Triumph Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore: Specs, Features, Background, Performance, & More

• Table of Contents
• 1. A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD
• 1.1 Triumph Motorcycle Early History:
• 1.2 Triumph Thunderbird 1600/1700 Introduction to Market:
• 2. TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 BIG BORE AT FIRST GLANCE:
• 2.1 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Design and Style:
• 2.2 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Engine:
• 2.3 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Brakes:
• 2.4 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Transmission:
• 2.5 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Suspension:
• 3. Indian Springfield Dark Horse – A BUYER’S GUIDE:
• 3.1 Are Triumph motorcycles reliable? Why or Why not?
• 3.2 What's the best beginner cruiser motorcycle?
• 3.3 Is Triumph Thunderbird a good Bike?
• 3.4 Why are the Triumph Thunderbirds so overlooked in the bike magazines?
• 3.5 Why did Triumph stop producing the Thunderbird series?
• 3.6 Are there any variants in Triumph Thunderbird?
• 3.7 Is Triumph Thunderbird Strom a suitable bike for a 6.1 feet tall person?
• 3.8 Why Triumph Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore should be back?
• 4. TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 BIG BORE – A DETAILED SPECIFICATION:
• 4.1 Engine
• 4.2 Fuel Consumption and Mileage
• 4.3 Drivetrain
• 4.4 Dimensions
• 4.5 Transmission
• 4.6 Chassis and Suspension
• 4.7 Braking
• 4.8 Wheel and Tyres
• 4.9 Electricals
• 4.10 Gauges
• 4.11 Others
• 5. AFTERMARKET PARTS & MODIFICATION OPTIONS FOR TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 BIG BORE

1. A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD

1.1 Triumph Motorcycle Early History:

The Triumph series was initially established by Triumph Engineering in 1885, making Triumph one of the oldest motorcycle-manufacturing companies in the world. In 1983, the company had its name changed to Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd. From the early 20th century, Triumph made many remarkable motorcycles. One of the interesting facts about Triumph motorcycles is that they continuously evolved in design and technology over time and in every era. Every Triumph motorcycle was made according to the needs and interests of the riders.

1.2 Triumph Thunderbird 1600/1700 Introduction to Market:

In 1983, John Bloor established Triumph Motorcycle. In 2009, the company launched the Triumph Thunderbird with both a 1600 cc engine and a 1700 cc engine. The Thunderbird 1700 was later called The Big Bore because of its large engine. Even in 2009, the U.S. magazine Cycle World awarded the Triumph Thunderbird 1600 as “Best Cruiser” in the yearly “Ten Best Bikes” category.

2. TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 BIG BORE AT FIRST GLANCE:

2.1 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Design and Style:

The Triumph Thunderbird was first released in 2009 with displacements of both 1600 cc and 1700 cc. The Thunderbird with a 1700 cc engine was named Big Bore. Other than the engine, both bikes were exactly the same. This bike looks like a modern-day cruiser with a mix of old and new designs. While retaining a traditional look, the Triumph Thunderbird 1700 has an appearance that appeals to modern riders. An appropriate amount of chrome plating is applied to all the right places. The bike’s silhouette looks amazing, with bold curves suitable for anyone who needs a bike that draws attention. The Thunderbird 1700 has an instrument cluster mounted on its tank with an analog speedometer and a digital screen to show information about your bike’s condition.

2.2 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Engine:

The Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore’s engine is a modern water-cooled unit that helps the motorcycle’s dynamic performance. This 1699 cc engine delivers a ground-shaking torque of 156 Nm @ 2,950 rpm and has an impressive horsepower of 96 bhp.

2.3 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Brakes:

The Thunderbird Big Bore has disc brakes at the front with four-piston calipers and a single disc brake at the back with two-piston calipers, with all the discs having a diameter of 310 mm. The Thunderbird Big Bore has a reliable braking system.

2.4 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Transmission:

The Triumph Thunderbird has a six-gear manual transmission system. It was the first Triumph motorcycle that came with a belt drive transmission system rather than a chain drive. It also has a wet multi-plate clutch system.

2.5 Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore - Suspension:

The Triumph Thunderbird has twin shocks with 47 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear with an adjustable preload shock absorber. The Thunderbird Big Bore’s transmission is very comfortable and is easy to handle when turning despite this bike weighing 355 kg.

3. Triumph Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore – A BUYER’S GUIDE:

3.1 Are Triumph Motorcycles Reliable? Why or Why Not?

Triumph motorcycles are definitely one of the most reliable bikes in the world. Most riders don’t feel the need to change or add parts to their Triumph motorcycles, except if they were damaged due to any mishaps. The reason why not many motorcyclists customize their Triumph behind this is the reliability of the motorcycle and its parts.

3.2 What's the Best Beginner Cruiser Motorcycle?

The Triumph Thunderbird 1700 is a good bike for riders who have experience riding heavyweight bikes with powerful engines. But if you are a beginner when it comes to riding, a cruiser bike with a less powerful engine and lower horsepower may be the better option. Both Honda and Yamaha have made many cruiser bikes with engines with displacement less or greater than 500-cc. These types of vehicles can be ideal options for novices.

3.3 Is Triumph Thunderbird a Good Bike?

The Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore has excellent engine performance, suspension, braking, and durability. According to riders and reviewers, the Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore is considered the perfect cruiser. Give the accelerator a little twist and the engine will roar like a beast.

