By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Triumph Thunderbird Commander (MY2014) vs Thunderbird Storm (MY2011)
Turn the Triumph Thunderbird Commander into a bend and it doesn't wander off the line you picked. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm tips in light and keeps turning.
So which one do you buy?
The Thunderbird Storm has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Inches ahead: Thunderbird Storm
The Thunderbird Storm carries slightly more attitude. What tips it: more retro style and a better engine note. A close call, and a personal one.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear winner on value
The Thunderbird Storm costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear winner on value for the money.
What makes each one tick
Thunderbird Commander
Low in the revs, the Commander's huge parallel twin shoves hard on a rumbling pulse that doesn't sound like any V-twin. There's no drama when broken pavement hits the Showa fork and twin shocks, and the twin-spine frame keeps the heavy bike tracking through open sweepers. The floorboards scrape early. The lumbar pad's still propping you up at sundown.
Thunderbird Storm
Mid-corner, the Storm stays settled while its chassis talks back through the wide bar. A roll of the throttle brings a hard pull that doesn't stumble. The footpegs touch down early. Deep bass keeps rumbling out of its pipes.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Thunderbird Storm has the lower wet weight: 747 lb (339 kg) vs 767 lb (348 kg).
- ABS: standard on the Thunderbird Commander, option (from 2012) on the Thunderbird Storm.
- Luggage System: option on the Thunderbird Commander, not offered on the Thunderbird Storm.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not their thing
Neither of these is a natural commuter. For daily traffic duty, look at something lighter and simpler.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Look elsewhere
Twisty roads aren't where either one shines. Ride them for the scenery, not the corners.
Nothing splits them on running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Thunderbird Commander
What owners say
Strengths
- Monster torque with unique parallel-twin character
- Stable, predictable handling for its size
- Supremely comfortable saddle
- Top-notch build quality and finish
Trade-offs
- Floorboards too short and scrape easily
- Massive weight can be intimidating
Thunderbird Storm
What owners say
Strengths
- Monstrous torque and smooth power delivery
- Surprisingly agile handling for a big cruiser
- Aggressive blacked-out styling
- Comfortable ergonomics for long days
Trade-offs
- Limited cornering clearance
- Missing modern amenities
- Stiff suspension transmits bumps harshly
Known problems to check before you buy
Thunderbird Commander
- Fuel injector unintended activation recall Recall 14V694000 NHTSA recall 14V-694: unintended activation of fuel injector by the ECU could cause engine stall, increasing crash risk. Affected 2014-2015 Thunderbird models need ECU reprogramming.
- Engine knocking / piston noise (thunderbird knock) A harmonic chatter or vibration from the engine, often traced to piston skirt or cylinder liner issues. Triumph has reportedly addressed this with a replacement kit. Some owners report the problem requiring engine removal and piston/cylinder replacement under warranty.
Thunderbird Storm
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 8-year-old Thunderbird Commander with an 8-year-old Thunderbird Storm.
- Thunderbird Commander
- about $8,500
- Thunderbird Storm
- about $6,300
At eight years old, the Thunderbird Commander sits around $8,500 while the Thunderbird Storm lands near $6,300. That's a $2,200 gap in the Storm's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Seat height
- 27.6 in (700 mm)
- Displacement
- 1699 cc
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 5.8 US gal (22 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Rear tire
- 200/50-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Thunderbird Commander | Thunderbird Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 767 lb (348 kg) | 747 lb (339 kg) |
| Thunderbird Commander | Thunderbird Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 93 hp (69 kW) | 97 hp (72 kW) |
| Torque | 111 lb-ft (150 Nm) | 115 lb-ft (156 Nm) |
| Thunderbird Commander | Thunderbird Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 36 mpg (US) / 6.5 L/100 km | 45 mpg (US) / 5.2 L/100 km |
| Thunderbird Commander | Thunderbird Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 140/75-17 | 120/70-19 |
| Wheelbase | 65.5 in (1664 mm) | 63.5 in (1613 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thunderbird Commander | Thunderbird Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option (from 2012) |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
