The thing I love about my Triumph is it doesn't pretend like its a Harley. Triumph marches to their own drum beat and thats why the Harley guys accept Triumph bikes into their fold.
For those of us who don't want a Harley that's a big thing. I didn't even want a cruiser bike as such, but as I've got older I've really found it hard to be comfortable on longer rides with my legs bent up on sportier bikes. Each to their own, but I didn't want a Harley or a bike that looked like it was pretending to be one and perhaps made it look like you wanted a Harley, but couldn't afford one. I like the parallel twin on the Triumph because it brings something else to the table, by keeping the weight further forward and low, which IMO is why they handle so well, and allowing for that wonderful thick seat because the rear of the frame can be lower. In the end I like that it's different and works much better for me than the alternatives I looked at, in great part because I'm tall, the Triumph is a big bike with room for long legs and arms. It's also nice not seeing the same bike as yours everywhere you go.
I've been riding a Thunderbird for 4 years. Amazing Bike. Before I bought it I had my heart set on a Harley. Took a number of Sportsters (same price mark) for a ride. Uncomfortable, too much vibration at low speeds and top heavy. Harley gave me the dream of riding and broke my heart with the reality. The Thunderbird is smooth, little vibration and I've taken it on 2500km rides, even rode it through the rain depression left over from a cyclone and it never missed a beat. It is what it is. Not American. It is an amazing ride. This bike doesn't have to copy anything. It is the real deal.
I'm looking at buying a new Thunderbird LT . had a chance to look at one last week . Loved the bike but I found it hard to pick up off the stand , all the weight seems to be in one spot under the tank , I'm only 5"6 , how dose it handle?
With the time that's passed before my answer I'm likely too late, but the handling is brilliant and the bike fits me perfectly at 6' 4". I would have thought it would be physically a big bike for someone 5' 6" in terms of the reach to the bars etc. I could be wrong, but I bought the LT because I found so many other bikes too cramped, so it may not be for you.
Another late reply. I'm 5'10" with a 28 1/2" inside leg, and yes it is heavy to get it off it's side stand but it gets easier over time (maybe those muscles are getting bigger, I dunno) Some people have commented that if you roll the bars back a little it makes it easier to control at very slow speeds. Slow speed turns are good - look at some of Joey Palladino's "Ride like a pro" videos, he's got some good tips on handling a heavy bike. Generally the motorcycling press all agree that it has no right to handle the way it does, or to be as comfortable as it is. Hope it's not too late for you to take a second look. For your information I had a gap of thirty years since my last bike - a Honda 250 and I was scared of dropping it so I declined any test ride, and yes, I did drop it a week after getting it, - so glad I bought the leg protectors with the bike. :)
Well Guys i've had mine for nearly a year now and I'm more than happy with it, its downside is the somewhat lack of attitude on noise, up against some other makes of bike (you know what I mean) although someone said it doesn't have to be loud to get noticed... true words indeed. The comfort is real good!!! I will be riding mine pretty soon again, Looking forward to it. Happy biking.
Would buy this over a Hardly Ableson any day. As many times as as I've ridden one I just can't connect with them. The antiquated air cooled technology, poor performance and handling, the ridiculously tedious vibration, and I can't get past the looks, the lopsided air cleaner in one side/pipes on the other styling just looks primitive and stale. I prefer the symmetrical parallel twin of the T-bird, the flowing pipes on both sides and the overall lines, the better handling, performance, and even the sound. I love that Triumph didn't just copy harley like all the Japanese cruisers and slap a v-twin in there. The parallel twin makes it unique in a sea of cruisers.
I think this bike is gorgeous, on pair with Moto Guzzi California 1400 in my personal ranking. The Guzzi is more peculiar, but the engine of this one is what makes it different from the usual Harley-Davidson's 45° V twin. I would pick one if I could.
Triumph makes great bikes. But no matter what, HD branding has the monopoly on the big cruisers locked firmly. It's a shame. Most people just aren't bright enough to research deeply before they buy. I would be very interested in the TBird as an option. But I'm madly in love with my Indian Motorcycle. I would like to see triumph expand on this idea by adding something unique to the Big Bad British Bike Builder. It's a beautiful. Looking machine. Let's put some grit in it.
Great shots of the Bike and read between the lines it's a gloriously comfortable interstate cruising torque monster built specifically for the American Triumph fans. Great shots of the bike and he looks good riding it. What a beautiful machine. To quote the daily Telegraph about the Bonneville 'You're friends will envy you and your wife will think you love it more than you love her. You can own one start saving!
If they wanted to copy HD You'd have to make a bike that rides like a skateboard and grenades the motor at 20k miles which costs the owner $5500 a pop.
As an American, I shopped for anything that WASN'T a Harley. Not all of us like pissing off the neighbors, I like my hearing, gas mileage, and wanted a better machine I wouldn't have to fuss with as much. There were many reasons I narrowed down to Triumphs and ultimately went with a Thunderbird. Most of the negatives I hear are people who want a Harley. If you want a Harley, you should look at HDs. Pick your bike on its own merits, don't go in looking for a copy of something else.
