Battle of the british beasts: triumph bonneville vs. thunderbird, a clash of legends
What To Know
- It is a great value for a classic British motorcycle that offers a timeless design, a smooth and responsive engine, and a comfortable ride.
- It is a more expensive motorcycle than the Bonneville, but it offers a more powerful engine, a more comprehensive set of features, and a more sporty ride.
- The Thunderbird is a great choice for riders who want a more powerful and sporty motorcycle with a more comprehensive set of features.
The Triumph Bonneville and Thunderbird are two legendary motorcycles that have captured the hearts of riders for decades. Both bikes offer a unique blend of classic styling and modern performance, but they also have their own distinct personalities. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Triumph Bonneville vs Thunderbird to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
Design and Styling
Bonneville
The Bonneville has a timeless design that pays homage to the original 1959 model. It features a classic round headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a comfortable upright riding position. The Bonneville is available in a variety of colors and finishes, including the iconic British Racing Green.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird has a more modern design than the Bonneville, but it still retains many classic elements. It features a square headlight, a sculpted fuel tank, and a slightly more aggressive riding position. The Thunderbird is available in a variety of colors and finishes, including a striking matte black.
Engine and Performance
Bonneville
The Bonneville is powered by a 900cc parallel-twin engine that produces 54 horsepower and 59 lb-ft of torque. The engine is smooth and responsive, and it provides plenty of power for cruising and everyday riding. The Bonneville has a five-speed transmission and a belt drive.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird is powered by a 1,699cc parallel-twin engine that produces 97 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. The engine is more powerful than the Bonneville’s, and it provides strong acceleration and passing power. The Thunderbird has a six-speed transmission and a shaft drive.
Handling and Suspension
Bonneville
The Bonneville has a neutral handling that makes it easy to ride at a variety of speeds. The suspension is plush and comfortable, and it absorbs bumps and road imperfections well. The Bonneville is a great choice for riders who want a comfortable and easy-to-ride motorcycle.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird has a more sporty handling than the Bonneville, and it is more agile in corners. The suspension is firmer than the Bonneville’s, but it still provides a comfortable ride. The Thunderbird is a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride on twisty roads.
Features and Equipment
Bonneville
The Bonneville comes standard with a variety of features, including a digital speedometer, a tachometer, and a trip computer. It also has a comfortable seat, a chrome exhaust system, and a stylish headlight.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird comes standard with a more comprehensive set of features than the Bonneville. It has a full-color TFT display, a cruise control system, and a heated seat. It also has a more powerful sound system and a more comfortable suspension.
Price and Value
Bonneville
The Bonneville starts at $11,450. It is a great value for a classic British motorcycle that offers a timeless design, a smooth and responsive engine, and a comfortable ride.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird starts at $15,450. It is a more expensive motorcycle than the Bonneville, but it offers a more powerful engine, a more comprehensive set of features, and a more sporty ride.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Triumph Bonneville and Thunderbird are both excellent motorcycles that offer a unique blend of classic styling and modern performance. The Bonneville is a great choice for riders who want a comfortable and easy-to-ride motorcycle with a timeless design. The Thunderbird is a great choice for riders who want a more powerful and sporty motorcycle with a more comprehensive set of features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motorcycle is faster, the Bonneville or the Thunderbird?
A: The Thunderbird is faster than the Bonneville. It has a more powerful engine that produces more horsepower and torque.
Q: Which motorcycle is more comfortable, the Bonneville or the Thunderbird?
A: The Bonneville is more comfortable than the Thunderbird. It has a more plush suspension and a more comfortable seat.
Q: Which motorcycle is more expensive, the Bonneville or the Thunderbird?
A: The Thunderbird is more expensive than the Bonneville. It has a more powerful engine and a more comprehensive set of features.