All Tests – 2011 Cruisers Test: Triumph redeems a ride – Storm: the T-Bird gains muscle

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2011 Cruisers Test: Triumph redeems a ride

All Tests - 2011 Cruisers Test: Triumph redeems a ride - Storm: the T-Bird gains muscle

After releasing a whole series of rather edgy new motorcycles, Triumph has calmed the game in its novelties by presenting its 2011 Cruisers range, with the magnificent 1700 Storm as the headliner! First try.

Storm: the T-Bird is gaining muscle

Unveiled in 2009, the Thunderbird 1600 had already undergone an evolution in 2010 with a Limited Edition cubing 1700 cc. It is this mechanical basis that the 1700 Storm 2011 uses, but with a much more rogue aesthetic (read our) !

Triumph Cruisers Test Days

Friday March 18 and Saturday March 19, the three new cruisers will be in the spotlight in the. in France. All dealers will have a Thunderbird 1700 Storm as well as a Speedmaster and / or America available. If one of these machines caught your eye, book your test now on the !

Those who found the T-Bird 1600 a little too wise and debonair will be delighted: by gaining 100 cc, the parallel twin cylinder set at 270 ° goes from 85 to 98 hp, and gains 10 Nm. But it is above all its look that has been reviewed with a very precise target clearly displayed in Triumph’s collimator: the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob (read our).

The Triumph Storm uses the double optics, the T-bar handlebars and the completely black trim – matt or shiny, as you wish! – from the fork sleeves to the shock absorbers, including the handlebar bridges.

In the backyard of power cruisers

These stylistic evolutions and this gain in power also allow the Storm to come and titillate the "kings of testosterone" on two wheels that are the Vmax and other V-Rods: subjected to the bridle to 100 hp, their power is no longer really an argument in France against 98 hp and 156 Nm of the Storm available from 2,950 rpm.

But above all, the Triumph shines with its neutral side against these very typical machines. The driving position it offers is relatively reasonable: the feet are not pushed too far forward and the T-handlebar is quite natural..

With its saddle at 700 mm and its center of gravity not too high, the Storm is a motorcycle almost easy to handle – with a minimum of experience – despite its 339 kg fully loaded. The only annoying detail: you always have to go very far in front and with your toes for the center stand in order to retract it..

Neutral when stationary, the Storm achieves the feat of being so in dynamics. Many machines of this size – including the Vmax 1700 – for example have a front axle that engages at low speed. This is not the case with the English, which remains relatively easy and intuitive with, in addition, a very correct turning radius..

If it cannot deny its three quintals, the Storm nevertheless remains very healthy and almost makes you regret its limited ground clearance on the small Var roads borrowed during our test. It must be said that the Triumph does not give in to the fashion for 240 mm rear tires, admittedly pretty but very unwieldy: it is satisfied with a "modest" 200 mm tire. !

Braking, very safe, is also surprisingly efficient for a machine in this niche. The two 310mm front discs pinched by 4-piston calipers do their job well enough that the standard ABS is forgotten, even in the wet.

A big supplement of soul

Compared to the T-Bird 1600, the 1700 Storm gains a little in performance but above all a lot in character. The English twin knows how to be flexible and soft when asked nicely, but also rather nasty when asked..

It resumes with force from 1,500 rpm in the savage pounding of its two exhaust pipes. Afterwards, he happily rushes to the red zone located at 6,500 laps, somewhat abusing the traction of the rear tire on first gears.

Obviously, with two 850 cc bowls in motion, it will be necessary to deal with a substantial engine inertia when entering a curve: anticipation is essential! The six-speed gearbox, relatively unheard of on this style of machine, is well staged but we are a little surprised not to see it assisted by a hydraulic clutch..

An image to build

Thanks in particular to its accessible side, this 1700 Storm therefore has real arguments to make on the niche of power cruisers and other muscle bikes, but also against a Harley Fat Bob..

However, it still suffers from an image deficit – important in this market! – due to his youth. However, we can bet that with its undeniable road qualities and its rebellious look, this new Triumph will find its audience. !

Remains its rather consistent price which puts it at the same price as a prestigious and charismatic competition: 16 390 euros. For that price, you have standard ABS but no lockable fuel cap…

Small flat also as for the many accessories offered by Triumph: given that they are common to the other T-Bird, the 1600, they are all chrome. Too bad they weren’t available in black to further enhance the look of the Storm.

Benjamin LALO – Photos Jacky LEY

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