Is Triumph the new Harley Davidson?

[rosie631]

Have noticed recently quite a few HD riders changing to Triumphs. Is this a backlash against the whole HOG thing? Has HOG made Harleys uncool?? :gob:

[YellowDog]

Triumph don't have the depth of range.

Victory are more of a contender.

[Headbanger]

Victory?

Hell no, Not enough point of difference, and if anything is turning away HD its how stylised the bikes are getting, and Victory have taken that to extreme lengths.

[Dave Lobster]

Have Harleys ever been cool??

(apart from with people that know nothing about motorbikes)

[Molly]

Interesting question.

Don't know if Triumph are the new HD. Wouldn't like to think so but bikes like the Thunderbird suggest that that's the market they're after. Had a close look at a TBird today by the way. I had thought it'd look better in the flesh but I still think it's a f'kin' dog.

Triumph have a good range and none of that 'in the wind' marketing bullshit. Wonder if HD will ever get past all that crap and just focus on the bikes? I hate all that mullet-headed crap.

[rosie631]

Wonder if HD will ever get past all that crap and just focus on the bikes? I hate all that mullet-headed crap.

Me too. Worst thing HD ever did was coming out with all the HOG bullshit - altho it did arguably save them from bankruptcy. Still love the bikes in spite of the shit tho.

[usa-vtwin]

The high cost of owning a newish Harley has to factor- 1st the bike - then the add ons! Many potential buyers of the brand cant warrant the expense.

[scumdog]

Harley are getting cheaper and cheaper.

And who want's to own a cheap bike???:whistle:

[rosie631]

Triumph aren't far behind in price tho. New speedmaster or America be about the same price as a sporty, give or take a grand. Rocket 3 and Thunderbird as expensive as a big block. And the triumph add ons seem to be at least as dear as the HD stuff.

[Big Dave]

Here we go. Guy with Suzuki 1400 asks if Harleys are cool. Sure.

HOG represents a diverse group of people with similar interests.
They are friendly if approached, well organised and ride legally. If it's not for you - don't do it - but they do not deserve any scorn. They do good work for charity too. Respect will be returned.

They are no different to RATS, Boulevard or Honda owners as a group of individuals - there is no 'typical' one. They have different taste in motorcycles and are usually doing OK to afford what they like.

Reason is Triumph are targeting Harley buyers with the design of their vehicles. And they are making excellent bikes.

[Headbanger]

Everyone deserves scorn....Its a universal need.

[RDjase]

Triumph have a good range and none of that 'in the wind' marketing bullshit. Wonder if HD will ever get past all that crap and just focus on the bikes? I hate all that mullet-headed crap.

I had bonnies and tridents in the late 80s and early90s, and everyone i rode with had british bikes(we had 5 or more T140D
triumph specials in HB) then the HD thing started . I never wanted one , i could do the wairoa rd on the T150 awesome, i tried on a Big Block something(never got used to all the letter for models, fxrgt custom blah blah blah)when me and a mate swaped bikes one day , and my mate didnt want to give my trident back lol. The thing that changed was the attitude of "ive got a Harley and your only on a triumph" I sold my trident and got a CB900F Bol,dor with yoshi bits and a noisey 4 into 1. They didnt like that. I see the guys that used to ride with and only 2 out of 15 odd have still got bikes, I think thay were more into the scene than the bikes

[Big Dave]

Everyone deserves scorn....Its a universal need.

That's porn, dopey.

[RDjase]

I do like the new XR1200x sporty. rather have on of them than a Buell, always liked the shovel sportys too

[Molly]

And the triumph add ons seem to be at least as dear as the HD stuff.

Y'not kidding. Quoted $350 for some Triumph America handlebars!

As for the whole HoG thing? With two notable exceptions I found the ChCh HoG to be the most unfriendly, unapproachable, clicky bunch. When my missus dropped her Sportster at Hororata half a dozen of them just stood and watched. Bollocks to them.

[rosie631]

I had bonnies and tridents in the late 80s and early90s, and everyone i rode with had british bikes(we had 5 or more T140D
triumph specials in HB) then the HD thing started . I never wanted one , i could do the wairoa rd on the T150 awesome, i tried on a Big Block something(never got used to all the letter for models, fxrgt custom blah blah blah)when me and a mate swaped bikes one day , and my mate didnt want to give my trident back lol. The thing that changed was the attitude of "ive got a Harley and your only on a triumph" I sold my trident and got a CB900F Bol,dor with yoshi bits and a noisey 4 into 1. They didnt like that. I see the guys that used to ride with and only 2 out of 15 odd have still got bikes, I think thay were more into the scene than the bikes

I think the old trumpys were always considered cool even amongst the HD riders.
All the guys I used to ride with in the 80s are still riding and still on HDs. One has recently bought a Rocket 3 tho.
If I ever changed from HD it would be to a Bonnie. Still enjoying the big block but once I start to find it too big and heavy I will be getting a T100.

