Cruisers

1998Triumph Thunderbird

32 fields on record

The 1998 Triumph Thunderbird is a classic middleweight cruiser powered by an 885cc liquid-cooled triple engine delivering 68 horsepower and 70 Nm of torque. Designed for riders seeking authentic British character with manageable performance, the Thunderbird excels as an accessible, stylish cruiser that combines retro aesthetics with reliable modern engineering and genuine riding enjoyment.

Capacity: 885.0 ccm
Engine: In-line three-cylinder, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 220.0 kg
Seat height: 750 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 1998 Triumph Thunderbird

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Power	70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM	68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque	72.0 Nm (7.3 kgf-m or 53.1 ft.lbs)	70.0 Nm (7.1 kgf-m or 51.6 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

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 750mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 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: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque: 70.0 Nm (7.1 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line three-cylinder, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3091 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: 3

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: October 2026.

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	1998	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