- Table of Contents
- 1. A Brief Background Of Triumph Thunderbird LT
- 2. Triumph Thunderbird LT’s First Glance
- 3. A Buyer's Guide Of Thunderbird LT
- 3.1 How Fast Is The Thunderbird LT?
- 3.2 How Much Horsepower Does Thunderbird LT Have?
- 3.3 How Many Miles Per Gallon Does The Thunderbird LT Get?
- 3.4 Is The Thunderbird LT A Reliable Bike?
- 3.5 Is Thunderbird LT recommended for long countryside tours?
- 4. Detailed Specifications Of Triumph Thunderbird LT
- 5. Aftermarket Parts And Modification Options For Thunderbird LT
The Triumph Thunderbird LT, aka ‘’the Bagger,’’ was launched in 2014 by Triumph Engineering Co, Ltd. The abbreviation LT stands for Light Tourer . This bike is made for American enthusiasts who love to ride on wide, open, and straight roads in both comfort and class. Traveling the straight roads is what the American biker dream is all about.
With its large 5.8-gallon fuel tank and estimated mileage of 38.00 km, the Triumph Thunderbird LT is a reliable touring bike with double seat capacity, a windshield, and laid-back handlebars with an embellished luxury style.
1. A Brief Background Of Triumph Thunderbird LT
In 1898, Triumph decided to start manufacturing motorcycles, resulting in the company’s first motorcycle being produced in 1902. The first Triumph Thunderbird model was launched in 1949. The latest Triumph models that have made an impact on the American cruiser market are the Commander and Triumph Thunderbird LT. The latter comes with a sissy bar/backrest, touring bags, crash bars, and floorboards.
The Thunderbird LT also had a new frame design that gave it load-carrying capability and seamless handling for riders. If you love Triumph’s parallel-twin engine, rest assured that you will feel the same gravitational pull on the Thunderbird LT.
The exotic feel of riding a vehicle with a displacement of 1,699 cc, the world’s largest parallel twin engine will create a satisfying rumble for the riders. The Thunderbird LT provides the most soothing riding experience thanks to its handling, control, and comfort. Turning is relatively fast and sharp for a motorcycle weighing 836 lbs. Riders can easily turn, change lanes, or cut corners without having to stand up or lean to the sides.
The Thunderbird LT is powered by a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with eight valves and DOHC technology. The design ensures better airflow with less obstruction and peak performance. Its cylinders have an exotic lush that reaches all the way to the back. The Thunderbird LT’s efficient and classic engine is fitted with neat elliptical-shaped silencers that help reduce the roar of the engine.
| 2014-2020 Triumph Thunderbird LT (ABS) Base Price | |
|---|---|
| Year | Price |
| 1999 | $17,000 |
The Thunderbird LT is ideal for long-distance travel, functioning as a cruiser and bagger. If you like to roll on spooky-looking rims, the Thunderbird LT’s whitewall radial tires will help you pull off the best look.
In 2020, Triumph discontinued manufacturing of the Thunderbird LT because it failed to meet emission regulations.
2. Triumph Thunderbird LT’s First Glance
Photo Credit: @webbikeworld
Thunderbird LT’s Styling
Rather than being a clone of a Harley Davidson model, the Thunderbird LT is a unique and classic Triumph motorcycle that provides a pleasurable riding experience. It comes in three color schemes: Jet Black, Lava Red/Phantom Black, and Crystal White/Phantom Black. The wire wheels with white walls complement the shiny chrome plating of the Thunderbird LT. It has clean footboards, classic American-style twin cylinders, a belt drive, two cushioned seats, a backrest, and leather saddlebags for storage.
Thunderbird LT’s Engine
What distinguishes the Thunderbird LT from other cruisers is its parallel-twin engine. The special LT badging on the engine case has a tan look. The neat trioval set of silencers also compliments the Thunderbird LT’s magnificent look.
The Thunderbird LT has a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 270° parallel-twin engine with a displacement of 1699cc. The engine generates a horsepower of 95 hp and a torque of 111.4 lb-ft at 5,4000 rpm. The engine is designed with chromed twin-skin stainless steel, large volume catalysts, and centralized exhausts.
Thunderbird LT’s Handling
The Thunderbird LT’s riding position is relaxed and ensures the rider is comfortable and in control. Despite the bike weighing 769.4 lbs, it is easy to steer, cruise, and turn even around tight corners. Wide raised handlebars offer stability when steering and provide a smooth feeling while riding.
Thunderbird LT’s Brakes
The Thunderbird LT comes with twin 310 mm discs and Nissin four-piston calipers. The bike comes with ABS brakes, providing full control and reliable braking.
Thunderbird LT’s Wheel
The Thunderbird LT comes with white layered tubeless tires mounted on 16-inch spoked chrome wheels. These huge wheels are mounted on 47 mm Showa forks.
Thunderbird LT’s Comfort
The Thunderbird LT has leather finishing along the metal chassis that adds to the level of comfort when riding. The cushioned seats are made of leather and the low handle forks mean you don’t need to stretch to reach the handlebars.