+FiferJanis How does owning a Harley-Davidson piss off your neighbor's? Have you ever even owned a new Harley-Davidson? I own (all purchased new) a 1976 Triumph Bonneville, a 1994 Sportster and a new 2015 FLHP Road King Police.
+FiferJanis Looked around last July for a medium to large displacement nearly naked standard which could be set up for distance riding and was hugely disappointed. The usual suspects from the 1960s and 1970s just weren't producing them anymore. Looked at BMW, Ducati, Laverda (is no more), Moto-Guzzi (limited US presence and dealer network although growing with the new Eldorado, and derivatives through the parent company's network in the US). Then I discovered modern Triumph and how they reinvented their entire engineering and quality whilst retaining form, visuals, and audibles from the best of their legacy. I had an America from July through March and now a Thunderbird with all the long distance essentials. What an amazing machine. If you're truly set on a H-D, go get one and be happy. Just don't discount the amazing machines from Triumph.
+PeterDad60 They are usually set up to have very loud exhaust systems. The one neighbor with one wakes up everyone when he leaves for work every morning, and he's being fairly reserved with the throttle to keep the sound down. You have a point, though, with factory pipes, but I have yet to see more than a couple that had them still installed.
The guy here seems to be rather biased against the Triumph. He makes a big deal of the floorboards dragging, which I have not found an issue for the type of bike it is. I corner reasonably fast, having come from sportier bikes, but have not found it an issue cornering at the speeds that are safe for the traffic, road conditions and visibility round the corner on the open road. I don't doubt if you want to take really tight corners at at low speed you can get it to touch down, but that's missing the point of such a machine. On the open road it's just effortless to ride with so much power and the 6th gear, no vibration in the mirrors, really sharp and accurate handling which seems to defy the laws of physics given it's length and weight along with a comfortable ride and brilliant seat. The fuel mileage is also incredible for such a big bike and engine, it's not a big factor in my choice, but if you can have everything else, as well in the power department, why not enjoy mpg in the 45 (US gallon) region?
We all know Triumph would like to bite a bit out of HD's market, but we who ride Triumph's learn quickly that you will ultimately love them for what they are, and not what Hinckley thought they could be. Triumph cruisers are superb.
I almost bought a T-bird a few years ago. An absolutely beautiful machine. The problem for me wasn't the machine, but the company. The only local dealer stopped selling them because the company was too demanding on floor space. I talked to two other people who used to sell Triumph, and they also said how difficult the company was too work with. Too bad. Parts are also expensive. $300 head gasket! Crazy. So I bought a Softail Deluxe and I love it. I would have loved the Thunderbird too, though.
I love the styling of this bike. I currently ride a Street Glide, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of these if my finances permitted. Complaints I've heard about no cruise control and mushy suspension are not a deal breaker for me. Progressive fork springs and rear shocks and a Throttle Boss...problem solved.
not as much character as a vtwin? i have just tested a 1600 tbird from 2014 against: a harley something 1500 and something a honda valkyrie 1600 a suzuki intruder 1800 a yamaha 1900 a triumph rocket 2300 guess which i choose? yes the tbird! because it was so easy to manage and flip from side to side. the engine was one of the most flexible and had nearly as much torque as the suzuki, which was 2 after the rocket. the tbirds riding position was by far the best. in just a 10km trip i fell in love... it is fast too! weighing less than the competitors. and six gears advanced engine design - thus a super fuel economy! the owner of the mc shop with nearly 400 bikes in store, agreed with me that it was the best choice. he didnt hide his opinions through my bike testing. the motor is especially nice! just as much groundchaking torque as a vtwin. sounds just as nice. and can pull in overdrive from idle - can your vtwin that? fire this mc tester - he hasnt got a clue😳
The problem with trying to break into the American market isn't really brand loyalty. It's selection. The 2 "Triumph dealers" in my area have 2, and 3 bikes respectively on their showroom. While the 5 harley dealerships in the area each have 500 bikes in their massive facilities. Where do I even go to try out one of these Thunderbirds? That is the problem. They just aren't available to the extent that harleys are. That goes for most alternatives. So don't think it's just blind loyalty to Harley.
That's definitely Triumph's problem, there are not many dealerships and they have very few bikes in stock for anyone to view. While I've had many people admire my bike, not one of them has had a clue what it is or that such a motorcycle existed. Harley is all about their marketing and presence that's what gets so many sold. With their image very few have even seen let tried the alternatives.
