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Rumors Say Triumph Is Working on Bigger Speed Triple and Thunderbird

2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS
Image from Triumph

To Awesome Bikes, Two Welcomed Rumors

For Triumph 2020 should be a pretty big year. The company is updating a lot of its lineup and the most recent rumors focus on the Speed Triple and the Thunderbird. This is good news. The Speed Triple is an amazing machine and another Thunderbird is welcomed with open arms.

A Bigger Speed Triple?

 

According to Bennetts, the Speed Triple will get a bigger engine for 2020. This is something we’ve heard before, but now the publications says that the engine size will increase to 1,160cc. That’s some exciting stuff. Not only will the engine be bigger, but it will also likely be a little more efficient to comply with Euro 5 emissions standards.

In terms of power output for the upcoming Speed Triple, there isn’t much known, but the current bike makes 148 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque. RideApart suggests the new bike could make somewhere in the neighborhood of 160 hp. That would make the Speed Triple pretty speedy, indeed.

The Return of the T-Bird

As for the Thunderbird, NHTSA documents point to the bike returning for the 2020 model year. When it does, it will come in the same three different trim levels as it did previously: LT, Commander, and Storm. The Thunderbird has been vacant from Triumph’s lineup since 2017, so its return will fill a small hole in the company’s lineup.

RideApart suggests the company not selling the Thunderbird for a couple of years was due to emissions standards. This would make it seem as though Triumph made updates to the engine to make it compliant with modern emissions standards. It will be interesting to see what Triumph has in store for this motorcycle. I’ve personally always loved the look of the Thunderbird. I’ve never ridden one, but I love that it appears to be back in the lineup for 2020.

  1. As a life long rider, the last bike that I settled on (and accessorized greatly is (was) a 2010 T-Bird. Easily best bike I’ve ever owned.

    I can afford any bike. I chose the T-Bird. And happily I will again!

  2. I hope it comes back with the double head lamp. It was what made it stand out and look elegant. Its overall shape and engine suggests racing through the twisted country side roads. Very capable machine. Please get it over the 100 hp engine performance.

  3. The New T bird should have cruise control, handbags and Mag tires no spokes please
    And push the seat back a bit for room for your tall riders..I had a 2010 great bike.The
    Only complaint was the leather bags did not hold up…. Mechanically sound piece of machinery..

  4. Speed triple has been bypassed by the segment it helped create.

    It’s a bit heavy, dated and underpowered these days.

    The styling has become old

  5. The Tbird Storm is easily the best bike I have ever owned and I have had plenty. If reintroduced I only hope Triumph suppprt it better. Their previous effort was piss poor

  6. The definition of PERFORMANCE CRUISER was hands down written by the T-Bird STORM.
    I miss my 2011. The very day a new STORM comes out is the day I trade in my Indian.

  7. Owned a 2012 Thunderbird 1600, beautiful marble red haze. Best cruiser I’ve ever owned, and would buy another.
    I honestly believe 1 model with a full fairing a ram mount style accessory bar for phone and navigation with hard bags all matching paint can compete with HD and Indian.

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