2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Specifications

Name: 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600
Brand: Triumph

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2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 Overview

The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1597 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 delivers 63 kW @ 4850 rpm of peak power and 146 Nm @ 2750 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 188.5 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 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. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2012 Thunderbird 1600 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 makes 63 kW @ 4850 rpm with 146 Nm @ 2750 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Accessible seat height: At 702 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Large fuel range: The 22-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used Thunderbird 1600, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Owner Experiences & Common Issues

Low-speed confidence

At 308 kg, the Thunderbird 1600 is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.

Thunderbird 1600 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Thunderbird 1600 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Thunderbird 1600. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 have?

The 2012 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?

The 2012 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 weigh?

The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 weighs 308 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 make?

The 2012 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?

The 2012 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has a seat height of 702 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 have?

The 2012 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 use?

The 2012 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 have?

The 2012 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