Triumph TR65 Thunderbird
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| Manufacturer | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Production | 1981–1983 |
| Engine | 649 cc (39.6 cu in) OHV air-cooled twin |
| Power | 42 bhp (31 kW) at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 37 lb·ft (50 N·m) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, chain final drive |
| Weight | 395 lb (179 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 10.5 L (2.3 imp gal; 2.8 US gal) |
The Triumph TR65 Thunderbird is a motorcycle made by the Triumph worker's co-operative at the Meriden factory from 1981 to 1983. The TR65 was a reintroduction of the Triumph Thunderbird model name first used on the original 6T Thunderbird of 1949.
The TR65 was a 650 cc parallel twin with a short-stroke version of the 750 cc T140 Bonneville engine. This made the engine livelier with a better throttle response and with maximum torque produced at higher engine speeds. The TR65 also has a single 30 mm Amal carburettor and a mild cam.
Aimed at the economy market, it was cheaper to insure than the T140 and could return 54 mpg‑imp (5.2 L/100 km; 45 mpg‑US). Costs were reduced by having a single silencer, using points instead of electronic ignition and using a drum rear brake instead of the more expensive disc brake. Instead of a tachometer, the warning lights and ignition switch were housed in the right hand pod of the instrument binnacle. Cycle parts, including the Girling rear suspension units, were painted in satin black rather than being chromed or polished and the exhaust system was black chromed to match. Dunlop Gold Seal economy tyres were fitted instead of the more expensive Avon Roadrunners specified for the 750 roadster range. Triumph included newly introduced European components such as German ULO direction indicators and Italian Radaelli wheel rims and Paioli petrol taps. The original 'paper dart' Thunderbird logo designed by Edward Turner for the first Thunderbirds in 1949 was retained on the side panel badge as a reminder of the model's lineage.
Triumph described the TR65 in their publicity poster as Performance With Economy.
Although produced in a USA variant with a 2-gallon tank and high handlebars as compared to the 4 gallon tank, with low handlebars the UK and the rest of the world, no TR65 was ever exported to the United States because, as with the 750 cc TR7V Tiger, from mid-1978 on, the fitted Amal Mk 1 carburettor offended that country's Environmental Protection Agency's regulations. The TR65 was exported to Western Europe and to British Commonwealth countries including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, albeit in small numbers.
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