The original 6T Thunderbird was introduced in 1949. Over the years a number of different Triumphs inherited the name and in 2008 they announced the coming of a new 1597cc cruiser. Designed by Californian, Tim Prentice (who also designed the 2011 Speed Triple), the big, parallel twin was released in 2009 as an attempt to steal some of Harley’s Dyna Super Glide sales.
Respected journalist, Kevin Ash, reviewed the Thunderbird for that esteemed motorcycle publication the, er, Telegraph on this day, as I’m sure many here will remember (overseas subscriptions are available). Our Kev was quite flattering of the TBird, considering it “superior to a Harley in just about every way you can measure.” Bags of torque (108lb.ft @ 2750rpm), 85 horses to chug you along B roads and boulevards, and all done using about 25% less gas than similar American iron.
Speaking of 85’s, that how long it had been since Triumph put a belt drive on a bike. The original engineer wasn’t availble for comment but it’s likely the modern, Kevlar-reinforced version was slightly more reliable.
Ride comfort was, Ash reported, “best in class”, with chassis and suspension cleverly designed not to drop the bike in to corners like a typical cruiser. Not such an issue on Route 66 but handy for roundabouts in Swindon.
When not cruising the streets, a Thunderbird owner could admire the exemplary finish with not a rusty jubilee clip in sight (what were you thinking, H-D?), and up to £7,000 of gleaming accessories. Which in todays money is just over £7,000!
A big heap of praise to climb then, but no bike is perfect. Not even a BMW R1300GS. Without the trademark v-twin and that Harley sound, the Triumph was falling short of being iconic and possibly not enough to woo the Hog-wild to side with the Brits. And perhaps that, untimately, is why there have been no more Thunderbirds since 2019.
But never say never - this bird has risen from the ashes before…
