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Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Mark J.Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
Bought mine in 2011 and I still love it
I put the short pipes on and had the tune changed. Put a little wind shield on, triumph panniers and gel seat. 2 up went round Tassie. Been across Sth australia. Handles everything with ease - so much torque. Thumping engine and still turns my head every time I look at it.
Purchased in March 2021 at Peter Stevens Motorcycles for $20,000.00.
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Recmech226Pilbara, WA
- 3 reviews
Love this bike!
2018 model I've had 6 months and running well. Due to forum comments on water leaks etc, I've checked mine regularly but have had no problems at all. I do mostly long distance touring in outback WA so seat had to be replaced for comfort. You won't ride far on the original seat unless you just take it out for half hour Saturday morning rides. My only complaint is sun glare from the instrumemnts on the tank which I blacked out. Just about due for second service at 10,000 which I do myself as we have no dealer for 1200km. Overall the Storm is great fun to ride with plenty of grunt for overtaking road trains.
Purchased in October 2021 for $23,000.00.
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Mixed feelings on this bike
16k klm on this bike (storm 2013) and its just a real clanker, power is good ride is good but the engine noise is not normal, although triumph will tell you there is nothing wrong with it! re-sale of the bikes is very very bad so plan on owning it for a while or loose your shirt. Bike handles well, stops well and has power to spare. Paint is terrible, will scratch at the slightest touch of most things (especially if its a black bike) tires (metzlers) are crap expect to replace around 8k klm or so, front has a habit of cupping bad. Parts are no...Read more
t stocked well, waiting times can be very long, dealer support seems to be sparse at best. Would I buy this bike again (3rd Triumph) no i would not by the Thunderbird in any model again, stick with their bonnies, if you want a big 1700 cruiser for for Kawi or HD etc.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
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MR CooperBrisbane
- 34 reviews
- 5 likes
yea ok
The bike sounds great, looks great. But repair bills farrrk!
I hope your a mechanic or know a cheap one if you own this bike.
Its like a mini ball of fun though and it looks quite retro
Overall to much for repairs if you dont care bout that then a good bike
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badstormChandler
Coolant leak
I had a 2014 Thunderbird Storm and had numerous coolant leak. Tightening the hose works but only temporarily. But, it has happen to me over 4 times within 15 months of owning the Thunderbird Storm. I had a triumph Bonneville before my storm and never once had an issue. Apparently, this is a well known issue among us Thunderbird Storm owners. We all have friends who ride different manufactures but non of them have coolant leaks like reported among us owners! Triumph replaced my 2014 Thunderbird Storm after numerous attempts to fix this issue. They replaced my 2014 with a 2015 Triumph Thunderbird Storm...guess what...same coolant leak within 26 miles!
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PeterPerth
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Poor Quality Shocking Service
Poorly designed and built. The chrome rusts quickly..The paint scratches easily and is thin..The engine exhaust decompression cam breaks and puts metal through the engine and gearbox ( before 20k kms) .Rides like a pig!! but the brakes are good. Dealers can't diagnose faults then you have to pay for there labour to replace faulty parts..then get your bike back in an unsafe condition.. Would I buy another Triumph NO!!
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Trigi
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Disappointing
I purchased a Triumph Thunderbird Storm brand new in 2012, it was fitted with a K&N air filter and a Foran exhaust system. I weigh 81 kg and 5'11" tall, I rate the suspension as 4/10, the power 7/10, the exhaust 7/10 (high reverb) and handling 6/10. Other observations include a very noisy tick in the engine that drove me crazy and an extremely noisy belt drive from new. The paint is water based (gloss black) and scratches very easily. I have owned several big bikes Japanese and other. I look after my bikes and recently sold the Triumph for top dollar however I can honestly say that I will never purchase another Triumph. Current ride is a Harley sportstar and I am about to purchase a Suzuki Boulevard C109RT to replace the Storm.
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UglyHervey Bay
- 4 reviews
- 3 likes
Triumph Storm
I also love the storm I have a 2015, had a kwaka 9 years ago & the storm is the closest thing I could find that was a cross between the street bike & crusier . The handeling & power is second to none, Some will complain about rear tier wear but that is caused by haveing fun twisting the right hand.
Update as have had the bike longer, I have changed tyers to the Pirelli Night Dragons, I will say they do not grip as well as the metzelers ( have to back right off in the wet and dont stick as well in the dry either ) . So I will be swapping back to the Metzeler as soon as I can .
