Triumph announce new Thunderbird 'LT'

The removable leather saddlebags, auxiliary spot lamps and the world's first white-walled radial motorcycle tyres are all standard features. The ergonomics feature a completely redesigned, reshaped seat, with deeper foam padding and lumbar support for maximum comfort, while maintaining a low seat height to accommodate all sizes of rider.

The heart of the new Thunderbird LT is the same 1699cc parallel twin (the World's largest) found in the Thunderbird Storm. The eight-valve DOHC motor produces 94PS (93bhp) at 5400rpm and 151Nm of torque at 3550rpm. The uneven, long-stroke 270-degree firing interval creates a classic big-twin feel, perfect for propelling the LT over long distances with a natural, easy-going groove.

All that engine potential is harnessed by a progressive throttle, highly accurate fuel mapping, cutting-edge sequential fuel injectors, a positive six-speed gearbox and belt final drive. The result, from the top end of first gear to the bottom end of top gear, is what Triumph claim is "unrivalled civility in its class".

Engine styling features include machined fins, chrome engine covers and jet-black barrels and crankcases. A pair of wide, dramatically splayed exhaust pipes dominate the LT's front three-quarter profile with their classic 'header-run' following a straight line from the throttle bodies through to the headers. Tapered tri-oval exhaust cans have been specially tuned to give a rewarding, rich sound.

Various Harley-esque styling touches on the new LT cruiser include chrome embellishment on the front and rear mudguards, generous chrome highlights around the windshield and yokes, auxiliary spot lamps and massive wire-spoked wheels. Other touches include unique tank badges, hand-painted coach-lines on the tank and guards, white piping around the rider's seat, and an Art Deco-style rear indicator and LED tail light assembly.

Perhaps the most interesting feature on the new Thunderbird LT is the whitewall rubber. While they may look "conventional" at first glance, Triumph says these new hoops, developed in conjunction with Avon, are the first ever radial whitewall motorcycle tyres. According to Triumph, the co-developed radials offer vast handling and steering improvements over standard cross-ply whitewall tyres.

In terms of handling, careful development work on steering geometry enables the Thunderbird LT to deliver light, neutral steering and low speed agility, while maintaining stability at all speeds and in all types of conditions, making it an easy bike to ride for any rider.

The LT's new steel tube spine frame, combined with a steel swingarm and optimised rake, trail and wheelbase figures ensure consistent, predictable steering characteristics alongside the dramatic look of fat-section 150/80 16-inch front and 180/70 16-inch rear tyres on 56-spoke wire rims.

Suspension consists of shrouded 47mm Showa forks up front and twin 5-way preload adjustable Showa rear shocks to ensure a quality ride, even over the harshest surfaces. ABS-enabled four-pot Nissin calipers on 310mm floating discs up front and a single Brembo caliper and 310mm disc at the rear give sensitive, yet powerful, braking under all conditions.

Given its cruising purpose, special attention was paid to the LT's riding position and wind management to allow the rider to arrive feeling fresh and relaxed at their destination. Both rider and pillion seats are made from dual-layer, dual-density foam, which is soft and pliant on first feel, but compresses to a firmer, more supportive resistance. The rider's seat is specifically shaped to distribute pressure evenly, with a dedicated lumbar support pad at the rear.

The pillion seat and back-rest are similarly constructed from the same dual-layer, dual-density foam to ensure the passenger shares the same level of comfort. The seat cover material was chosen for its elasticity, always following the contours of the seat, retaining its shape and reducing uncomfortable high pressure spots.

The LT windshield, made from 4.5mm thick, Quantum-coated polycarbonate, has a quick-release function. Spring-loaded retainers hold it firmly in place on the front forks, yet the screen can be detached - without tools - in a matter of seconds.

Rider and pillion foot-boards are chrome-plated aluminium, with replaceable skid plates and an adjustable heel/toe gear lever for the rider. Handlebars are slightly raised, sweeping back across the tank for a comfortable angle, with all wiring routed through the bars.

A pair of high-quality reinforced, genuine leather panniers are fitted to the Thunderbird LT as standard. Metal buckles hide quick release clips, with the panniers also featuring waterproof inner liners with carry handles, provision for a 12v accessory socket and a waterproof inner pocket. The panniers can be quickly removed as required and don't require frames.

Other features include a coded key immobiliser, 22 litre fuel tank, and a tank-mounted dash console with analogue-style speedometer, fuel gauge and an LCD with range-to-empty, twin trips, odometer and clock functions, all scrollable via a handlebar-mounted button.

Available colours are two-tone Caspian Blue/Crystal White and Lava Red/Phantom Black, with a range of accessories available to tailor the bike to individual tastes.

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

UPDATE: Triumph Australia announced at the Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Show that local deliveries of the Triumph Thunderbird LT are expected in March, 2014.