Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Discussion
Having had most types of bikes (the majority being sportsbikes and a couple of supermotos) for the road over the years, about 4 years ago I succumbed to my age and ditched sportsbikes for a more upright, Triumph 1200 Explorer. This bike has been perfect for our annual long ride-outs like the NC500 etc, but the itch is starting to appear again and I fancy a change.
I've liked the look of the Tbird Storm for years now so has anyone got / ridden/ able to offer any viewpoint on these? My thinking is although it won't handle touring like the Explorer, I do only 'need' that aspect of the bike for about 2 weeks per year.
I've liked the look of the Tbird Storm for years now so has anyone got / ridden/ able to offer any viewpoint on these? My thinking is although it won't handle touring like the Explorer, I do only 'need' that aspect of the bike for about 2 weeks per year.
In the true PH BB fashion, I'm going to suggest something other than the bike asked about! 
Have you looked at sports touring bikes? There are a number of good options that offer reasonable performance (up to 200bhp from the H2 SX and the 'Busa), reasonable handling and luggage/touring capability.
Have you looked at sports touring bikes? There are a number of good options that offer reasonable performance (up to 200bhp from the H2 SX and the 'Busa), reasonable handling and luggage/touring capability.
I was researching cruisers as I wanted something which encouraged a more relaxed approach to riding as an alternative alongside my Multistrada (which is a bike I love but i still tend to ride it quicker than I should).
I didn't ride many but sat on a lot and came to the conclusion I was choosing between a Thunderbird and a (previous shape) Rocket. The childish bit of me won that battle and I went for a rocket over the thunderbird. I really like the riding position on both, and I think the bike that would have better suited my brief was the Thunderbird as they do seem to just thump along in a really relaxed way where as the Rocket feels huge, is hilarious scraping the pegs, and its funny to ride something that big and heavy pretty fast - so its not fully fitting the "chilled" brief I bought it for.
I think if you genuinely want a comfortable and chilled cruiser with enough grunt and a good bit of character to ensure its fun, I think the Tbird Storm looks a really good option.
I didn't ride many but sat on a lot and came to the conclusion I was choosing between a Thunderbird and a (previous shape) Rocket. The childish bit of me won that battle and I went for a rocket over the thunderbird. I really like the riding position on both, and I think the bike that would have better suited my brief was the Thunderbird as they do seem to just thump along in a really relaxed way where as the Rocket feels huge, is hilarious scraping the pegs, and its funny to ride something that big and heavy pretty fast - so its not fully fitting the "chilled" brief I bought it for.
I think if you genuinely want a comfortable and chilled cruiser with enough grunt and a good bit of character to ensure its fun, I think the Tbird Storm looks a really good option.
I had a Storm for about a year when they first came out in 2013.
The noise and the grunt were great, and was really pillion friendly.
But, too many things i didn't like:
always hitting the rev limiter in 1st, 2nd, 3rd getting up to speed as it only revs to about 7-8k i think. You have to short shift your way up, or rely on the torque to pull you along from 3rd onwards;
always hitting the pegs on even the slightest bit of lean into a corner, got really annoying really quickly;
cramp in my hips from the seating position
The noise and the grunt were great, and was really pillion friendly.
But, too many things i didn't like:
always hitting the rev limiter in 1st, 2nd, 3rd getting up to speed as it only revs to about 7-8k i think. You have to short shift your way up, or rely on the torque to pull you along from 3rd onwards;
always hitting the pegs on even the slightest bit of lean into a corner, got really annoying really quickly;
cramp in my hips from the seating position
I had a few sports bikes when younger , then took a break from bikes for a good 20 yrs and fancied a cruiser type style bike , brought a storm and owned it fro about 2 yrs absolutely loved it . I found the riding position lovely and relaxed ( im 6ft 2 ) and pegs not that far forward , wife loved it on the back she found it super comfy , the torque for me was spot on , stick it in a higher gear and it just thumps along big and smooth . Ok probably wasn't anywhere as quick as some or went round corners like others , but for me I didnt hardly ever scrap the pegs and just found I rode slower and more chilled enjoying it for what it was .
Taff107 said:
Having had most types of bikes (the majority being sportsbikes and a couple of supermotos) for the road over the years, about 4 years ago I succumbed to my age and ditched sportsbikes for a more upright, Triumph 1200 Explorer. This bike has been perfect for our annual long ride-outs like the NC500 etc, but the itch is starting to appear again and I fancy a change.
I've liked the look of the Tbird Storm for years now so has anyone got / ridden/ able to offer any viewpoint on these? My thinking is although it won't handle touring like the Explorer, I do only 'need' that aspect of the bike for about 2 weeks per year.
Never owned a storm, but similarly to you, I have also had a myriad of different types of bikes. The one bike I thought I would never own is a cruiser. I've liked the look of the Tbird Storm for years now so has anyone got / ridden/ able to offer any viewpoint on these? My thinking is although it won't handle touring like the Explorer, I do only 'need' that aspect of the bike for about 2 weeks per year.
Roll onto last year and my bike stable was a real mix. I had a ZZR1400, a BMW GT1600, an MV Agusta F4-1000.. and a space in my cabin for one more bike. I recently had a test ride on a 18 plate GoldWing bagger which I really liked but I didn't like the looks so much or the price tag. What I did like was the motor. Absolutely bags of silky smooth torque and a ride as smooth as a blended milkshake. Whilst looking on MCN for inspiration I found a report on the Honda Rune - a bike I would still like to own today, but couldn't justify as its a lot of money for a couple of days a year to use. Then after looking I found another Honda cruiser which shares the same engine as the Rune and Wing, but this is basically the engine and the frame with minimal bodywork. Back from the pub on a late Friday night and another impulse buy was made
The next day I got a phonecall from the dealer saying I had bought it from ebay and when would I like it delivered. They MOT'd it same day and delivered it same day.. and there it was.. actual picture shown in my drive on delivery.
It handles really well as low C of G. Pegs limit it but when hanging off the side it still hustles if you want it to
Only sold it recently due to house move but out of all the other bikes also sold above, this would be the bike I would buy back first. Why? It makes me smile when I ride it
t eating grin. 
LordFlathead said:
I'm not worried what a bike looks like. I'm focussed on what it's like to ride.
Yeah, as I said no offence intended, I am sure it's a brilliant ride, It just looks rather unusual.I don't like many bikes afterv1990, I'm more a 60's Norton Commando/Triumph Bonneville man,
Again, sorry, my comment was out of order.
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