Triumph Thunderbird 1600 vs Triumph Rocket Iii Roadster
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Triumph Thunderbird 1600 vs Triumph Rocket Iii Roadster. 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 Iii Roadster: 167 hp @ 7,000 rpm hp, 291 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 200 km/h, 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 Iii Roadster
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
291 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
86 hp @ 4,850 rpm
167 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
146 Nm @ 2,750 rpm
221 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h
200 km/h
Weight
358 kg (wet/curb weight)
291 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L)
7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L, real-world estimate)
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 Iii Roadster
8.5/10
"The most ridiculous, addictive, impractical motorcycle money can buy used."
Pros
+Insane torque from idle
+Bulletproof triple engine
+Commanding road presence
Cons
−Brutal low-speed maneuverability
−Expensive dealer servicing
−Thirsty at 35-40mpg
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
