EICMA 2013: Triumph Thunderbird Commander and LT

Before seeing the bike, if you were to consider just some technical data, for example, a powerful engine, two pistons this big... Are we in America..? No, England, and in fact the two corpulent and vigorous cylinders are in line, side by side, and well displayed. We are unequivocally at Triumph with two new proposals to articulate the Thunderbird range, the new Commander in the standard and LT versions; for the latter the two letters stand for “Light Touring”, and evoke great horizons to be achieved. The Commander is characterized by new aesthetic and functional features that elevate Hinckley's cruiser to a great competitor compared to the proposals already present in the price lists of the competition which generally loves highways. But for Triumph the primary objective remains above all the best driving on our European roads.

Compared to the Thunderbirds we already know, the ergonomics have obviously changed with a touring perspective. The handlebar leans backwards to ensure a wide but completely natural position for the rider's arms, while the electrical wiring is integrated into the handlebar. The rider's seat has a specially designed shape, with a wide and flared side profile to have the maximum comfort required by large world trips. A special windshield called Quantum is mounted on the LT, designed to reduce buffeting and lateral shaking. The reduced height of the motorbike allows good control of this imposing two-wheeler.

This derives from the correct tuning of the chassis, which in addition to satisfying comfort needs, promises a good level of handling. Is exactly It is in the field of handling that this Triumph stands out from other cruisers: Showa shock absorbers Nissin 4-piston brakes with 310 mm discs.
What distinguishes a cruiser worthy of the name at first glance are unmistakably the details. And so here is the imposing polished fork triple clamp with the related fork covers combined with, needless to say, the iconic Triumph double headlight, a must, a strength, a brand (single headlight and additional headlights for LT). And also the customized Commander decorations and the supports for the rear turn signals and the somewhat Art Deco style LED tail light. The large spoked wheels enhance the look: 140/75 and 17" at the front (150/80 and 16" and 180/70 and 16" for LT) and 200/50 and 17" at the rear, mounted on turned alloy wheels to the diamond.

Some practical data regarding very useful motorcycle accessories from this category. An immobilizer with coded key, automatically deactivating turn signals, a large 22-litre fuel tank with an off-centre cap and a rich tank-mounted instrument panel, which includes a classic analogue-style speedometer, a fuel gauge and an LCD screen with remaining range , two trip odometers, total odometer and clock, with the ability to easily scroll through all functions via a handlebar-mounted button. On the LT, strictly as standard, two removable reinforced bags are included, in high quality genuine leather, to tackle even the longest journeys with waterproof internal linings with handles and provision for a 12 V auxiliary socket.
The colors available for this Thunderbird Commander are both in two-color style: the list includes the Lava Red / Crimson Sunset and Phantom Black / Storm Gray combinations.