The 2009 "Thunderbird" revives the name after a five-year hiatus, from several prior "Thunderbird" Triumphs: a previous three-cylinder 885 cc bike, as well as a prior single carburettor version of the 650cc twin Bonneville, produced in the mid-1960s for police work.

[3][4] The DOHC eight-valve parallel-twin engine has two balance shafts and a 270° crank, which imitates the sound and feel of a V-twin.

[3] The engine has two spark plugs per cylinder, which gives better combustion, resulting in lower fuel consumption, cleaner exhaust emissions, and more power.

[6] In 2011, the Thunderbird Storm variant model was released featuring the previously optional 1,699 cc (103.7 cu in) engine fitted as standard, twin headlamps and with a number of black, rather than chrome parts[7] A road test of the Thunderbird by Motorcycle News in May 2009,[8] found that the motorcycle performed well, and handling and braking were significantly superior to comparable American or Japanese cruiser models.

In 2009 and 2010, US motorcycle magazine Cycle World awarded the Thunderbird "Best Cruiser" in its annual "Ten Best Bikes" feature.