I don't understand this review at all. these guys continue to say if Triumph wants to compete with HD they have to bring something different. at the core of this bike is a amazing 1700 parallel twin. The overall look of the bike is very different than HD and unique. I have a 1200 parallel twin Triumph Speedmaster. If this 1700 twin is anything at all like my 1200, it is a fabulous engine and machine overall. Triumph puts out some real quality
even though it's technically just as good (maybe better) than the harley market, it will still have one hell of a time going up against the HD moco. We're force fed HD from birth. there's a sense of achievement in acquiring one. They're not the most high tech or up to date bikes, but they have soul the comes straight from their owner('s wallet). I doubt there will ever be a company that will overthrow the HD dynasty. Even if their bikes are better, more comfortable, cheaper, and better looking, there's no tradition behind them (for us americans) so they'll never be viewed in the same light. Having said that, there are many american cruiser riders that wouldn't touch a harley, so I'm sure triumph will sell quite a few.
+Wolf and Crow If Harley had more engineers than they did attorneys and advertisers they'd build a better bike. Think about it, if they built airplane engines would you fly in one?
+vietpong And why that 20 year hiatus? Because triumph was building shit and nobody wanted to be caught dead on one of their bikes. Triumph has a tradition alright. A tradition of poor worksmanship,no soul and bankruptcy. Harley had it's problems in the past as have the Japanese bikes of the 70's and 80's but one of the differences with Harley was that their customers stayed with them and helped rebuild the company. Triumph's customers,workers and management left like rats deserting a sinking ship.
Not even 20 years, the original Triumph was defunct in 1983 although Bonnevilles were built after that under licence by Les Harris and then the new Triumph models was launched in 1990.
You obviously know little about the workers co-operative that were the last days of Triumph in making your statement and not too much about the history of the new bikes launched in 1990. Triumph had many problems towards the end of what was the original Triumph company, but that was caused by lack of investment in to new equipment and designs. My 73 Triumph was made using equipment pulled from the rubble of the Coventry factory bombed by the Germans in WW2. Ironically what saved Harley ensured the demise of the original Triumph plant when the US government taxed all imported motor cycles over 700cc to protect Harley Davidson's products that couldn't compete against the Japanese either. Triumph has many loyal followers however there are also many who do not see the current bikes as real Triumphs which is a shame IMO.
It's strange to me to hear someone deride the design, motorcycles like this are build for the ride, cruising down a highway, wind in your face nice and comfortable taking the scenery as you go. Also saying it looks unoriginal applies to sports bikes as well, the design serves a purpose in sports bikes it aerodynamics and being built for speed, in cruisers its comfort and the ride.
I almost did it. But elected for the hd road king. No regrets. The Thunderbird has no cruise control last I checked? But it is liquid cooled nice, my road king has nvr scrapped once. Ok just one time. The dealer network is scarce. I still luv triumph though. Great job triumph you're getting very close.
Love this bike apart from the shape of the tank. Prefer the more Bonneville shaped tank. Love the big twin motor though. Shame they stopped producing it
The video was a Thunderbird review, but, yes, the Rocket III is an awesome machine. The message of this review is that whilst the Thunderbird is a really great cruiser it is not displacing Harley-Davidson's market share. This is hardly surprising given Harley-Davidson's excellent marketing strategies and image management with a long presence as a domestic company in the largest medium to large motorcycle market in the world.
I’m from America and I disagree with your assessment about the Thunderbird. I have always loved and owned several Triumphs over the years. I think this is one of their best models. It sounds amazing, it has tons of power on tap, whitewalls, excellent brakes, dependable power plant. That motor is essentially bulletproof and I absolutely love the bike. I like it better than the Road King, FXR, etc. Victory looks nice but they are out of the picture, Indian also looks nice and runs well but they both just copied HD for their models. Indians V-twin is a stamped casing block with V twin look a like covers. It’s not an actual V-twin motor. Yes it has 2 cylinders and yes it looks like a v-twin but look closer and you see a stamped block with phoney cylinder adornments. No I think I would rather have the Triumph over any of the offerings from HD and Indian. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve owned several classic Harleys and they are fun but they are like a girlfriend that has to shop everyday. They are always picking away at your wallet. I like the Thunderbird very much. The Rocket 3 is also a wonderful machine. Have you ever ridden a Honda Rune?? Now that is a motorcycle for the ages. If I had the money I would buy one as an investment. Trust me it’s going to be worth a kings fortune in 20 years. They made so few of them. They lost money on them as well. Probably the finest motorcycle ever made. But that’s just my opinion. Btw, I have never owned or wanted to own a Japanese bike. But the Rune is outstanding. Give one a go if you get the opportunity. Great video! ✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻
Big cruisers, mahoosive tourers, sick of the lot. Going to get myself a nice middleweight (think Versys 650 or V-Strom 650) as they are way more manageable, far more practical, half the price, double the fuel economy, and much more fun. Oh, and if you drop them, you don't get a hernia lifting it back up again.
+Graeme Blore The Thunderbird is 1699cc's to be exact which is the bike being reviewed in this video and if you're referencing the Rocket 3 engine it's 2294cc's to be exact. Where have you been??
