2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander

[totalmotorcycle]

2014 #Triumph #Thunderbird Commander


•New model for 2014
•Imposing 1699cc parallel twin delivers 151Nm of torque at an easy-going 3550rpm,
•Muscular styling combining ultra-wide wheels and tires, shrouded forks, drainpipe exhausts, generous chrome highlights, wide footboards and Triumph' signature twin headlamps
•Advanced ergonomic refinement, including dual-layer foam seat with lumbar support
•Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard

Thunderbird Commander

Triumph' new 2014 Thunderbird Commander gives the rider the power and the presence to dominate every road and every ride.

Much more than a mere fashion statement, the Commander comfortably exceeds the highest expectations of the custom cruiser class thanks to its strong and willing engine, refined chassis, powerful looks and broad riding position.

But the Commander takes the concept further than ever and refuses to be compromised on values not normally associated with the segment: all-day comfort, all-round accessibility, significant practicality and confident, predictable handling.

This approach is typified by the decision to reshape and double the foam thickness of the Commander' seat to bring a new level of riding comfort to custom cruisers, yet maintain a low seat height and thereby make the Commander available to as many riders as possible. Achieving this necessitated a new design for the Commander' frame. Coupled with revised steering geometry to accommodate new, ultra-wide tyres, it showcases Triumph' commitment to handling excellence and manageability. As a consequence a broad range of riders of any experience and riding style will feel instantly at home on the Commander, fully able to enjoy its commanding presence on the road.

Propelled by the World' largest capacity parallel twin motorcycle engine (as found in the existing Thunderbird Storm and based on the original Thunderbird parallel twin), the beating heart of the new Commander generates an organic, torque-rich riding experience unmatched for sheer grunt and ease-of-use.

Powered by a pair of saucer-sized forged pistons, the 1699cc eight-valve, DOHC engine' uneven 270° firing interval and long-stroke design produces a potent 94PS (93bhp) at 5400rpm and a huge 151Nm (111 lb.ft) of torque at a lowly 3550rpm, endowing the Commander with a surfeit of pulsating twin-cylinder character.

Whether out in town or drifting on the open road, the Thunderbird Commander has the flexibility to go from tick-over to top end in any gear without fuss. Painstaking development work by Triumph' engineers ensures the Commander delivers its performance through a seamless, snatch-free transmission. Laid down from wrist to road via a progressive throttle linkage, cutting-edge sequential fuel injectors and a positive six-speed gearbox, the Commander uses a belt final drive for low maintenance and long life.

And wherever you ride you'll be accompanied by the Commander' stirring exhaust note, specially tuned for pitch perfect progress.

It' equally important the aesthetic of the Thunderbird Commander' engine matches its outstanding performance and sound. A pair of wide header pipes flare out from the cylinders before folding back into twin, straight-cut drainpipe silencers in a distinctive evocation of Triumph' venerated parallel twin heritage. And with machined engine fins, and chrome engine covers juxtaposed against deep black barrels and crankcases, the Thunderbird Commander' striking motor makes a fitting visual, as well as motive, centrepiece.

The Thunderbird Commander' bold engine styling continues across the bike and reflects the high quality and detailing expected of a Triumph fat custom cruiser. With a massive polished top yoke and polished stainless steel fork shrouds, signature Triumph twin headlamps, bespoke Commander badges and Art Deco LED tail light and rear indicator assembly all combining to form an incredibly low, sleek fat cruiser look, the Commander will steal the limelight whenever and wherever it hits the street.

A dynamic engine with dynamic styling demands an equally dynamic chassis; one which holds true to Triumph' key belief that every bike, whatever its style, should be agile yet stable, have predictable, neutral steering and superior suspension and brakes. The Thunderbird Commander is no exception and delivers fully on this promise. Its new steel tube spine frame features optimised geometry to maintain consistent, manageable steering characteristics while enjoying the dramatic look of fat-section 140/75 17-inch front and 200/50 17-inch rear tyres running on cast wheels.

The Commander' handling is further enhanced by a chassis specification worthy of sportier bikes. It features shrouded 47mm Showa forks, twin 5-way preload adjustable Showa rear shocks, with optimised dual-rate springs, four-pot Nissin calipers on 310mm floating discs up front and a single Brembo caliper and 310mm disc at the rear, Triumph' anti-lock brake system comes as standard.

From the moment the Thunderbird Commander rolls forward, riders will immediately understand it has been developed with handling control as a priority, not an afterthought. Light, neutral steering belies the width of the tyres, giving the rider form and function in one package. The parallel twin engine' compact weight distribution means the centre of gravity is focused in front and below the rider' knees, giving the Commander a gentle, even tilt into turns rather than a laboured heave. Upgraded suspension keeps the rider isolated from bumps but in touch with the road, and the ABS-assisted brakes ensure stopping is quick and efficient.

The Thunderbird Commander' ergonomics are meticulously evolved to exploit every facet of the bike' engine and chassis performance. Rider and pillion seat foam is a double-layer, dual-density material, soft and receptive on first feel but compressing to give a firmer, supportive yet pliant ride. The rider' seat has also been especially shaped with wide, flared sides and a lumbar support to provide maximum comfort even at the end of a long day' ride. The cover material contains a degree of elasticity so that it 'gives' as the seat compresses, maintaining the ideal shape and reducing uncomfortable pressure points.

The Thunderbird Commander also enjoys high quality foot-boards made from chromed high-pressure die-cast aluminium, featuring replaceable skid plates and an adjustable heel/toe gear lever. The handlebars sweep back to give a wide yet natural-feeling hand position, while the electrical wiring has been routed through the bars to give the rider' eye-view a clean, unfussy look.

Further practical touches include a coded key immobiliser, self-cancelling indicators, a massive 22 litres fuel tank with off-centre filler cap and a well-appointed, tank-mounted dash console including classic analogue-style speedometer, a fuel gauge and an LCD with range-to-empty, twin trips, odometer and clock functions, conveniently scrollable via a handlebar-mounted button.

Two striking two-tone paint options complete the picture.

The Thunderbird Commander will be available in authorised dealers in Spring 2014.

Colour Options
•Lava Red / Crimson Sunset
•Phantom Black / Storm Grey

Accessories and Warranty

Part of the Thunderbird Commander' attraction is its ability to be customised to the rider' personal taste and a wide array of accessories are available to tailor the bike to suit.

As with all new Triumph motorcycles, the Thunderbird Commander comes with an unlimited mileage, two year factory warranty.