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johannperth
noise engine
I have a storm at six thousand km the counter weight on the exhaust cam broke that caused a noise in the engine took it back to the dealer they checked it out yep we will replace the camshaft it took six weeks to get my bike back they did not airfreight the part I think they sent it by camel train I was not happy but it cost me nothing to get it fixed it runs well now love to ride this bike
1 comment
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PeterMandurah
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Noisy and rattles in the engine
I bought a storm abs in 2011. I recently moved from Perth to Byron area in NSW and paid over $1000 to have it trucked across as it has been so unreliable and the standard seat and vibration make it good to ride for only100 km. Has that many engine noises including decompression weight issues, piston slap, vibration, bouncy rear end, not precise handling when cornering, cheap seat for a cruiser? The dealer fitted aftermarket pipes removing the cat and that just added to back firing so they fitted a power commander and that just added more issues...Read more
with high idle and excessive fuel use age I was going to trade it but dealers did not really want it and I would not sell it privately and give someone else problems. Should you buy one they are a great looking bike just leave it STANDARD.1 comment
Had to replace exhaust camshaft as they break the decompression weights and chew metal off the head
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Mark HTownsville, Queensland
- 2 reviews
Storm love it
I picked up my Triumph Thunderbird Storm from Team Moto Triumph in Springwood Brisbane. They were excellent in their service. I then rode it home back to North Queensland. Love the bike has plenty of power has a set of pipes on it with a great note and all mat black it has great street appeal. After my ride i decided it needs a few mods have ordered a new seat and sissy bar and luggage rack. As well as a set of crash bars and a some hiway pegs to go on them. As the original foot pegs get a bit sore after a long trip and the seat is a bit hard. ...Read more
I doubt I will do much after that as it has all I want in a bike. Gary at Triumph Performance Parts Vic has been really helpful with the accessories and I thoroughly recommend his service. I love the bike and can not wait till I get home from my work to ride it when ever I can. Recommend the Storm to anyone who wants a good bike.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
AndrewSydney
20k on...
Twenty thousand kilometres on...
Just loving the Storm. Blinged her up and now just needs a stainless steel radiator cover for protection and maybe a Power Commander for performance, but not all that fussed about that. Got shorties on and a direct cross-over so the torque hasn't lessened one bit. She crackles like a storm especially during down-shifting.
My other bike's a 2013 Yamaha 1900cc Roadliner, bought for my son but he likes to plonk his butt on the Trumpy every opportunity. My brother-in-law has a HD CVO Wideglide 1800cc. There's ...Read more
not much between them over 100m. A little more over 200m with the CVO running out at 3500 revs and the Roadliner loping at 2500revs. The Storm has more punch and definitely more torque than the others in the shorter run and can pounce at any speed really. The wide handlebars sometimes stops me following them up through the traffic during filtering but the traffic has to be really close for that to happen. The touring seat is a must. Not only for the missus but it can facilitate a back rest for the rider. The Defender windscreen is great, (see profile pic). Cheap too if you import it yourself from the UK. I leave the saddle bags off unless we go touring - had the mounting brackets machined so they can be unclipped in seconds, same as the sissy bar. Both lockable. Got floorboards for mum but retained the pegs for me. Better clearance although I've learnt to ride the bike in a more upright position so corner grinding doesn't bother me so much even when I'm hammering it. If you're thinking of buying a Triumph cruiser, have a ride of the Storm at least before making up your mind. I think you'll love it. Big bike, big presence, silk and satin.2 comments
Just finished a trip down in TAS with 8 other bikes. Picked up a stone in the belt and had to push it through. Haven't renewed the belt as it seems to have closed up by itself. HD riders with the same... Read more
problem say just leave it, they haven't had any problems 40k down the track. Had to renew the rear tyre too. Picked up a nail that went through the wall. All in all though, apart from that, the Storm rode like a dream! Twisties, sweepers, back roads, gravel and highways! With the missus on the back too. We averaged about 600km and sometimes 14hrs a day down there and hit the island top to tail!Ok. Still got the Storm. New clutch cable fitted and new battery. The bike has been through 3 sets of tyres and same in brake pads.
I thought about selling both bikes and getting a Harley, but for their value, the Trumpy is still better value. ... Read more
Just had my 71st birthday and the bike is a little heavy, but not too bad. *Loves to spoon if you let it*. That's why I was looking at the lighter Harleys. I guess it'll see my riding days out and when I'm too old for it, I'll upgrade to a posties bike. Lol!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Triumph Thunderbird Storm
You know how your favorite shirt feels soooo comfortable?? well this is how my Storm fits me! I purchased my 2013 Storm with 2500km on the clock. Xtras included short tors, dart screen,teebars, and black teardrop mirrors. From my first few kms traveled ive been in love! What a smooth, well balanced ride with grunt to burn!
I have since added a touring seat,grabrail, amsoil, K&N air filter,manufactured some highway pegs and most recently added a Power Commander v and will have it remapped and dynoed soon. Triumph have got a beauty here! Gear changes silky smooth and nice even braking all help to make this a great ride!
