2010 Triumph Thunderbird

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2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

– 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Triumph Thunderbird

Sixty years since the original Thunderbird, Triumph has once again combined intuitive handling, cool style and a rebellious attitude to create an immediate icon. The 2010 Thunderbird is an all new 1600cc twin cyclinder cruiser that delivers an authentic riding experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

Triumph has unveiled the all-new Thunderbird cruiser that will join the 2010 model line-up.

Triumph also unveiled the all-new Thunderbird at the Global Dealer Conference. The eagerly-anticipated cruiser is set to go on sale next summer and is an important addition to the company’s cruiser range.

Designed to take on the best in the cruiser category, combining sleek and modern custom styling with strong performance and great dynamics, the Thunderbird delivers an authentic cruiser experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

Triumph’s Thunderbird features an all-new 1599cc parallel twin-cylinder motor with six-speed gearbox and belt drive. The engine, with a bore and stroke of 103.8 x 94.3mm, will develop in excess of 75bhp in standard trim and produces more than 100 lb/ft of torque.

The Thunderbird will be offered with an extensive range of official accessories for riders who wish to tailor the bike to their individual needs. Whether they want a stripped-down and chromed-up hot rod with muscular performance or a fullydressed classic style custom-tourer for two-up touring, Triumph’s accessory range lets the rider customise the Thunderbird to their individual tastes. An ABS option will also be available.

Triumph will announce the confirmed price and specifications for this 2010 model to the press this month. However, you don’t have to wait to find out. You can bring home your new standard Thunderbird for an MSRP of only $12,999USD in the US or $15,399CAN in Canada. Or get the premium ABS model for an MSRP of only $13,799USD in the US and $16,399CAN in Canada.

 

Features & Benefits

Engine – The new Triumph Thunderbird, powered by an all new parallel twin 1600cc/98 inch water cooled engine, beats a rhythm of primal appeal. Open up the throttle to enjoy immense torque at low revs, because you want the shove without the scream and the glide without the grate. But it’d be a crime not to ride slow enough now and again for everyone to cast a long, envious stare in your direction.

Brakes – All that ‘go’ is balanced out with a whole world of ‘stop’. Dual front discs deliver the message from hand to wheel so smoothly and progressively that braking feels more intuitive than responsive. And those seeking the ultimate in control and peace of mind have the option of adding ABS.

Wheels – The cast aluminium 19 x 3.5 inch front and 17 x 6 inch rear 5-spokes are machined with such precision that you can see your face in them. And when you’ve created a thing of such beauty, you don’t slap any old piece of rubber on it. The Thunderbird team worked with Metzeler to develop bespoke profiles, with the rear being engineered to give it a look that means business at no expense to that trademark Triumph handling.

Instruments and Lighting – Fitting that a bike which tells you more about the road also tells you more about your journey, with class-leading functionality. The tank has a large speedo, integrated tacho, two trip meters and fuel gauge, set in a chromed nacelle and proudly bearing the unique Thunderbird logo. This detailing is carried through to the indicators, which have clear lenses so as not to spoil the monochrome look and are self-cancelling – because you’d rather just concentrate on enjoying the ride.

Fuel Tank – A capacious 5.8 gallons affords you the freedom of enjoying your ride rather than looking for a fuel stop. And even when you do have to fill up, you won’t see it as an inconvenience – more as an ideal chance to admire the tank’s perfect, seamless contours and to run your eyes over the brilliant chromed zinc Triumph badge that proudly adorns it. Listen carefully and it’ll whisper of more than a hundred years of pedigree and dedicated engineering excellence.

Seat – Get right down in the thick of the action on a seat just 27.6 inches off the ground. But as expected from Triumph this low seat height, amongst the lowest in its class, isn’t at the expense of padding. Cruise with a partner in comfort – or alone – and still plant both feet firmly on the ground at lights. And when you return to your Thunderbird, you can do so in the knowledge that taped seams for extra waterproofing mean you’re in for a comfortable ride even if it’s been caught in a shower.

Suspension – Supple enough to let you eat up mile upon mile of Tarmac with all the comfort and control you demand. Triumph brings its legendary engineering to the cruiser market to produce a revelation in suspension performance. The finely calibrated system blends effortlessly to complement rather than hinder the bike’s looks and with the rear being adjustable for preload, it’s ready to go whether you’re two-up or in serious solo mode.

