Edward Turner was the mind behind the original Thunderbird 6T model, launched in 1949. Throughout its history, Triumph has sold exactly three major design models of the Thunderbird - 6T, TR65, 900. To be sure, there were other modified versions built, such as the Thunderbird Sport 900 (1997 - 2004), but they were all based on one of those three models. That is until 2009, when the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 was introduced; a new branch on an ever-expanding family tree.
The original T-bird was designed as an attack on the American market. Turner wanted a motorcycle which would sell well and would allow the rider to take his motorcycle anywhere. The Thunderbird was a fantastic long-distance machine and owners of the model would often outfit the motorcycle with touring gear. Americans wanted that in a bike and they bought the Thunderbird in droves. Triumph sold more motorcycles in the US than they did anywhere else after 1950 - proof that the 'paper dart' marked T-bird was a huge success.
In 2004, the last of the third-generation Thunderbird, the Thunderbird Sport 900, rolled off the line. Right about the time that happened, Triumph began working on the next generation. Their dealers had been asking for a large cruiser-type motorcycle to fit in between the 1050c.c. triple, which powered many models, and the 2.3-liter Rocket III, a beast of a roadburner. Triumph believed they could create a smaller - "two-thirds of" - Rocket for the T-bird. In the end, after four years of tough development, the valves on the 2010 Thunderbird are the only parts they have in common.
A 1597c.c. - that is 98 cubic inches! - fuel-injected, water and oil cooled, parallel twin powers the new Thunderbird. This engine produces 85hp and 108ft/lb of torque which propels the 746lb (wet weight, fully loaded with fuel, coolant and oil) down the road at a very brisk pace. A six-speed transmission is mated with a maintenance-free toothed drive belt - the first for Triumph since 1922 - to put power to the rear wheel. Those wheels are 5-spoke cast aluminum pieces which carry 120/70 - 19 inch front and 200/50 - 17 inch rear Metzeler, custom-designed, tires.
The rest of the chassis is cruiser-like with classic touches only Triumph could produce. However, the 2010 Thunderbird has plenty of very modern technology on board as well. For instance, it meets and exceeds all worldwide emissions standards in stock trim. ABS can be added to the already solid braking - two 320mm discs clamped by four-piston calipers out front and one 320mm disc in back operated by a floating two-piston setup. The speedometer and tach are located on the tank with an inset LCD displaying dual trip computers, an odometer, fuel range and a clock adding to the information provided. The comfortable layout - the seat, reach to the footpegs and reach to the handlebars - of the cockpit makes eating miles on the road a relaxing affair - as a cruiser should do.
Triumph has brought the Thunderbird back to the streets, and we are grateful to the Hinckley Company for doing so. If you get the chance, take the 2010 Thunderbird 1600 for a spin. You'll love it!
What are Triumph Thunderbirds going for these days?
The current live auction prices below may give you an idea. Click items for more information:
 Triumph Thunderbird 2010 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD PHANTOM HAZE BLUE BELOW DSRP  US $10,999.00
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 Staintune Reverse Cones for Triumph Thunderbird Sport US $699.00
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 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 1999 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD SPORT Red US $3,625.00 |
 Triumph Thunderbird THUNDERBIRD LKSTUNNING TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD1 OWNERFREESHIPNORE US $4,588.00 |
 TRIUMPH Thunderbird 1600 Exhaust Mufflers 2010 US $500.00
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 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 900 ENGINE MOTOR VIDEOS US $699.95
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