Lol..Your very welcome . Look at the Thunderbird and the Rocket 3 .There is a roadster and touring model same goes for the Thunderbird .There's a Commander ,LT and a Storm .
If you already have a lot of riding experience and are not adverse to a bigger bike, I would gamble on the t-bird. It's better balanced & has better braking. Everything the America is, the t-bird is better.
The LT and Commander erased some of my grips. The older T-Birds and Storm, check out used. Due to poor resale value, I think that makes them "thee best" bargain in used cruisers.
I'm picking up a 2011 'two tone' model in a few weeks time and really looking forward to it; thanks for a great video; helps to prepare me for the new feet first experience!
I’ve got a 2013 Storm. Have the wind screen, crash bars and I’ve got the leather bags. They have a hard plastic lining inside with leather and straps outside. Bigger than yours, and look good as they’re black leather. I also have the Mustang aftermarket seat. Sooo much nicer than the original, both comfort and looks- and nice for her to ride behind me too. I’ve got the luggage rack/ sissy bar or backrest. Very comfy. This bike is a rider, and a looker. Huge amount of power and torque. Smooth as silk. Best bike I’ve ever owned and I’ve had a lot of them! Rock on!👍👍🇺🇸❤️
This is the bike that I plan on buying here in the near future and I appreciate your review we're going over what I'm going to be what I'm going to be stuck with
I love my '11 Thunderbird... my biggest issue is the lack of a cruise control. Oh... and Triumph's lack of proper marketing. This is an OUTSTANDING motorcycle and nothing but a peep of marketing. Triumph didn't get to Sturgis to market this beast. I still own my '11 Thunderbird but my main ride is my '19 Indian Springfield.
Even now in 2023, aftermarket parts are scarce. With a bit of research though, you can find parts that'll fit or make your own. I've got a batwing and apes on mine. I had to get the extended cables and brake line custom made. I had to make my own control wires as no one makes extended aftermarkets. If anyone is interested in installing apes and needs advice, feel free to reach out! The mustang seat is a must for comfort and style. This winter, I'll be having custom bags made. I had exhaust pipes made that go straight back so I'll have room to do extended bags with lid speakers. The meerkat X pipe is a must if you do a cat delete and I recommend the delete if your looking to push more power. You will need to get it tuned though so might as well do an intake and some internals! If your looking to really beef it up, a company in England makes a hypercharger kit that'll get you to 160hp ish. These really are great bikes and I love owning one!
I purchased a 2009 Thunderbird here in Aussie today. I have been watching your videos and others a few times to see how they rate. I will be catching up on the rest of your videos on accessories. Thank you for posting.
The Thunderbird has a certain charm that hooks you. Buddy of mine has a Bird he never rides, I'm the one that keeps it up to date, starting it, service, and mild riding, and it has grown on me.
Good review . Have admired this machine since i first set eyes on one . Now i can finally afford one , Triumph have brought out the 1200cc Bonneville . Spoiled for choice , but whichever i buy , it'll be a WINNER lol . Ride safe .
I have the 2016 1700 thunderbird awesome ride plenty of power heavy on tyres but as most are only around $300 makes little difference the new twin headlights are so good and great on long rides with the cruiser seating
My owners manual for my 2011 1600 specifically stated to use high test. One other thing to add, put a mustang seat with backrest on it, made a world of difference in comfort.
Rear tires! The stock Metzler that came with my Storm actually blew out on me after about 3000 miles. I switched to Avon Storm 3D's front and rear, but I'm only getting 5-7K for the rear tires; the front will last twice that, easily. That said, my '14 Storm loves lean angle, unlike other 'muscle cruisers', so if you don't ride it down the interstate all the time, you'll at least have some fun wearing those tires out. RESIST THE URGE to buy cheap Shinko touring tires, unless you enjoy steering around corners with the rear of the bike stepping sideways. ABS only works with braking, kids. I did switch the rear seat out for a luggage rack, so I don't have the hidden rear brake light problem your setup does. I also switched out the stock grips for Kuryakyn ISO grips and a throttle boss. The stock grips are surprisingly comfortable, very little vibration, but I do a lot of commuting so anything to make grips more comfy is a good thing. Plus they look great. Lastly, I swapped out the stock headlamps for J.W. Speaker / Motodemic adaptive LED's. This is a VERY expensive mod, but one you'll look back on thinking "I didn't really need two kidneys, one is fine" because the improvement in lighting is ... well, night and day, really. Expect to pay about the same for these headlamps as a Corbin or Mustang seat. The good news is, you can replace them yourself in about an hour's time - just pay attention to the trim rings, that's the fiddly bit. For LT owners with the 7" single bucket, you can probably save a bit of money, us Storm and Commander riders need to buy two 5 3/4" units.
