At their recent Orlando Dealer Meeting, Triumph announced four new cruiser and classic models, based on the new-last-year Thunderbird and the redesigned Bonneville.
Though only on dealer floors for the past few months, the Thunderbird now has a couple of specialty versions. The Thunderbird 1700 is simply a big-bore version of the standard T-Bird. The upgrade kit has been available since launch, but apparently it was popular enough to warrant a whole new model straight from the factory. It also adds the (optional on the base model) ABS as standard. It retails for $14,799, or $2300 more than a standard 'Bird. It comes in an exclusive Phantom Red Haze, which is a dark metallic red that comes only on this model.
The other Thunderbird is also based on parts already available as options or accessories. The Thunderbird SE is a light touring version of the Thunderbird with a very complete set of add-ons to the base package. Of course it has the usual windshield, bags and passenger backrest, but thoughtfully also adds a more supportive touring seat, floorboards (for rider and apassenger), a luggage rack, and Triumph's Anti-Lock Braking system. It also comes in an exclusive Carnival Red.
Impressions:
I've had a chance to ride a number of accessorized Thunderbirds, for a considerable number of miles. We had a feeling when we first rode the Thunderbird that it would be a versatile machine and we're happy to report that is the case.
The 1700 is totally worth the price of admission for riders who like to give the throttle a little extra something. The 1600 is no slouch in the power department, and the 1700 has much of the same power characteristics, only more of it. The ABS is non-intrusive, and effective complimenting a very good brake setup. The chassis is fully capable of handling the claimed 14 additional horses, and probably quite a bit more.
While I haven't actually ridden the SE, I have ridden a Thunderbird set up for touring with a windshield, floorboards, saddlebags, ABS, and a passenger backrest (but no seat or luggage rack). My biggest concern was the floorboards, as the Triumph accessory floorboards for the America and Speedmaster are high, too far forward, at a weird angle, and interfere with the kickstand. Thankfully, on he Thunderbird, this is not the case, in fact, shorter rides will appreciate them, as they tighten up the ergonomic triangle a bit with the feet closer in and higher than with the footpegs. Windshield and backrest worked without complaint, while the bags are fairly spacious, but have a number of snaps and clips that add some time to get them open and closed.
There are also two new Bonnevilles, though these are more like cosmetics packages. Jumping deep into the "Dark" thing that is getting popular with manufacturers these days, there is a new Bonneville T100 Black. Just like the standard chromed-out T100, it's equipped with a tachometer and spoked wheels, but covered up in black painted sidecovers and sheetmetal. The Black retails for $8599. The Bonneville 60 is a limited-edition run of 600 numbered examples (100 to come to North America) to commemorate the 1960 Bonneville. Dressed in retro-styled two-tone Meriden and Caspian Blue paint, and sporting a authentic flat 60s-style seat, the 60's MSRP is $8999.
Triumph Thunderbird Specifications
Engine and Transmission
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel twin, 270 degree firing interval
Capacity, Bore x Stroke: 1597cc, 103.8 x 94.3mm
Fuel System: EFI
Exhaust: stainless steel two-into-two, chrome plated silencers
Final Drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet multiplate clutch
Gearbox: 6 speed constant mesh
Oil Capacity: 1.1 US gals
Chassis and Running Gear
Frame: Tubular steel, twin spine
Swingarm: Twin-sided, steel
Wheels: Cast aluminum alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 in.(Front)
Cast Aluminum alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 in. (rear)
Tires: 120/70 R19 front; 200/50 R17 rear
Front Suspension: Showa 47mm forks, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension: Showa twin shocks with adjustable preload, 95mm travel
Front Brakes: Twin 310mm floating discs, 4 piston fixed calipers
Rear brakes: Single 310 fixed disc, 2-piston floating caliper
Instruments: Analog speedometer with rev counter, LCD trip computer
fuel gauge and clock
Dimensions and Capacity
Length: 92.1 in.
Handlebar width: 34.6 in.
Height: 44.1 in.
Seat Height: 27.5 in.
Wheelbase: 63.5 in.
Rake/trail: 32 degrees/151 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 5.8 US gals
Wet weight: 746 lbs.
Performance
Maximum power: 85 bhp @4850rpm (claimed)
Maximum torque: 108ft.lbs @ 2750 rpm (claimed)