Launch: 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

The Thunderbird Storm is a black, pared-down power cruiser based on the extremely popular Thunderbird, dedicated to “those who expect a harder-edge to their ride”.

The routine chrome and polish found on the standard Thunderbird, which was released in the last quarter of 2009,  has been jettisoned on the Storm, replaced by a darker, more brooding, hardcore look.

And the aggressive stance isn’t just unique to the eye, with the Storm’s displacement of 1700cc nearly 100cc more than the Thunderbird, thanks to a 3.3mm larger bore. Let’s delve into a little more detail.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The 1700cc incarnation of the 270-degree parallel twin was previously only available as a dealer-installed big-bore kit on the Thunderbird, but now it’s standard fare on the Storm, which has claimed performance figures of 98hp at 5300rpm and 156Nm at 2750rpm. That’s quite a jump on the Thunderbird, which produces 86hp at 4850rpm and 146Nm at 2750rpm.

The liquid-cooled engine now has new cylinder liners, revised camshafts and news gaskets, but otherwise is unchanged from Thunderbird guise – and that extends to the powertrain as well, including the belt final drive. In the case of the gearbox that’s especially a good thing, because it was already one of the best in the business with its helical cut gears and smooth, positive operation.

And the suspension (Showa), frame (steel tube) and brakes (Nissin) also take their same place at the table.

What has changed are the aesthetics, with the obvious loss of chrome and addition of black also joined by drag-style handlebars and twin, oval headlights, in the mould of the old Speed Triple and Rocket III. And there's no external plumbing (oil and water pipes, etc) to taint the picture, which gives the parallel twin an even more commanding presence.

As Triumph says in its Storm literature, it’s much easier to pose the “what does not come in black on the Storm” rather than the other way around.

Those parts include the handlebars, brake rotors and hoses, mirrors, exhaust and badge.

The Storm has an easy-to-read tank-mounted gauge. A switch on the right control allows the rider to toggle through time, trip displays, an odometer, distance to empty, while there’s an analogue speed and tacho. The tacho is quite a bit smaller than the speedo.

The Thunderbird Storm is now on sale for $21,990, and $22,900 for the ABS version.

The updated engine obviously comes at a price, as that’s a $1000 premium on the standard Thunderbird. But when you consider it costs around $2500 to get a big-bore kit fitted to a standard Thunderbird (there’s about 10 hours labour involved), the Storm price suddenly takes on a more positive complexion.

The accessory list for the Storm is predominantly a carry-over from the massive Thunderbird catalogue, but there are six new items just for the Storm.

Click on the following link to visit the Storm accessories configurator on the Triumph website. It’s fun for the whole family!

Both bikes offer a tasty cruiser experience, but for me the Storm holds the upperhand because it’s just got a little more attitude.

Most of that is because of the bigger 1699cc engine, which I had previously sampled as the big-bore kit in the Thunderbird.

Sure, it’s a little bit more of a rough diamond compared to the 1597cc version, especially at a lower rpm – but that’s nothing compared to the extra pull it provides where every twist of the grip creates an immediate hit, which opens up to a flat and creamy powerband.

You can’t get much more accommodating than that – to the extent that the Storm only really needs about four gears instead of six. But it does wonders for fuel economy with the Storm only ticking over at a ridiculously lazy 2500rpm at 100km/h in sixth gear.

By releasing the straitjacket Triumph has created a truly irresistible engine, which I barely revved above 4000rpm all day – but which was still enough of a stir to emit a nice deep rumble form the twin, chrome exhaust pipes. The Storm has biggest catalysts inside the exhaust, which helps to produce the deeper pitch.

Also, pushing the big parallel twin into overrun territory is bliss, as is pitching from one corner to another without having to worry about changing gears to maintain momentum. The Metzeler rubber, including a 200-section rear, works well when pushing the pace a little, although I still find the rear suspension a little harsh, even allowing for the five-way preload adjustment.

If you really want to get a sense for what’s underneath you, stick the bike in top gear and drop back to about 60km/h and just hear those thundering 107.1mm pistons plying their trade.

That’s about the extent of real mechanical noise you’ll get on the Storm.

The ergonomics produce a little more of an upright stance, and the new drag-style bars are straighter than in Thunderbird mode. But you can still tuck into the bike, thanks to a combination of the wide and plush seat and forward controls.

We tried a number of different seats at the launch, and my favourite was the one with long haul backrest kit, which has a six-way adjustable pitch. With the forward control setup, that seemed to provide the best protection, especially for the lower part of my back where stiffness normally sets in after a few hours in the saddle.

The Storm is a balls-out power cruiser, there’s no doubt about it. It has an uncluttered, imposing stance, and is anchored by that glorious powerplant. For those who desire something more hardcore in their cruiser diet, then the Storm should be high up on their shopping list.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed with helical gears
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular Steel, twin spine
Front suspension: Showa 47mm forks, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Showa black spring twin shocks with five-position adjustable preload, 95mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 310mm floating discs, with Nissin four-piston calipers (ABS option available)
Rear brakes: 310mm disc, with Brembo twin-piston caliper (ABS option available)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 339kg
Seat height: 700mm
Wheelbase: 1615mm
Fuel capacity: 22 litres

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 98hp at 5200rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 156Nm at 2950rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $21,990 (ABS: $22,990)
Colours: Matte black
Bike supplied by: Triumph Australia (www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au)
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres