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, being universally praised for its combination of outstanding dynamics wrapped in a 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 a new standard 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 power plant 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.
The first overseas Thunderbird customers are starting to take delivery of their new motorcycles this month and 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.
NZ will see the first batch arrive in July if all goes to plan. Australia is expecting its first shipment of Thunderbirds late September early October this year. (Go TNZ!)
Triumph's 'Ten Best Bikes' category winners
- 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