English motorcycle manufacturer Triumph continues producing very large displacement motorcycles. Their Rocket III is a prime example. At the German Intermot exhibition they showed off their recently announced Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle. It's not as big at the Rocket III, but it's bigger than most motorcycles on the market.
The Thunderbird has the "traditional" cruiser look & feel to it, much like other older Triumph bikes. With the new 1599 cc engine and a torque of in excess of 100 ft/lb (135.60 Nm), and despite its weight (which has not been communicated), it can pull away from a red light like a dragster.
Here's what the press releases have to say:
Triumph has unveiled the all-new Thunderbird cruiser that will join the 2010 model line-up. 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.
Triumph’s Thunderbird features an all-new 1599cc parallel twin-cylinder motor with six-speed gearbox and belt drive. The engine, with a bore and stroke of 103.8 x 94.3mm, will develop in excess of 75bhp in standard trim and produces more than 100 lb/ft of torque.
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 customize the Thunderbird to their individual tastes. An ABS option will also be available.
Technical Specifications
| ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION : | | Type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel twin, 270º firing interval | | Capacity | 1599cc | | Bore/Stroke | 103.8 x 94.3mm | | Fuel System | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI , progressive linkage on throttle | | Final Drive | Toothed belt | | ClutchClutch | Wet, multi-plate | | Gearbox | 6-speed constant mesh, helical type | | CHASSIS, RUNNING GEAR AND DISPLAYS | | Frame | Tubular steel, twin spine | | Swingarm | Twin sided, steel | | Wheels | Front: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 inch
Rear: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 inch | | Tires | Front: 120/70 R19
Rear: 200/50 R17 | | Suspension | Front: Showa 47mm forks
Rear: Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. | | Brakes | Front: Twin 310mm fixed discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear: Single 310mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper | | Instrument display/functions | Tank mounted instrumentation with large speedo, integrated tacho and LCD display with odometer, twin trip counters, range-to-empty and clock. Auto-cancelling indicators | | DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES: | | Length | 2350mm (92.5 in) | | Width | (Handlebars) 947mm (37.2 in) (TBC) | | Height | 1216mm (47.9 in) (TBC) | | Seat Height | 702mm (27.6 in) (TBC) | | Wheelbase | 1641mm (64.6in) | | Rake/Trail | 32°/151.3mm | | Dry Weight | TBC | | Fuel Tank Capacity | 21 litres (5.5 gal US) | | PERFORMANCE : | | | Maximum Power | In excess of 80bhp | | Maximum Torque | In excess of 100ft.lbf |
Click here to go to the Triumph site 
|
