Here's a name to conjure with. Whether it's Marlon Brando's character Johnny and his old Triumph Thunderbird in the 1950s cult classic movie The Wild One or record attempts on Bonneville Salt Flats in Thunderbird engined streamliners in the Fifties, the name Triumph Thunderbird has passed into motorcycling lore.
Since 1995 the reborn marque's traditionally-styled Thunderbird has appealed to riders looking for the Triumph triple experience in a classic package, and the retro heavyweight still delivers if this is the look you're after and unhurried performance is your thing.
The 885cc three-cylinder engine delivers 69bhp, while a fat torque curve ensures the T-bird is never short of drive whatever revs the engine is turning at. Couple the unhurried power characteristics with a low seat height and relaxed riding position and it's easy to see why Hinckley's first classically styled machine, still the only three-cylinder retro available, has such a strong following.
A substantial chassis adds to the imposing looks and makes the Thunderbird a stable performer on the open road while offering light, responsive steering at slower speeds and exceptional comfort.
With the triple sound barking out of stylish "peashooter" pipes and that classic badge shining from the duo-tone painted tank it's easy to see why the Thunderbird turns the heads of old and young alike. At-a-glance retro chic with modern reliability - and performance falling somewhere in between.
