When Triumph introduced its radical (for them, anyway) new Thunderbird last year, its sights were set firmly on Harley-Davidson. Of course, to beat the standard bearer it helps to think outside the box and try something different.Refusing to copy the trend of virtually every cruiser on the market today, the boys in Hinckley decided to power the Thunderbird with a parallel-Twin engine instead of the venerable V-Twin. Not only that, but Triumph took its expertise in parallel-Twins and produced the largest production version ever made – one that left a rather positive impression on our very own Kevin Duke, leaving him more impressed than he thought he’d be during the bike’s world introduction in Spain.
For the new year, Triumph is taking a page out of America’s book and upping the ante with the new Thunderbird Storm. Simply put, while the T-Bird is an elegant, respectful cruiser, the Storm is a certifiable badass.
For the new year, Triumph is taking a page out of America’s book and upping the ante with the new Thunderbird Storm. Simply put, while the T-Bird is an elegant, respectful cruiser, the Storm is a certifiable badass.
The first thing you’ll probably notice is its blacked-out decor. The Storm is all about attitude, and nothing defines attitude on a cruiser like ditching the chrome and going black. Starting at the front, the fork stanchions, brake calipers, Speed Triple-style dual headlights, turn indicators, bar risers, gauge bezel, engine cover, chain guard, shock springs, rear sprocket and both wheels all receive the black treatment.
But as the saying goes, there’s no replacement for displacement, and the optional 1700cc big-bore kit available on the Thunderbird is now fitted standard on the Storm. That kit includes the obvious larger pistons, revised camshafts, larger piston rings, new cylinder liners, gudgeon pins, and gaskets. Uprated clutch springs are also included to deal with the bump in power. Those considering the T-Bird still should be warned: it still comes with the smaller engine.
What does that equate to? Try a claimed 12-horsepower bump (85 vs. 97) and 7 more ft-lb of torque (108 vs. 115) compared to the standard T-Bird. Triumph representatives were quick to point out the dyno chart overlay, which shows the Storm’s clear advantage in power and torque throughout the rev range as one would expect.
What does that equate to? Try a claimed 12-horsepower bump (85 vs. 97) and 7 more ft-lb of torque (108 vs. 115) compared to the standard T-Bird. Triumph representatives were quick to point out the dyno chart overlay, which shows the Storm’s clear advantage in power and torque throughout the rev range as one would expect.
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