2010 Triumph reviews

I have owned my Thunderbird for 7 years and have had no problems with it. I have ridden many different motorcycles over the years and I like the Thunderbird the best of any I have ridden. My wife also likes the ride as a passenger. This bike sets you apart from the me to bikers. Show less

What a fun machine and priced very reasonably. I rated performance as a 4 because of vibration above 80 mph. It gets a 3 for passenger comfort. The long-haul seat is very comfy for the rider but uncomfortable for the passenger and the passenger backrest is angled wrong - it cuts into the passenger's back. I spent an additional $750.00 Canadian to have an upholsterer fix the seat and a welder fabricate the new sissy bar. Overall quality is excellent and other than the couple complaints mentioned it is an awesome bike that really turns other bikers' heads - especially when you roar by them!! I plan to lower the bike by 1 inch (shorter shocks and slip front fork tubes) and download TuneECU for less vibration, better mileage and about 30 more ponies! Show less

It's been 40 years since I owned a motorcycle! I did a lot of research and finally decided on the Triumph America! Thank you Triumph for building a quality motorcycle! Show less

I bought this machine in November, having never test driven it or even heard it idling. I spent a year agonizing between the Rocket III Roadster and the Ducati Diavel. In the end the massive difference in cost of ownership, the extra room in the saddle, the look of the bike and the attitude of the Triumph's engine won me over. There are many reviews online that will give you the right impression of this machine. It is big, but surprisingly maneuverable. It produces unholy amounts of torque and generous horsepower but in a very manageable and (unless you intentionally kick it) comfortable way. One thing that really impressed me is the gear box. The rocket is geared very tall, which causes absolutely no problems because of the torque the engine produces, but means that you can redline the tac at 95 miles an hour in second. You can even cruise along at 70 in 3rd gear with the engine roaring angrily but nowhere near its limit (I wouldn't want to do it for hours, but the noise the bike makes around 4,000 rpm. is breathtaking). The tall gearing matched with the engine's torque also means you can start the bike from a dead stop and comfortably drive any legal speed all without leaving 3rd gear. It's arguably more fun to start in first and let that engine sing its way up the cogs, but it is a fitting illustration of the bike's power and usability. The pilot (and I'm told also the pillion) seat is fantastically comfortable. I may someday experiment with an aftermarket seat simply to see what else is available but the stock saddle is excellent. On rides longer than a few hours, the throttle can feel a bit heavy (especially through cold weather gloves), but if you need one there are simple solutions for that at any bike shop. The breaks are very adequate and the antilock system inspires confidence when stopping this giant fast. To be blunt, this bike isn't for everyone. If you want a sport bike that you can call a cruiser, buy the Ducati Diavel. If you want a big chunky twin for the cadence of the engine the Rocket's higher reving triple will leave you cold. If you are like me and you generally drive at legal speeds, but you love the thrill of aggressive acceleration and limitless torque regardless of setting, this bike is for you. Standing still it draws looks and comments, with the engine running, it is even more aggressive, and when you tear open the throttle and blast past cages on the open road at unreasonable speeds it is simply indescribable. It's not for everyone, but for those of us who love it, there is simply no better machine on the market. If I had an unlimited budget and could select one bike to own, I wouldn't have to hesitate a moment to make it this bike. I've managed 2,500 miles from November to April. Every snowy day that left my Rocket III in the garage was torture, and I CAN NOT WAIT for this season to warm up so I can put real miles on. Show less

I bought my 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1700 in March of 2012. She has the sexiest paint scheme I think I've ever seen...Phantom Haze Red. She had been previously ridden by a retired policeman in New York. He'd put very few miles on her. I sold my 2010 Triumph America (another fantastic machine) to buy the T-Bird. While I loved my America, I have to say that the Thunderbird is a major step up. The power produced in her 104 cubic inch parallel twin is much more than I'll ever need. The deep, throaty thump thump of those massive cylinders makes me smile every time I fire the engine up. For a big machine, her center of gravity is low enough to make her feel much smaller than her true size. She handles better than any other bike of this size that I've ridden...and I've ridden many including BMWs, Harleys (Softails, Dynas, Dressers and Customs). She feels light even at slow speeds and is nimble in the city. Get her on the open road and she just shines. I love this motorcycle and wouldn't trade her for any other bike (except maybe another T-Bird). Show less

Having owned most brands over 45 years of riding, I was very surprised to find that the "master" checked off all of my boxes. I ride solo about 90% of the time so it just fits. Handling is great, fit and finish is super and it has all the power you need for cruising. Even with a passenger there is no problem. Show less

I've been riding my Rocket touring for a couple years now and put on plenty on miles. The bike just begs to eat up miles any chance you get. Not only is it very comfortable but it's fun to ride. It has very good handling for a bike this large and amazing performance. Show less

I have been very happy with my 2010 Thunderbird. My mate in England provided be with just enough Union Jacks to set it apart from others. The handling is superior to any other bike like this. Mine has the Triumph shorty pipes, which sound good, but I will upgrade when the warranty is out. It has great power and outhandles any other bike in its class. As with other reviews, the touring seat is a must - mine came with the promo pack last year. I come from a sport bike background, and this is the perfect cruiser for someone who still cares about how his bike handles. Show less

This is a really good and unique kind of motorcycle that is cool to ride. This bike feels confident in the bends, it has a really nice range in the gearing (in that you're not shifting all the time). After coming from touring bikes of all makes, this bike doesn't feel lacking. It's also got a lot more power than most in this range and price point. Looks wise, it's got it, it's a TRIUMPH. The only downside for some, might be the chain. If you're looking at the competition at this price point, I highly recommend checking out TRIUMPH. The look, handling and uniqueness of this bike give it an advantage. It's a blast to drive. Show less

I really was ready to get a Harley this time just to tick that box. Over the last years I have had five Kawasaki Vulcans, a Yamaha 1900 Roadliner, a Honda VTX 1300, a Royal Enfield, an ERN 6 and a Triumph America. All were great rides but nothing prepared me for the absolute perfection of the Thunderbird. The Harleys just didn't get me but I loved the whole heritage thing. With the Triumph you get the street cred and the heritage but more importantly a better overall bike for similar or less money. It is completely faultless in my opinion with awesome finish, great ergonomics, great handling and terrfic comfort with their gel seats. I have changed the pipes and love the sound which sounds to me like a V8 at idle all the way to that brilliant over run crackle when you back off. The wife just loves it also and we get out every week because where we live in Perth there is no real winter! Show less