2015 Triumph Thunderbird Commander - 1st Ride & Review

1st time I've ridden one. Again, not a great fan due to the footboards, but still enjoyable! :-)
Hope you enjoy!
I ride the Rocket III next which I hoon about on a lot more!
Tally Bally Ho!
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[@davemckenzie4363]

Ride a commander for 2 weeks while my Rocket Roadster was in for repairs. Very nearly didn't take it back. Loved it. Handles better than the Rocket, had bags of character, great noise and poise. I would buy a commander if I had to part with my Nag. Great bike.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Dave McKenzie Praise indeed! And pretty much answers the question about which to buy that someone else just asked. Thanks for the input! :-) And thanks for watching.

[@tms372]

Me too, I found my Rocket 2 a bit clumsy handling. Ended up trading it for the Storm. Best bike yet.

[@TerminatorFRA]

@@tms372 Done the same, Had a R3 Roadster which was nice, I always hesitated between it and the Storm, took the rocket because of the price. Owned it 3 years then found a way to test a Storm, fell in love with and took the Storm instead. ;)

[@douglasengstrom8435]

2015 Commander, New to me in '21. Traded an '06 Rocket Classic. Almost regret trading it in, not enough garage space, love them both! Love your countryside!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Never enough garage space! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@bigdaddy1400]

The chrome slab is a copy of that on the HD Fat boy and aimed at the US market. I love the look and the ride of the commander. That seat must be the most comfortable of any bike, and apparently triumph redesigned the frame to accommodate it . It worked.

[@googleuser2082]

so much nicer than any HD

[@robertwittwer2539]

Hi, this is Bob from Oswego, Illinois, USA. Nice video! I have a 08 Fatbob and thinking about getting a Commander LT. I've been riding Harleys for 44 years and it's time for a change.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

***** Wow! That's a long time! I think that you'll be impressed. They are different and you might feel that they have less soul being a parallel twin as they don't have that same vibration, but life is all about trying different things so good luck and thanks for watching! :-)

[@robertwittwer2539]

Captain Rambunctious Thanks Captain!

[@richardblackwell4082]

Oh by the way I have a 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander and I love it!! Excellent bike tons of power and great handling.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

It#s an excellent bike... I hope that that came across...

[@1992dickybird]

Love your videos dude! You also ride pretty close to me too 😁 could you possibly do more noise/sound tests on the bikes? I do love hearing how they sound and its always a factor for me when getting a bike 👌😂

[@kpb96m]

It can be a bit tricky finding a good windshield for the Storm due to its twin headlights. Most shields are made to fit single light configurations. The Storm seat became a little uncomfortable after a few hours of sitting on it. I recommend the Airhawk R Cruiser Seat. Its a game changer. I can stay in the seat for six hours now in full comfort. The Commander seat looks very comfy.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

kpb96m Excellent. Thank you for the advice. So far the Storm seat is ok because it is the special edition NightStorm one, but have yet to ride for more than 60 miles in one go as yet... Cheers! :-)

[@davidlythgoe8478]

So impressed with this I've just bought a Night Storm. Great review!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

+David Lythgoe Thank you! Excellent purchase. I owned the Storm for 3 months and loved it! :-)

[@SkeggyCruiser]

Beautiful bike there bud, those seats are supposed to be the Dogs B's, love the look of those pipes, I can never make my mind up whether i prefer the look of the old school twin shocks that you can see or the single hidden shock like mine, mines a 1300cc at 79'9 cubic inch and returns 54 mpg so for the bigger engine on that it's quite respectable, I can't help but think it would look better with just one huge headlight instead on the twin, those bars did look pulled back maybe they should be forward slightly, I like a wide bar these days, the fatter the bike the slimmer I look, lol, I do wish my bike had a 6th gear though! love that bit of music half way through quite catchy old bean! great review RSM8.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Skeggy Cruiser No problem! Thanks! Agree with all your points, although the soft tail / hard tail look is very cool. I'm really amazed by the fuel consumption too, but can't imagine it's that good when I'm riding it! :-) With regards to looking slimmer on a fatter bike, just keep wearing those Aldi under clothes...! Looking forward to what you think of my Rocket III vid I just published as well! :-)

