Triumphrat

Corky · 07-21-2008, 05:39 AM

Well someone one here was dead right with their prediction of a 1600 belt driven Thunderbird.

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.

cafetbird · 07-21-2008, 12:20 PM

Triumph today unveiled its new models for the 2009 model year to an expectant audience of dealers and press at its Global Dealer Conference in Birmingham, England, as well as officially announcing the eagerly-anticipated parallel twin-cylinder cruiser, which will be known as the Thunderbird.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/News_10720.aspx

mulvaney · 07-21-2008, 11:37 PM

Triumph has made itself a very distinctive and profitable company by "going its own way" and not trying to out harley anyone. Now they do this. Well, I was feeling so good, I thought I would pull out a pistol and shoot myself in the foot! Yeah, good luck with that, let me know how that works out for you.

DaemonWulf · 07-22-2008, 05:40 PM

I dunno... maybe its cuz I own a Speedmaster (as some on the site seem to believe is a wannabe Harley) but I dont see them as trying to out-Harley HD. If yer referring to the 6-speed and belt drive, these are performance enhancements.. you know, the things we laugh at HD for taking 100 years to get on board with. No one mistakes my Speedy for an HD, nor will they mistake this. It could only be more Triumph if it wore twin headlights, but then it wouldnt be the sales phenomenon Triumph is hoping for because thats a niche look. Reality is, when people think cruisers, a certain image flashes in their mind.. regardless of the name attached to it, its a single headlight, low-slung, chromed out, wide tire thing. The Japanese have caught on to this and are giving HD a run. Not to mention there was this gaping hole in the cruiser line between the 865 bikes and the R3. So now we have a 1600cc 100hp beast ready to smack the *&%# out of HD, and they did go thier own way.. with a more powerful engine design.. the classic twin. Im all about it.

cat · 07-24-2008, 05:13 PM

i just bought a 07 roadstar silverado to sit along side my speedmaster--
might be trading it in come 2010.

i look forward to more news on this bike.

looks like it has a radiator, which my road* doesn't.
cat

Brooksie · 07-24-2008, 07:27 PM

If this is for real, Triumph has done themselves proud and REALLY lived up to the Thunderbird name. Let's see it!!!

djmakm · 07-25-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaemonWulf

I dunno... maybe its cuz I own a Speedmaster (as some on the site seem to believe is a wannabe Harley) but I dont see them as trying to out-Harley HD. If yer referring to the 6-speed and belt drive, these are performance enhancements.. you know, the things we laugh at HD for taking 100 years to get on board with. No one mistakes my Speedy for an HD, nor will they mistake this. It could only be more Triumph if it wore twin headlights, but then it wouldnt be the sales phenomenon Triumph is hoping for because thats a niche look. Reality is, when people think cruisers, a certain image flashes in their mind.. regardless of the name attached to it, its a single headlight, low-slung, chromed out, wide tire thing. The Japanese have caught on to this and are giving HD a run. Not to mention there was this gaping hole in the cruiser line between the 865 bikes and the R3. So now we have a 1600cc 100hp beast ready to smack the *&%# out of HD, and they did go thier own way.. with a more powerful engine design.. the classic twin. Im all about it.

Amen, Wulf. 100 HP. Lets rip. Unfortunately we'll have to wait till 2010.

Hondo Cat · 08-01-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulvaney

Triumph has made itself a very distinctive and profitable company by "going its own way" and not trying to out harley anyone. Now they do this. Well, I was feeling so good, I thought I would pull out a pistol and shoot myself in the foot! Yeah, good luck with that, let me know how that works out for you.

Definitely not "going your own way"! Thunderbird 1600 is the answer to nobody's question.

What about a performance Thruxton that performs in fact and not in name only???

tooblekain · 08-04-2008, 11:09 PM

That was me with the name prediction

However, I don't like the bike...

:

rob hunt · 08-13-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulvaney

Triumph has made itself a very distinctive and profitable company by "going its own way" and not trying to out harley anyone. Now they do this. Well, I was feeling so good, I thought I would pull out a pistol and shoot myself in the foot! Yeah, good luck with that, let me know how that works out for you.

how about the 1600cc in the speedmaster? i like that idea!