Triumph Thunderbird 900: history, specs, pictures

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Triumph Thunderbird 900
Manufacturer
Also called Thunderbird, Thunderbird Sport
Production 1995 - 2015
Class Cruiser
Engine
4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin
Bore / Stroke 104.1mm x 104.1mm
Compression ratio 9.7:1
Top Speed 118 mph (190 km/h)
Horsepower 85.96 HP (64.1 KW) @ 4850RPM
Torque 107.69 ft/lbs (146.0 Nm) @ 2750RPM
Fuel System EFI
Spark Plug NGK DPR8EA-9
Battery YUASA YB14LA-2
Transmission Gear box: 6-speed, manual

Final Drive: toothed belt

Clutch: wet, multiplate, manual
Final Drive Chain: 530x110
Front Sprocket 17T
Rear Sprocket 43T
Suspension Front: Showa 47mm forks. 120mm travel
Rear: Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel
Brakes Front: twin 310mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Rear: single 310mm disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Front Tire 120/70 ZR 19
Rear Tire 200/50 ZR 17
Wheelbase 63.58 inches (1615 mm)
Length 92.09 inches (2339 mm)
Width 34.61 inches (879 mm)
Height 43.5 inches (1105 mm)
Seat Height 27.6 inches (701 mm)
Weight 493.84 pounds (224.0 Kg) (dry), 339.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-401
Fuel Capacity 1.06 Gallon (4.00 Liters)
Manuals Service Manual


The Triumph Thunderbird was a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin Cruiser motorcycle produced by Triumph between 1995 and 2015. It could reach a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h). Max torque was 107.69 ft/lbs (146.0 Nm) @ 2750 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 85.96 HP (64.1 KW) @ 4850 RPM.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a liquid cooled 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin. A 104.1mm bore x 104.1mm stroke result in a displacement of just 1597.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 6-speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the wet, multiplate, manual.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 120/70 ZR 19 front tire and a 200/50 ZR 17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via twin 310mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS in the front and a single 310mm disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, ABS in the rear. The front suspension was a Showa 47mm forks. 120mm travel while the rear was equipped with a Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel. The Thunderbird was fitted with a 1.06 Gallon (4.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 493.84 pounds (224.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 63.58 inches (1615 mm) long.

1995 - 2003 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

1995 - 2003 Triumph Thunderbird 1995 - 2003 Triumph Thunderbird 1995 - 2003 Triumph Thunderbird

The 1995 Triumph Thunderbird 900 is a British motorcycle that was manufactured between 1995 and 2004. Launched in 1995, the Triumph Thunderbird 900 was styled to create the impression of an air-cooled triple combustion chamber although the radiator up front shows it is clearly a liquid-cooled machine.


1996 Triumph Thunderbird 900[edit | edit source]

1996 Triumph Thunderbird 900 1996 Triumph Thunderbird 900 1996 Triumph Thunderbird 900

The 1996 MY Triumph Thunderbird 900 is a cruiser built in the classic Thunderbird style, with many of its visual features being adopted from the 50's and 60's British-built cruisers. Also, the name has been taken from one of the producer's most popular series in the US.

It sports an 885cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled transverse three cylinder engine capable of producing 70 horsepower and 72 Nm of torque.

The most appealing features of this bike are the high bars, chrome headlamp, wire-spoked wheels and "peashooter" silencer, which particularly attract the more nostalgic riders.


1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport[edit | edit source]

1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport

The model Triumph designed to re-enter the American market after their rebirth has just received an upgrade. And what an upgrade indeed. The 1999 MY Thunderbird Sport received different wheels, from 18/16 to 17/17, a second disc to the front brakes, fully adjustable front and rear suspension plus a boost to the engine's power output, from 62 to 82 horsepower, making this the most powerful cruiser among the Triumph models.

Also, the aesthetic department has been improved, with blacked-out engine accents instead of chrome, and stitching or buttons have completely disappeared from the new T-bird. The overall curves of the bike make the bodywork seem like one single piece from front to rear.


2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport[edit | edit source]

2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 2000 Triumph Thunderbird Sport

The 1999 Thunderbird Sport is a bike created for those who want to ride a classic British machine but loaded with some extra modern grunt and road performance. And since the Thunderbird was an exceptional platform, the Sport version only had to receive some changes .

The wheels are both 17", and the suspensions have a longer travel. The engine got a revision and packs now more power and torque, while the pillion comfort was also improved by adding silencers on both sides of the bike, and providing more ample leg room.


2000 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2000 Triumph Thunderbird 2000 Triumph Thunderbird

The 1999 Thunderbird is the perfect expression of how long the 60's Triumphs have gone over the years. Retaining all the classic cues of the yesteryear bikes, the new Thunderbird brings in modern technologies for an overall more reliable experience. The heart of the bike is still the 885cc 3-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Triumph also offers a wide palette of aftermarket accessories for better personalization, including panniers and other touring-focused upgrades. Restriction kits available.


2001 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2001 Triumph Thunderbird 2001 Triumph Thunderbird 2001 Triumph Thunderbird

The Thunderbird was the first classic triple-cylinder roadster, and the 2000 iteration carries on the heritage, with an exquisite blend of authentic retro styling and modern engine and frame design. Muscular and compact, offering an aggressive riding stance yet sporting comfort-focused ergonomics, the 2000 Thunderbird is great as an urban bike or as a weekend machine to ride far from the city.

Its middleweight build provides great agility in traffic, and a firm foothold for shorter riders and ladies, too.


