By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Triumph Thunderbird Storm (MY2011) vs Thunderbird LT (MY2014)
Triumph Thunderbird Storm vs Thunderbird LT: style matters. So does everything underneath.
You'll feel the Triumph Thunderbird Storm tip into a bend the instant you push the bar, then hold its line mid-turn. The Triumph Thunderbird LT's bar input doesn't flick it in, and the bike rolls toward the apex on a steadier arc. It settles early and still tightens its line.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Value's a wash
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Thunderbird Storm
Barely off idle, there's a hard shove from the Thunderbird Storm's big twin, and the exhaust drums a deep note behind it. Its stiff suspension doesn't soak up a sharp bump; the hit comes straight up through the seat. The footpegs scrape at a hustle. The front lever bites hard and talks back.
Thunderbird LT
There's hardly a tremor coming up through the Thunderbird LT's floorboards from its parallel twin. A twist of the throttle in any gear brings a thick surge, and a highway pass doesn't need a downshift. At walking pace, 838 lb (380 kg) takes real muscle to steer around a parking lot. Tall sixth gear hushes the revs.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Thunderbird Storm has the lower wet weight: 747 lb (339 kg) vs 838 lb (380 kg).
- ABS: standard on the Thunderbird LT, option (from 2012) on the Thunderbird Storm.
- Luggage System: standard on the Thunderbird LT, not offered on the Thunderbird Storm.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not their thing
Commuting isn't the strong suit of either bike. If it's your main use, that matters more than which of these wins.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Off its turf: Thunderbird Storm
The Thunderbird Storm isn't built for long days on the road, so it sits this one out.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Neither one fits
If corners are your thing, keep looking. Neither one comes alive when the road gets tight.
On character and running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
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
Thunderbird LT
What owners say
Strengths
- Monumental torque from the parallel-twin
- All‑day comfort for rider and passenger
- Premium fit and finish
- Surprisingly agile handling for a heavyweight tourer
- Exceptionally smooth and refined engine
Trade-offs
- Considerable weight at low speeds
What they cost used
These prices compare an 8-year-old Thunderbird Storm with an 8-year-old Thunderbird LT.
- Thunderbird Storm
- about $6,300
- Thunderbird LT
- about $6,800
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
Where the spec sheets split
| Thunderbird Storm | Thunderbird LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 747 lb (339 kg) | 838 lb (380 kg) |
| Thunderbird Storm | Thunderbird LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 97 hp (72 kW) | 93 hp (69 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,200 rpm | 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 115 lb-ft (156 Nm) | 111 lb-ft (151 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 2,950 rpm | 3,550 rpm |
| Thunderbird Storm | Thunderbird LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 150/80-16 |
| Rear tire | 200/50-17 | 180/70-16 |
| Wheelbase | 63.5 in (1613 mm) | 65.5 in (1664 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thunderbird Storm | Thunderbird LT | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option (from 2012) | Standard |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
