Triumph Thunderbird Storm review, test ride

Meet the Triumph Thunderbird Storm. It’s a big, burly cruiser in the mould of the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and it’s now on sale in India for a not inconsiderable Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). That’s big money for a very big bike, because the Thunderbird Storm is seriously oversized in almost all dimensions. Sheer size apart, you can recognise a Thunderbird by its twin headlights (though the Harley Fat Bob uses a similar layout), massive 22-litre fuel tank and bobbed tail. Our test bike was finished in a stealthy matte black, but the chrome on the dual exhausts, mirrors and forks did add the requisite flash value expected from a cruiser. Beautiful it may not be, but the Thunderbird Storm sure is imposing.

From the saddle it can be more than a bit intimidating too. That the bike is heavy (it weighs 339kg) becomes clear the moment you fold back the side stand. Manoeuvring out of parking spaces requires serious leg power (and often a helping hand) and the large turning circle doesn’t help matters. A high-ish handlebar and cruiser-typical forward-set foot pegs also make this a bike better suited to taller riders. This group will find themselves in decent comfort on the wide seat, though their pillions will feel like unwelcome guests on the miniscule rear perch.

A brief ride in Gurgaon’s traffic also revealed the Thunderbird to be a bike that requires much concentration to ride within city limits. Throttle response is a tad too sharp for typical stop-go traffic and the clutch is quite heavy too. Vibrations from the palm grips and footpegs at low engine speeds don’t help matters either.