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Cruisers

2016Triumph Thunderbird Commander

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The 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander is a cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Powered by a 1,700cc parallel-twin engine producing 94 hp with a 270-degree firing interval, it delivers commanding low-end torque ideal for relaxed highway cruising. Known for its distinctive retro design, comfortable riding position, and quality construction, the Commander appeals to experienced cruiser enthusiasts.

Capacity: 1699.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 317.0 kg
Seat height: 700 mm
Power: 94.0 HP (68.6 kW) @ 5400 RPM

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What’s new for the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Torque	146.0 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 107.7 ft.lbs) @ 2750 RPM	151.0 Nm (15.4 kgf-m or 111.4 ft.lbs) @ 3550 RPM
Front suspension	Showa 47mm forks. 120mm travel	Showa 47mm forks.
Rear suspension	Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel	Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload.

Other years 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding45%

Daily riding65%

Touring75%

Two-up70%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed, torque-driven cruising and long straight-road rides rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: A big-bore British muscle cruiser with strong low-down torque, a commanding riding position, and a laid-back, powerful character.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking agile cornering, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable ride.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 700mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1699.0 ccm
Power: 94.0 HP (68.6 kW) @ 5400 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 158 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: GTDXC1.70KMN-004
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.73 L/100km (35.0 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 8.0 CO g/km
Torque: 151.0 Nm (15.4 kgf-m) @ 3550 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2965 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 107.1 x 94.3 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital-inductive type via engine management system
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet. multi-plate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1615 mm
Overall length: 2340 mm
Overall width: 880 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 700 mm
Dry weight: 317.0 kg
Wet weight: 339.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.00 litres
Oil capacity: 4.20 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular Steel. twin spine
Front suspension: Showa 47mm forks.
Rear suspension: Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload.
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 109 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.1°
Trail: 135 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers. ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper. ABS
Rear brakes diameter: 310 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 120/70-R19
Rear tyre: 200/50-R17

Other

Color options: Lithium Flame/Frozen Silver, Jet Black, Phantom Black Storm Grey
Warranty: 24
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Capacity	1699 cc	1699 cc	1699 cc	1699 cc	1699 cc	1699 cc
Dry weight	317 kg	317 kg	317 kg	317 kg	317 kg	317 kg
Seat height	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm
Fuel capacity	22 L	22 L	22 L	22 L	22 L	22 L