2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander, Thunderbird LT Models Outted in CARB Documents

An executive order released by the California Air Resources Board reveals two new additions to the Triumph Thunderbird cruiser lineup. Joining the base Thunderbird and the Thunderbird Storm (both of which have already received CARB certification for 2014) are two new versions, the Thunderbird LT and the Thunderbird Commander.

According to the executive order, both new T-birds will be powered by a 1700cc engine designated as the ETDXC1.70KMM, the same engine family designation assigned to the parallel-twin engine powering the Thunderbird Storm. At least one of the two new models, if not both, may be the Triumph touring models spotted by spy photographers in May, undergoing road testing disguised with Harley-Davidson components.

The Thunderbird LT suggests the new model will be a light touring variant, likely coming with a windscreen and saddlebags to compete against the Harley-Davidson Road King. This new T-Bird likely won’t be the only LT model joining Triumph’s lineup, as we previously reported in August of a new 865cc model also getting CARB approval to be called the America LT (the same model had also been certified as the America Horizon before being changed to LT.)

As for the Triumph Thunderbird Commander, we expect it will be a full touring model with luggage, separate passenger seat with backrest and batwing fairing, pitting it against competitors like the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

We expect full details of the Triumph Thunderbird LT and Thunderbird Commander, as well as the America LT, in the weeks ahead, leading up to the 2013 EICMA show in Milan in November.

[Source: CARB]

By Dennis Chung