2002 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2002 Triumph Thunderbird 2002 Triumph Thunderbird 2002 Triumph Thunderbird 2002 Triumph Thunderbird

The 2001 Thunderbird has roadster written all over it. If you fancy a bike with ageless looks and proudly showing off its unmistakeable British DNA, the Thunderbird might be just the right one. A low seat dwarfed by the bulbous fuel tank, pull-back bars and a massive, cool-looking 3-cylinder liquid-cooled mill, the 2001 Triumph Thunderbird is an instant hit.

The classic Hinckley styling is backed by modern technology, cleverly made to keep things on the retro side. The engine delivers plenty of low-rev torque making riding the Thunderbird a rewarding experience, both for daily commuting or for longer trips.


2003 Triumph Thunderbird Sport[edit | edit source]

2003 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 2003 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 2003 Triumph Thunderbird Sport

Developed from the successful Thunderbird retro-triple, the 2002 Thunderbird Sport was created to meet the expectations of those who loved the former, but were in search of a more exhilarating, sporty experience. Drawing some cues from the X-75 Hurricane of the late 60's, the Thunderbird Sport brings back the meaner road stance, with former suspensions and a revised riding position.

Pushed a bit to the front, the rider is not feeling more in control and with the upgraded brakes, riding the 2002 Thunderbird Sport is a different, more rewarding experience.


2003 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2003 Triumph Thunderbird 2003 Triumph Thunderbird 2003 Triumph Thunderbird 2003 Triumph Thunderbird

A classic-styled middleweight cruiser, the 2002 Thunderbird carries on the heritage of the British bikes and mixes it with modern-era technology for a result which should please roadster enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Present-day bike-making signs are cleverly integrated in a design which oozes the 60's and 70's road machines, with plenty of chrome, peashooter exhausts, laced wheels and a one-piece two-up seat dwarfed by the bulbous fuel tank.


2004 Triumph Thunderbird Sport[edit | edit source]

2004 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 2004 Triumph Thunderbird Sport 2004 Triumph Thunderbird Sport

The 2003 Triumph Thunderbird Sport is the classic sport bike, packing a brawny, all-British 3-cylinder engine into a retro-inspired looks frame with modern performance abilities. Don't let yourselves be fooled by the mellow, nostalgic attire of the 2003 Thunderbird Sport: it delivers 83 hp and is more than happy to leave other bikes in the dust.

Great as an urban bike, the 2003 is more of a retro all-rounder, as it loves canyon carving and winding countryside roads alike.


2010 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2010 Triumph Thunderbird 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

Evolving from a bike which has been first created more than 60 years ago, the 2009 Thunderbird delivers exceptional styling with modern-era cruising while retaining the attire which made this bike into a British icon. Flared exhausts, flowing tank lines blending into the seat, ample, commanding bars and the uncomprimising 1600cc parallel twin power plant, they are all trademarks of this amazing cruiser.

Big, yet without feeling loose, the 2009 Thunderbird boasts the stripped-down classic big-bore bike simplicity, and comes with an invitation to ride into the sunset which is hard to resist.


2011 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird 2011 Triumph Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is the iconic Triumph cruiser, a bike which rides as good as it looks and which has gathered a huge number of followers who discovered the joy of parallel twin machinery. Classic down to the smallest of the styling details, yet loaded with a lot of modern tech, the 2010 Thunderbird brings in the cast wheels, dual front brakes and was voted Cruiser of the Year by Cycle World in both 2009 and 2010.

Customizing the 2010 Thunderbird is also fun and easy, with more than 100 OEM accessories and countless aftermarket one form third parties. Whether you choose to ride it a it is or add your own styling, the 2010 Thunderbird remains the same dependable cruising machine you'll love.


2013 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2013 Triumph Thunderbird 2013 Triumph Thunderbird 2013 Triumph Thunderbird 2013 Triumph Thunderbird 2013 Triumph Thunderbird

When the legendary engineering quality meets the big-bore cruiser design, a bike like the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird is born. Compact and robust, yet offering plenty of room for both rider and pillion, the Thunderbird also boast clean shapes and premium ergonomics.

The 1.6-liter class parallel twin may not exactly be the engine you expected in such a cruiser, but its performance specs live up to its looks. Add in comprehensive tank-top instruments, a hassle-free belt drive and a precise 6-speed gearbox for solid fun both in the city and on the open highway.


2014 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

The 2014 MY Triumph Thunderbird carries on the cruiser heritage of its predecessors, after being voted "Cruiser of the Year" by the Cycle World magazine. The big-bore bike sports a gritty, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1597cc parallel twin.

A low seat-height plus high-mounted handlebars offer a relaxed, laid back rider position, like any proper cruiser should have. And, when you add optional accessories, such as a windscreen and soft saddlebags, or rider and passenger floor boards, the machine can be transformed into a touring motorcycle with an even stronger American vibe.


2015 Triumph Thunderbird[edit | edit source]

2015 Triumph Thunderbird 2015 Triumph Thunderbird 2015 Triumph Thunderbird 2015 Triumph Thunderbird

After its predecessor has been named "Cruiser of the Year" by the Cycle World magazine, the 2015 MY Triumph Thunderbird has some pretty big shoes to fill. Reliable and durable, as all Hinckley cruisers are, the machine boasts 86 horsepower and 146 Nm of torque from its parallel twin powerplant, packed in a long, low, fat-tyred, chromed-up package.

With the distinctive, cruiser-style laid-back rider position, the seat is spacious and comfortable for both rider and pillion. Also, a hassle-free belt drive, Showa suspension, fuel tank-mounted instrumentation, and cast alloy five spoke wheels make the Thunderbird one of the best choices in the cruiser market, if neither American or Japanese bikes seem the right one for you.


In Media[edit | edit source]