[@MotorcyclerideCyprus]

Interesting video! liked the old English gentleman theme with the early 1900's music, a niche in the market I feel, Lovely big triumph, looks like your riding something big and solid with bags of power! subscribed! Tally ho!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

cliffy amo Tally Ho indeed Cliffy! :-) It's just the way I am... Probably born at the wrong time, but still rather enjoying myself all the same! Thanks for watching and thanks for the sub!

[@Quagmire88]

A captain riding a commander... Someone could make a good joke about that...

[@CaptainRambunctious]

+Quagmire88 Ha ha! Brilliant! I wish I'd have thought of that! Well done! :-)

[@wombal177jim]

thanks for that captain, will do some surfing to get a better handle on the slip on front. Be good.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

james foy No problem! I'll try! :-)

[@That_Paul_Guy]

I've test ridden the LT twice and that seat is the 7th wonder of the world. My biggest complaint about the LT is the weight on the front end due to the extra headlights...which do look good. I've only sat on a commander, never had an opportunity to test ride one although between the 2, I'd prefer the storm.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

***** Yup! :-) Great minds think alike! ;-)

[@laurenceharvey6202]

Always fantastic reviews from the captain oh yes tally ho chaps 🤣👍

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Thanks Laurence! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! :-)

[@laurenceharvey6202]

@@CaptainRambunctious You're more than welcome. Always I delight to watch your reviews sir "don't you know" 👍😁

[@paulgregroy1986]

Hi there captain! I agree with you about the floor boats is much better have packs that's what motorbikes come with pegs.but now they come with floorboards at the front.my yamaha xvs1300 midnight star did.i find they get more dirty.that bike you have there is a beauty.its one of the best.thanks Captain.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Paul Gregroy No problem Paul! Thanks for the input and for watching! :-) Lovely bike, yes, but it isn't the Storm. :-)

[@jimweidemann8943]

Great description of the riding posture/feel. I've put over 40,000 miles on my 2011 Rocket Roadster. I've always loved the Thunderbirds as well. What are the differences between the storm and the commander when going through the twisties? Do they touchdown quickly? I love the fact that the rocket can be leaning way over in the twisties without touching.

[@tms372]

The bike in the window is the Night Storm.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Yes indeed! I owned the storm, didn't fancy the blacked out pipes of the night storm though due to cleaning issues and grease etc, but got them to put the better seat from the night storm onto my normal storm... :-))

[@tms372]

@@CaptainRambunctious Yup me too. The Night storm seat is a bit thicker too. Also added the Night Storm blacked out handle bars, mirrors and engine/belt cover. To bad there were only 100 Night Storms released in North America, including Canada. Looked for a Night Storm for a year without luck. Ended up with a black Storm.

[@nwroadrat]

I prefer pegs but the jury is still out for me on the bars. I liked this version because of the better seat, wider front tire and the straight pipes. The pipes will allow more side-box options. I can take care of that chrome shine pretty quick by all the riding I do. I'll show up at the dealer and my t-bird is the one that looks like a dirty bird.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

***** Dirty birds are the fastest! ;-) All good points, especially about the pipes / luggage... Hadn't really considered that. Thanks for watching!

[@tms372]

Much better bike then the clumsy Rocket.

[@coldwaterjimmy7044]

Thanks from across the pond in Detroit 😎👍

[@Phil480]

Nice video Cap. That seat does look comfy. It's a nice looking cruiser, but I might have to agree with Skeggy that a big single headlight would look better than the twin.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Phil480 I know that you can get a round headlight for it. I prefer the twin purely as that is a feature that I like. Maybe it's because I had them on my Street Triple? Anyway, thanks for watching as usual! :-)

[@bruceburns1672]

The best thing about the Thunderbird is the rubber belt , a shame it is not right through the range , do they make kits for the other models to get rid of the chains .