You forget the Triumph Rocket III Touring. It doesn't copy V-twins and it's a better bike than HDs. I know because I have one and I've had HDs too and I'm American. Unfortunately, just about everyone in the U.S. that buys a cruiser has to get an HD to match their tatoos. Most big bike owners these days don't work on their own bikes and don't know anything about them other than their brand name. They just have to have an HD. The road is full of a monotonous line of almost identical HDs. It' feels so good to ride on something different - and better - an R3T. But, then, I've never given a damn about what everyone else is doing. The funny thing is that bikers have a reputation as being indvidualists that follow their own path and yet, when it comes to bikes, they have to have what everyone else has. And they have to ride in groups of people with the same bikes too. Strange! Keep on making great bikes, Triumph!
That's not true. (If you want a cruiser, buy American) ok so this motorcycle is only about$3000 cheaper than the new road King, but it is a nice bike. I'd definitely ride it. After all, it has 2 wheels and a big motor.
Not once, have you let us hear the engine, the heart and soul of any motorcycle, just elevator shit music, and a guy rabbiting of the music!?!? Bike review? Don't think so.
I disagree with your Bullshitsky. It is a beautiful Bike and is better than a Harley or Indian. Not only that the LT is about half the price of the Harley or Indian. Triumph is the best bang for your buck. (Not pound)
I own a 2014 Ultra classic and it is a piece of junk. The thunderbird has better horsepower and torque specs by far. If triumph would do something about the lack of foot board clearance without raising the seat height and still keep the leg room from being cramped then add a quality set of color matched locking hard bags I would sell my Harley and buy one of these in a New York minute. Hell the Harley off tracks and doesn't even go down the road straight and stable and their parts and service are getting pricey. They are starting to play that "change" game every couple years to where the aftermarket can't keep up and this keeps you begging Harley for their ridiculously priced accessories that the bike should have included in the first place. It has become quite the scam and many of us Americans would love a decent alternative. The market has gotten to the point where Indian dealers don't even want a Harley on trade and we are not fully sold on Indian anyhow. If I could justify the trade down in options I would be looking for a thunderbird LT. Used ones are very reasonably priced right now they are just very rare in the United States.
Yes - they spend all the money other companies do for R&D on marketing. Harley isn’t a bike manufacturer - it’s a clothing company and club house for wannabe Sons of Anarchy to live their mid-life crisis through. If I had to buy an american bike, it’d be an Indian. But honestly, Honda Goldwings are the touring bike of choice out there - hell, the 1500 goldwings were designed and built in the US and are arguably as American as any Harley. What’s to like about this triumph? It looks good, it rides well, it is significantly cheaper than an outdated Harley, it’s built properly and it won’t piss oil everywhere...
Talking about Thunderbird not being innovative,..? The engine alone.. Hello,!.. It's a 1700 parallel twin,.. Not innovative enough for u guys.. What are these two really up to meaning about bikes!?..
+PeterDad60 well i had a sportster, a fat bob. and a night train. and they are all the same. they are slow as fuck. dont. dont break . and they have a shitty ass suspencion. and i may not be a certificate mechanic. but i did all the services, the mods and the stuff that came in the way. so yeah. harleys = crap
![Yeat & Quavo - 5BRAZY [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4XxnTAwyxus/mqdefault.jpg)
The thing I love about my Triumph is it doesn't pretend like its a Harley. Triumph marches to their own drum beat and thats why the Harley guys accept Triumph bikes into their fold.
For those of us who don't want a Harley that's a big thing. I didn't even want a cruiser bike as such, but as I've got older I've really found it hard to be comfortable on longer rides with my legs bent up on sportier bikes. Each to their own, but I didn't want a Harley or a bike that looked like it was pretending to be one and perhaps made it look like you wanted a Harley, but couldn't afford one. I like the parallel twin on the Triumph because it brings something else to the table, by keeping the weight further forward and low, which IMO is why they handle so well, and allowing for that wonderful thick seat because the rear of the frame can be lower. In the end I like that it's different and works much better for me than the alternatives I looked at, in great part because I'm tall, the Triumph is a big bike with room for long legs and arms. It's also nice not seeing the same bike as yours everywhere you go.
LOL, who gives a shit about who is/isn't accepted by Harley guys??
@@fiveowaf454Righton and well spoken.
True unfortunately nobody bought it
I've been riding a Thunderbird for 4 years. Amazing Bike. Before I bought it I had my heart set on a Harley. Took a number of Sportsters (same price mark) for a ride. Uncomfortable, too much vibration at low speeds and top heavy. Harley gave me the dream of riding and broke my heart with the reality. The Thunderbird is smooth, little vibration and I've taken it on 2500km rides, even rode it through the rain depression left over from a cyclone and it never missed a beat. It is what it is. Not American. It is an amazing ride. This bike doesn't have to copy anything. It is the real deal.