To use a baseball analogy, the bike makes it to third base. (Not yet a home run) Some of this was pretty basic and its that stuff that's no longer covered in "paid" for motorcycle reviews. And it should.
Two complaints about my 2013 Storm. Speeding tickets and burning through tires so fast. Lol! I slowed down. No more tickets. I still go through tires fast. Not cheap. I'm coming up on a valve adjustment. I'm glad there is a dealership 15 minutes away. Still a universe away from my T100 I traded for this bike. I agree about the seat. I replaced with a 2 seater Corbin. I still like the look of the stock seat without rear seat pad. All in all a well balanced piece of "British Steel".
***** I got the Metzlers again. I've got the same Hard Bags you got. Painted Jet black. BC Flat black Hog Slayers, Triumph front engine guards and a Dart flyscreen. Oh yeah KN filter. Your bike looks good. What wind shield is that?
This bike is amazing! I just bought a 2012 1700cc Storm at the end of February this year (2022). I am a Triumph fan boy. I also have a 2005America. This bike is really needing to be back in production again! I have heard rumors to the tune of they are supposed to be doing a new run with them. Have you Tried any aftermarket adds since this video? When I bought my Storm, it was mechanically stock. only 4700 miles on the clock, bags, touring gel king&Queen seat and back rest. Best additions have been the "Hogslayer" exhaust from British Customs and a K&N air filter. I still need to have the fuel mapping loaded (for now ill go with the recommended TOR short pipe map till I can afford a good dyno tune). The cons: 1. The hand controls are not adjustable, you need BIG hands 2. The shifter seems too short (at least on the Storm). Hard to get a decent pair of riding boots under the lever 3. As you pointed out, the oil cap. However, there is an aftermarket adaptor with a longer dip stick available from Fasteddy Sports. It sounds beautiful and I get a lot of head turns at stop lights.
I imagine finding these bikes now with low mileage would be some of the best deals out there. I did add the high-flow exhaust (with a fuel mapping change from the dealer) and liked the kick in performance it added. I suspect the production rumor is just that, a rumor. When they were released the price point AND just how buyers viewed Triumph, didn't work out. In the end many dealers lost money on these towards the end only to dump and practically give away the last of the Thunderbird Commanders and LTs to get them off their floors. Enjoy your find!
Is a lovely looking bike, I thought the Thundercat was the American version of the Triumph America here in the UK, but just looking at the specs the Thudercat is much more of a beast.
I have a 2010 Tbird, great bike, a few minor problems, accelerator handle broke twice and was replaced by a non heated Suzuki handle! Spares are a headache even in Europe. I am thinking of adding the Rocket 3 GT and am told Triumph are a much improved company! I don’t see any other Tbirds ever! I wonder why.
Hey, the power socket on the bike is for a Merit plug, they lock into the socket so they can't come loose and fall out while your riding, they look like the ones at the link I have posted, I think you can get them with a USB slot in the back as well for your phone etc. www.narva.com.au/products/browse/merit-type-plugs-sockets
Good video, nice voice and delivery. Very constructive criticism, let's hope Triumph listen. Strangely no mention or demonstration of the exceptionally nice engine sound with short pipes. Now I want one :-)
+Mark Horton ~ You'll have to hunt for used if you are in North America because its no longer for sale here. There is the Commander and the Storm. Both are great bikes.
