2010 Triumph Thunderbird Review

Intro

The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is the Hinckley-based company’s latest offering in the mid-displacement cruiser market. The year 2010 saw Triumph launching a number of new cruiser model lines including the Speedmaster and the 865cc America. However, with the introduction of the 2010 Thunderbird variant, the British motorcycle-maker has raised the bar in the cruiser market giving tough competition to the likes of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom, Honda VTX1800F, and Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. With its parallel-twin, three-cylinder engine having a displacement of 1597cc and impressive design features; Triumph has left no stones unturned to make the Thunderbird its mainstream cruiser offering.

The Triumph Thunderbird was first produced in 1949 as a roadster to capture the American motorcycle market. The original 6T Thunderbird was powered by a 650cc, parallel twin engine which was a variant used in its earlier Speed Twin bike series. Later, in 1994, the Thunderbird 900 was introduced by the resurrected British company. This new version played an important role in the successful re-introduction of Triumph into the U.S. Several variations of the Thunderbird were produced thereafter, including the Triumph T309RD Thunderbird Sport, Triumph T309RC Adventurer, and Triumph T309TT Legend.

Visually, the 2010 version is a looker with clean lines contouring the high performance engines. The model is available in three color schemes; Jet Black, Pacific Blue/Fusion White, or Aluminum Silver/Jet Black rendering a mean, racy appearance to the machine. Built around a tubular steel frame having a height of 44.1 inches and length of 92.1 inches, the bike is a clear reflection of the Triumph’s famous cruiser genes. However, despite its imposing dimensions, the bike is a pleasure to ride due to high ergonomic standards. The feet-forward design offers a comfortable riding position while the handlebars are easy to grab. Due to the vehicle’s versatile design, it is easy for even short riders to maneuver the British bike as their feet can always touch the ground. The T-Bird also boasts of a comfortable and spacious saddle that lies just 27.6 inches above the ground. With its crisp styling and ergonomics, the vehicle is perfect for covering long miles in a comfortable manner.

Perhaps one of the most alluring aspects of the 2010 T-Bird is the liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine which claims to produce around 84.8 bhp at 4850rpm and 146.1Nm at 2750rpm. With the addition of the 103.8mm bore and 94.3mm stroke, the machine limit reaches a notable 6500rpm. Another aspect of the model that stands out is its high braking capacity. Aided by front twin 310mm floating discs and a rear single 310mm fixed disc with a Brembo two-piston floating caliper, the Thunderbird provides ultimate control over the machine. Additionally, riders also have the option of including an additional Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for quick stops. In addition to this, the suspension also offers good bump control and thereby helps to overcome all types of road imperfections. The model’s suspension performance is enhanced with the help of the front Showa 47mm forks and the rear adjustable Showa chromed spring twin shocks. With such revolutionary engineering, the 2010 Thunderbird has once again reinstated its name as a leader in the competitive cruiser market.

New For 2010

  • An alternative chromed clutch cover accessory with the original ""paper dart"" Thunderbird logo and script as found in the first model.

2010 Triumph Thunderbird Specs

  • N/A

Accessories

  • 104ci big-bore kit
  • Air filter

Key Competitors For The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

  • Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom
  • Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
  • Honda VTX1800F