I'm looking at buying a new Thunderbird LT . had a chance to look at one last week . Loved the bike but I found it hard to pick up off the stand , all the weight seems to be in one spot under the tank , I'm only 5"6 , how dose it handle?
With the time that's passed before my answer I'm likely too late, but the handling is brilliant and the bike fits me perfectly at 6' 4". I would have thought it would be physically a big bike for someone 5' 6" in terms of the reach to the bars etc. I could be wrong, but I bought the LT because I found so many other bikes too cramped, so it may not be for you.
Another late reply. I'm 5'10" with a 28 1/2" inside leg, and yes it is heavy to get it off it's side stand but it gets easier over time (maybe those muscles are getting bigger, I dunno) Some people have commented that if you roll the bars back a little it makes it easier to control at very slow speeds.
Slow speed turns are good - look at some of Joey Palladino's "Ride like a pro" videos, he's got some good tips on handling a heavy bike.
Generally the motorcycling press all agree that it has no right to handle the way it does, or to be as comfortable as it is.
Hope it's not too late for you to take a second look.
For your information I had a gap of thirty years since my last bike - a Honda 250 and I was scared of dropping it so I declined any test ride, and yes, I did drop it a week after getting it, - so glad I bought the leg protectors with the bike. :)
Me being a proud American and I just have to say I love the Thunderbird and will probably get one or a rocket 3
@Margarett Menzella Let me know what you personally think please
Which did you go for?
Well Guys i've had mine for nearly a year now and I'm more than happy with it, its downside is the somewhat lack of attitude on noise, up against some other makes of bike (you know what I mean) although someone said it doesn't have to be loud to get noticed... true words indeed. The comfort is real good!!! I will be riding mine pretty soon again, Looking forward to it. Happy biking.
I'd buy the Triumph over a Harley any day. In fact, I did buy a Triumph over a Harley and it was definitely the correct choice.
I bought a Harley and sold it six months later and went back to Triumphs.Now on my sixth one and absolutely love it.
I owned a 99 Road King, and am now opting for a new-to-me Thunderbird LT...
Would buy this over a Hardly Ableson any day. As many times as as I've ridden one I just can't connect with them. The antiquated air cooled technology, poor performance and handling, the ridiculously tedious vibration, and I can't get past the looks, the lopsided air cleaner in one side/pipes on the other styling just looks primitive and stale.
I prefer the symmetrical parallel twin of the T-bird, the flowing pipes on both sides and the overall lines, the better handling, performance, and even the sound.
I love that Triumph didn't just copy harley like all the Japanese cruisers and slap a v-twin in there. The parallel twin makes it unique in a sea of cruisers.
I think this bike is gorgeous, on pair with Moto Guzzi California 1400 in my personal ranking. The Guzzi is more peculiar, but the engine of this one is what makes it different from the usual Harley-Davidson's 45° V twin. I would pick one if I could.
Triumph makes great bikes. But no matter what, HD branding has the monopoly on the big cruisers locked firmly. It's a shame. Most people just aren't bright enough to research deeply before they buy. I would be very interested in the TBird as an option. But I'm madly in love with my Indian Motorcycle. I would like to see triumph expand on this idea by adding something unique to the Big Bad British Bike Builder. It's a beautiful. Looking machine. Let's put some grit in it.
Great shots of the Bike and read between the lines it's a gloriously comfortable interstate cruising torque monster built specifically for the American Triumph fans. Great shots of the bike and he looks good riding it. What a beautiful machine. To quote the daily Telegraph about the Bonneville 'You're friends will envy you and your wife will think you love it more than you love her. You can own one start saving!
Dude looks like Frank Zappa's love child🥁🎸
If they wanted to copy HD You'd have to make a bike that rides like a skateboard and grenades the motor at 20k miles which costs the owner $5500 a pop.
As an American, I shopped for anything that WASN'T a Harley. Not all of us like pissing off the neighbors, I like my hearing, gas mileage, and wanted a better machine I wouldn't have to fuss with as much. There were many reasons I narrowed down to Triumphs and ultimately went with a Thunderbird. Most of the negatives I hear are people who want a Harley. If you want a Harley, you should look at HDs. Pick your bike on its own merits, don't go in looking for a copy of something else.
+FiferJanis How does owning a Harley-Davidson piss off your neighbor's? Have you ever even owned a new Harley-Davidson?
I own (all purchased new) a 1976 Triumph Bonneville, a 1994 Sportster and a new 2015 FLHP Road King Police.
+PeterDad60 Noise.
+FiferJanis Looked around last July for a medium to large displacement nearly naked standard which could be set up for distance riding and was hugely disappointed. The usual suspects from the 1960s and 1970s just weren't producing them anymore. Looked at BMW, Ducati, Laverda (is no more), Moto-Guzzi (limited US presence and dealer network although growing with the new Eldorado, and derivatives through the parent company's network in the US). Then I discovered modern Triumph and how they reinvented their entire engineering and quality whilst retaining form, visuals, and audibles from the best of their legacy. I had an America from July through March and now a Thunderbird with all the long distance essentials. What an amazing machine. If you're truly set on a H-D, go get one and be happy. Just don't discount the amazing machines from Triumph.
