Triumph Thunderbird Motorcycles
Triumph Thunderbird motorcycles have been around in one form or another for 60 years. Of course, they were not produced in all of those years, but the model was a huge part of Triumph’s history and will continue well into its future.
When the Thunderbird motorcycle was first conceptualized, managing director and lead designer Edward Turner’s design goal was to produce a larger displacement motorcycle to conquer the American market. He succeeded beyond his own aspirations. The first of many Thunderbird motorcycles appeared in 1949; it was the Thunderbird 6T. With it, after 1950, more Triumphs were sold in the United States than in any other nation in which the marque had dealers. Thunderbird motorcycles are considered to be the product which made Triumph a household name in America.
3 Comments »
Steven Wilkerson said :
September 29, 2009 at 12:16 am
Bought my first Triumph in 1967 (Trophy TR6R) 3 more before 1981 (1 TR6R and two Bonnevilles). Bought a 2000 Thunderbird Legend in 2004, and now I have my 2010 Triumph Thunderbird parked in my garage (next to my Legend). What can I say, torque, torque and more torque. Not like the Rocket III (which I have ridden while working at a”triumph dealership), but plenty just the same. Power is instant and delivered very smoothly through the belt drive. I’m 5′7″ and the bike fits perfectly. Much better than my 1991 Electraglide (no Triumphs to buy then). The Rocket is just too big and wide. The Thunderbird is comfortable and it handles like a Triumph. Plenty of ground clearance for me and 90 mph comes up so fast it takes my breath away. I didn’t buy it for gas mileage, but I can’t complain getting 50 mpg. Every Triumph that I ever owned got me 50 mpg so I am one happy rider. Can’t wait to ride to Daytona in March.
Franky said :
January 27, 2010 at 5:03 am
I have a Triumph Thunderbird 900 year2003 and i am very happy rider.
For my country it’s not big because i live in m Malta but i enjoy my rid.
Lifted trucks said :
August 28, 2010 at 3:25 am
The Thunderbird motorcycle went away after 1966 only to reappear in 1981 as the Thunderbird TR65. It had many upgraded components – wheels, brakes, suspension, etc. – and put 82hp to the ground – a significant increase. The design was slightly modified as well, but it retained its lovely retro styling. The 900 Sport was the last 885c.c. Thunderbird motorcycle to be made ..
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