Rider Triumph Commander review

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

S T O R Y B Y J O N L A N G S T O NP H O T O S B Y A L E S S I O B A R B A N T I ,

P A U L B A R S H O N , F R E D D I E K I R N A N D T O M R I L E S

BIGBIRDS

riumph’s return has succeeded because the company is producing excellent motorcycles, from eager sportbikes to fi rst-rate dual-sports to an exquisite line of modern clas-

sics. It’s also building cruisers, and its Bonneville-based customs have been best sellers. But it wasn’t until the introduction of the liter-class Thunderbird in 2009 that the cruiser lineup really made heads turn. In the tradition of the original, the Thunder-bird is a well-built, good-looking bike, and it was followed with

a blacked-out, bug-eyed, hopped-up version called the Storm. Both offered well over a liter and a half of torque-laden parallel twin power, but neither has managed to draw enough attention to make Triumph happy.

So the company went back to the drafting board, and now the new 2014 Thunderbird LT and Commander seem to have the goods to stand proud in the distinguished brand’s legacy.

To create these “fat customs” (Triumph’s term), its designers obviously worked with one eye fi xed on the U.S. cruiser market. They’re less two brand-new motorcycles than two ver-sions of the same bike. The muscular Commander and the light-touring LT are nearly identical mechanically, dif-fering mainly in styling and tire sizes, with each bike sty-listically true to its fat-custom purpose. The Light Touring ’Bird features long-haul amenities like a quick-detach windshield (by National Cycle), removable leather saddlebags (with lin-ers), and a passenger backrest and fl oorboards, while the Commander has a tougher, stripped-down facade, including dual headlights and low-profi le tires.

The standard Thunderbird’s liquid-cooled, 1,597cc DOHC parallel twin is a fi ne mill, but as with the gargantuan Rocket III triple, Tri-umph decided that if enough was good, then more was defi nitely better. So the kit that bumped the Storm’s displacement up by 102cc was recruited for both of these cruisers, and improved. Dual balancer shafts and an inte-grated torsional damper stabilize its side-to-side locomotion,

Nearly identical mechanically, the Thunderbird LT (above) is the high-way-ready “Light Touring” model, while the Commander (right) is the streetwise power cruiser. Designed to appeal to the American cruiser market, both new Thunderbird models combine big-inch power with plush appointments.

64 MAY 2014

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 64 2/26/14 3:43 PM

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

S T O R Y B Y J O N L A N G S T O NP H O T O S B Y A L E S S I O B A R B A N T I ,

P A U L B A R S H O N , F R E D D I E K I R N A N D T O M R I L E S

BIGBIRDS

riumph’s return has succeeded because the company is producing excellent motorcycles, from eager sportbikes to fi rst-rate dual-sports to an exquisite line of modern clas-

sics. It’s also building cruisers, and its Bonneville-based customs have been best sellers. But it wasn’t until the introduction of the liter-class Thunderbird in 2009 that the cruiser lineup really made heads turn. In the tradition of the original, the Thunder-bird is a well-built, good-looking bike, and it was followed with

a blacked-out, bug-eyed, hopped-up version called the Storm. Both offered well over a liter and a half of torque-laden parallel twin power, but neither has managed to draw enough attention to make Triumph happy.

So the company went back to the drafting board, and now the new 2014 Thunderbird LT and Commander seem to have the goods to stand proud in the distinguished brand’s legacy.

To create these “fat customs” (Triumph’s term), its designers obviously worked with one eye fi xed on the U.S. cruiser market. They’re less two brand-new motorcycles than two ver-sions of the same bike. The muscular Commander and the light-touring LT are nearly identical mechanically, dif-fering mainly in styling and tire sizes, with each bike sty-listically true to its fat-custom purpose. The Light Touring ’Bird features long-haul amenities like a quick-detach windshield (by National Cycle), removable leather saddlebags (with lin-ers), and a passenger backrest and fl oorboards, while the Commander has a tougher, stripped-down facade, including dual headlights and low-profi le tires.

The standard Thunderbird’s liquid-cooled, 1,597cc DOHC parallel twin is a fi ne mill, but as with the gargantuan Rocket III triple, Tri-umph decided that if enough was good, then more was defi nitely better. So the kit that bumped the Storm’s displacement up by 102cc was recruited for both of these cruisers, and improved. Dual balancer shafts and an inte-grated torsional damper stabilize its side-to-side locomotion,

Nearly identical mechanically, the Thunderbird LT (above) is the high-way-ready “Light Touring” model, while the Commander (right) is the streetwise power cruiser. Designed to appeal to the American cruiser market, both new Thunderbird models combine big-inch power with plush appointments.

