The other star of “The Wild One,” a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird, grabbed the attention of many movie lovers. But the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird has a new audience to attract, the American V-Twin riders.
Ron Lieback
AllAboutBikes.com Staff Writer
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ve probably watched every biker movie. One movie that’s imperative to the two-wheeled screen heritage is “The Wild One”. Released in 1954, the movie features another iconic performance from Marlon Brando, which is equally paired with the iconic performance of the flick’s other star, a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T.A first Hollywood film to clearly display a motorcycle’s tank badge, “The Wild One” helped push the Triumph Thunderbird into the spotlight. Built between 1949 and 1954, the 650cc machine quickly became part of nostalgia. And when a good thing is started, why not reinvent it? And this is what Triumph did with the 2010 Thunderbird, although it’s a bit enlarged. Powered by a 1596cc parallel-Twin (just think a 0-degree V-Twin), the new cruiser may not create another timeless Hollywood flick, but it will surely be in the spotlight on the streets competing with the best of America’s Big Twins.
An intermittent bike filling the space between the Speedmaster and the massive Rocket III, the fuel injected, water/oil cooled twin also exceeds all world-wide emission standards. The counterbalanced DOHC Twin has a 103.8 x 94.3 mm bore and stroke, and Triumph’s initial goal was 80 horsepower and 100 ft-lbs. of torque, although the 107-year old company expects more once official numbers are released.
Expecting to reach U.S. shores this September, the power reaches the pavement through a belt drive, utilizing a quiet six-speed transmission with helically cut second through sixth gears. This power is bolted to a tubular steel frame and swingarm, and delivered through cast aluminum five-spoke wheels featuring Thunderbird-specific front 120/70ZR19 and huge rear 200/50ZR17 Metzeler ME880 tires.
Showa suspension components top the T-Bird off, with 47mm forks up front and chromed spring shocks out back that are five-position preload adjustable. The Bird is stopped by dual 310mm front rotors and 4-piston Nissin calipers, and a single 310mm rotor teamed with a 2-piston Brembo caliper out back. For additional style, a speedo, tach and LCD display are housed on the 5.5-gallon fuel tank, and the Thunderbird will also utilize self-cancelling turn signals.
A direct competitor of Twin Cam Harley-Davidsons, the Thunderbird will have a base price of $12,999, with an optional ABS version for an additional $800. A line of Thunderbird-specific Genuine Triumph Accessories also will be available, such as a windshield, passenger back rest and saddle bags. Very competitive in price compared to Harley-Davidson Twin Cams, the buying market will have the final say if this bird flies out of showroom floors.
