Triumph Thunderbird Accessories

e many motorcycle companies, Triumph has found that selling factory accessories to customize their motorcycles is a lucrative business. However, they also know that quality products are necessary to keep the buyers coming back.

Triumph develops its own accessories catalog in conjunction with the model itself. All design and testing is done while the new model of motorcycle is being developed to assure that the accessories' fit and finish is excellent and only improves the motorcycle. Achieving this level of quality does not hamper Triumph from creating a very large and complete line of accessories.

For the original Thunderbird in 1949, the 6T, Triumph did not have a huge assortment of add-ons. The aftermarket provided most accessories at that time for most makes of motorcycle. Usually, the manufacturers offered a few options, but they mostly focused on parts - some performance-oriented - and service. In 1994, when the Thunderbird 900 was released, times had definitely changed in the industry.

The Thunderbird 900 and Thunderbird Sport were offered to the public with a full catalog of accessories. Perhaps, they were taking Harley's lead in this concept, but it was common during that time - and even more so now - for all manufacturers to offer such customization possibilities. Granted, the Thunderbird was aimed at the cruiser market - and Harley-Davidson now owns that market in the US. However, the 1994-2004 T-bird was sold worldwide, had better value, and was actually more sporting than your average H-D. Still, the owner could easily outfit the Thunderbird with acres of chrome, various seating options, saddlebags, and just about anything else that could be found for a similar Harley. The owner would end up with an enviable ride that fit his or her personality.

For the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird, it seems that Triumph pulled out all the stops from their customizing department. Chrome is everywhere in the genuine accessories catalog...chrome bar risers, chrome 'paper dart' Thunderbird clutch cover, chrome wheels, chrome fork covers, chrome crash bar, chrome instrument cowl - it just keeps going. Long-haul options include saddlebags, sissy bar bags, a painted headlight cowl, and just about anything which can be bolted or mounted on a motorcycle to make it more comfortable for the long road ahead. Additionally, many performance accessories are sold, including a big bore kit - for around US$900 the Thunderbird can become a 1700c.c., or 104 cubic inch, beast of a power cruiser! Anything that an owner needs to create a more comfortable touring motorcycle, a powerful roadburner, or just something extremely pleasing to his or her eye is available at a Triumph dealer near you