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Bruce Burns it’s a very good point. You can get belt conversion kits after market for the older chain driven air cooled engines, so I’m sure that there will be someone doing them For the newer bikes... Thanks for the comment! Good one! Sorry I couldn’t have been more help.

[@HepcatHarley]

Amazed it looks so big and yet lighter than my HD Slim...agree about the headlight nacelle, not nice. Looks like much fun was had which is the point anyway :)

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Hepcat Harley Exactly. It's a nice bike! Doesn't flick all my switches though! ;-)

[@HugoGSamuraiHg]

What a Beast Very nice video Thumbs up

[@CaptainRambunctious]

***** Thank you and thanks for watching! :-)

[@MaGicMik3z]

I'm with you on the front of the bike needs more black bits to offset the chrome more but its all a bit flash for me anyway.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

MaGicMik3z That's the thing. Triumph have the Storm and now the special edition Nightstorm to do all the moody black stuff, so the Commander is there to be the flashy brother... There's definitely a market for it, but not my cup of tea...

[@unap16]

Captain, as an individual who is ~5'3" (~120lbs) with an inseam of ~27" would I get along amicably with any of the big Triumph cruisers? I have had my eyes on the Thunderbird & Thunderbird Storm, but given the lack of their dealers in my current residential province, I am ignorant of whether they allow for customizations of handlebar and foot pegs to aid smaller riders. Any helpful response will be most appreciated.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Rising Cookie I have asked about your particular stature and am awaiting a reply, although I'd have thought that the footboards would be easier for you. You can't move the pegs on the Rocket but yo can on the Storm, certainly move them a bit closer but also swap them out for footboards. As to getting along with it, there are plenty of people of diminutive size who ride cruisers, it's just a matter of doing some research, which is exactly what you are doing! :-) I'll let you know of more information as and when I get it. Many thanks for watching and for the question! :-)

[@unap16]

Captain Rambunctious Good day Captain. Thank you for your prompt response. Truthfully, I had no intention of having a pair of floorboards since they reduce the lean angle on cruisers even further, albeit in exchange for comfort. I will be getting my first bike sometime around 2017 and as such accessibility and ease of use are two top priorities. I have been lusting after the Storm but it definitely won't be the first one. I do wonder if the cafe racer style bikes/bobbers would be more suitable for a beginner given their nimbleness and mass. With that in mind I would be grateful if you could inform me of your choices of bikes for beginner riders. Lastly, I chuckled hard at "diminutive"; it's bee a while since I felt like a garden gnome, haha!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Rising Cookie Ah, my wife who is 5' says that that is the polite way of putting it! :-) Having spoken to my Triumph dealer, they couldn't see why your size would stop you from riding any of their cruisers, although the Rocket would be a handful with a stretch for the handlebars when turning a long way... He mentioned that the Speedmaster would not only be the better start for the new rider, but also an excellent cruiser and also a good manageable size! ;-)

[@unap16]

Captain Rambunctious Thank you yet again, Capt. R. Your response encapsulates the scope of query perfectly. I have been looking into the Kawasaki Vulcan S as it fits my criteria well. And now, I shall include the Speedmaster as well. I have, however, read some unflattering reviews of Speedmaster, one claiming it to be somewhat underpowered for what it is. But, a more practical issue at hand, as aforementioned, is availability and serviceability of Triumph bikes in Newfoundland, Canada (at the moment). With regards to your wife's assertion, I do concur (but I still am picturing a gnome). Might I ask what is your height and inseam as well whether both of your feet are planted fully on ground at traffic stops? Lastly (off topic): Is there a requisite minimum height to qualify for commercial pilot's program in UK?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Rising Cookie To answer your last question first, I don't think that there is as long as you can reach the pedals as all seats are adjustable in all azimuths. I'd say that maybe 5' is a practical minimum although that is pure speculation. I am 6'1" with a 32" inseam and yes, my feet are easily planted flat at stops on the cruisers. Flat on the Thruxton but not quite on a Tiger (the higher adventure styles)... You'll probably just have to ask to ride a friend's cruiser in the area once you have passed your test to get a good feel for the bikes... I hope that his has helped...

