Triumph unveils five new models at Milan Show

EICMA 2013

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New Triumph motorcycles are appearing at Eicma in Milan this week:
·         Brand new 1,700cc Thunderbird Commander launched at EIMCA, Milan
·         New Thunderbird LT (Light Touring) model gets its debut
·         New 865cc America goes provides easy entry point for touring
·         New America LT (Light Touring) sets new standards in laid-back touring
·         New Speedmaster gets the ‘mean and moody’ treatment for 2014
·         Tiger 800XC special edition also unveiled

Triumph, the UK’s best-selling brand of large capacity motorcycles, is unveiling a strong line-up of five brand new cruisers at this year’s Milan Show (EICMA 5 - 10 November, 2013).

The UK manufacturer’s investment in new product development continues to feed a new model line-up which now includes 24 different motorcycles including classics, cruisers, adventure, roadsters, supersports and tourers.

New Thunderbird Commander

Triumph’s new 2014 Thunderbird Commander gives the ‘fat custom’ segment a thoroughly British twist, with the power and the presence to dominate every situation, whether in town, on country roads or on the motorway.

More than a mere fashion statement, the Commander has a willing 1699cc litre engine, refined chassis, powerful looks and broad riding position.

The bike’s new seat design brings an even higher level of riding comfort to custom cruisers, yet maintains a low seat height, thereby making the Commander available to wide range of riders. The Thunderbird Commander also enjoys high quality foot-boards made from chromed high-pressure die-cast aluminium, featuring replaceable skid plates and an adjustable heel/toe gear lever. The handlebars sweep back to give a wide yet relaxed hand position, while the electrical wiring has been routed through the bars to give the rider’s eye-view a clean, unfussy look.

Further practical touches include a coded key immobiliser, self-cancelling indicators, a massive 22 litre fuel tank with off-centre filler cap and a well-appointed, tank-mounted dash console including classic analogue-style speedometer.

Propelled by the World’s largest capacity parallel twin motorcycle engine, the beating heart of the new Commander generates a torque-rich riding experience. Powered by a pair of saucer-sized forged pistons, the 1699cc eight-valve, DOHC engine’s uneven 270° firing interval and long-stroke design produces a potent 94PS (93bhp) at 5400rpm and a huge 151Nm (111lb.ft) of torque at just 3550rpm, giving the Commander an assured, powerful character.

Utilising a progressive throttle linkage, cutting-edge sequential fuel injectors and a positive six-speed gearbox, the Commander uses a belt final drive for low maintenance and long life.

Coupled with revised steering geometry to accommodate new, ultra-wide, 17 inch tyres, the new Thunderbird Commander showcases Triumph’s commitment to handling excellence and manageability. As a consequence, a broad range of riders of any experience and riding style will feel instantly at home on the Commander, fully able to enjoy its domineering presence on the road.

The bike’s handling is further enhanced by a chassis specification worthy of sportier bikes; featuring shrouded 47mm Showa forks, twin 5-way preload adjustable Showa rear shocks, Nissin calipers on 310mm floating discs up front and a single Brembo caliper and 310mm disc at the rear. Triumph’s anti-lock brake system comes as standard.

The Thunderbird Commander comes in two striking two-tone paint options - Lava Red / Crimson Sunset or Phantom Black / Storm Grey and will be available in authorised dealers in Spring 2014.

New Thunderbird LT

Triumph’s new 2014 Thunderbird LT (Light Touring) has been developed for the classic touring cruiser market, which appreciates retro styling, world-class engineering and great handling.

The LT’s strong visual appeal is enhanced by detailing which closely follows classic touring cruiser tradition. Broad chrome embellishers on the deep, two-piece front and rear mudguards, generous chrome highlights around the windshield and yokes, single front headlight and auxiliary spot lamps and massive wire-spoked wheels are just a few of the style motifs of the new LT.

Elsewhere, the LT cruiser boasts one-off Triumph tank badges, white piping around the sumptuous seat, a 1930s art deco-style rear indicator and LED tail light assemblies. Twin hand-painted coach-lines decorating the two-tone tank and mudguard paint schemes complete the look.

An eye-catching pair of removable leather saddle bags, auxiliary spot lamps and the World’s first white-walled radial tyres riding on wide, wire-spoked rims, all come as standard item on the LT. The ergonomics feature a completely redesigned, reshaped seat, with deeper foam padding and lumbar support for maximum comfort, while maintaining a low seat height to accommodate all sizes of rider.

