TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 STORM (2011-on) Review

Like the stock version, the Triumph Thunderbird Storm’s a cut above the class convention. The suspension, like most Triumphs, is well set-up; the brakes excellent, the whole plot taut enough to pleasingly swing through a series of country bends. It’s no sports bike, of course, the slow steering and sheer bulk means corners have to be planned and steady, but it’s more fun than most cruisers when you want to hustle.

The Triumph Thunderbird Storm’s added performance, courtesy of using the Thunderbird’s optional 1700cc big bore kit which delivers 12 more bhp and a healthy wodge of added grunt means the Storm has the extra go to match its hot rod image, something that can’t be said of the Nightsters and Black Spirits of this world.

All Triumph and slick, crisp and well-built these days and there have been no reported reliability issues with the Thunderbird so it’s fairly safe to assume the same will be true of the Thunderbird Storm.

Priced between the Thunderbird and Rocket III Roadster represents fair, if not startling value. There’s no extra goodies, per se, over the T-Bird – although the 1700cc big bore performance boost is welcome – but there’s plenty of extra style and it’s a great middleground between the two machines.

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It’s the Triumph Thunderbird Storm’s twin beam headlamp which visually instantly distances it from the stock Thunderbird. In addition the Storm boasts more aggressive, flat bars and extended risers as well as chic clear glass indicators. Being ‘minimal’ it’s not exactly lavish, but it’s got all the right bits in all the right places.