature chunky 47mm Showa forks with 120mm of travel. set-up and carefully matched to a pair of five-way preload adjustable shocks at the rear, with 109mm (LT & Commander) and 95mm (Thunderbird & Thunderbird Storm) of travel giving the right dynamic for everything from spirited solo riding to two up touring.


Chassis


Frame


The Triumph Thunderbird frame is built with a massively strong twin steel tube spine layout that utilises the engine as a strengthening factor, with optimised geometry to maintain user-friendly steering. But the frame also shows off the Thunderbird’s stunning parallel twin as the bike’s design focal point.

Wheels and Tyres

To match the Triumph Thunderbird Commander’s dominant presence on the road, yet retain its agile, user-friendly handling characteristics, a dramatic, fat-section 140/75 17in front tyre is fitted with a 200/50 17in at the rear, running on lightweight diamond-turned cast wheels. Meanwhile the Thunderbird LT features the world’s first white-walled radial tyres, developed exclusively for Triumph by British tyre manufacturer Avon. With a fat-section 150/80 16in front and 180/70 16in rear on stunning 56-spoke wire rims, they’re the ultimate in laid-back cruiser cool.


Wheels and Tyres Thunderbird and Storm

For guaranteed confidence leaning over in the corners, and to complement the Triumph Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm’s remarkable combination of low-down, cruiser style and easy, neutral handling, a pair of specially developed 120/70 front and wide-section, low-profile 200/50 Metzeler Marathon tyres are fitted to lightweight, five-spoke cast alloy 19in front and 17in rear wheels. The result is a no-compromise level of grip and feedback, plus the added bonus of that crucial fat-tyred look.


Handling

The Triumph Thunderbird delivers awesome engine performance. That’s why outstanding handling, in all situations and for all riders, is called for. The bikes are carefully developed to bring Triumph’s trademark light, neutral steering, easy low speed agility, and high stability and user-friendliness to the big cruiser class. High performance braking is also of prime importance, using twin Nissin four-piston calipers on 310mm discs at the front and a Brembo caliper and 310mm disc at the rear, backed up by sophisticated ABS.


Riding Position

The Thunderbird Commander instantly lives up to its name as soon as you get on. Wide, swept-back bars brace you against the world, forward-placed running boards and a low, deeply padded seat with double-layer, dual-density seat foam, settle you into a tough, yet laid-back, groove. If feels like you’re ready to take on the world – and win. The Thunderbird LT has the same footboards and deeply padded seat, but its high, pulled-back cow horn bars give a more steady, touring feel to its riding position. It feels like you’re ready to ride round the world – and win.

Being in control and being seen to be in control are what counts on the Triumph Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm. With forward footrests, double-foam low seat, and wide, pulled-back bars for a spacious riding position, they’re perfect for a quick Sunday spin, or comfortable on long trips, even two-up.



Style


Styling


Style matters, which is why the Triumph Thunderbirds stir emotions visually as well as on the road. From mechanical highlights like machined cooling fins, chrome covers and careful exhaust routing, to the aesthetics of diamond-turned cast wheels or wire spokes, deep fenders, hand-painted coach lines and lustrous body-colours, each Thunderbird is built with the quality and detailing you’d expect of a prestige Triumph cruiser. So whether you prefer the LT’s classic touring cruiser stance or the clean, elegant style of the Thunderbird Commander, you know your bike looks as good to everyone else as it does to you.



Accessories


Foot Board Kit

Make your riding position fit you with a pair of Triumph accessory footboards. The chromed tear drop rider footboards come with either plain rubber mats or with chrome line detailing, and are available for either rider and/or passenger comfort.(Image shows Thunderbird Commander foot board)


Luggage Rack

For added day-to-day convenience or solo longer trips, a high gloss, hand polished, multi-layer chrome plated luggage rack, fabricated from steel tubing, fits to the rear of the Triumph Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm (when the pillion seat is removed).


Dresser bars

Made from high quality, hand polished, triple-layer chrome plated tubular steel, engine dresser bars are available for the Thunderbird family both to enhance and offer maximum protection for your engine or the rear of your Thunderbird. Supplied complete with all mounting hardware.


Leather Panniers

Longer trips on the Triumph Thunderbird Commander will benefit from a pair of sumptuous, genuine leather, top-loading panniers with ample 52-litre capacity. Includes chrome plated, Triumph-branded buckles and hidden snap clips for ease of use.


