Thunderbird scoops prestigious best cruiser accolade US magazine Cycle World hails the British bike as ‘best in class’ 

Triumph’s all-new Thunderbird cruiser has been awarded the title of ‘Cruiser of the Year’ by an influential American motorcycle magazine. 

Cycle World, the world’s biggest selling monthly motorcycle publication, declared the 1600cc parallel twin as best in class in its annual awards issue. 

Thunderbird, the British company’s first offering in the mainstream cruiser market, has been enthusiastically received since its introduction to the media at last month’s world press launch in Barcelona. It was universally praised for its combination of outstanding dynamics and classic cruiser style. 

“We’re very proud to receive what we hope will be the first of many awards for the Thunderbird,” said Paul Stroud, Triumph’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “This new model has been eagerly anticipated since being unveiled at our Global Dealer Conference last July and the initial reports confirm what we always felt about the bike: that the Thunderbird sets new standards in the cruiser class.” 

“This award is particularly significant as it comes from the biggest publication in the biggest market for this type of motorcycle, which is, of course, the home of the biggest cruiser manufacturer in the world. To be accepted so quickly as a credible alternative to Harley-Davidson is a fantastic boost for everyone involved in the project and vindication of our decision to focus on Triumph’s signature qualities: namely the imposing parallel-twin powerplant and a dedication to outstanding chassis dynamics.” 

Triumph has won at least one category in Cycle World’s ‘Ten Best Bikes’ issue every year for the last five years and full details of the 2009 awards can be found in the August edition of the magazine. 

Triumph’s factory in Hinckley, UK, is currently working at maximum capacity to fulfil all pre-orders and deliver bikes to each of its 750 dealers worldwide.  

Triumph dealers will be holding a Thunderbird launch weekend on the 11^th & 12^th July, during which customers will have the opportunity to test ride this exceptional new model.     

2005   Speed Triple won Best Open-Class Streetbike

2006   Speed Triple won Best Standard / Daytona 675 won Best Middleweight Streetbike

2007   Tiger 1050 won Best Standard

2008   Street Triple won Best Standard

2009   Thunderbird won Best Cruiser

Article source: Triumph Press Office