Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and at the moment, I don't have a Triumph. Been riding bikes for a long time and now that my biking is nearing an end I really fancy riding something like a speedmaster 1200. The thing that has put me off (apart from the cost), is that I have seen several reviews where even new bikes have been very troublesome and in a couple of instances, very expensive to put right. So where better to see what is really going than the Triumph Forums. Bye for now.
Hi Ian and welcome, Some people are quick to say when they've had a problem with a bike, major or minor. People are less quick to praise when the bike has been fault free. It depends on the person of course, but I've found all the 'modern' Triumphs I've owned (a 900 Thruxton, a '17 plate Street Triple RS and my current one, a '24 plate Street Triple RS, to have had no major issues. Many would also say in the past that Italian bikes were unreliable, again I've had no issues with mine and I've had plenty over the years. I wouldn't let a few bad reviews put you off.
If you can find your way to Saul's forum there's a chap on there goes by the handle BrownMouse. He's had one a while and done some distance on it, good and bad.
Hi Ian from North Wales I'm in agreement with the opinions that you only hear the horror stories never the good reviews as why take the time to compliment the bike when you are probably out riding the thing it's only when it's off the road that you get time to complain I very rarely buy into these bad comments on vehicles because there will always be a Monday morning or Friday afternoon problematic article out there same with anything especially in vehicles because of the expense to buy and maintain my only stipulation I make for instance with a car is that it must have a timing chain and not a belt to avoid unnecessary engine damage
Hi and welcome…. I had a speedmaster 1200 and didn’t have issues with the bike. A very comfortable and capable motorbike.
@Ian Skeldon Welcome to the family. Don't know the bike as never had one. But like people say you always hear peoples moans never good reports. There are some nice Triumphs out there now go test a few like the Bonnies and others.
Agree with all the above comments. For what it's worth I've had my Speed Twin 1200 for 2 years and 12,000 miles, ridden in all weather's. Its never had a single fault and after a quick wash looks like new; no corrosion, all fasteners still bright and shiny. Other than normal servicing I've changed the tyres and had a new chain fitted at 10,000 miles. So find one you like and buy it and enjoy the ride.
Hi and welcome. I have an 2009 America with a sidecar. Very reliable and would recomend. I do all my own maintenance (have since the early 70s) and regular maintenance (or lack of) plays a most important part in bike reliability. The cost of services in the workshop are getting prohibitive for a lot of riders so many may well cut corners if they are unable to do it themslves. I would say that look out for low mileage and good service record is key to getting a good reliable bike. Good luck
Wow, thank you for such a warm welcome and also the reassurance. One of the considerations is the fact that I could maintain the bike myself, just as I have done with previous older bikes. Despite frequent checking I have only had to re-shim valve clearances on one occasion and that was on a Kawasaki. Thanks again Ian
Hi Ian, Welcome from a fellow newbie. I echo what others have said - it's rare for most people to post positive experiences online and far more common for them to complain... The only other thing I'd say is that unless you're literally at death's door...your biking is NOT nearing the end! Simon
@johne Reading your quote and say it is so right. We are all to quick to moan when things go wrong but never any praise. I just got the Bonnie Scrambler 2015 model and love it. It is nimble and jots along nicely.