+PeterDad60 They are usually set up to have very loud exhaust systems. The one neighbor with one wakes up everyone when he leaves for work every morning, and he's being fairly reserved with the throttle to keep the sound down. You have a point, though, with factory pipes, but I have yet to see more than a couple that had them still installed.
+James Lind I did ultimately get a 2012 Red Marble Thunderbird. It has some thump, but it's not the Doof-Wagon
I would choose that bike over a Harley.
Jojo Crazy Cat me too
I did.
And me
The guy here seems to be rather biased against the Triumph. He makes a big deal of the floorboards dragging, which I have not found an issue for the type of bike it is. I corner reasonably fast, having come from sportier bikes, but have not found it an issue cornering at the speeds that are safe for the traffic, road conditions and visibility round the corner on the open road. I don't doubt if you want to take really tight corners at at low speed you can get it to touch down, but that's missing the point of such a machine. On the open road it's just effortless to ride with so much power and the 6th gear, no vibration in the mirrors, really sharp and accurate handling which seems to defy the laws of physics given it's length and weight along with a comfortable ride and brilliant seat. The fuel mileage is also incredible for such a big bike and engine, it's not a big factor in my choice, but if you can have everything else, as well in the power department, why not enjoy mpg in the 45 (US gallon) region?
I did nearly two years ago and haven't regretted it.
We all know Triumph would like to bite a bit out of HD's market, but we who ride Triumph's learn quickly that you will ultimately love them for what they are, and not what Hinckley thought they could be. Triumph cruisers are superb.
I almost bought a T-bird a few years ago. An absolutely beautiful machine. The problem for me wasn't the machine, but the company. The only local dealer stopped selling them because the company was too demanding on floor space. I talked to two other people who used to sell Triumph, and they also said how difficult the company was too work with. Too bad. Parts are also expensive. $300 head gasket! Crazy. So I bought a Softail Deluxe and I love it. I would have loved the Thunderbird too, though.
I'm in love with this bike because it is not just a bike it is more than that...i wish i had 1 😢...
I love the styling of this bike. I currently ride a Street Glide, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of these if my finances permitted. Complaints I've heard about no cruise control and mushy suspension are not a deal breaker for me. Progressive fork springs and rear shocks and a Throttle Boss...problem solved.
Its absolutely beautiful and well built. Its nearly as lovely as the 1950 Indian chief,
Where was it you did this review? NZ? South Africa, Sydney? The palm trees have me stumped as does the left side of road driving!?
They are in S. Africa.......... Thunderbirds rule. 2016 Storm for me.
not as much character as a vtwin? i have just tested a 1600 tbird from 2014 against:
a harley something 1500 and something
a honda valkyrie 1600
a suzuki intruder 1800
a yamaha 1900
a triumph rocket 2300
guess which i choose?
yes the tbird! because it was so easy to manage and flip from side to side. the engine was one of the most flexible and had nearly as much torque as the suzuki, which was 2 after the rocket. the tbirds riding position was by far the best. in just a 10km trip i fell in love...
it is fast too! weighing less than the competitors.
and six gears advanced engine design - thus a super fuel economy!
the owner of the mc shop with nearly 400 bikes in store, agreed with me that it was the best choice. he didnt hide his opinions through my bike testing.
the motor is especially nice! just as much groundchaking torque as a vtwin. sounds just as nice. and can pull in overdrive from idle - can your vtwin that?
fire this mc tester - he hasnt got a clue😳
3:48 this is def one of triumphs best efforts... it more unique prettier than any harley
The problem with trying to break into the American market isn't really brand loyalty. It's selection. The 2 "Triumph dealers" in my area have 2, and 3 bikes respectively on their showroom. While the 5 harley dealerships in the area each have 500 bikes in their massive facilities. Where do I even go to try out one of these Thunderbirds? That is the problem. They just aren't available to the extent that harleys are. That goes for most alternatives. So don't think it's just blind loyalty to Harley.
That's definitely Triumph's problem, there are not many dealerships and they have very few bikes in stock for anyone to view. While I've had many people admire my bike, not one of them has had a clue what it is or that such a motorcycle existed. Harley is all about their marketing and presence that's what gets so many sold. With their image very few have even seen let tried the alternatives.
I don't understand this review at all. these guys continue to say if Triumph wants to compete with HD they have to bring something different. at the core of this bike is a amazing 1700 parallel twin. The overall look of the bike is very different than HD and unique. I have a 1200 parallel twin Triumph Speedmaster. If this 1700 twin is anything at all like my 1200, it is a fabulous engine and machine overall. Triumph puts out some real quality
even though it's technically just as good (maybe better) than the harley market, it will still have one hell of a time going up against the HD moco. We're force fed HD from birth. there's a sense of achievement in acquiring one. They're not the most high tech or up to date bikes, but they have soul the comes straight from their owner('s wallet). I doubt there will ever be a company that will overthrow the HD dynasty. Even if their bikes are better, more comfortable, cheaper, and better looking, there's no tradition behind them (for us americans) so they'll never be viewed in the same light. Having said that, there are many american cruiser riders that wouldn't touch a harley, so I'm sure triumph will sell quite a few.
