- Performance
- Handling
- Comfort
- Looks
- Equipment
- Value
- Overall
Technical summary
- List Price:
- £9,499
- Insurance:
- Group
- Engine:
- 1600cc parallel twin 8v
- Performance:
- 115mph top speed
- Power:
- 85bhp
- Weight:
- 308kg
- MPG:
- 30mpg
- Range:
- 110 miles
Review
Triumph is squaring up to Harley-Davidson and its dominance of the American cruiser market with the all-new Thunderbird. They've given it a cracking name and it looks the part, but the British firm has its work cut out if it's to shake up this stalwartly traditional, conservative corner of the market. After all, Harley's heritage is a tough thing to take on...
But the Thunderbird has everything going for it. It's beautifully built and fitted with a whopping 1600cc parallel twin engine which creamily serves its 85bhp of power. More importantly, 108lb ft of torque is available from a lowly 2750rpm making lazy roll-on overtakes the order of the day and a top speed of 115mph in sixth possible, if you can put up with the wind buffeting.It all makes progress pretty swift and hassle-free.
It's fair to say this big 300kg Triumph is far from nimble but it's more wieldy and easier-going than we expected. Tackle a sweeping curve at pace and the Thunderbird stays impressively neutral and responds well to your inputs through the handlebars, plus there's a little more ground clearance than on many bikes of this sort. It's not much fun to lug around town, but then neither are any of its rivals.
A meaty frame and suspension, along with carefully-developed tyres and the reassuring presence of ABS all add up to create an impressively well-rounded package. And cruiser fans will be pleased to find all the elements they'd expect, including a low slung seat, chunky switchgear, the ignition key under the seat and a wide range of showy options.
We found the Thunderbird to be better than its H-D rivals in almost every conceivable way - it handles better, has a better engine, is better built and still has a cool badge on the tank - but that's not to say it'll be a success. Harley-Davidson's heritage - 'The Dream' if you like - is what keeps its bikes selling and what keeps their residual values sky-high. The Triumph's certainly a more logical choice, but cruiser buyers may still follow their hearts - especially in America.
