2014 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS

Chassis

• Suspension:
• Handling:
• We gave the Thunderbird Storm fat 47 mm diameter forks with plenty of travel at 120 mm. And the rear shocks are adjustable for spring preload so you can set the bike up to suit your load or riding style.
• We used all of our engineering expertise in making the geometry just right, so the Thunderbird Storm steers as great as it looks. Even at low speeds. And it has to be extremely stable when going faster, yet amazingly agile when you ask it to change direction rapidly. So you get a bike that’s responsive, even in the tight, low speed maneuvers that some cruisers make hard work of.
• Brakes:
• We wanted plenty of stopping power to match the engine on the Thunderbird Storm. So you get a pair of 4-piston calipers at the front to scrub off speed in an instant and give great feedback, backed up by ABS as standard.
• Riding Position:
• You get a feeling of control on the Thunderbird Storm, with forward-sited footrests and controls and wide, pulled-back bars for a spacious, comfortable riding position. Comfortable enough for much more than a quick trip into town or a Sunday spin.
• And, even though the passenger seat detaches to enhance the lean looks of the bike when riding solo, it's still comfortable and relaxed enough for a pillion. The high quality suspension being more than enough to keep the ride plush and stable even when there are 2 people on board.
• Frame:
• We built the twin spine, steel tube frame of the Thunderbird Storm to be exceptionally stiff. Then we reinforced it with the engine itself, making it a stressed component of the chassis for even more agility.
• Wheels and Tires:
• We’ve fitted Metzeler tires to 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels that, not only look the part in their black finish, but are light for sharper handling.
• Tires are fat with a wide 200 section dominating the rear view and are mounted on modern 5-spoke alloy wheels - black finished, of course.
• Seat Height:
• With a seat just 700 mm from the ground, you’ll find the Thunderbird Storm very accessible for such a big bike.

Engine

• Fuel Efficiency:
• Blacked Out:
• The Thunderbird Storm has a big black engine with upright cylinders and machined cooling fin edges to help define its imposing shape.
• Many other parts of the Thunderbird Storm are black. Including the rear springs and headlight bowls.
• Belt Drive:
• 6-speed Gearbox:
• The transmission uses a 6-speed gearbox with a tall top ratio for relaxed highway cruising and exceptional fuel efficiency.
• Performance:
• Configuration:
• We took the 1,597 cc parallel twin from the Thunderbird and boosted its capacity to 1,699 cc with 3.3 mm bigger pistons in huge, 107.1 mm bores. So the Thunderbird Storm does have a classic-looking engine that packs a mighty punch, but that power is delivered smoothly thanks to twin balance shafts.
• The result of the Thunderbird Storm’s bigger engine is more power at 98 PS. And an even higher peak torque at 115 ft. lbs. right down at 2,950 rpm with more torque across the rev range. So it delivers instant thrust when you twist the throttle, even at very low rpm.
• Despite the air-cooled appearance, the Thunderbird Storm engine is liquid-cooled. We placed its radiator unobtrusively between the frame downtubes and the fat, twin exhaust headers.
• And there's plenty more 21st century technology tucked away too, like our highly accurate sequential fuel injection system with its progressive throttle linkage so you get power predictably and smoothly.
• We added double overhead camshafts and a crankshaft with 270-degree firing intervals, to give you an engine with authentic cruiser character. Whilst the fueling is looked after by a sequential fuel injection system and progressive throttle linkage so your engine delivers its torque exactly the way you expect.
• The final drive is an inverted tooth belt with carbon fiber strands to give it a higher tensile strength than steel. While the pulleys have a patented ultra-hard coating that minimizes wear so that the whole belt drive system needs very little attention. It's really quiet and clean too.
• We gave the Thunderbird Storm double overhead camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder, along with a very tall top ratio in the 6-speed transmission for a great ride and to help the fuel economy. Even at 75 mph you get almost 50 mpg, as good as some commuter bikes.

Equipment and Technology

• ABS:
• We fit ABS to the Thunderbird Storm as standard. So it never loses it’s cool.
• Instruments and Computer:
• It looks lean and mean but the Thunderbird Storm has loads of equipment.
• You get an on-board computer with a clock, twin trip meters and a fuel gauge, along with a neat, compact rev counter and electronic self-canceling indicators.
• Tank Range:
• Typical Triumph fuel efficiency and a 22 liter tank means you can cover more than 200 miles between refills. Not bad for any bike, let alone a cruiser.