4 comments
Mark B.Triumph
Hi Tal, would love to see so.e photos of you storm. Have you joined the Triumph Australia Facebook page?
Ah No...am in NZ...i will check it out tho...see what i can do...cheers
You can go to thunderbird 1600 forum....find my name under members and look at my photos in the album section...cheers
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Tony kilmuurray aka Kill
- 3 reviews
- 3 likes
Supprise Xmas present
Been riding Triumphs for 44 years. My first a ridged 500 cut down for bush bashing at the age of 14 years. Xmas 2012 my wife and I went to Chapmans Triumph here in Perth on the pretext of buying herself a new T shirt. I was admiring a new Storm which was having new plates fitted. Ross Chapman threw me a set of keys and said they were for my new bike. Supprise supprise. Did a few mods. Touring seat, rider back rest, quick release sissy bar, dart fly screen, removed cat convertor, BC reverse cone pipes, ECU set to TORs. What a rocket ship, grunt,...Read more
brakes, handling and looks. Took it home and parked it next to my beautiful T100 Bonnie intending to keep both but found that every time I went into the garage I jumped on the Storm so ended up selling the Bonnie. (Still kicking myself. Stupid) Now 2 years later and 10ks it just gets better and better. Never any problems. PS. Bought a Triumph TR6 off Lloyd Chapman, Ross' father 40 years ago. (Repeat business).Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
RazorbackWestern Australia
- 3 reviews
triumph Thunderbird storm
Been riding the storm for about 9 months or so now, and it just grows on you. To start with it grabbed me as the smarter buy, but then simply continued to impress ride after ride. It turns and stops like a gem, and with a touring seat provides armchair comfort for hours.The negative would be the rear suspension is both soft and noisy. The bottom line is the storm is an excellent allrounder capable of a wide array of ride requirements.
February 7th 2017 Update: Triumph thunderbird storm after 10k
Well it has been over 10,000 km and 2 years...Read more
and can say the storm is still a gem. Yes I encountered a coolant leak from the radiator hoses which required a screw driver and 5 minutes of my time to retention clamps, and has not raised an issue since. I have also found it challenging to get quality service and have found that some dealers are less than acceptable when it comes to loving your bike, however the good ones are out there, and if they do not exist in your area, look for a good custom workshop as they will generally look after you. The bike itself is great value for money...Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
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T Bird Storm 1699cc
I brought my bike new, after researching other peoples reviews.
It was hard to find reviews from other women who had ridden this bike but did so in an American review.
All she said was true:
Heavy down low & hard to reverse
Great for long journeys, rides really well,
For someone who is 48yrs, 60kgs on a 345kg bike, I wanted to know everything about this bike but to do so I need to test rideone. In Darwin I tried to get a test ride from the local dealer who wanted me to buy the bike before testing it. I then looked online and found a mob w...Read more
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Dave
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Three months on
So I have had the Storm for 3 months now and purposely waited to write a review. After week two I hated it because it had a bad coolant leak . Back to the dealer and a loose hose clamp . Next week engine management light came on . Called my dealer and they asked me to ride the 90km for them to look at it . I explained the handbook said not to ride it and made them come to me . They had pulled a cable out detailing the bike after the coolant leak . All was good until the second month. Yep, another coolant leak . Come and get it guys !!! Yet ano...Read more
ther loose clamp . Free t shirt and so sorry . I had to threaten the DP to get these things sorted quick . Having said all of this I love my bike. I have the touring seat as the standard one was poor . Put the dart flyscreen on to take the wind off the chest . Done 2500km now and the bike is just right and nicely run in. It handles very well for a 345kg bike but remember to park backwards on a slope . My advice would be to get one . I also got the removable sissy bar which is great with my hot wife on the back . I will change the pipes and probably customise the tank with a bigger Triumph logo as you can't see it's a Triumph at first glance . I don't want people to think its a Harley. So expect some teething problems but stick with it . It handles well and is quick for a big cruiser . I have mates with Harley's and Diavels who have ridden it and love it . I live on the Gold Coast and it's cool not to have a Harley in my opinion and far better value . I looked at the dyna fat bob and victory judge but the storm was just so much better. I would be surprised if you got one and didn't like it . Just be prepared to sort out the little niggles Handling, torque Coolant leaksSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MarkIllawarra, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 7 likes
My Review
Two months on my capable XVS650 Classic, after 25 years absence, yesterday I placed my order, matt grey, short pipes, cruiser seat with rider & pillion back rests, rack, panniers and tank bib & speedo "peak/shade". Separately ordered a Dart screen from the UK. I demo road virtually the same setup on Wednesday and was amazed. Apart from being 106 kilos heavier (it felt heavier but not by that much) and 6 more litres in the tank, virtually all other dimensions are the same as the XVS650, no wonder it was so easy to get used to. Much better corner...Read more
