EICMA 2013: 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander

Triumph revealed a new variant to its Thunderbird family with the all-new Thunderbird Commander. Revealed alongside the Thunderbird LT at the 2013 EICMA show, the Commander offers a brawnier, more chromed-out model to the line.

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Like the LT, the Thunderbird Commander is powered by the 1699cc parallel-Twin engine used on the Thunderbird Storm. Triumph claims an output of 92 hp at 5400rpm and an impressive 111 ft-lb. at just 3550 rpm, which are both a bit lower than the Storm’s claimed 96.6 hp and 115 ft-lb.

The chassis – which the Commander shares with the Thunderbird LT – is new, with the steering neck pushed forward to make way for pull-back handlebars. The new seat pan is lower, but the seat is thicker, making for a more comfortable ride while keeping the same 27.6-inch seat height as the Thunderbird. The custom cruiser look follows through with internal handlebar wiring, bespoke Commander badges, and Art Deco LED tail light and rear indicator assembly for that low, fat cruiser look.

Shrouded 47mm Showa forks offer 120mm of travel while the also chromed 5-way preload-adjustable twin Showa shocks offer 95mm of travel. Brakings is performed by a Nissin four-piston caliper with twin 310mm discs up front and a Brembo two-piston caliper with single 310mm disc at the rear.

The Commander comes equipped with a beefy 140/75 ZR17 front tire compared to the 120/70 R19 tire found on the Storm, while the rear wheel uses a 200/50 ZR17 tire.

Both the Thunderbird LT and Thunderbird Commander include a coded key immobilizer, canceling indicators and a massive 5.8 gallon (22 liter) fuel tank with off-center filler cap. Both bikes also feature tank-mounted dash consoles with an analogue speedometer, and an LCD display with fuel gauge (including range-to-empty), twin trips, odometer and clock functions, all conveniently navigated with a handlebar-mounted button.

[Source: Triumph]