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2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Overview
For 2010, Triumph offers the Thunderbird 1600 as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1597 cc on tap. The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is built around a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. Out on the road, the Thunderbird 1600 delivers 63 kW @ 4850 rpm of peak power and 146 Nm @ 2750 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 188.5 km/h. In everyday use, the 2010 Thunderbird 1600 tips the scales at 308 kg, carries a 22-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 702 mm and spans a 1641 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 spec sheet below.
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
Measured against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database (up to 1569 models, one entry per model), the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 comes out as follows.
- With 189 km/h, the Thunderbird 1600 has the joint 88th highest top speed of 470 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 22% above the category average of 155 km/h.
- Torque of 146 Nm is higher than that of 805 of the other 1052 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Only 404 of the other 1568 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a larger engine displacement than the 1597 cc of the Thunderbird 1600.
- Narrowing the field to the 119 models within five model years of it, the top speed of 189 km/h is higher than that of 93 of the other 118.
Versus the 2009 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2009 model: peak power, peak torque, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2010 Thunderbird 1600 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the Thunderbird 1600 is 63 kW @ 4850 rpm and 146 Nm @ 2750 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: At just 702 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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Large fuel range: With a 22-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the Thunderbird 1600 - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the Thunderbird 1600 comes from Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Showa 47 mm forks up front and Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Belt final drive keeps day-to-day maintenance minimal on the Thunderbird 1600 - just periodic tension and wear checks rather than the regular cleaning a chain demands.
Frame & chassis check
The Tubular steel, twin spine Swingarm Twin sided, steel chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The Thunderbird 1600's 308 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
Thunderbird 1600 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 with its 1597 cc custom / cruiser should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 16 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept Thunderbird 1600 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the Thunderbird 1600's 1597 cc four stroke, parallel twin, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder. - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 9.7:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the Thunderbird 1600's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 have?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 uses a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. engine with 1597 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has a factory-quoted top speed of 188.5 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 weigh?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 weighs 308 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 make?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 produces 63 kW @ 4850 rpm of power and 146 Nm @ 2750 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has a 22-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.
Is the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has a seat height of 702 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 have?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 uses 2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 use?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 runs 120/70 R19 front and 200/50 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 have?
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Spec Evolution
The Triumph Thunderbird 1600 was produced across 5 model years (2009-2014). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2009 |
2010 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
| Suspension - Front |
Showa 47 mm forks. |
Showa 47 mm forks. |
Showa 47 mm forks |
Showa 47 mm forks |
Showa 47 mm forks |
| Suspension - Rear |
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. |
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. |
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload |
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload |
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Torque
146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
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Full 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Specifications
Year
2010
Make Model
Triumph Thunderbird 1600
Seat Height
702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase
1641 mm / 64.6in
Height
1216mm / 47.9 in
Length
2350 mm / 92.5 in
Width
947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)
Dry Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Oil Capacity
4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal
Displacement
1597 cc / 97.5 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption
7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI , progressive linkage on throttle
Ignition
Digital, inductive type via electronic engine management
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Final Drive
Toothed belt
Gear Ratios
1st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular steel, twin spine Swingarm Twin sided, steel
Suspension - Front
Showa 47 mm forks.
Suspension - Rear
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload.
Rake
32°
Trail
151.3 mm / 5.96 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
95 mm / 3.7 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear
200/50 R17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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