The LT comes with a look-over windshield made from 4.5mm thick, Quantum-coated polycarbonate developed to minimise buffeting. The shield is secured firmly in place by spring-loaded retainers yet, when unlocked, can be detached by hand in a matter of seconds to give a completely different look and feel to the bike.

The high quality rider and pillion foot-boards are made from chrome-plated, high-pressure die-cast aluminium, featuring replaceable skid plates and an adjustable heel/toe gear lever for the rider. Handlebars are slightly raised, sweeping back across the tank for a classic custom cruiser feel which delivers the bar grips at a sensible, comfortable angle. Wiring is routed through the bars to give the rider’s eye-view a clean, unfussy look.

The pulsing heart of the new Thunderbird LT is the World’s largest parallel twin motorcycle engine, as found in the existing Thunderbird Storm and based on the original Thunderbird. At 1699cc, the LT’s eight-valve DOHC motor produces 94PS at 5400rpm and a huge 151Nm of torque at just 3550rpm. The enormous thrust from its pair of saucer-sized forged pistons and uneven, long-stroke 270° firing interval creates a classic big-twin feel, perfect for long distance journeys with a natural, easy-going stride.

The LT’s awesome engine is harnessed by a progressive throttle, highly accurate fuel mapping, cutting-edge sequential fuel injectors, a positive six-speed gearbox and a belt final drive for the convenience of low maintenance and long life.

Complementing the leviathan-like engine, the LT’s tapered tri-oval exhausts aren’t just built to look good, they’re especially tuned to give a rewarding, rich sound.

Despite its size, the LT confounds expectations and delivers light, neutral steering, low speed agility, yet maintains stability at all speeds and in all types of conditions.

The LT’s dramatic 16-inch front and rear tyres boast wire 56-spoked rims, shrouded 47mm Showa forks and twin 5-way preload adjustable Showa rear shocks, that provide excellent control to ensure a quality ride over the harshest of surfaces. ABS-enabled Nissin calipers up front and a single Brembo caliper at the rear give sensitive, yet powerful, braking.

Further features of the Commander LT are a coded key immobiliser, self-cancelling indicators, a massive 22 litres fuel tank with off-centre filler cap, and a well-appointed, tank-mounted dash console including classic analogue-style speedometer.

Available from authorised Triumph dealers in Spring 2014, the Thunderbird LT is available in Caspian Blue / Crystal White or Lava Red / Phantom Black.

Welcome to America

The new 865cc Triumph America offers the most accessible entry point into Triumph’s cruiser range, delivering an authentic riding experience, with a distinctive Triumph twist to set it apart from the ‘me too’ V-twin crowd.

The America’s styling is pure classic laid back cruiser, with the 16” front and 15” rear cast alloy wheels sporting high-walled tyres to complement the deeply valenced front mudguard, pulled back handlebars and feet forward controls – now with rider footboards and a heel/toe shift as standard - for a traditional low and laid back cruiser look.

Low means a 690mm seat height and an easy-to-manage 250kg wet weight, fully fuelled and ready to ride. Triumph has designed the new America to appeal to a wide range of riders, equally as keen on aesthetics as engineering excellence.

Triumph’s classic parallel-twin power plant provides a unique alternative to a market overrun with V-twins. This quintessentially British configuration sets the America apart from the competition and delivers a unique look and riding experience. With a 270-degree firing order, the America delivers a healthy 61PS with a mellow tone. The air-cooled engine is totally modern too, with fuel injection for clean running and low maintenance. Subtle machining on the cooling fins of the engine barrel block and cylinder head picks out the classic shape, while a re-engineered exhaust enhances the honeyed tone.

The new America is available in Phantom Black or Cinder Red / Morello Red.

America LT

With an engine, chassis and its underlying style based on the America, the new America LT adds an extra layer of touring capability with an array of factory fitted extras designed to make long distance riding comfortable and convenient.

While the new model’s looks hark back to the golden era of cruisers half a century ago, the 865cc engine powering the America LT is bang up to date, with cleverly disguised fuel injection for clean running, low maintenance and a lively power delivery.

The parallel twin engine produces a healthy 61PS (60bhp) at 6800rpm, with 72Nm (53 lb.ft) of torque at a low-revving 3300rpm, delivered via an uneven 270° firing interval for the off-beat feel it shares with the other Triumph cruisers.  

A pair of twin-skinned polished stainless exhaust headers flare from heavily finned cylinder barrels, flowing stylishly into lightly tapered chrome drainpipe exhaust end cans. Transmission is via a five-speed gearbox and chain final drive with ratios selected to maximise both the America LT’s nimble acceleration and relaxed touring potential.

Appropriately relaxed steering geometry ensures confident, predictable handling with effective braking delivered through a single front disc with Nissin twin-piston caliper and rear disc with Nissin twin-piston caliper. The cast aluminium rims wear the same fat 130/90 16-inch front and 170/80 15-inch rear tyres.

With its low scalloped seat, polished forks, chrome engine cases and covers, deep-set, tyre-hugging mudguards and feet-forward riding position, the LT looks every inch the classic American touring cruiser, fused with the unmistakable style and presence of a great British parallel twin engine.

The America LT’s compact centre of gravity gives excellent low speed handling and, coupled with a low seat height, mean almost all types of rider will find the LT unintimidating to manoeuvre.

The LT’s touring extras add yet more long-distance practicality. The tall wind-shield deflects the worst of the weather, but is quickly and easily detachable (via a pair of spring-loaded levers at each side of the screen) to achieve a completely alternative look. At the back, the America LT’s generous leather panniers are showerproof and come with metal buckles over durable, easy-to-use plastic clips, while the pillion backrest adds to all day comfort.

The America LT model is available in either Pacific Blue or Sapphire Blue.

New Speedmaster – mean and moody

Stripped down and laid bare, the new Triumph Speedmaster is a small cruiser that makes a big statement.  At the heart of the bike is Triumph’s revered 865cc parallel twin engine, a classic configuration favoured by custom builders around the world. With its 270-degree firing order and twin slash cut pipes – re-engineered for 2014 for better tonal quality - the fuel-injected unit delivers a peppy 61PS and 72Nm of torque with a satisfying growl befitting the sporting looks.

The look of the Speedmaster is dominated by the 19” cast aluminium front wheel with single disc brake and ‘skinny’ tyre, giving a classic chopped hot-rod look. Emphasising the Speedmaster’s resolutely dark attitude even further a whole host of components – from wheels to bars and headlights to foot controls – get the black treatment for 2014. Machined detailing on the engine barrel block and cylinder head cooling fins add a subtle counterpoint.

The Speedmaster sports a low, 690mm, seat height which, when married to the wide handlebars deliver a comfortable and intuitive riding position. To complete the look, the Speedmaster sports blacked out engine cases, a carefully crafted teardrop tank, minimalist mudguards, a 15” cast rear wheel with high profile tyre and a small single headlight design.  

The new Speedmaster is available in Phantom Black or Matt Graphite with twin Matt Black centre stripes.

The Tiger changes its spots - Tiger 800XC Special Edition

This special edition of Triumph’s Tiger 800XC takes the tough and capable characteristics of the standard 800XC model and adds a distinctive, fresh look.  

The commanding view the Tiger 800XC offers of the road ahead is now framed by black finished handlebars and matt-finished Diablo Red cockpit infills.  

At first glance the new Volcanic Black paint looks like a simple black finish, but when the lines catch the light you’ll see a burst of red metallic highlights.  Adding to the unique look is a fiery red main frame plus black exhaust heat shields and black pillion grab rails.

The look may be strikingly different but the outstanding performance is still the same, with XC special edition powered by Triumph’s characterful long stroke, 799cc triple engine.   With its flat torque curve and refined power delivery, the Tiger 800XC is a pleasure to ride in even the most demanding of conditions.  A sophisticated anti-lock braking system is provided as standard and can be deactivated for off-road riding, while the high-specification extends to a standard coded-key immobiliser and rear rack with generous – now black - pillion grab handles.  

The tough steel chassis is equipped with long travel 45mm upside down front forks and rear suspension unit, plus a 21” spoked front wheel, to deliver maximum ground clearance and the ability to cope with rough trails.  With a high-level front mudguard and sturdy hand guards, there can be no doubt that the 800XC has been developed to cope with demanding conditions.

All Triumph motorcycles come with an unlimited mileage, two year factory warranty.

Info from Triumph press release Nov 5th
Wemoto