[@NiallDempsey-z5c]

So would you have the thunder bird or the speed master?😊

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@NiallDempsey-z5c excellent question. The Speedmaster every time. Same feel in performance but a lot lighter and a lot better handling…. I wouldn’t say no to either of ocurse

[@NiallDempsey-z5c]

@@CaptainRambunctious I thought you might choose the speedmaster..I feel it's my choice aswell and thanks for the quick reply tally bally hoe!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

@@NiallDempsey-z5c no problem Niall! It’s just a much more modern design and better for it!

[@harleyman-fh2oi]

It looks really nice, I agree with the front, very fat boy ish , I presume aftermarket pipes would be available as I would like to hear it a bit more.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

harleyman5521 Oh yes. They are definitely available! :-)

[@WEGGYZZR]

After riding the Rocket and this, which one did you prefer overall if you were purchasing now?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

WEGGY zx12r I'd get this with pegs. But if it were any of the cruisers, it would be the Thunderbird Storm. Bit more power than this and a nicer seating position for me... I think that the Rocket is just a bit too heavy for what I want as I will still want to ride twisties with my friends, and I'd feel more comfortable on a Thunderbird than the Rocket doing that...

[@cowboy_bob7474]

How do you like those teardrop-shaped mirrors? Do they provide sufficient rearward view?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Cowboy Bob I love them. Bigger than the small bar end mirrors I had on my Street Triple. I like the black tear drop ones and they are what I would get if I bought a Thunderbird Storm. I prefer the look to the oval ones as well, but this is purely a subjective and personal reason! :-)

[@cowboy_bob7474]

Captain Rambunctious Awesome. I love the look of them too. My local shop hasn't had any bikes with them lately so I haven't been able to check them out myself. I too want black tear drops on a Thunderbird Storm.

[@richardblackwell4082]

Dude where did you get those gloves?? I want a pair

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Ah, they are Triumph gloves from a few years ago. Discontinued I'm afraid... You CAN find them on some sites, and then when you go to pay, they say out of stock... I've been looking for another pair myself, as mine are starting to crack a bit and look tired, but to no avail. Triumph have released some new Union Flag gloves but they are a different design with longer cuffs, so aren't quite the same... But there are some out there I'm sure... Thanks for watching and for the comment! :-)

[@GTsGarage]

Like you, not a fan of the large plate mount for the headlights.. makes the front look ugly.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

GTs Garage Makes it look heavy... I've seen a few Harley's with that. Is it an American trait that Triumph are trying to copy? It just makes it look too wide to me...

[@johnDukemaster]

Captain Rambunctious Many bikes back then, which in this case should be around the 50ies, had that kind of housing behind the headlight. The thought behind them could be in the production line it is "easier to polish metal plates than those ugly yokes" or what?

[@lincswhite]

Having owned a 14 plate LT i to say that there brilliant bikes to ride, although riding with a pillion at walking speed can be a bit hairy. The best bit in my opinion is.......its not a bloody Harley! Rs

[@CaptainRambunctious]

lincs Excellent point! Although I may have lambasted the Harley that I rode, I still enjoyed the experience though... :-)

[@eagles107]

So, what is your idea about this Commender. as a first one, til i'd say 20 years woud you recommended it ...?

[@pauloakes5718]

Remember this video

[@georgeerhard1949]

I suppose a good upgrade for my Storm would be... a Commander seat!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Yes it would, but I believe it won't fit. I bought my Storm when the commander had just come out with that excellent little lumbar support, but it wouldn't fit then so don't think anything has changed... What I did was put on the more luxurious NightStorm seat... that was a lot better... See if you can find on of those... Hope that this helps...

