Cruisers
1997Triumph Thunderbird
32 fields on record
The 1997 Triumph Thunderbird is a classic middleweight cruiser powered by a 885cc three-cylinder engine, delivering 70 horsepower and 72 torque. Its accessible seat height and manageable weight make it ideal for riders seeking authentic British styling with modern reliability. Known for its distinctive triple-cylinder character and smooth power delivery, this cruiser appeals to riders valuing heritage and rideability over raw displacement.
- 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
What’s new for the 1997 Triumph Thunderbird
vs the 1996| Spec | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | — | 195.0 km/h (121.2 mph) |
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- 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 usEngine
- 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
Performance
- Top speed
- 195.0 km/h (121.2 mph)
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 | 1995 | 1997 | 2000 | 2009 | 2013 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 1 recall may applySTRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSSep 1997 · 97V164000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT IMPACT, WELD FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE MAIN FRAME IN THE HEAD STOCK AREA.
Risk: THIS MAIN FRAME SHOULD NOT FRACTURE BUT BEND AFTER AN IMPACT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE FRAMES WITH NEWLY MANUFACTURED FRAMES.
These recalls cover some 1997 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 →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Triumph Thunderbird?
The 1997 Triumph Thunderbird has a Capacity of 885.0 ccm (54.01 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Triumph Thunderbird have?
The 1997 Triumph Thunderbird has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM.
How many gears does the Triumph Thunderbird have?
The 1997 Triumph Thunderbird has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Triumph Thunderbird?
The 1997 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 1997 Triumph Thunderbird has a Dry weight of 220.0 kg (485.0 pounds).
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