Thunderbird LT’s Instrument & Lighting
The Thunderbird LT comes with a huge round headlight flanked by twin auxiliary lights and turn indicators right below them. The instrument panel is a large analog speedometer with a digital trip meter and analog fuel gauge, which is mounted on a large 6.8-gallon fuel tank.
3. A Buyer's Guide Of Thunderbird LT
3.1 How fast is the Triumph Thunderbird LT?
Despite weighing over 300 kg, the Triumph Thunderbird LT can reach a speed of 120 mph with 97 bhp.
3.2 How much horsepower does the Thunderbird LT generate?
The Thunderbird LT’s engine generates 95 bhp at 5,400 rpm.
3.3 How many miles per gallon can the Thunderbird LT travel?
The Triumph Thunderbird LT is estimated to have a mileage of 38 mpg.
3.4 Is the Thunderbird LT a reliable bike?
If you prioritize class, luxurious comfort, and like to go on long rides, then the Thunderbird LT is a perfect and reliable bike for you.
3.5 Is Thunderbird LT recommended for long countryside tours?
The Triumph Thunderbird LT is designed to give the riders a comfy and classic ride on medium-range tours. It is not recommended for bumpy rides in mountainous regions or off-roading tours.
4. Detailed Specifications Of Triumph Thunderbird LT
4.1 General
| Manufacturer | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 2014 - 2020 Triumph Thunderbird LT |
| Model | Thunderbird LT |
| Category | Light Tourer |
| Colors | Jet Black Lava Red/Phantom Black Crystal White/Phantom Black |
| Price | $17,000 |
| Touring Ability | High |
| Other Variants | 1995-2011 Thunderbird Storm (Cruiser) |
4.2 Dimensions
| Max. Weight | 685 lbs / 310.7 kg |
|---|---|
| Max. Seat Height | 27.5 in / 700 mm (adjustable) |
| Dry Weight | 349.0 kg / 747 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 380 kg / 837.8 lbs |
| Front Suspension | Showa 47 mm forks |
| Rear Suspension | Showa springs with five-piston preload. |
| Trail | 132.7 mm |
| Rake | 29.9° |
| Wheel Base | 65.5 in / 1665 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 in / 140 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.8 gal / 22 L |
| Fuel Economy/Mileage | 38 mpg |
4.3 Chassis
| Frame | Tubular Steel, Twin Spine |
|---|---|
| Suspension (Front) | Showa 47mm forks |
| Wheel Travel (Front) | 4.7 in / 120 mm |
| Suspension (Rear) | Showa springs with five-piston preload. |
| Wheel Travel (Rear) | 4.3 in / 109 mm |
| Front Tire Size | 150/80 VR16 Whitewall |
| Rear Tire Size | 180/70 VR 16 Whitewall |
| Brake Type (Front & Rear) | Double disc. Single disc |
| Brake Calipers (Front) | Nissin four-piston fixed calipers. ABS |
| Brake Calipers (Rear) | Brembo two-piston floating caliper. ABS |
4.4 Engine
| Type | Twin-cylinder, four-stroke engine |
|---|---|
| Bore | 107.1 mm / 4.2 in |
| Stroke | 94.3 mm /3.7 in |
| Displacement | 1699 cc |
| Compression | 9.7:1 |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Fuel System/ Induction | Multipoint electronic fuel injection, Accelerating link on throttle |
| Exhaust system | Stainless steel. Tandem boosted-volume catalyst |
| Transmission | Six gears |
4.5 Performance
| Maximum Power | 92.7 Bhp at 5408 rpm |
|---|---|
| Maximum Torque | 151 Nm at 3550 rpm |
| Top Speed | 120 mph |
4.6 Drivetrain
| Clutch System | Multi-plate Clutch; Wet |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Six-Speed |
| Final Drive | Belt |
4.7 ELECTRICAL
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
|---|---|
| Starter | Electric |
5. Aftermarket Parts And Modification Options For Thunderbird LT
The Triumph Thunderbird LT was made for riders who love Triumph models and prefer going on tours in style. Triumph discontinued the production of Thunderbird LT in 2020 but Triumph lovers can still get one via the second-hand market.
Accessories suited for the Thunderbird LT are not hard to find. Since it is a tourer bike, it is possible to customize it by using aftermarket parts. It also comes with factory-installed saddlebags that allow you to carry your belongings when on tours.
If you want to customize your Triumph Thunderbird LT to suit your style, it is recommended you acquire new saddlebags and leather seats. Elegant tank bags, handlebar bags, windshield bags, and sissy bar bags allow you to securely pack your essentials before and during the tours.
You can also give your Thunderbird LT a new look by installing NEW FAIRING and CRASH BARS. The seats of the Thunderbird LT are made of leathery cushions but if you are buying Thunderbird from the second-hand market, chances are the seats and backrest are not as new and clean as you would prefer. So, consider installing new seats and adding RIDER AND PASSENGER BACKRESTS for better comfort and style.
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