Rider Comfort Seat

Covered with premium luxury Sky Renna fabric and with distinctive stitching detail, the long-haul rider seat delivers exceptional comfort over any distance. Designed to be installed together with the pillion comfort seat. (Image shows Thunderbird Commander Seat)


Silencer Kit

Available in long or short design, the High Flow silencer kit includes slash cut, tapered, triple-plated chrome silencers with improved gas flow for enhanced engine performance and a deeper exhaust note. Supplied with gaskets and replacement heat shield covers. Requires specific calibration to guarantee optimum performance. Off-road use only. (Image shows Thunderbird LT Silencer kit)


 

 


 

2016 Triumph Thunderbird – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD

Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
Capacity 1597cc
Bore/Stroke 103.8 mm / 94.3 mm
Compression 9.7:1
Max Power EC 86 Hp (63 kW) 4,850 rpm
Max Torque EC 146 Nm 2,750 rpm
System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, progressive linkage on throttle
Exhaust Chromed twin-skin stainless steel 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system with chrome plated silencers
Final drive Toothed Belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed
Frame Tubular Steel, twin spine
Swingarm Twin-sided, steel
Front Wheels Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 in
Rear Wheels Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6.0 in
Front Tires 120/70 R19
Rear Tires 200/50 R17 75W
Front Suspension Showa 47 mm forks. 120 mm travel
Rear Suspension Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95 mm rear wheel travel
Brakes Front Twin 310 mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear Single 310 mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Instrument Display and Functions Analogue speedometer featuring integrated rev counter, scroll button on handlebars, LCD trip computer, fuel gauge and clock
Width Handlebars 880 mm (34.6 in)
Height Without Mirror 1120 mm (44.1 in)
Seat Height 700 mm (27.6 in)
Wheelbase 1615 mm (63.6 in)
Rake 32 º
Trail 151 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight 308 Kg (679 lbs)
Tank Capacity 22L (5.8 US Gallon)
Urban * * 6.2 L/100 km (38.1 US MPG)
Constant Speed 56mph/90kph 4.2 L/100 km (55.8 US MPG)
Constant Speed 75mph/120kph 5.7 L/100 km (41.5 US MPG)




 


 

2016 Triumph Thunderbird – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN

Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
Capacity 1597cc
Bore/Stroke 103.8 mm / 94.3 mm
Compression 9.7:1
Max Power EC 86 Hp (63 kW) 4,850 rpm
Max Torque EC 146 Nm 2,750 rpm
System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, progressive linkage on throttle
Exhaust Chromed twin-skin stainless steel 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system with chrome plated silencers
Final drive Toothed Belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed
Frame Tubular Steel, twin spine
Swingarm Twin-sided, steel
Front Wheels Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 in
Rear Wheels Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6.0 in
Front Tires 120/70 R19
Rear Tires 200/50 R17 75W
Front Suspension Showa 47 mm forks. 120 mm travel
Rear Suspension Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95 mm rear wheel travel
Brakes Front Twin 310 mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear Single 310 mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Instrument Display and Functions Analogue speedometer featuring integrated rev counter, scroll button on handlebars, LCD trip computer, fuel gauge and clock
Width Handlebars 880 mm (34.6 in)
Height Without Mirror 1120 mm (44.1 in)
Seat Height 700 mm (27.6 in)
Wheelbase 1615 mm (63.6 in)
Rake 32 º
Trail 151 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight 308 Kg (679 lbs)
Tank Capacity 22L (5.8 US Gallon)
Urban * * 6.2 L/100 km (38.1 US MPG)
Constant Speed 56mph/90kph 4.2 L/100 km (55.8 US MPG)
Constant Speed 75mph/120kph 5.7 L/100 km (41.5 US MPG)





 

2016 Triumph Thunderbird – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £11699 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
Capacity 1597cc
Bore/Stroke 103.8 mm / 94.3 mm
Compression 9.7:1
Max power 86 PS/85 BHP (63 kW) 4,850 rpm
Max torque 146 Nm 2,750 rpm
System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, progressive linkage on throttle
Exhaust Chromed twin-skin stainless steel 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system with chrome plated silencers
Final drive Toothed Belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed
Frame Tubular Steel, twin spine
Swingarm Twin-sided, steel
Front Wheels Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 in
Rear Wheels Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6.0 in
Front Tyres 120/70 R19
Rear Tyres 200/50 R17 75W
Front Suspension Showa 47 mm forks. 120 mm travel
Rear Suspension Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95 mm rear wheel travel
Brakes Front Twin 310 mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear Single 310 mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Instrument Display and Functions Analogue speedometer featuring integrated rev counter, scroll button on handlebars, LCD trip computer, fuel gauge and clock
Width Handlebars 880 mm
Height Without Mirror 1120 mm
Seat Height 700 mm
Wheelbase 1615 mm
Rake 32 º
Trail 151 mm
Dry Weight 308 Kg
Tank Capacity 22 L
Constant Speed 56mph/90kph 67.1 MPG
Constant Speed 75mph/120kph 49.9 MPG



Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

About Michael Le Pard 10382 Articles
"Mr. Totalmotorcycle". Owner and Founder of Total Motorcycle, the World’s Largest Motorcycle Site with over 425 million readers since 1999. Total Motorcycle is my pride and joy and being able to reach 425 million people has been incredible and I could not have done it without the support of my visitors, readers and members...thank you so much! We are all making a difference to millions of riders worldwide.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply