Triumph Thunderbird Storm: Fierce And Enticing

Whether you want to play the Hulk or the Flash, this is the bike for you!

Multiple personality disorder (MPD) is a mental disorder on the dissociative spectrum characterised by at least two distinct and relatively enduring identities or dissociated personality states that alternately control a person’s behaviour and is accompanied by memory impairment for important information, not explained by ordinary forgetfulness. If you’re wondering why such a long winded medical explanation in a bike review, let’s get straight to business ladies & gentleman. This machine from one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers is inflicted with some serious personality disorder. Living with it can bamboozle you about its true identity. The first look of the bike is really daunting & you start wondering if it is for real. There’s also the matter of spending the kind of money that can get you an SUV.

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The Thunderbird Storm surely believes in less chrome and macho attitude, as most of the parts, including the engine, are matte black. Triumph has gone for black to the extent that even the rear springs and the headlight bowls haven’t been spared. This has transformed the storm into a dark character as opposed to the standard Thunderbird with its chrome and polish. Designers have given it a mean look with those twin headlights and tear drop shaped tank with the bike making its presence felt whenever you stop at a traffic signal or cruise the highway. It looks like the Hulk... in black.

The Storm gets a boosted 1699cc engine, up from the 1597cc in the Thunderbird. This increase in capacity has also resulted in a higher power rating of 98 PS & max torque of 156 NM. You can feel these at work with the instant thrust that the engine delivers when you twist your right wrist even at very low rpm. This is great if you live in cities like Mumbai or Delhi where there are wide roads where you can truly enjoy the bike, provided you don’t run into traffic jams. Now that’s where my problem commences with this bike because the moment it senses the open highway approaching, it sheds the Hulk character and starts behaving like The Flash. Nimble & agile. With stock size of 19 inch at the front & 17 inch at the rear, the Metzelers are well matched to the consummately crafted 5 spoke black finished cast aluminium wheels.

It’s nice to see that ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), something not common even on cars, comes as a standard fitment on the Thunderbird Storm. Its 6 speed transmission is smooth in operation and along with the twin spine tubular frame, the toothed belt drive & a seat height of just 700mm, the ride quality is pretty good for such a colossal bike. This motorcycle is pumped up with huge amount of torque and the resplendent handling makes for a gratifying ride each and every time you turn on the ignition.

Triumph has given the world some of the finest riding machines since 1984, which motorcyclists have truly cherished. Enthusiastic riders even lineup to buy the vintage Triumphs. No wonder their better halves hate sharing the love & attention rendered on these bikes. The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Storm carries on with the tradition and it’s a machine which any rider would like to have in his garage. Trust us, it will bamboozle him with its performance.

For those looking to personalise their Thunderbird Storm, Triumph India also has loads of accessories available in their stores. And with the recent opening of their eighth showroom in the country, the British bike manufacturer is all set to go full speed to add new customers to their fold.

Bike specs

• Price: ₹13.07 lakh
• Torque: 156 Nm
• Power: 98 PS
• Engine: 1699 cc

From the October 2014 issue of FHM India.