[@tms372]

Better check with your dealer first. I waned to install the Thunderbird LT seat but it did not fit.

[@LionTheHeart]

Wondering if the Commander seat would fit the speedmaster 865? Great videos!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I’m not sure but I don’t think so. It’s worth asking a dealer though…

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I’ll also check with some of the Facebook groups I’m in…

[@wombal177jim]

my goodness man !! very nice enjoyable ride out though I do prefer the storm iam looking at buying the night storm any thoughts would be appreciated thanks !

[@CaptainRambunctious]

My one reason why I'd buy the storm over the NightStorm is that those ceramic black coated pipes will be a bugger to keep clean and they don't do the shorter louder pipes in that finish. My thinking was to get the storm but put the black handlebars and mirrors from the NightStorm on it and get the shorty pipes or "Hogslayers"... That would be perfect in my eyes... Anyway, good luck and ride safely! Thanks for watching!

[@wombal177jim]

james foy I have a test ride booked for this Friday ! very much looking forward to it, I been thinking about shorty pipes on the night storm if they don't do them in the black then whats you options ? must see whats what on the test ride

[@CaptainRambunctious]

james foy I think that "British Customs" do slip ons in the ceramic black, so that might be an option... Check out a few websites; British Customs, Square deals, Norman Hyde etc...

[@googleuser2082]

PLEASE PLEASE do a review on the "Thruxton R" when it's released :)

[@chrisdroste3296]

I think I'm still hooked on the look of the storm waay over the Commander or even the plain jane Thunderbird. there's just not enough attitude imo. Felt like you HAD to cover up the very uninspired exhaust note from those stock pipes too. Still haven't ridden one yet though. local dealer's being a cock and saying they'll let me have a go "around their parking lot" -_-

[@CaptainRambunctious]

+Chris Droste Really? That's a bit tame! They should let you ride them properly!! Whereabouts is your local dealer? Most let you ride them, but with a £1000 excess... It's ok as long as you take it carefully like I do! ;-)

[@chrisdroste3296]

Haha, yeah, problem is it's Midwest United States and the only sales guy they got is probably leftover from when they sold cars. The worst thing I've had to do at the awesome Indian dealer in town is sign a ride test agreement(typical broke it ya bought it clause) and give proof of insurance, needless to say I keep coming back for sweet sweet metal and that awesome matte blue finish they have on a scrambler in there lol

[@Bigsmokeandthebandit]

1700cc crikey! I may have missed it but did you say how many cylinders?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Bigsmokeandthemonster It's a parallel twin. In fact, the largest production parallel twin in the world, although Harley make a bigger V Twin. The parallel twin has a balance shaft which really works to alleviate 'most' vibrations. You still get some around the 3,000 rpm mark, but you only notice it if you are looking for it! :-) Wonderful engines. I think the 6th gear is there purely for better fuel consumption on motorways though... It's not really needed, but at least it means slightly closer gear ratios overall meaning more oomph! :-)

[@johnDukemaster]

Captain Rambunctious And the largest production V-twin is a Kawasaki. 2000cc.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

John Mård Wow! My, what a bigun!

[@johnDukemaster]

Bigun? What's that? Something from India, perhaps? ;-)

[@michaelholmes3446]

i ride a Rocket 3 Touring , couldnt ride or live without my footboards

[@CaptainRambunctious]

A very very nice bike... But I do prefer pegs... (which is what probably precipitated your comment in the first place! :-) )

[@bouniagues24]

Love the video, would this bike be ok for me as I am 6ft 5 , cheers keep up the great work

[@CaptainRambunctious]

+Gary Cheesman Thanks Gary. I'd say yes, but your knees might feel quite high, especially with footboards. With pegs, you get a bit more legroom... Try both and see, but don't see why you'd have any issue...

