New Thunderbird 1600

[Big Dave]

The new 1600 twin beastie is called the Thunderbird.

Press Release - Courtesy Kiwi Rider Magazine.

Triumph unveils new Thunderbird cruiser

Triumph has unveiled its all-new Thunderbird at the company's Global Dealer Conference in Birmingham, England. The eagerly-anticipated 1600cc cruiser is set to go on sale next year and is an important addition to the company's cruiser range.

The Thunderbird features an all-new parallel twin-cylinder engine with six-speed gearbox and belt drive. Designed to take on the best in the cruiser category, combining sleek and modern custom styling with strong performance and great dynamics, the Thunderbird delivers an authentic cruiser experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

The Thunderbird will be offered with an extensive range of official accessories for riders who wish to tailor the bike to their individual needs. Whether they want a stripped-down 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 the rider customise the Thunderbird to their individual tastes. An ABS option will also be available.

Further information on the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird, including technical specifications, will be released in the New Year.

[98tls]

"stripped down and chromed up hotrod" sounds good and with the Trumpet badge on would be pretty classy methinks.

[MD]

Wow!! It's a good looker! I really like the look now that the finished product has appeared. Belt drive too.

Sorry to link to an oppositions site BD but for those interested here's some of the first pictures. Including the new 675 Daytona in red and the Street R

http://www.mcnews.com.au/2009_Bikes/Triumph/Intro.htm

I can see my ideal garage now in 2010, a 1600 Thunderbird and new 675 Daytona

[Big Dave]

Sorright - I have the same pics, saves me uploading them.

I've been busy pawing through the new KIWI RIDER wot I just got anyway.
An edition that will be of interest to lots of KBers.

[Big Dave]

I like the new one, there was pain with the old one.

[avgas]

1600 parallel twin.....i find it hard to say that without thinking of a slack jawed yokel.......
why not a nice stripped down 750? Where are triumph going with this?
The last tbird wasn't that bad. was it?

[Big Dave]

1600 parallel twin.....i find it hard to say that without thinking of a slack jawed yokel.......
why not a nice stripped down 750? Where are triumph going with this?
The last tbird wasn't that bad. was it?

Still got my '95. They just stopped selling.
The ride down memory lane was more appealing on a Bonneville for most.

1600 twin will have some sort of balancer shafts hey. The Buell 1125R has three.

These big bikes are designed for a: The American Market and b: Big bastards like me. Lovin' it already.

Where are they going with it? - Directly at Harley.
Prediction. Court challenge over use of 'Thunderbird'. Ford owns the Trademark. Didn't matter when they (new T) were a curio in the states. Much higher profile now.

[sels1]

These big bikes are designed for a: The American Market and b: Big bastards like me. Lovin' it already.

Where are they going with it? - Directly at Harley.

It fills the gap nicely between the America/Speedmaster, (while nice bikes, could do with a few more horsies) and the Rocket, which is at the very large (and expensive) end of the range.

Wonder what it is going to be priced at.....?

[RentaTriumph]

My first impressions is disapointment, I don't like the exhaust, the pussy seat or the fast back rear end. But I will with hold judgement till I see the traditional two tone colour scheme and what extras you can buy with the bike. Better still what 3rd party aftermarket parts you can get for the bike once it is released.

[Big Dave]

Take the pussy pad off it and it will look mucho better. Makes an amazing difference to the America.

[AllanB]

Its got a Harley tank!
80's Yamaha wheels (no shit)

And that is not stripped down - I suspect it will weigh 260 plus.

To me a parallel twin should be light and fairly small - nimble.

The engine will be interesting - it will pack a serious wallop that's for sure.

Its a shame they did not pop out something unique like a 1600-1800cc triple with that styling.

A side note re Triumph here. I have never seen the point at all in the oversize ugly looking Rocket 3, until I stood next to the Touring model last week - that works. Even if it is way to large for my size. Hopefully the new 1600 will do the same when viewed in the flesh.

[malfunconz]

dosnt matter what you like or dislike , with trump it can all be changed (any bike for that matter) i wanna 1600 for me speedy .

[Ixion]

So, with a 1600cc twin engine, it needs a six speed gearbox? Not much torque, eh.

[pete376403]

Full test of the 'bird in the April Cycle World (got it in the post yesterday)
The six speed could be a bit of overkill, with over 100ft-lbs torque.
Wright is 309Kg but that is not finalised
US list price $13k so should be under $30k when it gets here

[Big Dave]

Six speeds = What does its opposition have?