At the INTERMOT Cologne show, Triumph unveiled its new Thunderbird cruiser to take on the Big Twins in America. Powered by a 1599 DOHC Parallel Twin, the Thunderbird bridges the gap between Triumph's smaller displacement cruisers and the mammoth Rocket III.

The new Twin gets its displacement via a big 103.8 x 94.3mm bore and stroke. Power claims on the new Thunderbird's spec sheet claims "in excess of" 80 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Driving that power to the rear wheel is a belt drive and six-speed transmission. The all-new powerplant is liquid-cooled with fuel injection.

The chassis includes cast aluminum five-spoke wheels mated to a tubular steel frame and swingarm. Showa suspension components are sourced, 47mm fork up front and chromed spring shocks out back (shocks are five-position preload adjustable.)

Dual 310mm front rotors are pinched by 4-piston Nissin calipers, with rear braking a single 310mm rotor teamed with a 2-piston Brembo caliper. ABS will be available as an option for potential customers.

A 5.5-gallon fuel tank also houses the instrument cluster, with speedo, tach and LCD display. The Thunderbird will also utilize self-cancelling turn signals.

Built to compete directly with the Twin Cam Harley-Davidson, the new Triumph Thunderbird will be an important piece of the American Triumph strategy.

"It's been obvious for many years to people that from the American Speedmaster, there's a big gap between those bikes and the Rocket III," said Simon Warburton, Triumph Head Product Manager. "We see the future of the Thunderbird being a big part of our range."

The base model will feature numerous accessories for customization, including touring and two-up extras, as well as cosmetic upgrades. American Trumpet fans will have to wait, however, as the new Thunderbird is not slated for US shores until September of 2009, making it a 2010 model. Pricing for the US market is yet to be determined.

2010 Triumph Thunderbird Specs:
Engine: 1599cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel Twin, 270 degree firing interval
Bore/Stroke: 103.8 x 94.3mm
Maximum Power In excess of 80 bhp
Maximum Torque In excess of 100 lb-ft
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI , progressive linkage on throttle
Final Drive: Toothed belt
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 6-speed constant mesh, helical type
Frame: Tubular steel, twin spine
Swingarm: Twin sided, steel
Front Wheel: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 inch
Rear Wheel: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 inch
Front Tire: 120/70 R19
Rear Tire: 200/50 R17
Front Suspension: Showa 47mm forks
Rear Suspension: Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5-position-adjustable preload
Front Brakes: Twin 310mm fixed discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 310mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
Instrument display/functions: Tank mounted instrumentation with large speedo, integrated tacho and LCD display with odometer, twin trip counters, range-to-empty and clock. Auto-cancelling indicators
Length: 2350mm (92.5 in)
Width: (Handlebars) 947mm (37.2 in) (TBC)
Height: 1216mm (47.9 in) (TBC)
Seat Height: 702mm (27.6 in) (TBC)
Wheelbase: 1641mm (64.6in)
Rake/Trail: 32°/151.3mm
Dry Weight TBC
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 litres (5.5 gal US)