Excellent informative video. Clearly done by someone that actually has owned it long enough, not just a loaner for a quick review. I wish you had mentioned your height and body type. You left me wondering if it will be good for me or not. I’m 6’2” and 110kilos. I haven’t been on one of these yet, but I guess I’m gonna have to go out to sit on one and see how I feel on them. Don’t wanna look like a clown on a unicycle. Anyway, thanks for the video. It sure helped me see a few good and bad things about it. One of my biggest concerns is parts. Huge reason why I’ve steered away from Victory Motorcycles, but I’m tired of getting pulled over by the police when I’m on my HD. I guess a tall muscular man can’t own one without getting associated by them to the HA.
I still think you could struggle a little at 6' and, like a HD, you'll want hwy pegs for sure. However parts will be a challenge now just like a Victory.
How do you like the screen? Any buffeting issues? I see the new LTs have a taller version which might be intended for seeing through. My mate has a vstar 1300 with a tall screen & he has absolutely no buffeting at all.
Comment on valve noise. Triumphs do seem to be noisy in the engine department. My 2000 Sprint had a rattle, my 2013 Tiger Sport has a tapping noise. Kinda annoying, but everyone says that's what Triumphs do (even the shop mechanic). I have had no problems with the engine, clutch, gear box on my bikes. Even with their "characteristic" noises they have been solid performers. Most popular advice on the forums? Wear ear plugs and get a loud exhaust!
+fireypete Oz. I often think that about Honda's, they are quieter but sound like busy sewing machines, like there is far too much going on in there. But they are also good performers and very reliable.
I have the same issue wit hinging ion placement. My stock seat was horrible. I ordered one from Ultimate Seats, and now I can sit on my bike all day. Sucks that not all bikes come with tachs. Ride safe.
I have no problem with the key placement. I have a D-ring in a zippered chest pocket of my jacket (along with my lock keys). I just detach my key from the ring when riding & when I'm done, I reattach it and stick it back into my pocket. Works great. My house keys & all of my other keys are in my saddle bag (in my shoulder bag).
Tygerlady99 I had a leather guy make me key holders for my big bikes. I just pull out the ignition key and keep the others snapped closed. The leather holder swings in the wind on my America, but no scratching--similar ignition key placement on the America, but so some reason it's on the other side.
I did find one ... minor... issue with the key placement. If you should drop the key in the process of inserting/removing it, it can fall behind the transmission case and onto the catalytic heatshield. A major hassle to retrieve them, if you just got off the bike and the pipes are hot. I suppose that's an argument for replacing the stock pipes with something that doesn't involve a catalytic converter, then they'd fall right onto the tarmac and no problems.
Did you get your accessory plug issue worked out? I just bought a 2014 Storm and I am going to install the accessory plug and want to know what type of power adapter fits in it.
I've owned a Thunderbird 1700 for 12 years, I do most of my own maintenance, changing the drive belt turned out to be Extremely difficult, mostly because of the lack of information out there on getting the swingarm off. If you choose to go there you will need to fabricate a spanner socket or buy one. There is a Threaded bushing on the left swingarm pivot point. That pre loads the Swingarm from left to right. That bushing has to be turned counterclockwise to release the swingarm or it won't come out.note the rear tire and shocks will have to be removed. It's quite a job. Another thing I can tell you is if you launch this bike hard the belt will brake and the transmission breaks some gears in the process... Ask me how I know 🙄😟
I owned two Triumph bonny 650's back in the sixties early seventies, They were a nightmare to keep running,but when they were running they were such a nimble bike. I don't think I would own another one,simply because all bikes have become so techy that for an old guy now crawling around on my hands and knees just doesn;t appeal to me anymore.
The nice thing about these is, even if there's tech involved, they're so much more reliable that you don't have to fuss with them. One thing that ALWAYS bugged me about older, carburetor equipped bikes was dinking around with the damned carbs! Especially bikes that had sat for too long. But my Storm has never failed to start with a button push and go like a scalded cat no matter the altitude, longitude, latitude, or traffic attitude. Granted, if you WANTED to fuss with them, everything's easy to get to, it's not like a Sprint or a Trophy that you have to pull acres of bodywork off to get to anything. Wiring blocks are under the sidecovers, battery box under the seat, pull up the tank to get to the engine, and all your front fork brake lines and lamp wiring are nicely managed within wire spring loops to keep them tidy.
