Thunderbirds built from 1949 to 1966 came with a 649 cc. engine, and were often ridden as touring bikes. Their comfort and steadiness made them a popular choice on the American highway.
Marlon Brando rode a 1950 6T Thunderbird in his classic movie The Wild One. Though now an iconic image, importers of the bike complained to the producers about connecting their product with disorderly gangs of riders.
The Thunderbird is also a modern classic. Cycle World, the world's most popular motorcycle magazine, named the bike "Cruiser of the Year" in 2009. Today's Thunderbird dwarfs the original with a 1600 cc. engine.