3.4 Why are the Triumph Thunderbirds so Overlooked in Biker Magazines?

Well, that’s not entirely true. In 2009, the Triumph Thunderbird 1600 was awarded as the Best Cruiser Motorcycle of the Year in the “Ten Best Bikes” category. However, it is overlooked in other biker magazines because these magazines tend to mostly discuss more modern and stylish bikes while Triumph motorcycles have a more traditional look.

3.5 Why Did Triumph Stop Producing the Thunderbird Series?

The exact reason for why the Thunderbird series was discontinued has not yet been revealed by Triumph Motorcycle, but a possible reason was that the Triumph models were having emission issues. The Triumph models failed to meet the emissions regulations set by the government. Triumph attempted to make changes to the exhaust system or carburetor system but was unable to do so without compromising the performance of the bike. There are rumors that Triumph might bring The Thunderbird series back but this has l not been confirmed yet.

3.6 Are There Any Variants of the Triumph Thunderbird?

Yes, there are variants of the Triumph Thunderbird. The first Thunderbird was released in 2009, and following its success, Triumph motorcycles released four variants of the Thunderbird. Triumph ruled over the cruiser motorcycle from 2009 and onwards. The other variants of the Thunderbird are the Thunderbird SE, the Thunderbird LT, the Thunderbird Storm, and the Thunderbird Commander. All of these variants were released with 1600 cc and 1700 cc engines.

3.7 Is Triumph Thunderbird Strom a Suitable Bike for a 6.1 ft Person?

The problem that most tall people face while riding a bike is the placement of the footrests as their long legs may have trouble adjusting to their sitting position so they can ride comfortably. The Triumph Thunderbird does not have this problem as its seat and footrest are perfectly placed for both tall and average riders.

3.8 Why Triumph Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore Should Come Back?

From the day the first Thunderbird was launched to the current day, many riders still consider the Triumph Thunderbird Big Bore as one of the best cruisers. Triumph should try to make an alternate solution to the problem which their Thunderbird series to stop and relaunch their series in the market again.

4. TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 BIG BORE – A DETAILED SPECIFICATION:

4.1 Engine

Engine Displacement	104 cu (1700 cc)
Top Speed	120 mph (193 kmph)
Exhaust Type	Dual Exhaust
Engine Type	Parallel-Twin
No of Cylinder	Two
Max Power	96 bhp @ 5,200 rpm
Max Torque	156 Nm @ 2,950 rpm
Valves per cylinder	Four
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection
Cooling System	Liquid Cooled
Starting Mechanism	Electric

4.2 Fuel Consumption and Mileage

Fuel Tank Capacity	5.8 gal (22 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity	0.8 gal (3 L)
Mileage	Approx. 44.6 mpg (19 Km/L)

4.3 Drivetrain

Primary Drive	Belt Drive
Clutch	Wet, Multi-Plate

4.4 Dimensions

Kerb Weight	338 kg
Length	2,340 mm (92.1 in)
Width	880 mm (34.6 in)
Height	1,120 mm (44.1 in)
Wheelbase	1,615 mm (63.5 in)
Ground Clearance	140 mm (5.5 in)
Seat Height	700 mm (27.5 in)

4.5 Transmission

No of Gears	Six
Type	Manual

4.6 Chassis and Suspension

Type	Tubular Steel, Twin Spine
Front Suspension	47 mm Telescopic Forks w/ No Adjust
Rear Suspension	Preload Adjusted Twin Shock

4.7 Braking

Front Brake Type	Dual Floating Discs
Rear Brake Type	Single Fixed Disc
Front Drum/Disc Size	310 mm with Four Piston Calipers
Rear Drum/Disc Size	310 mm with Two Piston Calipers

4.8 Wheel and Tyres

Front Wheel Size	19 in
Rear Wheel Size	17 in
Wheel Type	Alloy Wheels
Tyre Type	Tubeless
Front Tyre	120/70 R19
Rear Tyre	200/50 R17

4.9 Electricals

Battery	Maintenance Free
Head Light	Halogen Bulb
Tail Light	Bulb Type

4.10 Gauges

Speedometer w/ Odometer	Analogue/ Digital
Tachometer	Analogue
Fuel Gauge	Available
Gear shift indication	Not Available
Trip Meter	Digital
Clock	Available
Distance to empty indication	Available
Cruise Control	Available

4.11 Others

Colors	Phantom Blue Haze and Phantom Red Haze
Body Type	Cruiser
Fuel Type	Petrol
No of seats	Two
Default Equipment	Leather Seats, Keyless Ignition, ABS, Battery Equipment, Low Engine Oil Indicator, Low Fuel Indicator and Battery Voltage

5. AFTERMARKET PARTS & MODIFICATION OPTIONS FOR TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 BIG BORE

Without any doubt, the Thunderbird Big Bore is one of the best-looking cruiser bikes on the market. With such a great engine, many riders like to use this bike for long trips. Unfortunately, there is no equipment attached to the standard bike that is needed for a long trip. For long rides, people need to be able to sore extra luggage that may come in handy in the event of an emergency.

Therefore, people like to add equipment like saddlebags, sissy bar bags, tank bags, tail bags, trunks, tool bags, handlebar bags, and backpacks.