Transmission and Gearbox – Each gear change feels – positive, smooth and satisfying. And with a sixth gear to slip into you can enjoy those soothing, deep, booming low-rev tones to their full even at higher speeds. The first belt drive to appear on a Triumph since 1922 grabs all that torque from the engine and plants it firmly into the road. But in conforming to cruiser ride expectations, the team just couldn’t resist exceeding them by engineering a low-maintenance rear pulley that lasts up to 3 times longer than standard.

 

 

 

2010 Triumph Thunderbird – USA Specifications
MSRP Standard Thunderbird $12,499 USD
MSRP Premium ABS Thunderbird $13,299 USD

ENGINE (Metric units US units)
Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
Capacity 1597 cc 98.0 Cubic inch
Bore/Stroke 103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, progressive linkage on throttle

TRANSMISSION
Primary Drive Gear
Final Drive Toothed Belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed constant mesh, helical type
Oil Capacity 4.2 litres 1.1 US gallons

CYCLE PARTS
Frame Tubular Steel, twin spine
Front Wheel Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 inch
Rear Wheel Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 inch
Front Tire 120 / 70 R19 Metzeler Marathon ME880
Rear Tire 200 / 50 R17 Metzeler Marathon ME880
Front Suspension Showa 47mm forks. 120mm travel
Rear Suspension Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel
Front Brakes Twin 310mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brakes Single 310mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
ABS Optional, dual-channel ABS
Instrument display/functions Tank mounted instruments assembly with large speedometer and integrated tachometer
Includes LCD to display Odometer, Trip 1, Trip 2, Fuel Gauge, Range-to-empty & Clock
Integrated instrument scroll button on handlebars
Display: Clock / Trip 1 / Trip 2 / Odometer / Fuel Gauge / Range to Empty
Warning lights Indicators / High Beam / Neutral / EMS / Fuel / Oil Pressure / Alarm / Water Temp
Headlight H4 60 / 55W, single reflector
Rear Light LED
Indicators Clear-lensed, self-cancelling

DIMENSIONS
Length 2340 mm 92.1 inch
Width (Handlebars) 880 mm 34.6 inch
Height 1120 mm 44.1 inch
Seat Height 700 mm 27.6 inch
Wheelbase (mm/inch) 1615 mm 63.6 inch
Fuel Tank Capacity 22 litres 5.8 US gallons
Vertical Ground Clearance 140 mm 5.5 inch
Dry Weight 308 Kgs 678 lbs
Weight in running order 339 Kgs 746 lbs (full tank of fuel)

PERFORMANCE (Measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC)
Maximum Power EC1 86.0PS / 84.8bhp / 63.2kW @ 4850rpm
Maximum Torque EC1 146.1Nm/107.7ft.lbf @ 2750rpm
Colors Jet Black, Pacific Blue / Fusion White, Aluminium Silver / Jet Black

 

 

2010 Triumph Thunderbird – Canada Specifications
MSRP Standard Thunderbird $15,399 CDN
MSRP Premium ABS Thunderbird $16,399 CDN

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin,
270º firing interval
Capacity: 1599cc
Final Drive: belt
Gearbox: 6-speed constant mesh
Seat Height: 27.6in
Wheels: Front – Cast aluminum alloy
5-spoke 19 x 3.5 inch
Rear – Cast aluminum alloy
5-spoke 17 x 6 inch

Tires: Front – 120/70 R19
Rear – 200/50 R1

Brakes: Front – Twin 310mm fixed discs.
Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear – Single 310mm fixed disc.
Brembo 2-piston floating caliper

ABS: Option Available
Power: More than 80bhp
Torque: More than 100 lb/ft

 

2010 Triumph Thunderbird – International Specifications

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION :
Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel twin, 270º firing interval
Capacity 1599cc
Bore/Stroke 103.8 x 94.3mm
Fuel System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI , progressive
linkage on throttle
Final Drive Toothed belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed constant mesh, helical type.

