Sixty five years since the original Thunderbird, Triumph has once again created a cruiser with intuitive handling, cool style and a rebellious attitude. The 2015 Thunderbird Nightstorm Special Edition delivers an authentic riding experience in a uniquely Triumph package.
The Thunderbird Nightstorm takes black to a new level. Stripped of much of its chrome work, the Nightstorm gets a custom makeover. The custom hand painted tank features ‘ghost flames’ in a two tone combination of Phantom Black and Silver Frost that provides a distinctive sparkle effect finish.
The Thunderbird Nightstorm Special Edition will set you back a cool £13,099 on the road, yet many will be tempted by the prolific options list that will allow owners to customise their bike to a very personal level.
The latest Triumph Thunderbird Nightstorm’s features an uprated parallel twin 1,699cc, water cooled unit that sounds just sublime. Its massive 107.1mm pistons pump out a tyre-shredding 95bhp, with a tidal wave of spectacular 115lb/ft of torque arriving at just 2,950rpm. All the power is directed through a smooth six-speed constant mesh, helical type gearbox.
The reassuring braking is delivered by twin 310mm floating discs and Nissin four-piston fixed callipers on the front as well as a single 310mm fixed disc and a Brembo two-piston floating calliper on the rear. ABS is supplied as standard.
Get right down in the thick of the action on a seat just 700mm off the ground. But as expected from Triumph this low seat height, amongst the lowest in its class, isn’t at the expense of padding. Cruise with a partner in comfort – or alone – and still plant both feet firmly on the ground at lights. And when you return to your Thunderbird Nightstorm, you can do so in the knowledge that its taped seams for extra waterproofing mean you’re in for a comfortable ride home even if it’s been caught in a shower.
Its tubular steel frame features a twin spine swingarm and front Showa 47mm forks. The rear suspension features Showa chromed spring twin shocks with a five position adjustable preload. This finely calibrated system blends effortlessly to compliment rather than hinder the bike’s looks and with the rear being adjustable for preload, it is ready to go anywhere whether you’re two-up or in a serious solo riding mood.
Triumph has brought its legendary engineering to the cruiser market to produce this revelation in cool looks and performance. The 2015 Thunderbird Nightstorm Special Edition looks expensive on paper but when you weigh up the competition this Triumph is pretty good value for money and won’t prove to be a storm in a tea cup.