[@bouniagues24]

That's interesting about the footboards which i prefer so may stick with pegs for now good advice will try both to see what's more comfortable especially on long rides...in your opinion which cruiser would suit someone like myself being tall would give the best ride and comfort I'm not a speed merchant more of a long haul I'll get there when i get there type of attitude...cheers and keep up the good work.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Gary Cheesman If you're not a speed merchant but are tall, then I'd suggest one of the thunderbirds. If you want to go long distance then the LT, as it has a screen. The Storm hurt my back over long distance as it didn't have a screen and I threw it about too much... If you want plenty of presence, then the Rocket III could be up your alley with a screen, but the fuel consumption is worse but it is the most amazing engine... a 2.3 inline triple! :-) But I digress... Yes, probably the LT, but with pegs? See how you get on...

[@bouniagues24]

+Captain Rambunctious Excellent advice which i will certainly take on board much appreciated...i will try out both to see which one i prefer...i have recently been watching your videos and was amazed where you are as some areas i recognized as i spent my teenage years in Hemel Hempstead certainly some lovely rides in and around Hertfordshire...anyways thanks for your advice and keep up the videos...stay safe .

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Gary Cheesman You're welcome! Yes, I live in Aylesbury at the moment, and use the Hemel Triumph chaps... :-) Glad you are enjoying. Good luck with your riding and decision!

[@dannykhoury85]

I still prefer my 2011 storm. 😁

[@CaptainRambunctious]

dannykhoury85 So would I! :-)

[@russcattell955i]

Like a big gal that loves to dance

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Russ Cattell Excellent analogy... I like the word analogy... ;-)

[@PeterScott32]

Great vid Captain.. The solid plate you mention on the front around the headlights is a copy of the Harley Fat Boy, though the T-Bird Commander has two headlights, bit like the Harley Fat Bob .. So it's that look Triumph are going for, well me thinks anyway :) Another cool vid for the commander is here >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5e8aquZe7WIns0 .. I like the bike (Commander), the look, the chrome, looks nice.. As you mentioned , not sure about the boards over pegs... But then again I'm old! The all black as in say a Storm , that look seems to be, well an abundance of , like it's just another black bike :( that is what I'm hearing down under Capt!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

+Peter Scott No problem! Thanks for the info! Very interesting! :-)

[@johnDukemaster]

Very american. It was launched simultaneously with the LT in America, so I guess there's no coincidence it looks like a Fat boy and the LT like a Road king. Not enough rock'n'roll, if you ask me. I just love my punkrock Speedy! The top of Thunderbird (2 cyl) family must be the Storm, no doubt. Tada!

[@CaptainRambunctious]

John Mård Agreed dear boy! :-) Thanks for watching John!

[@johnDukemaster]

Captain Rambunctious Oh please, it's my pleasure! :-) The best thing about testing other bikes, as far as I'm concerned, is that when I get back on my own bike, I know it is the best one! After 84 000km I know her so well, you see! ...but that Rocket could just do... ;-)

[@CaptainRambunctious]

John Mård Excellent point. I feel the same when I get back on 'Thrusty.' Even if he is totally different to all the cruisers that I've been on recently... :-)

[@johnDukemaster]

Yes, you have been spending alot of time on those "feet-forward" bikes! So many bikes, so little...garage, cash/credit, time etc...

[@CaptainRambunctious]

John Mård All of the above. Try NO garage!! ;-)

[@stormrider2924]

I definitely prefer the pegs to boards, My old man has the commander and find them cumbersome. He swears by them though, and I agree that seat is just pure bum love - stop it.

[@stormrider2924]

Storm Rider *I find them cumbersome*

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Storm Rider :-) Every man could do with a bit of bum love... on a bike of course... ;-) I agree with you. There's a laziness to it's handling. It isn't heavy, and it's better than the HD that I rode, so cumbersome is the perfect word. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! :-) Pip pip!

[@1jasonover]

What the heck? What just happened at 8:25?

[@CaptainRambunctious]

What do you mean?

[@kevinvoeks7422]

Can you say Bottle

[@CaptainRambunctious]

Bottle.;-)