On the heels of announced updates to the Bonneville, Thruxton and Scrambler for 2014, at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, Triumph Motorcycles introduced three new cruiser models (Thunderbird LT, Thunderbird Commander and America LT) and a special edition of its off-road-oriented middleweight adventure tourer, the Tiger 800XC SE.
2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT and Thunderbird Commander
Both new models are powered by the Thunderbird Storm’s big-bore 1,699cc parallel-twin rather than the base-model Thunderbird’s 1,597cc mill. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 8-valve, DOHC engine has an uneven 270-degree firing interval and a long-stroke design (107.1mm bore x 94.3mm stroke) that produces a claimed 93 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 111 lb-ft of torque at 3,550rpm. It has a 6-speed transmission and belt final drive.
Read our 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm review
An all-new chassis is said to improve rider/passenger comfort and handling. The redesigned frame pushes the steering neck forward and lowers the seat pan one inch, which provides a larger seating area. A reshaped seat with deeper, dual-density foam padding is more comfortable and maintains a low 27.5-inch seat height. A pull-back handlebar allows a more relaxed riding position. Steering geometry has been revised and the front wheel is now wider, carrying a new 140/75-17 front tire to accompany the existing 200/50-17 rear tire. Triumph partnered with Avon Tyres to develop the world’s first radial whitewall motorcycle tires for the Thunderbird LT, which offer better performance than bias-ply tires.
Both models feature shrouded 47mm Showa forks and twin 5-way preload-adjustable Showa rear shocks with dual-rate springs. They have triple disc brakes, with dual 4-piston Nissin front calipers and a single Brembo rear caliper, and standard ABS.
Both models have a coded key immobilizer, self-cancelling turn signals and 5.8-gallon fuel tanks with an off-center filler cap. Tank-mounted consoles feature an analog speedometer with an LCD display with fuel gauge (including range-to-empty), twin tripmeters, odometer and clock functions that can be navigated with a handlebar-mounted button.
2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT
in Caspian Blue/Crystal White
The new 2014 Thunderbird LT (Light Touring) has a quick-release windshield and removable leather saddlebags. Driving lamps, chrome floorboards with replaceable skid plates, an adjustable chrome heel/toe gear lever and wide wire-spoke wheels round out the touring package. In classic touring cruiser tradition, the Thunderbird LT has loads of chrome and many unique styling details such as one-off Triumph tank badges, white piping around seat, Art Deco-style LED taillight and rear turn signals and hand-painted coach lines on the tank and fenders.
The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT will be available in spring 2014, with two color options: Caspian Blue/Crystal White or Lava Red/Phantom Black. Price is TBD.
2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander
Like the Thunderbird Storm, the Commander has Triumph’s signature twin headlights, but it stands apart with a polished top yoke, polished stainless steel fork shrouds and less upswept chrome exhausts. It also has an internally wired handlebar wiring, special Commander badges and an Art Deco LED taillight and rear turn signals.
The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander will be available in one of two paint schemes: Lava Red/Crimson Sunset or Phantom Black/Storm Grey. The Thunderbird Commander will be available in authorized dealers in Spring 2014. Price is TBD.
2014 Triumph America LT
Based on the existing Triumph America, the new America LT (Light Touring) adds a tall windshield, a pull-back handlebar, leather saddlebags, floorboards and a heel-toe shifter. It is powered by an air-cooled, fuel-injected 865cc parallel-twin with DOHC and a 270-degree firing interval. Claimed output is 60 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 53 lb-ft of torque at 3,300 rpm.
The 2014 Triumph America LT will be available in December 2013 in two-tone Pacific Blue/Sapphire Blue with an MSRP of $9,499.
2014 Triumph Tiger 800XC SE
(only color option)
Hidden within the Tiger 800XC SE’s Volcanic Black paint are red metallic highlights that, according to Triumph, sparkle brilliantly in sunlight. Such a bedazzling paint job befits a custom cruiser, but the Tiger 800XC is a trail-ready, high-clearance bike with a 21-inch front wheel, spoked wheels, dual-sport tires and hand guards. Getting it scratched up after bark-busting through the forest will be heartbreaking. Complementing the fancy paint is a fiery red tubular-steel frame, matte-finished Diablo Red cockpit infills, and a handlebar, passenger grab handles and exhaust heat shields finished in black.
This special edition maintains the same running gear as the standard Tiger 800XC—a torque-rich 799cc in-line triple, long-travel suspension and triple-disc brakes with ABS that can be deactivated for off-road riding.
The 2014 Triumph Tiger 800XC SE will be available in March 2014 with an MSRP of $12,499.
Read our 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 review
For more information, visit triumphmotorcycles.com.
triumph 800 tiger is so over priced if they were smart this tiger would be 9999 and it needs more motor.smooth yes but not enough balls