The 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T from United Kingdom was powered by a 649cc OHV twin producing 34hp at 6000rpm. Weighing 180.0kg (397 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1940 Indian Four, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1265cc of IOE inline-4 power, delivering 40hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 255.0kg (562 lbs) with a top speed of 145km/h (90 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1940s motorcycles, especially military-era models, hold strong collector interest with values reflecting their historical significance.
Specifications Comparison
| 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T | 1940 Indian Four | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 649 cc | 1265 cc |
| Power | 34 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 47.0 Nm | 72.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/h | 145 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 180.0 kg | 255.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 193.0 kg | 275.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.0 L | 15.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 3 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1940 Indian Four targets long-distance touring with passenger comfort. On paper, the 1940 Indian Four's 40hp trumps the 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T's 34hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1940 Indian Four for long-distance touring with passenger comfort. Parts availability is moderate for the 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T and very difficult for the 1940 Indian Four — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T
The 1949 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T is a 649cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Triumph's most memorable motorcycles of the 1940s.
Full 1949 Triumph Thunderbird 6T Profile →About the 1940 Indian Four
Indian released the 1940 Indian Four in 1940 with a 1265cc IOE inline-4 powerplant making 40hp — a definitive touring motorcycle.
Full 1940 Indian Four Profile →