Filed under: Motorcycles
Triumph introduces new 2010 Thunderbird
Click above for a few more shots of the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird
We've seen plenty of spy photos circulating the web of Triumph's long-expected parallel twin cruiser, so the introduction of the new 2010 Thunderbird is anything but shocking. We are a bit surprised, though, by how plain-looking the bike is, appearing very much like a modern Bonneville injected with
Rumors indicate that more variations on this basic Thunderbird theme will come out of the woodwork in due time, including the now-expected touring model. All models will likely share the same basic frame, engine and six speed gearbox. ABS is said to be optional. We look forward to seeing more shots of the new Thunderbird, hopefully ones that show the bike in a bit better light.
Gallery: 2010 Triumph Thunderbird
[Source: Triumph]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Declan Moran 10:28AM (7/23/2008)
1910 more like
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BlackCanary 10:51AM (7/23/2008)
You don't get it.
BlackCanary 10:29AM (7/23/2008)
"bike bares a passing resemblance to Kawasaki's rather ancient Vulcan 500 model"
Yes untill you get close to it and notice the lack of plastic and the high attention to detail.
A 300 may resemble a Bentley but no one would confuse the two.
The Vulcan in a fine entry level bike but Triumph is an aspiratioanal brand does not matter if they look similar.
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Alex 10:32AM (7/23/2008)
"appearing very much like a modern Bonneville injected with performance enhancing drugs."
ohh... you mean they made it look like a larger version of one of the most successful, identifiable and best selling motorcycles ever built? Yeah, that was a bad idea on their part...
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BlackCanary 10:55AM (7/23/2008)
...except it looks nothing like the Bonneville other than the fact that it has two wheels and handle bars.
http://www.mc-nett.no/triumph/triumph-02/triumph-bonneville-3.jpg
But I agree, knocking it for resembling an icon is rather stupid.
It looks more like a Dyna than a Bonneville.
Alex 11:10AM (7/23/2008)
The more i looked at it the more i was thinking the exact same thing. This looks nothing like a Bonneville; the Scrambler and Thruxton do, but they all share a frame and are vastly different in terms of ride characteristics. Maybe the America or Speedmaster, but even then there are very obvious differences.
tanooki2003 10:35AM (7/23/2008)
Much better than the last Thunderbird that Ford released.
Zing!!
Well someone had to say it.
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tankd0g 10:58AM (7/23/2008)
"We were going for the generic cruiser look, you know, the kind of bike you can't quite identify without looking at the badge. I think we achieved that."
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CaptainCaveMan 11:06AM (7/23/2008)
I can tell by looking at the engine but I can see what you are saying.
Say what you will about HD but they are pretty easy to identify.
You see a Triumpth up close and only a total bike novice would mistake it for a Honda or Kawasaki.
AngeloD 11:21AM (7/23/2008)
"We were going for the generic cruiser look, you know, the kind of bike you can't quite identify without looking at the badge. I think we achieved that."
Right, because there are so many companies producing water-cooled parallel twin crusiers nowadays.
tankd0g 1:05PM (7/23/2008)
If the only thing unique about your bike is how many degrees your cylinders are canted, you have a deficiency in your design dept.
MajorGeek 11:41AM (7/23/2008)
Like riding, like Triumphs. Nice, clean lines, however remains a bit safe and boring at the same time.
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Gardiner Westbound 12:01PM (7/23/2008)
The Bonneville was a terrific bike when it ran, which wasn't often. Here's hoping the Thunderbird is reliable.
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Patrick 12:47PM (7/23/2008)
This is Autoblog, not Bikerblog. If I cared about bikes I'd find another site for 2-wheeled news. Harleys sound worse than R!ce Rockets with Folgers coffee can mufflers.
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Pacman 1:35PM (7/23/2008)
1st - This is not a Harley
2nd - Why did click on a Posting you had no interest in and then comment on it?
Patrick 5:27PM (7/23/2008)
I commented because I see motorcycle posts every 2-3 days on this site lately. I usually skip them. This Triumph is of the same genre as a Harley and sounds somewhat similar, albeit slightly quieter and less obnoxious.
ozyran440 1:19PM (7/23/2008)
BLAH!
Reminds me a tad too much of a Honda VTX, right down to the painted covers below the seats.
No, wait, scratch that. It looks like a *wannabe* VTX, but will likely cost $3-$4K ABOVE the price of the Honda. Half the looks at a higher price. Meh, if this is the best Triumph can do with a cruiser, they need to drop the idea altogether.
Their sport bikes look awesome and are instantly recognizable from any other in the world. Why would they change that by making a generically-styled cruiser?
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Alex 2:35PM (7/23/2008)
Actually the Rocket III is the best they can do with a cruiser, this is their middle weight.
Besides being cruiser motorcycles, they do not look much alike. The VTX (which is a great bike) hides the frame and swallows its tires, the engine lay-out is completely different, shaft driven as opposed to chain... At a glance? sure they look similar, but most cruisers are hard differentiate at a glance.
ozyran440 6:35PM (7/23/2008)
Alex,
I invite you to take another look at the VTX:
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2008models/2008-Honda-VTX1300Cc.jpg
Trust me, I spent about 8 hours staring at one while I was waiting for the bike dealership to assemble my 2008 Versys. I did not casually make that remark, I see a STRONG resemblence between the VTX 1300 and the Thunderbird, save the parallel configuration.
mk 2:40PM (7/23/2008)
Triumph,
Where is the renovated full-size Daytona?
T595 and 955i Daytonas were good bikes, especially the styling on the T595-style examples.
Why did the big Daytona not receive the 1050i Updates that the Sprint ST and Speed Triple did?
Why has no new model come forward?
BTW, good job on the Speed triple, Street triple, and Daytona 675. Even the thruxton looks pretty cool.
The Rocket 3 was interesting, but this Thunderbird looks more than a bit generic.
The Tornado Red T595 Daytona was the single bike that made me fall in love with motorcycles. Unfortunately it is the one that has fallen by the wayside. I could even understand if it were upgraded to 1200ccs, or whatever, but it seems to be nowhere.
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