64 MAY 2014

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 64 2/26/14 3:43 PM

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

BIRDS

MAY 2014 65

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 65 2/26/14 3:43 PM

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

and both bikes have the same 6-speed gearbox. The transmis-sion is smooth, and the engine delivers loads of torque in nearly every gear, though the midrange is where it shines. On the Jett Tuning dyno, our LT cranked out 82 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 101 lb-ft of torque at 3,300 rpm at the rear wheel, impres-sive numbers for a twin of this size.

The Commander and the LT both employ dual exhaust with different tips—the LT’s triangles are reminiscent of Triumph’s Union Jack badge, while the Commander power cruiser gets meaner Gatling guns. The latter’s growl is noticeably gruffer than the touring bike’s smooth, baritone rumble too, but still disappointingly pedestrian compared to the athletic upswept megaphones on the Thunderbird and Storm.

Triumph also reconfi gured the chassis that holds these new Thunderbirds aloft. The twin-spine tubular-steel frame looks the same but pushes the steering neck forward and drops the seat pan a full inch; the extra space is fi lled with a plusher saddle. Better, the new seat features a

separate embossed lumbar support pad that stays in place when a big American butt plops down on the saddle, rather than compressing with the rest of the seat. It’s clever and sim-ple, and quite possibly the most comfortable motorcycle saddle this rider’s ever cruised upon.

Above: Taking its style cues from classic American cruisers, the LT is replete with chrome-tipped fenders, whitewall radials and hand-painted coach lines. Far left: Most comfortable seat ever? The embossed lumbar support pad makes the case. Buckles on the leather saddle-bags hide convenient quick-release closures. Left: The LT receives long-haul amenities such as a look-over Lexan windshield, auxiliary light bar, and a passenger backrest and fl oorboards.

Shown here in elegant Caspian Blue/Crystal White two-tone paint, the LT is also available in Lava Red/Phantom Black.

Helmet: HJC FG-17 / Jacket: AGV Sport Element Vintage / Pants: Icon Insulated Jeans / Boots Bates Tahoe / Gloves: Icon Pursuit

66 MAY 2014

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 66 2/26/14 3:43 PM

Both bikes share the same 65.5-inch wheelbase, but due to their differing wheel and tire sizes, the LT sports slightly shorter rake and trail numbers. The classically styled LT has 16-inch spoked wheels, while the strapping Commander gets 17-inch cast wheels. But it’s their tires that truly distinguish the way these bikes negotiate the road. The Commander rolls on typical low-profi le, “fat custom” rubber. Its handling is relatively quick, but there’s no denying the fact that you’re muscling around a

big bike. For the LT, Avon developed a whitewall radial, the fi rst of its kind. With higher tire profi les and more evenly matched widths—150 front, 180 rear—the touring bike turns more read-ily and holds a line more easily than the power cruiser. Braking is identical, and stopping power equally excellent. Suspension behavior on both bikes is nondescript—which is exactly how quality suspension should behave.

In fact, my only gripe is that the fl oorboards on both models are just too darn short. Due to the heel-toe shifter, my size 10½ left boot was afforded maybe one inch of wiggle room fore and aft. To stretch, I found I had to ride with my heels planted at the front of the fl oorboards, toes splayed in the wind. The fl oor-boards on both bikes also scrape easily in corners; thankfully, they’re equipped with replaceable scrapers.

For 2014, Triumph has delivered two cruisers with the per-formance and versatility that befi ts the badge on their tanks. While most of the Thunderbirds’ styling is right out of the tra-

ditional cruiser mold, their parallel-twin engines set them nicely apart from the pack. Hopefully their increased power and beefed-up features will turn more heads this time around.

Triumph Thunderbird Commander/LT

Website: triumphmotorcycles.comBase Price: $15,699/$16,699Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, trans-verse parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.Bore x Stroke: 107.1 x 94.3mmDisplacement: 1,699ccTransmission: 6-speed, hydrauli-cally actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: Belt

Wheelbase: 65.5 in.

Rake/Trail: 30.1 degrees/5.3 in.,

29.9 degrees/5.2 in.

Seat Height: 27.5 in.

Wet Weight: 766 lbs. (claimed)/

851 lbs. (actual)

Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gallons, last 1.0

gal. warning light on

MPG: 87 PON min. (avg) 40.4

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

Left: The rough-and-tumble Commander gets cast wheels and drainpipe exhausts with Gatling gun tips. Top right: The tank-mounted dash has an analog speedo and LCD display, but no tach. We wish the MPH numbers were larger. Lower right: The Commander’s low-profi le 140 front and 200 rear tire look cool, but handling suffers. ABS is a standard feature on both new ’Birds.

Both bikes feature a new chassis with extended steering head and a lower seat pan. Like the LT, the Commander receives standard fl oorboards and the same excellent new seat.

i40

68 MAY 2014

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 68 2/28/14 10:28 AM

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

BIRDS

MAY 2014 65

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 65 2/26/14 3:43 PM

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

and both bikes have the same 6-speed gearbox. The transmis-sion is smooth, and the engine delivers loads of torque in nearly every gear, though the midrange is where it shines. On the Jett Tuning dyno, our LT cranked out 82 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 101 lb-ft of torque at 3,300 rpm at the rear wheel, impres-sive numbers for a twin of this size.

