TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 COMMANDER (2014 - 2018) Review

The Commander is aimed more at European riders while the LT is for the American market. Essentially a naked version of the Thunderbird LT, the Commander is a hoot to ride. Thumping along, booting the heel-toe between third or fourth, merely stroking the reassuring brakes, it doesn’t get much better. The lack of screen, panniers etc make the Commander lighter and although it’s no sportsbike, it handles predictably and is also engaging and entertaining.

The Commander shares most of the LT platform but with mag alloy wheels, a tweaked bar position and shorter travel shocks. That said, the riding experience is more different to the LT than you would expect. The lack of screen gives a less laid-back feel and a touch more urgency to the ride. On the go it is as steady and secure as can be and will happily scrape is footboards when the pace increases.

The parallel twin engine holds no surprises or quirks. It thumps along and sounds, feels and rides like a roadster should and even comes with a heel-toe gearchange. With 111lbft of torque, it has more than enough grunt to see off the miles and once the speed increases is a hoot to ride. The gearchange is click, the throttle response excellent and the engine has enough vibrations to feel characterful without being annoying.

Owners report few issues with the Storm, so there is unlikely to be any with the Commander.

The new price is quite high for a roadster, but still cheaper than the equivalent Harley. Used prices hold up well.

ABS comes as standard.