+Wolf and Crow If Harley had more engineers than they did attorneys and advertisers they'd build a better bike. Think about it, if they built airplane engines would you fly in one?
+Russ Matthess Yes
+vietpong And why that 20 year hiatus? Because triumph was building shit and nobody wanted to be caught dead on one of their bikes. Triumph has a tradition alright. A tradition of poor worksmanship,no soul and bankruptcy. Harley had it's problems in the past as have the Japanese bikes of the 70's and 80's but one of the differences with Harley was that their customers stayed with them and helped rebuild the company. Triumph's customers,workers and management left like rats deserting a sinking ship.
Not even 20 years, the original Triumph was defunct in 1983 although Bonnevilles were built after that under licence by Les Harris and then the new Triumph models was launched in 1990.
You obviously know little about the workers co-operative that were the last days of Triumph in making your statement and not too much about the history of the new bikes launched in 1990. Triumph had many problems towards the end of what was the original Triumph company, but that was caused by lack of investment in to new equipment and designs. My 73 Triumph was made using equipment pulled from the rubble of the Coventry factory bombed by the Germans in WW2. Ironically what saved Harley ensured the demise of the original Triumph plant when the US government taxed all imported motor cycles over 700cc to protect Harley Davidson's products that couldn't compete against the Japanese either. Triumph has many loyal followers however there are also many who do not see the current bikes as real Triumphs which is a shame IMO.
It's strange to me to hear someone deride the design, motorcycles like this are build for the ride, cruising down a highway, wind in your face nice and comfortable taking the scenery as you go. Also saying it looks unoriginal applies to sports bikes as well, the design serves a purpose in sports bikes it aerodynamics and being built for speed, in cruisers its comfort and the ride.
I almost did it. But elected for the hd road king. No regrets.
The Thunderbird has no cruise control last I checked? But it is liquid cooled nice, my road king has nvr scrapped once. Ok just one time. The dealer network is scarce. I still luv triumph though. Great job triumph you're getting very close.
Very close ….. ahead or behind ?
Do they still make this bike? Not seeing it on their website
I want to buy a bike any1 can suggest which is better Indian classic or triumph thunderbird or fatboy
Love this bike apart from the shape of the tank. Prefer the more Bonneville shaped tank. Love the big twin motor though. Shame they stopped producing it
This Guy Wouldn't know his arse from his elbow
When you buy a Harley there is the social stigma that you are probably stupid. Triumph doesn't carry that baggage.
You didnt mention the Rocket 3 Touring. Excuse me but that would outdo any amercian cruisers!
The video was a Thunderbird review, but, yes, the Rocket III is an awesome machine. The message of this review is that whilst the Thunderbird is a really great cruiser it is not displacing Harley-Davidson's market share. This is hardly surprising given Harley-Davidson's excellent marketing strategies and image management with a long presence as a domestic company in the largest medium to large motorcycle market in the world.
+James Lind And don't forget the second to none fit and finish and quality worksmanship of Harley-Davidson which you conveniently failed to mention.
Does anybody know if you can buy aftermarket pipes for the TBird for a more throaty sound??
Yes, You Can, Vance & Hines has full system exhaust for Thunderbird. Also triumph is offering custom exhaust.
I’m from America and I disagree with your assessment about the Thunderbird. I have always loved and owned several Triumphs over the years. I think this is one of their best models.
It sounds amazing, it has tons of power on tap, whitewalls, excellent brakes, dependable power plant. That motor is essentially bulletproof and I absolutely love the bike. I like it better than the Road King, FXR, etc.
Victory looks nice but they are out of the picture, Indian also looks nice and runs well but they both just copied HD for their models. Indians V-twin is a stamped casing block with V twin look a like covers. It’s not an actual V-twin motor. Yes it has 2 cylinders and yes it looks like a v-twin but look closer and you see a stamped block with phoney cylinder adornments. No I think I would rather have the Triumph over any of the offerings from HD and Indian. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve owned several classic Harleys and they are fun but they are like a girlfriend that has to shop everyday. They are always picking away at your wallet.
I like the Thunderbird very much. The Rocket 3 is also a wonderful machine.
Have you ever ridden a Honda Rune?? Now that is a motorcycle for the ages. If I had the money I would buy one as an investment. Trust me it’s going to be worth a kings fortune in 20 years. They made so few of them. They lost money on them as well.
Probably the finest motorcycle ever made.
But that’s just my opinion. Btw, I have never owned or wanted to own a Japanese bike.
