2012 Triumph Thunderbird
- Cycle World magazine’s Cruiser of the Year
in 2009 and 2010
- Bespoke 1,600cc parallel-twin powerplant delivers
146Nm torque
- Class leading handling and braking characteristics
- Low, 700mm, seat height for classic looks and
easy riding
- Almost 100 official accessories for limitless
customisation options
- Large, 22 litre fuel tank for long-distance cruising
- Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard
Twice awarded ‘Cruiser of the Year’
by leading US magazine Cycle World, Triumph’s
Thunderbird cruiser has been an unbridled success
since its introduction in the summer of 2009.
Designed from the ground up as Triumph’s first
entry in the mainstream premium cruiser sector, the
Thunderbird combines classic cruiser styling and ergonomics
with the British company’s engineering and design
excellence.
At the heart of the Thunderbird is the 1600cc T-16
parallel-twin engine, a unique feature in a class
of V-twins. The character-laden engine features a
270-degree crankshaft and delivers a mountainous 146Nm
of torque at just 2750rpm.
Triumph has used the knowledge gained developing
class leading sports bikes like the Daytona 675 and
Speed Triple to endow the Thunderbird with levels
of control and precision previously unheard of in
a cruiser. The tubular twin spine steel frame features
chunky 47mm forks up front with five-way adjustable
twin shocks at the rear, which can be adjusted to
cater for everything from spirited solo riding to
two up touring. Powerful twin 310mm floating discs
up front are grabbed by powerful four-piston brakes
for progressive stopping power, with optional ABS
for increased rider security.
The Thunderbird comes dripping with acres of chrome
adorning the high-quality cycle parts. The high specification
includes five-spoke cast alloy wheels adorned with
bespoke Metzeler tyres, while the tank mounted speedo
includes a comprehensive on-board computer which includes
a clock, two trip meters and fuel gauge, in addition
to a stylish tachometer and self-cancelling indicators.
A large, 22 litre, fuel tank has been fitted to
the Thunderbird which, when combined with class-leading
fuel economy (around 17% better than the competition
according to Triumph’s internal tests) ensures
that long rides in the low and comfortable saddle
will not be interrupted by inconvenient fuel stops.
Part of the Thunderbird’s attraction is its
ability to be customised to the rider’s personal
taste. A range of almost 100 accessories are available
for the Thunderbird and allow it to be turned from
an all-road cruiser to a stripped down power cruiser
or even a bagged-up light tourer. Among these accessories
is a 1700cc big bore kit, screens, panniers and a
wide range of chrome and leather items for even more
presence and pizzaz.
For 2012 the Thunderbird comes with a wide range
of standard and limited run special colours. Standard
options include the ever popular metallic Phantom
Black and two-tone Pacific Blue with Fusion White
centre stripe, while a Cranberry Red and Phantom Black
combination is also available. Two new ‘marble’
effect options have also been developed by Triumph’s
paint shop for the Thunderbird, with Marble Red Haze
and Marble Blue Haze available for the first time
in 2012.
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