Thunderbird strikes

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD COMMANDER 1700

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

Sixty-five years since the original Thunderbird, Triumph has once again created a cruiser with intuitive handling, cool style and a rebellious attitude.

The 2014 Thunderbird delivers an authentic riding experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

The Thunderbird is also offered with an extensive range of accessories.

Whether you want a strippeddown and chromed-up hot rod with muscular performance or a fully dressed classic style custom-tourer for two-up touring, Triumph’s accessory range lets you customise the Thunderbird to your individual tastes.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

For a bike with this much charisma and style, the £13,299 price tag looks pretty tempting.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?

The Triumph Thunderbird Commander is powered by an engine with apair of saucer-sized forged pistons.

It is a 1,699cc eight-valve, DOHC engine with uneven 270° firing intervals and a long-stroke design which produces a potent 93bhp at 5,400rpm and a huge 111lb/ft of torque at a lowly 3,550rpm, giving the Commander bags of twin-cylinder character.

All the power is directed through a wet, multi-plate clutch and six-speed constant mesh, helical type gearbox.

The Commander’s brakes are reassuring and smooth delivered by front twin 310mm floating discs with dual four-pot Nissin callipers and a rear single 310mm fixed disc and Brembo two-piston floating calliper, in conjunction with the latest generation Triumph ABS.

The wheels are fat-section 140/75 17in at the front and 200/50 17in at the rear. Both run on diamond turned cast wheels.

Triumph brings its legendary engineering to the cruiser market to produce a revelation in suspension performance.

Its tubular steel frame features a twin spine swingarm and front Show a 47mm forks. The rear suspension features Showa chromed spring twin shocks with five positions adjustable preload.

This finely calibrated system blends effortlessly to complement rather than hinder the bike’s looks.

The Commander’s 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.

You can get right down in the thick of the action on a seat just 701mm 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.

You can 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.