Four stroke, transverse three cylinder,
DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity
885 cc / 54 cu in
Bore x Stroke
76 x 65 mm
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Cooling
System
Liquid cooled
Induction
3 x 36 mm Mikuni carburetors
Ignition
Digital
Starting
Electric
Max Power
51 kW / 70 hp @ 8000 rpm (rear tyre 50 kW / 66.9 hp @ 7300 rpm)
Max Torque
72 Nm / 7.34 kgf-m / 53.1 lb-ft@ 4800 rpm
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Transmission
6 Speed
Final
Drive
Chain, O-ring
Frame
High tensile steel spine
Front Suspension
43 mm Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension
Monoshock, preload adjustable.
Front Brakes
Single 320 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single 285 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front
Wheel
3.50 x 18, 36 spoke
Rear
Wheel
3.50 x 16, 40 spoke
Front Tyre
110/80-18
Rear Tyre
150/80-16
Rake
27o
Trail
106 mm / 4.2 in
Dimensions
Length: 2250 mm / 88.6 in
Width: 860 mm / 33.8 in
Height: 1105 mm / 43.5 in
Wheelbase
1580 mm / 62.2 in
Seat Hieght
776 mm / 30.5 in
Dry Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
Fuel Capacity
15 Litres / 4.0 US gal / 3.3
Imp gal
Braking 60 km/h- 0
14.7 m / 48.2 ft
Braking 100 km/h- 0
42.3 m / 138.8 ft
Standing
¼ Mile
12.9 sec / 163.5 km/h / 101.6 mph
Top Speed
191.1 km/h / 118.7 mph
One glance at the Thunderbird
said everything about the bike that Triumph created to spearhead its return
to the American market in 1995. The three-cylinder cruiser was built for
nostalgia, echoing the British firm's 1950s and '60s look from its high bars
and chrome headlamp all the way to its wire wheels and old-style
'peashooter' silencers. The name added to the period feel, too, for the
original 650cc Thunderbird parallel twin had been a big US hit for Triumph
in the '50s, and was the bike famously ridden by Marlon Brando's character,
Johnny, in The Wild One.
The Thunderbird represented a big
step for the fast-expanding Hinckley firm, as it was the first model to move
significantly away from the modular concept on which Triumph's range had
been based. Although the basic layout of this bike's watercooled, twin-cam,
12-valve powerplant was shared with the eight other triples in the range,
numerous engine and chassis components were unique, making the Thunderbird
more complicated and expensive to produce.
Triumph retained the big triple's
familiar 885cc capacity, but the T-bird's cylinder head, crankcasei and
covers were restyled to mimic those of ok aircooled models. Internal
changes, including different cams and a lower compression ratio reduced peak
power to 69bhp from the normal 97bhp. Like the Speed Triple, the new triple
had five, rather than Triumph's more common six ratios in its gearbox.
The frame's main spine was
similar to the other models', but joined a modified rear section that
allowed a slightly lower dual-seat. Bodywork was al new, and did a great job
of recapturing the look o the old twins. The classical 'mouth-organ' tank
badge was almost identical to the '50s original. The fuel tank's shape, the
chrome carb-covers and wire spoked wheels (in 18-inch front, 16-inch rear
sizes all added to the period effect.
Triumph's previous triples had
been superbly tractable, yet the detuned engine was even stronger at low
revs (peak torque arrives at just 4800rpm Given a handful of throttle, the
Triumph surge forwards almost regardless of how far the tacho needle was
from its 8500rpm redline. The mote was wonderfully smooth, too, and the
gearbox typically slick. Top-end performance was les impressive, as the
T-bird began running out c breath well before its modest top speed of
122mph.
The Thunderbird's chassis was
well up to containing its engine performance. The frame was stiff, and
suspension at both ends firm by cruiser standards. Hard riding, particularly
over a series of bumps, sometimes revealed the handling's limitations with a
slight twitch. Unlike other Triumphs, this bike made do with a single front
disc brake, but it was effective providing the lever was given a solid
squeeze.
For short trips and gentle
cruising the Thunderbird was comfortable, maneuverable and very pleasant
indeed. Inevitably, some practicality had been sacrificed to style. This
bike's fuel tank held only 3.3 gallons, compared to the 5.5 gallons of most
other Triumphs, limiting range to about 100 miles. By then, the wind-blown
riding position had normally made the rider glad of a stop, despite the
broad and comfortable dual seat.
Triumph offered extra
practicality - and style -with a range of accessories including a screen and
panniers. But many riders preferred the added retro image of cosmetic
options such as traditional two-tone paintwork and rubber knee-pads for the
fuel-tank.
That carefully cultivated air of
nostalgia, combined with good performance and excellent build quality,
rapidly made the new Thunderbird a big hit - not just in America but all
over the world.