Hi , Enjoyed your vid .I think you would have done a fab talk thru owners ride . I have a 2006 Bonnie America . Lovely bike .Looking at upgrading next year to 1200 Bonnie Speedmaster , but considering a T Bird . I heard you say you had an America , how does the much heavier T Bird handle by comparison . Was it much of a switch ? Cheers .
I thought the extra weight of the T Bird helped with the handling. It was an upgrade all the way around. However, they no longer meet emissions standards and I'm pretty sure they're no longer made. So you'll have to grab a used one. Service and parts could be a problem, so I'd push for a discount on the purchase price.
I am seriously considering one of these. Are parts even more difficult to get now than you mentioned in the video and comment below or can parts still be ordered? I have a nice V Star 1100 but there is just something about these Triumph parallel twins that hook me in! I am also thinking of getting a Speed Twin ... heck I might have to get both
Getting parts is probably guaranteed to be 'worse' now. However, if a bike hasn't been compromised or ruined by the prior owner, good M/C shops can work wonders and sometimes can figure out a substitute part or work around. If you find one with low miles or it looks in great condition, I'd take the risks if this ride is calling to you.
@@nwroadrat Thank you for the reply .. it has been calling me and I have purchased one. Had to purchase on line unfortunately since there wasn't one nearby. Can't wait to ride it! Yours looks great!
Well, old vid, but a good one and I luv the T'bird. I luv big para twins, and mostly hate vtwins. Also must have water cooled, this is a great not a hardleys.
I think its beautiful. The engine protection bars are always a good idea but you are right about the panniers but the keys could be put in a better place but thats a minor gripe. For me its very beautiful like the old indian cruisers of the late 1940s. Far better buy and better build and reliability than Harley or some Indians and cheaper for parts and to buy. A great idea to build a big capacity parallel twin.
Hi beautiful bike, thunderbird is definitly my next bike, maybe the 1700 LT In the vidéo you said that it's a perfect size bike for you, how tall are you ? I'm 185cm
i agree with your comments on this bike; I've owned mine for nearly 4 yrs and have done 70,000+ kms. The dipstick hole design, and persistent belt squeak are a pain in the arse, also the design and quality of the indicator light sockets leave a little to be desired. The header pipes have lost their chrome and now look as ugly as a hat full arseholes and I keep getting speeding fines, relative minor issues for a well handling and reliable motorcycle.
I'm approaching the 18,000 mark and now I'm hearing all kinds of squeaks that were not there before. I think the 1600 is a better value buying used. All this aside, I still enjoy riding this well handling bike.
I realize that this review is five years old as I write this but it's excellent. I have a couple comments: The accessory outlet you show is a BMW type. They are better and more robust than the standard American type that has been used for cigarette lighters forever. You just need an adapter as you say. I ride a Triumph Rocket III Touring which is substantially larger than this bike with it's 2300 CC engine. Yesterday I found beautiful Thunderbird with low mileage and a good price and I was thinking of getting it but you made some excellent points in this video that has me thinking I probably won't pursue that bike. It's funny that you mentioned that you thought sales on this bike would soon take off. I was surprised to learn that Triumph discontinued it. (I don't keep up on the latest bike news). I've always thought it was a beautiful cruiser. I guess big cruiser people just want V-twins even if they aren't as good as other designs. In fact, The Rocket III Touring has been discontinued too. Despite being an absolutely incredible bike, people looking for huge beasts in that class either want V-twins or Honda Goldwings. I'm just glad I have one. I love it and it's performance puts HDs to shame. Thanks for the video.
The overselling from all manufacturers during this time, along with the 08 market crash didn't help. Today, there isn't the rider interest and worst of all, there's all these used bikes from that time period floating around at amazing deals. Until the surplus of good used bikes starts getting wore out, new sales and new bikes like this will just struggle. There was a lot of interest in this bike at the time.
Supposedly a new model on the way. The name has been registered by Triumph for the next few years. Probably the same engine but revised styling. I predict a mono shock rear.
Yes..the stock t-bird seat sucks for long distance..look into Corbin or Saddleman for options. Resale values are low..it seems best to buy Used....better bang for the Buck!
