Thunderbird

Triumph used the Thunderbird name for two fundamentally different Hinckley generations. The 1995-2004 Thunderbird 900 is a classically styled, liquid-cooled 885 cc triple on Triumph's modular platform. In 2009 the much larger Thunderbird 1600 arrived: a belt-driven cruiser with a 1,597 cc parallel twin. The 1700 version and the Commander/LT derivatives later used the same platform.

That distinction matters to buyers: a 900 rides and feels like a relaxed retro triple, whereas the modern 1600/1700 is a heavy cruiser with far more low-rpm torque. Always confirm model year, capacity and variant instead of relying on the name alone. The older triple suits enthusiasts of classic Triumph engineering; the modern cruiser suits unhurried touring and riders wanting a low seat, belt drive and a mature long-distance riding position.