Triumph. What changes should they be developing?

Its not just Triumph!

I wanted a retro style bike, lightweight and reasonably powerful, ended up with my Bonnie which I love but it is not powerful enough, its seat is just a little low for me and its heavy. There is no alternative out there, what there is look terrible compared to the Bonnie.

No, what I really wanted was an updated ST with a lower seat, bars three inch further back, 20bhp more on the engine and 20kg less weight, oh yes and decent lights.

I waited for the Trophy to come out and wow what a looker, but if only it was lower and weighed 50kg less, I have to say that I would prefer an RT just because it is smaller, did I really say that, an RT. No matter how good the Trophy is it is just to heavy for me to handle in my slightly sloping drive where I have to turn 90 degrees to get in, thats no issue its getting the bike out that is the issue.

 

A 1000cc twin would be a good start in an uprated America and Speedmaster. Interestingly one dealer I spoke to is expecting a 1000cc engine in the not too distant future. I have no idea where he got his info from but he was "quietly confident" :wink:

Although I never particularly liked my Tiger 1050 I loved the engine so I rather like your idea of a triple retro machine although I'd suggest a cruiser style rather than a Thunderbird "update".

 

Many people will argue that Triumph are not building a litre superbike because those sort of bikes are not selling but that's not stopped the other manufacturers. BMW came from nowhere with their Super bike that produces nearly 200 BHP, look what Michael Dunlop did on that bike at this years TT. From that bike its been a reasonable easy move to produce a naked version S 1000 and there is an adventure touring version soon.

Without a 1000- 1200cc superbike Triumph do not have a high performance engine to use in other models and are quickly being left behind in the horsepower stakes. We know they can build a great sportsbike, the Daytona 675 is still a great bike and winning races. That bike has spawned the fantastic selling Street Triple and a Stroked out version of the same engine powers the Tiger 800.

I am surprised Triumph have stopped the development of their small capacity bikes, it would be a great way to get younger riders into the brand.

I hope new models are in development, I am proud to ride a British bike (although mine is probably made in Thailand!)

 

It's just my opinion but I think our love affair with big sports bikes are over. It seems to me that bikers are getting older and perhaps a little more sensible and the idea of owning a 160+bhp missile on our crowded and camera laden roads doesn't hold the attraction it used to. There's a bike cafe I know in Sussex where you'd be hard put to find someone under 50 these days. It also seems to me that bikes have become fashion accessories (not that they weren't before :wink. It wasn't that long ago you couldn't move for GSs and their BMW "safari" suited riders but now retro, naked and cruisers are filling up the car parks and Davida helmets fill the tables and that's something I expect will continue for a while as I can't see big sports bikes really making a comeback anytime soon.

Triumph are already the best selling big bikes in the UK and have a well balanced range of bikes which I why I don't expect anything radical from them apart from continued development of their existing ranges (like the LT and Commander versions of the TB). No doubt they will now announce a 2 litre sports bike with more technology than your average space shuttle.....

Although the idea of smaller capacity bikes to attract younger riders and get inroads to the far east has its merits I think the competition in the far east would be too great for Triumph unless they did a deal with one of the manufacturers out there. Which is not beyond the bounds of possibility I suppose.

 

I must admit to the fact that most of the Triumph models have passed me by. I'm into touring so have only looked at motorcycles suited to that purpose. Sports bikes, cruisers and retro bikes are not my cup of tea and I have no real interest in them. Brand loyalty is very important to me and I sincerely hope that Triumph maintain their high standards. My main wish would be for a tourer with better MPG and greater range.

 

I can see where you are coming from Steve. Development has to continue for even more success. Lack of development would eventually lead to stagnation and then slump in sales.
I have to admit to being very impressed with the Explorer XC and I am going to order one next year.

 

Blimey! Why? Because we can :wink: What I can see in something like this is maybe smaller engines running superchargers although I'm still not convinced there is anything but a tiny market for such bikes.

I suppose I've managed to keep up with a number of the models as I try to get a different bike each time mine goes in for service and as I've been managing 2-3 services a year plus new tyres + some warranty work that means a good few bikes over the past 4 years.

I can't say I've ridden a bad one yet. The one I enjoyed the most was the TB LT with the Street Triple a close second (you couldn't get two bikes further apart!). I've not ridden any of the tourers though but that's mainly because they never seem to have any used or demo models.

I see PJT is looking at the XC. A very nice bike which I was tempted by but after spending a day with one I had to admit it was too tall for me.

 

Did antbody else get the e mail survey about the Roadster range.Looks like there might be some exciting options coming.


Also some changes for the Speed(maybe) 140 bhp,soft luggage,comfort and luggage packages.
They wanted to know about the options I'd choose keyless ignition,bluetooth,carbon fibre etc

I hope they bring in some of these models.A half faired Street with hard luggage,above 750cc and 125bhp......yes please

 

I agree,I think the Speed will need to be about 160bhp to be competitive.Though how much bhp you actually need is still open to debate.
It'll need all the modes,traction control etc,but saying that Triumph has always said it won't play the numbers game and I for one hope they don't.I don't think they'll increase the Street capacity to much or it will compete with the Speed

For me a half faired road bike with hard luggage options would be ideal.And before anybody else mentions it I know there a bikes out there but nothing really floats my boat but if Triumph don't get a move on I might have to start looking elsewhere.

 

Old shape Speedmaster looks, with the upgraded 1200 engine, belt driven, monoshock, dual front discs single rear, with cast wheels not wire. 17 inch rear 19 inch front (modicum of more rake on the front than the new "Bonneville" Speedmaster will offer)

Should be available with choice of chrome or phosphated from the peg on key finishes for a defined list of components, rather than rely on buying extra pieces and having the expense of components you never wanted in the first place.

 

Just don’t skimp on the finish! Keep the build quality up!!

 

Based on my experience of the Thruxton they should not be thinking too much about new models, but concentrate on getting the current ones right. They could start by introducing QC to the Bonneville/Thruxton production line,
start using quality paint finishes, and spend less time and effort on peddling overpriced merchandise/accessories.