CHASSIS, RUNNING GEAR AND DISPLAYS:
Frame Tubular steel, twin spine
Swingarm Twin sided, steel
Wheels Front Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 inch
Rear Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 inch
Tyres Front 120/70 R19
Rear 200/50 R17
Suspension Front Showa 47mm forks.
Rear Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable
preload.
Brakes Front Twin 310mm fixed discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear Single 310mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
Instrument display/functions Tank mounted instrumentation with large speedo, integrated tacho
and LCD display with odometer, twin trip counters, range-to-empty
and clock. Auto-cancelling indicators.

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES:
Length 2350mm (92.5 in)
Width (Handlebars) 947mm (37.2 in) (TBC)
Height 1216mm (47.9 in) (TBC)
Seat Height 702mm (27.6 in) (TBC)
Wheelbase 1641mm (64.6in)
Rake/Trail 32°/151.3mm
Dry Weight TBC
Fuel Tank Capacity 21 litres (5.5 gal US)

PE RFORMANCE :
Maximum Power In excess of 80bhp
Maximum Torque In excess of 100ft.lbf

 

 

Triumph 2010 Triumph Thunderbird Media/Press Release(s):

Triumph has unveiled the all-new Thunderbird cruiser that will join the 2010 model line-up.

Triumph also unveiled the all-new Thunderbird at the Global Dealer Conference. The eagerly-anticipated cruiser is set to go on sale next summer and is an important addition to the company’s cruiser range.

Designed to take on the best in the cruiser category, combining sleek and modern custom styling with strong performance and great dynamics, the Thunderbird delivers an authentic cruiser experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

Triumph’s Thunderbird features an all-new 1599cc parallel twin-cylinder motor with six-speed gearbox and belt drive. The engine, with a bore and stroke of 103.8 x 94.3mm, will develop in excess of 75bhp in standard trim and produces more than 100 lb/ft of torque.

The Thunderbird will be offered with an extensive range of official accessories for riders who wish to tailor the bike to their individual needs. Whether they want a stripped-down and chromed-up hot rod with muscular performance or a fullydressed classic style custom-tourer for two-up touring, Triumph’s accessory range lets the rider customise the Thunderbird to their individual tastes. An ABS option will also be available.

 

 

Q&A with Designer Tim Prentice Tunderbird Stylist

Designer Tim Prentice swapped Los Angeles for Hinckley to style the new Triumph Thunderbird. We spoke to him to find out more about the project.

How long did it take to get from initial idea to the final concept?

It took around a month to get the approved 2D sketch. You can come up with a good design concept quite quickly, but the real work comes making that vision into reality and balancing the compromises you always have to make for production. The full-scale production mock-up took around seven months from the beginning to concept model signoff. The final production version is almost indistinguishable from the concept model.

What are the key design elements that define the bike?

Any cruiser is essentially defined first by the seating position: feet forward and low seat. Next are a few styling cues such as teardrop fuel tank and how the frame works as a structure for the body. Each part should not look like it’s trying to be something else. For example, we made the throttle bodies a styling element instead of hiding them with a cover. This allows one to clearly visualize the intake all the way through the end of the silencer – straightforward, honest and mechanical.

What makes this bike a genuine Triumph?

We focused on the Triumph parallel twin engine as the heart of the Thunderbird. This engine layout is almost unique to Triumph, especially in the cruiser market. It is a bit of a risk going away from the expected V-twin engine, but we believed that this gave us an opportunity to give the customer something more original and to impart some real Triumph identity and heritage. Not every type of engine can work in a cruiser, but I think the Triumph parallel twin is a strong alternative. So we took some cues from the Bonneville parallel-twin engines (such as triangular generator cover) but gave the engine cleaner and more modern surfaces.

How closely did you work with the engineers?

Extremely. This was the only way to keep the direction and style of the Thunderbird on track. It’s all too easy to let a design go wrong if you’re not directly involved at every step. The team provided me with all the tools necessary to do the design work, and also gave me excellent engineering and modelling support. The Triumph project leader was critical to making things work well between myself and the engineering team.

What was the biggest challenge in designing the bike?

The styling challenge was to balance the need to make this very clearly a cruiser, yet impart enough uniqueness and Triumph identity to it. Also, customisation is a key element for the cruiser market, so another important factor to balance into the equation is to make the bike a starting point that allows riders to customise it, often in very different directions. Some people will make more of the performance image while others will push the look in a more classic or touring direction. Making that possible with one design is the key to the Thunderbird.