But the Rune is outstanding. Give one a go if you get the opportunity.
Great video!
✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇸✌🏻
Big cruisers, mahoosive tourers, sick of the lot. Going to get myself a nice middleweight (think Versys 650 or V-Strom 650) as they are way more manageable, far more practical, half the price, double the fuel economy, and much more fun. Oh, and if you drop them, you don't get a hernia lifting it back up again.
And what about mapping???
oh, Triumph made a big bike.
For the last 10 years mate. 2300 CC's to be exact. Where ya been mate?
+Graeme Blore The Thunderbird is 1699cc's to be exact which is the bike being reviewed in this video and if you're referencing the Rocket 3 engine it's 2294cc's to be exact. Where have you been??
Looks like my softail nice bike
You forget the Triumph Rocket III Touring. It doesn't copy V-twins and it's a better bike than HDs. I know because I have one and I've had HDs too and I'm American. Unfortunately, just about everyone in the U.S. that buys a cruiser has to get an HD to match their tatoos. Most big bike owners these days don't work on their own bikes and don't know anything about them other than their brand name. They just have to have an HD. The road is full of a monotonous line of almost identical HDs. It' feels so good to ride on something different - and better - an R3T. But, then, I've never given a damn about what everyone else is doing. The funny thing is that bikers have a reputation as being indvidualists that follow their own path and yet, when it comes to bikes, they have to have what everyone else has. And they have to ride in groups of people with the same bikes too. Strange! Keep on making great bikes, Triumph!
Hd is a global company. Asian ppl luv hd! I've seen them in china and Vietnam. Its a real status symbol.
That's not true. (If you want a cruiser, buy American) ok so this motorcycle is only about$3000 cheaper than the new road King, but it is a nice bike. I'd definitely ride it. After all, it has 2 wheels and a big motor.
Not once, have you let us hear the engine, the heart and soul of any motorcycle, just elevator shit music, and a guy rabbiting of the music!?!? Bike review? Don't think so.
You lost me with that last statement there buddy America is the best place to live in the world God save the Queen
I disagree with your Bullshitsky. It is a beautiful Bike and is better than a Harley or Indian. Not only that the LT is about half the price of the Harley or Indian. Triumph is the best bang for your buck. (Not pound)
Time to go 1080p
yes they do
Oh, American here & I disagree. This does a fantastic job as a cruiser, so it doesn't have to be American 😉.
I own a 2014 Ultra classic and it is a piece of junk.
The thunderbird has better horsepower and torque specs by far. If triumph would do something about the lack of foot board clearance without raising the seat height and still keep the leg room from being cramped then add a quality set of color matched locking hard bags I would sell my Harley and buy one of these in a New York minute.
Hell the Harley off tracks and doesn't even go down the road straight and stable and their parts and service are getting pricey. They are starting to play that "change" game every couple years to where the aftermarket can't keep up and this keeps you begging Harley for their ridiculously priced accessories that the bike should have included in the first place. It has become quite the scam and many of us Americans would love a decent alternative.
The market has gotten to the point where Indian dealers don't even want a Harley on trade and we are not fully sold on Indian anyhow.
If I could justify the trade down in options I would be looking for a thunderbird LT. Used ones are very reasonably priced right now they are just very rare in the United States.
This guy is wrong,ive had a couple of harleys,my lt is just brilliant.
The fit & finish doesn't take back seat to anything. Period.
The only good thing which comes from the USA, is the flight home.
480p always a thumbs down...
Love the show, hate the crap music.
Harley Davidson is king for a reason.
Harley davidson is king of paying people
Yes - they spend all the money other companies do for R&D on marketing. Harley isn’t a bike manufacturer - it’s a clothing company and club house for wannabe Sons of Anarchy to live their mid-life crisis through.
If I had to buy an american bike, it’d be an Indian. But honestly, Honda Goldwings are the touring bike of choice out there - hell, the 1500 goldwings were designed and built in the US and are arguably as American as any Harley.
What’s to like about this triumph? It looks good, it rides well, it is significantly cheaper than an outdated Harley, it’s built properly and it won’t piss oil everywhere...
Talking about Thunderbird not being innovative,..? The engine alone.. Hello,!.. It's a 1700 parallel twin,.. Not innovative enough for u guys.. What are these two really up to meaning about bikes!?..
I 100 pecent disagree with this bloke
fuck that, i'll go japanese, harleys are a piece of shit
+israel fernandez like you know anything at all about machines
+PeterDad60 well i had a sportster, a fat bob. and a night train. and they are all the same. they are slow as fuck. dont. dont break . and they have a shitty ass suspencion. and i may not be a certificate mechanic. but i did all the services, the mods and the stuff that came in the way. so yeah. harleys = crap
sounds like a sewing machine, crap
I've ridden a few and none of them sound like a sewing machine
I think its kinda ugly......
Contact mickey cohen motorsports for the LT I had him build me!