The all-new 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander completes the British brand's cruiser lineup with a big, classic steed that boasts manly looks and a serious dose of attitude.

The first thing you'll notice as you straddle this bike is a surprising level of comfort in the segment thanks to a generously padded seat, a very compliant suspension, and plenty of room to make yourself at ease.


Unique character defines the 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander
OK, so the new Thunderbird Commander is comfortable, but that doesn't mean it can't boogie. The lively and playful engine packs quite a punch at medium revs, and then rushes toward the redline like a rocket.

Granted, the blissful vibrations cruiser fans usually crave feel smoother and steadier on the 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander than the average American rival, further validating the engine's unique character. However, with 93 hp at just 5,400 rpm, 111 lb-ft of delicious torque, and a smartly calibrated transmission acceleration is just as impressive.

All that power comes from the industry's biggest parallel twin, which uses a pair of 850cc cylinders, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a crankshaft with 270-degree firing intervals. Add dual balance shafts, an automatic decompression system, a friendly clutch that requires less effort, and a belt final drive, and you get an engine that will always put a smile on your face.

As for styling, the new 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander shares its frame with the Thunderbird LT (don't miss my review in the next few weeks). Compared to the Storm's, it puts the rider's seat lower to drop the centre of gravity. Like a true muscle cruiser, the Commander features a big 200mm rear tire, 17” alloy wheels, a Fat Boy-style fork, and a wraparound front fender. Excluding the Art Deco rear turn signals, it's a design that will appeal to everyone. 

Like a true muscle cruiser, the Commander features a big 200mm rear tire, 17” alloy wheels, a Fat Boy-style fork, and a wraparound front fender. (Photo: France Ouellet)

2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander is sporty and sound
The ABS brakes delivered superb performance both during spirited solo riding and leisurely cruises with a passenger sitting behind me. Using two 310mm front discs with dual-piston callipers, the 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander's braking distances were remarkably short for such a big and heavy bike (348 kg).

While you need to be somewhat careful at ultra-low speeds, the Thunderbird Commander proves easy to handle at higher speeds thanks to a low centre of gravity and natural riding position. A dynamic, structurally sound frame means no undesirable movement will disturb your attention. The well-balanced chassis felt so happy to dive into corners that I wished for higher-mounted foot pegs in order to attack twists and turns more aggressively. On the other hand, that's not what this cruiser is about...

Overall, the 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander is the prototypical muscle cruiser. It has a lovely parallel twin-cylinder with amazing thrust, relaxed ergonomics, and a visual punch that will win over fans in a heartbeat. On top of that, the Thunderbird Commander turns out to be surprisingly comfortable, yet dynamic, for this type of motorcycle.

Using two 310mm front discs with dual-piston callipers, the 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander's braking distances were remarkably short for such a big and heavy bike (348 kg). (Photo: France Ouellet)

Pros

• Impressive powerplant
• Well-balanced, dynamic chassis
• Above-average comfort
• Superb brake and ABS performance

Cons

• Rear turn signals don't fit with the rest