Cruisers

2012Triumph Thunderbird

45 fields on record

The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird is a retro-styled cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic British character with modern reliability. Its 1597cc parallel-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque of 146 Nm, making it ideal for relaxed cruising and highway riding. Known for its distinctive neo-vintage design and impressive build quality, the Thunderbird combines accessible performance with timeless appeal.

Capacity: 1597.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 308.0 kg
Seat height: 700 mm
Power: 96.7 HP (72.1 kW) @ 5300 RPM

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

What’s new for the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Front brakes	Double disc	Double disc. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper

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 700mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 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 →

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: 1597.0 ccm
Power: 96.7 HP (72.1 kW) @ 5300 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 144 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CTDXC1.70KMM-005
EPA CO Emissions: 3.1 CO g/km
Torque: 146.0 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 6.20 litres/100 km (16.1 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.3140 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 103.8 x 103.8 mm
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. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
Rear brakes diameter: 310 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-R19
Rear tyre: 200/50-R17

Other

Color options: Red, Black, Blue

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	2012	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	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15 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 →