Engine and Performance
Cruisers, as already discussed are supposed to be ridden at a leisurely pace on long open roads. You do not require hundreds of horses between your legs, what you need is a strong torrent of low-end torque that takes you to those cruising speeds effortlessly.
It’s almost customary that cruisers are powered by V Twins, looking at the entire Harley Range, the Suzuki Boulevard and the likes. The engine on this Triumph, too, is a twin cylinder but the pots are arranged parallel to each other rather than in a V format.
According to Triumph’s claim, the Thunderbird LT features the largest parallel twin engine in the world. A little research validates their claim. Just to put things in perspective, one single cylinder block of this motorcycle is bigger in capacity than the entire engine of the Maruti 800.
Pressing the starter button wakes up a slumbering monster. The engine awakens with a loud grunt. It’s got a good note and an old worldly, charming vibe to it. We could feel the pistons moving in the huge block, in a likeable, immersive way. The parallel twin setup has made the engine compact compared to a V twin and hence it could be placed relatively forward, which helps if you don’t like your legs getting cooked while riding.
Big parallel twins are prone to have more vibrations compared to 90 degree V Twin but with 270 degree firing angle, the LT’s mill gets a more even firing interval compared to 180 degree or 360 degree firing angle. It also manages to radiate the feel of a V twin engine. So we have a classic looking bike with a modern engine with the advantages of Parallel twin but characteristics of V Twin. It’s best of both the worlds in a classic format. Well, pretty much.
Slot the bike into first gear and the cogs swap positions with a clunk. Release the large aluminum clutch lever, turn the throttle, and the Thunderbird pulls forth like a locomotive. With 150 Nm of torque coming in at 3,400 RPM, there is ample low end grunt to propel you forward with a great degree of force.
With 91 horses under its belt, the 380 kg bike hits the ton effortlessly. The engine is pretty smooth too with no irksome vibrations making it to handle bar. With both heel and toe shifters available, one can save their expensive shoes from getting the smudge and cuts which comes with riding bikes. Being used to generally riding sporty machines, I tried using only the toe shifter but the small gap between the board and the shifter didn’t quite welcome my fat boots. I did manage to get used to the set-up after a while though.
The gearshifts, however, are stiff, and one has to hit the heel shifter hard, to swap cogs. However, the gearing and the torque doesn’t call for frequent gear changes. The bike pulls well in taller gears even at low engines speeds. Stay in third and you can cruise through the city with no hassles.
Ride and Handling
Munching miles on wide, open highways with great stability while also offering supreme comfort to the rider is where the LT excels. The wide, thickly padded seats with great back support endows the bike with couch-like comfort. The seating position is upright, and the hadle bars are wide but comfortable.
Bend the knees at 90 degrees, plant them comfortably on the foot-board and the LT will ensure that you don’t get tired for a substantial distance. The riding position is really very comfortable overall. Give this bike miles and miles of smooth tarmac to cruise, it will eat all those miles for breakfast and ask for second helpings. With two 310 mm front discs with four piston calipers, the bike has good stopping power too.
At normal cruising speeds, the bike tackles the undulations on the road with aplomb but north of 100kph, it feels a bit bumpy over sharper edges and rough patches. The LT is made for smooth, well laid out surfaces, and riding it over rough patches isn’t easy due to the massive weight and the relaxed riding position. Also, with all its weight and relaxed character, the LT doesn’t like changing directions too quickly.
Did I just hear the question “How is it around corners?”. Good for it’s size and segment, though expecting it to carve corners would be travesty. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, the tyres provide decent grip, and the bike holds its line well enough. However, the lean has to be limited as the low mounted footboards touch the road pretty easily. The ride is pretty comfortable for pillion as well, who gets padded seats with footboards and a back rest to sit backk in a relaxed manner and enjoy the scenery blur by.
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You know this is Triumphs smaller cruiser. For a truly large cruiser check out the Rocket III Touring.
Seen these in the show rooms at the dealers in Arizona, USA. Nice looking bike, it is big, but I do not believe I have seen one on the street that somebody actually bought, sad to say. I do see the regular Thunderbird and quiet abit which this is a spin off of. I also see the model with the twin headlights quiet often.
The bike is great, the saddle bags could have been better.