The Triumph Thunderbird gets an update in 2011, thanks to the Storm’s larger capacity motor that puts out an additional 12 horsepower and 7 ft/lbs of torque over the standard model.
Bars with a straighter bend give the Thunderbird Storm a tougher attitude, along with new Speed Triple- inspired twin headlights and lots of black where there used to be chrome.
Two “color” choices greet you: Jet Black and Matte Black. Showa does the suspension, Nissin calipers grab the twin 310mm floating front discs and a Brembo caliper grips the 310mm rear disc.
2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm 1700 Quick Stats
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC inline-twin
BORE x STROKE: 103.8 x 94.3mm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed
WHEELBASE: 63.5 inches
RAKE: 32 degrees
SEAT HEIGHT: 27.5 inches
WET WEIGHT: 746 pounds
PRICE:
For a look into the entire 2011 motorcycle lineup, check out the Ultimate MotorCycling Digital Buyer’s Guide.
Also, if you want stay up to date on the latest in motorcycle news, “Like” Ultimate MotorCycling on Facebook.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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