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2015 Triumph Thunderbird Overview
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird 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, 270° firing interval engine, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. 2015 Triumph Thunderbird delivers 64 kW @ 4850 rpm of peak power and 146 Nm @ 2750rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 Thunderbird tips the scales at 339 kg, carries a 22-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 702 mm and spans a 1615 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 58.1 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2015 Triumph Thunderbird spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 Triumph Thunderbird compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
Here is how the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird stacks up against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1569 models.
- Wet weight of 339 kg is heavier than that of 810 of the other 1004 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Only 237 of the other 1052 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a higher torque than the 146 Nm of the Thunderbird.
- With 1597 cc, the Thunderbird has the joint 416th largest engine displacement of 1569 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 38% above the category average of 1159 cc.
- Narrowing the field to the 522 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 339 kg is heavier than that of 389 of the other 521.
2015 Thunderbird - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2015 Triumph Thunderbird makes 64 kW @ 4850 rpm with 146 Nm @ 2750rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
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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.
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Large fuel range: The 22-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used Thunderbird, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the Thunderbird needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the Thunderbird runs Showa 47mm forks and Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by belt - lower maintenance than chain with no lubrication needed, but tension and tooth wear should still be checked at service intervals.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Tubular steel, twin spine, swingarm twin sided, steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 339 kg, the Thunderbird is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
Thunderbird - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2015 Triumph Thunderbird with its 1597 cc custom / cruiser, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 11 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Thunderbird 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 for the Thunderbird's 1597 cc four stroke, parallel twin, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval.. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 9.7:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Thunderbird's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2015 Triumph Thunderbird - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird have?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird uses a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval. engine with 1597 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird weigh?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird weighs 339 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird make?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird produces 64 kW @ 4850 rpm of power and 146 Nm @ 2750rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird has a 22-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.
Is the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird has a seat height of 702 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird have?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird uses 2 x 310 mm floating discs, Nissin 4 piston fixed calipers, ABS at the front and single 310 mm fixed disc, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper, ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2015 Triumph Thunderbird use?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird 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 2015 Triumph Thunderbird have?
The 2015 Triumph Thunderbird is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval.
Power
64 kW / 86 hp @ 4850 rpm
Torque
146 Nm / 14.9 kgf-m / 107.7 ft-lb @ 2750rpm
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal
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Full 2015 Triumph Thunderbird Specifications
Year
2015 - 16
Make Model
Triumph Thunderbird
Seat Height
702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase
1615 mm / 63.5 in
Height
1120 mm / 44.1 in
Length
2340 mm / 92.1 in
Width
800 mm / 34.6 in (Handlebars)
Dry Weight
308 kg / 679 lbs
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal
Oil Capacity
4.2 L / 1.1 US gal .0.92 Imp gal
Wet Weight
339 kg / 747 lbs
Displacement
1597 cc / 97.5 cub in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval.
Bore x Stroke
103.8 x 94.3 mm
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Exhaust
Chromed twin-skin stainless steel 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system with chrome plated silencers
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 / 2nd 1.958 / 3rd 1.536 / 4th 1.219 / 5th 1.029 / 6th 0.909:1
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular steel, twin spine, swingarm twin sided, steel
Suspension - Front
Showa 47mm forks
Suspension - Rear
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload.
Rake
32°
Trail
151 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
95 mm / 3.7 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 310 mm floating discs, Nissin 4 piston fixed calipers, ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single 310 mm fixed disc, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front
120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear
200/50 R17
Wheels - Front
Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear
Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 in
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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