Triumph thunderbird storm

It would be easy to be cynical about Triumph’s new Thunderbird Storm. Its route of taking an existing cruiser model and spinning off a pared down, mean and moody, all-black, ‘hot rod’-styled variant is, after all, a well-trodden one. Riding it, however, reveals the new Storm to be pleasingly more than just AN Other fashion victim. Aside from predictable black paint and metal finishes, Triumph has gone the extra yard by giving it a completely different headlamp arrangement, more performance and a host of neat detail touches.

Engine

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The Triumph Thunderbird Storm’s added performance, courtesy of using the Thunderbird’s optional 1700cc big bore kit which delivers 12 more bhp and a healthy wodge of added grunt means the Storm has the extra go to match its hot rod image, something that can’t be said of the Nightsters and Black Spirits of this world.

Ride and Handling

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Like the stock version, the Triumph Thunderbird Storm’s a cut above the class convention. The suspension, like most Triumphs, is well set-up; the brakes excellent, the whole plot taut enough to pleasingly swing through a series of country bends. It’s no sports bike, of course, the slow steering and sheer bulk means corners have to be planned and steady, but it’s more fun than most cruisers when you want to hustle.

Equipment

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It’s the Triumph Thunderbird Storm’s twin beam headlamp which visually instantly distances it from the stock Thunderbird. In addition the Storm boasts more aggressive, flat bars and extended risers as well as chic clear glass indicators. Being ‘minimal’ it’s not exactly lavish, but it’s got all the right bits in all the right places.

Quality and Reliability

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All Triumph and slick, crisp and well-built these days and there have been no reported reliability issues with the Thunderbird so it’s fairly safe to assume the same will be true of the Thunderbird Storm.

Value

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Priced between the Thunderbird and Rocket III Roadster represents fair, if not startling value. There’s no extra goodies, per se, over the T-Bird – although the 1700cc big bore performance boost is welcome – but there’s plenty of extra style and it’s a great middleground between the two machines.

Insurance

Insurance group: 14

Model History

2011: Model introduced

Other Versions

Triumph Thunderbird 1600 – standard version of Thunderbird

Specifications

Top speed	120mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	97bhp
Torque	115ftlb
Weight	339kg
Seat height	700mm
Fuel capacity	22 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	14

Engine size	1699cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled, parallel twin, 6 gears
Frame	Tubular steel twin spine
Front suspension adjustment	47mm telescopic forks, no adjust
Rear suspension adjustment	Twin shocks, preload adjust
Front brakes	2 x 310mm discs, four-piston calipers
Rear brake	310mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 x 19
Rear tyre size	200/50 x 17