TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 COMMANDER (2014 - 2018) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
| Power: | 93 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (27.6 in / 700 mm) |
| Weight: | High (767 lbs / 348 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Commander is aimed more at European riders while the LT is for the American market. Essentially a naked version of the Thunderbird LT, the Commander is a hoot to ride. Thumping along, booting the heel-toe between third or fourth, merely stroking the reassuring brakes, it doesn’t get much better. The lack of screen, panniers etc make the Commander lighter and although it’s no sportsbike, it handles predictably and is also engaging and entertaining.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Commander shares most of the LT platform but with mag alloy wheels, a tweaked bar position and shorter travel shocks. That said, the riding experience is more different to the LT than you would expect. The lack of screen gives a less laid-back feel and a touch more urgency to the ride. On the go it is as steady and secure as can be and will happily scrape is footboards when the pace increases.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe parallel twin engine holds no surprises or quirks. It thumps along and sounds, feels and rides like a roadster should and even comes with a heel-toe gearchange. With 111lbft of torque, it has more than enough grunt to see off the miles and once the speed increases is a hoot to ride. The gearchange is click, the throttle response excellent and the engine has enough vibrations to feel characterful without being annoying.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueOwners report few issues with the Storm, so there is unlikely to be any with the Commander.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe new price is quite high for a roadster, but still cheaper than the equivalent Harley. Used prices hold up well.
Equipment
ABS comes as standard.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1299cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 8v parallel twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 22 litres |
| Seat height | 700mm |
| Bike weight | 348kg |
| Front suspension | Showa 47mm inverted forks, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Twin Showa rear shocks, 5-way adjustable preload |
| Front brake | 2x310mm discs. four-piston calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 1x310mm disc, two-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 140/75ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 200/50ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 55 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £250 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £8,000 |
| Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 93 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 111 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 200 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2014: Model introduced
Other versions
The £13,999 LT is a full-dress cruiser.
Other Triumph Thunderbird reviews on MCN
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 (2014 - 2018)
4 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 (2014 - 2018) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1700 (2014 - 2018)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Version: Commander
Year: 2014
Best: engine performance and reliability.Worst: Massive torque = rapid rear tire wear.
Most comfortable motorcycle I’ve ever ridden.
Instant power and massive torque is equally distributed throughout the rev range and gears.
No breakdowns of any kind with 32,000+ miles.
It does go through rear tires very quickly.
Smoothness of the engine. Twist and giggle.
Buying experience: Used, but from a dealer
Version: Storm
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £250
Fantastic bike with an annoying tweeting drive belt
Can ride for 2-3 hours before needing a breK
Power delivery smooth throughout the range
Drive belt tweeting at slow speeds
Greater range of saddles and better range of luggage accessories fit for a cruiser would have been good
Buying experience: Dealer JS Gedges Hastings. Really good service
Version: Nightstorm
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £250
As a solo rider it has loads of luggage scope. It cruises at 60mph forever and on the autobahns gives me 300mls per tank. A one off "batwing fairing" offers even more comfort.
The drivers solo seat with a well padded sissy bar helps the miles disappear. Including fuel stops, 5-6hours is no problem. Commuting from Lancashire to Westminster weekly, was a doddle. Lancashire to Folkstone in one go, Calais to Geneva in one go.
It sounds marvellous. Although I'm no longer a speed freak, if I do need a bit extra, wow, drop a gear and hold on.
The only problem I had was a squeaking drive belt. This was resolved and has never come back. Because of my daily use and aftercare, I've managed to keep on top of the paint work.
I've maintained a Triumph service throughout. The dealers cost is more or less what I expected.
The only thing I changed was the handlebar. For long rides, it was just too far forward so I changed it for "beach bars". What a difference for long rides.
Buying experience: I did a part ex at my local Triumph dealer. Px a Speedmaster and paid £7k. The Nightstorm is all mine.
Just picked up the new commander, it has classic looks and sound and handles perfectly as a triumph should. I've owned a few bikes and the build quality on this is second to none a real premium cruiser in my opinion. I think the price was good and worth every cent.