The Commander and the LT both employ dual exhaust with different tips—the LT’s triangles are reminiscent of Triumph’s Union Jack badge, while the Commander power cruiser gets meaner Gatling guns. The latter’s growl is noticeably gruffer than the touring bike’s smooth, baritone rumble too, but still disappointingly pedestrian compared to the athletic upswept megaphones on the Thunderbird and Storm.

Triumph also reconfi gured the chassis that holds these new Thunderbirds aloft. The twin-spine tubular-steel frame looks the same but pushes the steering neck forward and drops the seat pan a full inch; the extra space is fi lled with a plusher saddle. Better, the new seat features a

separate embossed lumbar support pad that stays in place when a big American butt plops down on the saddle, rather than compressing with the rest of the seat. It’s clever and sim-ple, and quite possibly the most comfortable motorcycle saddle this rider’s ever cruised upon.

Above: Taking its style cues from classic American cruisers, the LT is replete with chrome-tipped fenders, whitewall radials and hand-painted coach lines. Far left: Most comfortable seat ever? The embossed lumbar support pad makes the case. Buckles on the leather saddle-bags hide convenient quick-release closures. Left: The LT receives long-haul amenities such as a look-over Lexan windshield, auxiliary light bar, and a passenger backrest and fl oorboards.

Shown here in elegant Caspian Blue/Crystal White two-tone paint, the LT is also available in Lava Red/Phantom Black.

Helmet: HJC FG-17 / Jacket: AGV Sport Element Vintage / Pants: Icon Insulated Jeans / Boots Bates Tahoe / Gloves: Icon Pursuit

66 MAY 2014

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 66 2/26/14 3:43 PM

Both bikes share the same 65.5-inch wheelbase, but due to their differing wheel and tire sizes, the LT sports slightly shorter rake and trail numbers. The classically styled LT has 16-inch spoked wheels, while the strapping Commander gets 17-inch cast wheels. But it’s their tires that truly distinguish the way these bikes negotiate the road. The Commander rolls on typical low-profi le, “fat custom” rubber. Its handling is relatively quick, but there’s no denying the fact that you’re muscling around a

big bike. For the LT, Avon developed a whitewall radial, the fi rst of its kind. With higher tire profi les and more evenly matched widths—150 front, 180 rear—the touring bike turns more read-ily and holds a line more easily than the power cruiser. Braking is identical, and stopping power equally excellent. Suspension behavior on both bikes is nondescript—which is exactly how quality suspension should behave.

In fact, my only gripe is that the fl oorboards on both models are just too darn short. Due to the heel-toe shifter, my size 10½ left boot was afforded maybe one inch of wiggle room fore and aft. To stretch, I found I had to ride with my heels planted at the front of the fl oorboards, toes splayed in the wind. The fl oor-boards on both bikes also scrape easily in corners; thankfully, they’re equipped with replaceable scrapers.

For 2014, Triumph has delivered two cruisers with the per-formance and versatility that befi ts the badge on their tanks. While most of the Thunderbirds’ styling is right out of the tra-

ditional cruiser mold, their parallel-twin engines set them nicely apart from the pack. Hopefully their increased power and beefed-up features will turn more heads this time around.

Triumph Thunderbird Commander/LT

Website: triumphmotorcycles.comBase Price: $15,699/$16,699Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, trans-verse parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.Bore x Stroke: 107.1 x 94.3mmDisplacement: 1,699ccTransmission: 6-speed, hydrauli-cally actuated wet clutchFinal Drive: Belt

Wheelbase: 65.5 in.

Rake/Trail: 30.1 degrees/5.3 in.,

29.9 degrees/5.2 in.

Seat Height: 27.5 in.

Wet Weight: 766 lbs. (claimed)/

851 lbs. (actual)

Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gallons, last 1.0

gal. warning light on

MPG: 87 PON min. (avg) 40.4

RIDER TEST: 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD LT AND COMMANDER

Left: The rough-and-tumble Commander gets cast wheels and drainpipe exhausts with Gatling gun tips. Top right: The tank-mounted dash has an analog speedo and LCD display, but no tach. We wish the MPH numbers were larger. Lower right: The Commander’s low-profi le 140 front and 200 rear tire look cool, but handling suffers. ABS is a standard feature on both new ’Birds.

Both bikes feature a new chassis with extended steering head and a lower seat pan. Like the LT, the Commander receives standard fl oorboards and the same excellent new seat.

i40

68 MAY 2014

p64x68RR1405TRIUMPH.indd 68 2/28/14 10:28 AM