Triumph did not listen to the American consumer, their target base for the Thunderbird's. They redesigned the bike in 2014 with the LT and Commander line. However the bike's were de-tuned creating less horse power and torque than the standard 1700 and the Storm.
The Thunderbird riders were begging for full blown tourer with fairing and hard locking saddlebags. At a minimum they wanted something along the lines of the Roadking or Springfield. Instead Triumph rolled out the LT with the soft bags that collapsed and looked like crap in a few months. Add to that the engine clacking noise that is prevalent in the LT and Commander design, no marketing as usual and it was doomed to failure. The LT and Commander had a lot of potential, one of the most comfortable bikes you'll ever ride. Great handling as well.
Let's recall in 2010 and 2011 the Thunderbird was named bike of the year. Seven years later it was discontinued. If we were playing darts and Triumph was throwing they would catch just the edge of the board.