ing though and let's not mention the power, those forward controls and seat, bars triangle was made for me. Two good tiny features that are not in many reviews, self cancelling indicators and a clock in the scrollable LCD display, great for school zone time. It is missing cruise control which is fixable and I am not sure about keeping the dual seat on permanently, but what are bikes for? They need to be not 100% perfect so that they keep you interested! Hopefully it all comes together in a few days time. I will post Part 2 in about a months time after taking it on a few runs. Part 2 of my Review: Near as dammit two months of riding, today's ride took me over 4,000 kilometres, all pleasure. Most of the riding is with my local Ulysses Club, with many of the rides over 250 kilometres, today's almost 400 kilometres. Key KPI, fuel consumption. I run the bike on 95 octane. The dealer said don't bother with 98, the bike will not like it. Given I am averaging 5.2 litres / 100 kilometres for a bike this size, I will stick with 95 octane. The bike tells me that the tank-range is 400 kilometres. I did 340 kilometres today with 65 kilometres left in reserve. Note that there is no reserve tap on this bike, the LCD has 5 functions and the low fuel light comes on with around 100 kilometres "to go" - hasn't let me down. I have added a stainless steel radiator guard, which gives me a bit of peace of mind protection. Also fitted a power socket & USB to the left handlebar riser. I changed helmets to a Shoei J-Cruise - I recommend riding this bike with a 3/4 helmet (open face) otherwise the chin-bar on a full-face obstructs your view of the tank-mounted speedo. I do not ride with the sissy-bar and rack as I rarely have a pillion, it's in the garage should I need it. The bike is great to ride. I acknowledge that it is a little heavy and those bends at the top of Kiama are not the right "shape" for this bike - all other bends no problem, including the many hair-pins that I have travelled through. Despite the weight, slow crawling in heavy traffic and approaching traffic lights waiting for them to change, is not a problem. The weight did catch me out once, I parked into a kerb, on a very small slope in a Woolies car-park, it was painful backing the bike out - be very careful that you park up any slopes, or have a mate around that can help pull the bike backwards.2 comments
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Don't buy one
I have had the misfortune to own two triumphs. The first being a rocket III,it had computer and major engine management problems.
The second was the brand new Thunderbird Storm. 3 months on I had 3 separate coolant leaks in three different parts of the motor, ECU issues causing a high revving motor which sat on 2000 revs. Problems selecting gears and chrome falling off.
When I spoke with Triumph Australia they offered me a cap and a t-shirt for my problems. Sighting it was under warranty. I could cop that on a couple of these Iss...Read more
ues but not the 5 other issues. As I pointed out to Triumph Australia what happens in 3 or 4 years time when it's out of warranty??????? I did love the bike when it was running and even told them I would be happy if they would replace the bike. I You couldn't give me a Triumph, Which is a real shame as some of their bikes look great. Looked great, sounded great, went well when it was actually running The service from triumph Australia was rubbish and insulting, quality control issues, dangerous high revving motor when trying to throttle off or simply sitting stationary1 comment
I've owned a 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm since new. I've ridden from just out Perth over to Ballina and back and the only things that went awry were a rear indicator lens and license plate falling ... Read more
off. And that was due to the bumpy roads, wind etc. This bike is without question the best bike that I have ridden. It suits me and my perpetual grin whilst taking those long sweeping bends is testimony to this fact.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
springcanadelaide south australia
Unbeliveble ride 2012 storm
I have had my storm for 6 months now . I have ran it in the way triumph say to. It has all the power and touque you need. I have fitted the shorty pipes witch give better performance and sound a deep growl. Brakes exellent. The seat could do with more padding on a long ride.
the price the power the acceleration
seat too hard needs more padding for long rides
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Questions & Answers
shepp.asked
Noise from bottom end cover engine R/H side when cold starting. 2012 model 14000KLM. Any ideas?
1 answer
Hi, my 24.000 mile 2012 Storm sounds like its been hit with a hammer when starting from cold....but only from cold. l am still trying to find what is causing it but just letting you know yours isnt the only one.
loneyasked
gonna sound like a dumb question to some but here goes .... how many spark plugs are in a 2015 storm 1700?
Geoffasked
Hey I have a 2010 thunderbird with shorty pipes. Can the leather panniers be fitted with these pipes without heat affecting the panniers?
Thanks Geoff
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johann
well now I have an idea that this has happened again the engine has the same rattle in it again it sounds like the counter weight again can any one tell me if you can remove the counter weights and w... Read more
ill it still run ok I know it maybe a little harder to start any one have any thoughts on that