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Cruisers

2012Triumph Thunderbird Storm

★ 5.0

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The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm is a modern cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with contemporary performance and reliability. Its 1699cc parallel-twin engine delivers substantial low-end torque ideal for cruising, while its liquid-cooled design and six-speed gearbox ensure smooth highway capability. Known for blending retro appeal with practical engineering, it suits experienced cruiser enthusiasts who value British heritage combined with accessible handling.

Capacity: 1699.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 308.0 kg
Seat height: 700 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Power	97.0 HP (71.3 kW)	98.0 HP (72.1 kW)

Other years 2011 2012 2013 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%

Touring68%

Two-up65%

Track15%

Best for: Built for relaxed, muscular boulevard and open-road cruising rather than sport riding or commuting agility.
Built for: A big-twin power cruiser with strong low-end torque, a deep exhaust note, and a commanding, muscular riding position.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting light, flickable handling, off-road capability, or a nimble city runabout.

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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm, 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 maker's published fuel consumption 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: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 144 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CTDXC1.70KMM-005
EPA CO Emissions: 3.1 CO g/km
Torque: 156.0 Nm (15.9 kgf-m) @ 2950 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 6.20 litres/100 km (16.1 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.3182 HP/kg (dry)
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: 308.0 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. 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 95 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 151 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 310 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-R19
Rear tyre: 200/50-R17

Other

Color options: Jet Black. Matte Black
Warranty: 24

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	2011	2012	2013	2015	2017	2019
Capacity	1699 cc	1699 cc	1597 cc	1597 cc	1597 cc	1699 cc
Dry weight	308 kg	308 kg	308 kg	308 kg	308 kg	308 kg
Seat height	699 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

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

WHEELSJan 2013 · 13V032000

Triumph Motorcycles (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Daytona 675 and Street Triple motorcycles and 2012 Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm motorcycles. The wheels were assembled with bearings of an unknown quality.

Risk: Wheel bearings of poor quality could fail unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a motorcycle crash.

Remedy: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bearings free of charge. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010 for more information.

These recalls cover some 2012 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Triumph recalls →