Thanks for the informative review, pointing out and talking about daily user stuff.. something other review seem to neglect. Thanks for not being "cookie cutter". Question, did you start off with the Triumph America? (Which my understanding is basically a Speedmaster set up for touring with bags, windshield, etc?)
I have 2011 thunderbird storm , most complaints i hear about with these , the motors seems to be kinda noisy , just about hearing everything going on in there . drives us nuts i think . you would think its not normal , but mine has 11000 on it now and running good . . Like to hear more comments on the noisy motors .
+Ken K1ken Wisell - Ken, you're absolutely right about the valve noise (I'm assuming that's what you're referring to). But I've had Triumph's before so I'm used to the valve and other noises the parallel twins make. All normal to me now.
Interesting, mine has no engine noise what so ever. Also the belt squeak that others have mentioned can be easily fixed by belt alignment. My only complaint is the weight when pushing it around the garage, but handles well for a big cruiser. Oh, one other thing the OP mentioned, my bike manual DOES recommend hi test fuel.
Ah yes the valve noise. Had it since I bought it at ... 34 miles on the odo, working on 11000 and coming up on first major valve adjustment. So I might ask if the mechanics can cure the noise when they have the covers off. As I've been told, it has zero effect on engine longevity, it's 'character'.
I don't have it any longer. They're solid, last a long time, but the routine maintenance requires a dealer nearby, or some kind of mechanical expert smarter than me.
I have plans to buy harley davidson fatboy...but now i saw some very positive reviews about thunderbird storm...what would you suggest..?...shall i drop plans to buy a fatboy or shall i stick with harley..?
Both are excellent choices. Doing all of our own maintenance on bikes today with modern fuel injection, their size and anti-lock brakes, etc. isn’t realistic. I would go with what has the best shop and maintenance support in your area. I love both bikes but HDs fuel injection performance beats any Triumph cruiser if that’s important to you. Also accessories for Triumph is limited.
I have heard that braking system and engine technology of triumph is far better than harley...harley still sticks to its old school but triumph is ahead in engineering
I luv triumph and moto guzzi. But they lack a strong dealer network. That's the way bmw was, so I went with hd, a dealer about every hour. And they know their bikes usually. I'm on my 1st hd and really am pleased with the brand. I use to be the ultimate shit talker on harleys. I bitterly regret my words. I still wave at all motorcycles not just harleys. I was a sportbike guy when I was younger.
I went to a triumph dealership in my state, it wasn't very far, and me and my crew road our bikes there, I was excited to go there since triumph was the first bike I've ever road as a young kid. It was a bad experience, it isnt like Harley Davidson where they would explain everything to you and let you ride them, these guys were standoffish and did not help at all. I have to say I really expected I wide variety, but they all seem so basic and similar. Also the exhaust is so old school to me, I dont like that trombone look, also that rear brake light I'm sure its visible even if you had things on top like you said because I'm sure the bulb and where the filament is very centered.
Funny you mention that. I was thinking of putting a Speedo where I'm used to seeing it. I think laziness will result in it not happening. If I get a speeding ticket, then I'll have renewed motivation. Not sure I need a tach...I seem to be able to tell where things are at by the sound. Let me know if you find some good options!
I only put on a handle bar mounted clock, the stock speedo is big and easy to read, as far as the tach goes it's a little harder to read but you really don't need it once you get to know the bike.
Hi. Looking at buying one in New Zealand..... Immaculate. $15000.00. Screen, bags. What speed do they cruise nicley at? Like on twisties, hills. It has 26000ks. 2011 model. Ur thoughts on price and ks. Bike looks new.
You should have just bought a bagger that comes designed with all of your needs already met... first step to buying a bike is knowing what you want to do with it and buying accordingly.
I travel and take stuff back and forth to work with this bike. I ride it, a lot. You might want to re-think spending time in my channel. Poser riders who ride for looks won't find much here.
I praised the bike for the good qualities and told about issues paid reviews wouldn't. If you're interested in this bike, I would consider looking at the newer Thunderbird LT and the Commander. They improved on almost everything I complained about.
