Cruisers

2011Triumph Thunderbird

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The 2011 Triumph Thunderbird is a big-bore cruiser for riders who want laid-back style with genuine muscle. Its 1597 cc parallel twin is best known for delivering 146.5 Nm of torque low in the rev range, paired with a smooth belt final drive and a low 699 mm seat. Relaxed, torque-rich and built for long, easy highway miles.

Capacity: 1597.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 308.0 kg
Seat height: 699 mm
Power: 96.7 HP (72.1 kW) @ 5300 RPM

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What’s new for the 2011 Triumph Thunderbird

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Front suspension	Showa 47mm forks	Showa 47mm forks. 120mm travel
Rear suspension	Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload	Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel

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 699mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Triumph Thunderbird, 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 →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1597.0 ccm
Power: 96.7 HP (72.1 kW) @ 5300 RPM
EPA Certificate No.: BTDXC1.70KMM-003
EPA CO Emissions: 3.1 CO g/km
Torque: 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3140 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: 1613 mm
Overall length: 2339 mm
Overall width: 879 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 699 mm
Dry weight: 308.0 kg
Wet weight: 338.4 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: Phantom,Black
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	1995	2000	2009	2011	2013	2018
Capacity	885 cc	885 cc	1597 cc	1597 cc	1597 cc	1597 cc
Dry weight	220 kg	220 kg	308 kg	308 kg	308 kg	308 kg
Seat height	750 mm	776 mm	700 mm	699 mm	700 mm	700 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15 L	22 L	22 L	22 L	22 L