Thunderbird

1998 Triumph Thunderbird Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Triumph's classic motorcycle platform, the 1998 Triumph Thunderbird relies on a 885 cc (54 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line three, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 68 HP (49.6 kW) at 8,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 70 Nm (51.6 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 76.8 HP per liter and a 4,000 rpm working window between peak torque (4,000 rpm) and peak power (8,000 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the Thunderbird measures 220 kg (485 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.31 HP/kg (3.24 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 750 mm (29.5 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops.

Within MotoLibrary's Triumph archive, this model family spans 16 indexed model years from 1995 to 2018, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.