2013 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

Overview

Thunderbird Storm. Rolling thunder.

Meet the Thunderbird’s punky cousin. Dechromed. Stripped down. More attitude than before. Distinctive twin headlights. Straight bars. Any colour you like, as long as it’s black. This is the Thunderbird Storm, the same great chassis as the award-winning Thunderbird, with more power as standard and a harder edged and more distinctive look.

With the award-winning Thunderbird as its base, it’s no surprise that the Storm comes highly specified as standard.

The edgy, stripped down, styling is complemented perfectly by the iconic twin headlights, made famous on Triumph’s legendary Rocket III and Speed Triple models, give the Thunderbird Storm a street rod look straight from the box.

And while the look may be pared back, the spec sheet certainly isn’t. With a 1700cc parallel-twin at its heart the Thunderbird Storm is a power cruiser that packs a mighty punch. The tank mounted speedo includes a small built in tacho and on-board computer which includes clock, two trip meters and a fuel gauge. The low maintenance belt drive system delivers the torque smoothly and cleanly, while the cycle parts ooze class and quality. Anti-lock brakes are also an option for the Thunderbird Storm, offering extra security and safety to the rider and passenger.

Features

• Engine
  • Liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin, 270 degree firing interval 1,700cc delivers tree stump pulling torque and power.

• Chassis
  • Supple suspension for mile eating. A finely calibrated system which blends effortlessly to complement the bike’s looks. Rear adjustable for preload, it’s ready to go - one up or two. Dual front discs deliver smooth and progressive braking.

• Instrument
  • Class leading instruments, tank mounted. Large speedo, tacho, two trip meters and fuel gauge in a chromed nacelle with unique Thunderbird logo.

• Seats
  • Just 27.5in off the ground. Well padded and comfortable with a range of seat accessories for even more comfort. Fly solo or attach the passenger seat for two-up fun.

Specifications

Quotes

Visordown ---- "The engine is just too good for a riding position that hangs you out to dry in the breeze like some kind of S&M dungeon game. Harleys don’t get better the harder you rev them or the more you load them up, they get worse -wheezing and straining. For this class of bike an engine like that is perfect so while Triumph have built a dynamically far superior bike to anything produced in Milwaukee, they’ve kind of shot themselves in the corporate foot by making it too good. It’s just too fast and too capable. "

Motorcyclistonline ---- "Thinking of everything, the Triumph team brought along air-cooled twins and Rocket three-bangers for comparison. The Storm fits nicely between the beginner-ish Speedmaster/America models and the escaped-from-a-lunatic-asylum Rocket III. I was most comfortable on the America, built as it is for munchkins, but we’re talking fractions of inches here. If necessary, I will have shin implants to get the added power of the Storm, or maybe just move the pegs back a little. I have to pull a flatbed trailer full of plywood back to Home Depot, and the Storm won’t even notice it’s back there."

Telegraph ---- "You can travel for miles like this. The Storm uses a little more fuel than the T’Bird but will still do an easy 46-48mpg, enough for at least 200 miles, and it’s a viable tourer due to excellent comfort. Not with a passenger, however, because the rear seat is vestigial and precarious, although a plusher rear one is available for £110, and a touring dual seat for £255. You can get screens and luggage, too."