Triumph Thunderbird 1600 vs Triumph Rocket 3 Gt
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Triumph Thunderbird 1600 vs Triumph Rocket 3 Gt. Triumph Thunderbird 1600: 86 hp @ 4,850 rpm hp, 358 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Triumph Rocket 3 Gt: 167 hp @ 6,000 rpm hp, 317 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 200 km/h (est. — electronically limited; note: manufacturer does not publish official top speed), Motoryk rating 8.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Triumph Thunderbird 1600
Triumph Rocket 3 Gt
Horsepower (hp)
86 hp
167 hp
Torque (Nm)
146 Nm
221 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
200 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
358 kg
317 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
86 hp @ 4,850 rpm
167 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
146 Nm @ 2,750 rpm
221 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h
200 km/h (est. — electronically limited; note: manufacturer does not publish official top speed)
Weight
358 kg (wet/curb weight)
317 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L)
7.5–9.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Triumph Thunderbird 1600
7.5/10
"A credible Harley alternative that rewards buyers who do their homework."
Pros
+Massive low-rev torque
+Genuine British build quality
+Comfortable long-haul ergonomics
Cons
−Grabby wet clutch
−Notchy early gearboxes
−Valve service costs sting
Triumph Rocket 3 Gt
8.5/10
"The most engaging, characterful big cruiser money can currently buy used."
Pros
+Outrageous torque, effortless cruising
+Premium Triumph build quality
+Excellent wind protection GT
Cons
−Heavy, demanding at low speed
−Expensive specialist tires
−Dealer servicing costs high
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
