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Cruisers

1996Triumph Thunderbird

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The 1996 Triumph Thunderbird is a classic middleweight cruiser powered by an 885cc three-cylinder engine delivering 70 horsepower. Its accessible 750mm seat height and manageable 220kg weight make it ideal for riders seeking authentic British character without compromising everyday rideability. Known for its distinctive triple-cylinder engine character and retro styling, the Thunderbird appeals to enthusiasts wanting traditional cruiser appeal with modern reliability.

Capacity
885.0 ccm
Engine
In-line three-cylinder, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
220.0 kg
Seat height
750 mm
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1996 Triumph Thunderbird

vs the 1995
Spec19951996
Torque 70.6 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.1 ft.lbs) 72.0 Nm (7.3 kgf-m or 53.1 ft.lbs)
Other years 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 23Agility 13Comfort 78Off-road 5Touring 72Road manners 65
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering35%
City riding45%
Daily riding65%
Touring75%
Two-up70%
Track10%
Best for
Built for relaxed, torque-driven cruising and long highway stints rather than outright speed or cornering agility.
Built for
A big, laid-back British cruiser with strong low-end torque, a deep exhaust note, and a commanding, classic custom presence.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp handling, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

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
At 750mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Triumph Thunderbird, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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 →

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
885.0 ccm
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Torque
72.0 Nm (7.3 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line three-cylinder, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.3182 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
76.0 x 65.0 mm
Compression
10.0:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet. multi-plate
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1580 mm
Overall length
2250 mm
Overall width
810 mm
Overall height
1150 mm
Seat height
750 mm
Dry weight
220.0 kg
Fuel capacity
15.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
150 mm
Rear wheel travel
136 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
320 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
285 mm
Front tyre
110/80-R18
Rear tyre
150/80-R16

Specs last verified against published sources: .

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 199519962000200920132018
Capacity 885 cc 885 cc 885 cc 1597 cc 1597 cc 1597 cc
Dry weight 220 kg 220 kg 220 kg 308 kg 308 kg 308 kg
Seat height 750 mm 750 mm 776 mm 700 mm 700 mm 700 mm
Fuel capacity 15 L 15 L 15 L 22 L 22 L 22 L

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

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Triumph Thunderbird?

The 1996 Triumph Thunderbird has a Capacity of 885.0 ccm (54.01 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Triumph Thunderbird have?

The 1996 Triumph Thunderbird has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM.

How many gears does the Triumph Thunderbird have?

The 1996 Triumph Thunderbird has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Triumph Thunderbird?

The 1996 Triumph Thunderbird has a Torque of 72.0 Nm (7.3 kgf-m or 53.1 ft.lbs).

How much does the Triumph Thunderbird weigh?

The 1996 Triumph Thunderbird has a Dry weight of 220.0 kg (485.0 pounds).

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