[RDjase]

I think the old trumpys were always considered cool even amongst the HD riders.
All the guys I used to ride with in the 80s are still riding and still on HDs. One has recently bought a Rocket 3 tho.
If I ever changed from HD it would be to a Bonnie. Still enjoying the big block but once I start to find it too big and heavy I will be getting a T100.

Id love to get another T150, That lovely triple sound , the new triples sound good but not as sweet as a pushrod triple,

And i had a mullet in the day too lol, i think it was compulsary:woohoo:

[usa-vtwin]

Triumphs are little sluts...they play with the Jappa set and they play with the American set! :whistle:

[rosie631]

Triumphs are little sluts...they play with the Jappa set and they play with the American set! :whistle:

LOL Maybe that's part of their appeal

[RDjase]

Triumphs are little sluts...they play with the Jappa set and they play with the American set! :whistle:


whats wrong with the jappa set? i have had all sorts of bikes and im not to worried about were there from. All bike makers have made good and bad bikes

[rosie631]

Y'not kidding. Quoted $350 for some Triumph America handlebars!

As for the whole HoG thing? With two notable exceptions I found the ChCh HoG to be the most unfriendly, unapproachable, clicky bunch. When my missus dropped her Sportster at Hororata half a dozen of them just stood and watched. Bollocks to them.

I agree with you there. Don't find them friendly at all. Most other bike groups are however.

$350 for bars - far out. When I was looking at the new bonnie the add on performance pipes were about 3grand. Stuff that.

[usa-vtwin]

whats wrong with the jappa set? i have had all sorts of bikes and im not to worried about were there from. All bike makers have made good and bad bikes

Didnt say anything was wrong. It was an observation that a Triumph tagging along with a group of Jap bikes fits right in...where as a Fat Boy would be the odd man out.

[oldrider]

Have noticed recently quite a few HD riders changing to Triumphs. Is this a backlash against the whole HOG thing? Has HOG made Harleys uncool?? :gob:

Well, they weren't uncool here this weekend, there were HOG members every which way! (Combined SI chapter gathering?)

[RDjase]

Didnt say anything was wrong. It was an observation that a Triumph tagging along with a group of Jap bikes fits right in...where as a Fat Boy would be the odd man out.

I ride with all sorts of differnt bikes now, there can be HDs and jap sports bikes and my old road LC (when its not pilaged of parts for the race bike) Its all good , good rides and a freindly bunch

I can see what you mean tho, diferent style of bike . But can a Vulcan or boulavard ride with HDs and not be out of place?

[scumdog]

But can a Vulcan or boulavard ride with HDs and not be out of place?

Sure they can - and have done so on rides I've been on.

[FJRider]

Maybe the problems with Harleys image, is caused by their sales success. In my early rally going days, Harleys were few and far between.

Now ... they're everywhere ..... no big deal to own one anymore.

[Headbanger]

Now ... they're everywhere ..... no big deal to own one anymore.

Not so, Go for a ride on one and people take notice,everywhere you go, Go the same route on a non-HD and you don't raise a ripple.

Its a massive ego fuck for those that get off on that bullshit.

Mostly it annoys me, But apparently I'm a grumpy fucker and just about everything annoys me. (especially people who wait till I get my helmet off at the servo and then pounce so we can have a bit of a convo about my bike)


Hating the public since ages ago.

[rosie631]

I can see what you mean tho, diferent style of bike . But can a Vulcan or boulavard ride with HDs and not be out of place?

Sure can. Was out on a ride today with both those, plus couple of victories, another Harley, two Kwakas and even a Honda goldwing lol. No trumpys tho.

[oldrider]

Triumphs are little sluts...they play with the Jappa set and they play with the American set! :whistle:

Yeah, aren't they just beautiful the way they toss themselves about! :love: :banana:

[usa-vtwin]

[QUOTE=Headbanger;1129404256]

(especially people who wait till I get my helmet off at the servo and then pounce so we can have a bit of a convo about my bike)

I got pounced on today at both stops...and I leave my helmet on at the servo! Thats another thread.

[rosie631]

(especially people who wait till I get my helmet off at the servo and then pounce so we can have a bit of a convo about my bike)


Hating the public since ages ago.


I get pounced on a lot. But it doesn't worry me lol. Always happy to talk shit about bikes.

[FJRider]

Not so, Go for a ride on one and people take notice,everywhere you go, Go the same route on a non-HD and you don't raise a ripple.

Its a massive ego fuck for those that get off on that bullshit.



The legends continue to be told ... it helps being noticed if you've taken the baffle's out of the exausts.

Is it about image ... ??? tarnished, or not being tarnished enough ???

Nobody notices my little yammy ... which is fine by me.

[Kickaha]

Y'not kidding. Quoted $350 for some Triumph America handlebars!

I know someone who was quoted double that for bars for his Fatboy

[aahsv]

I like the diversity of brands and bikes and their followers - your bike and its brand says something about you :scooter:

[rosie631]

I know someone who was quoted double that for bars for his Fatboy

You're joking. He needs to check out the after market stuff.

[rosie631]

Mind you, having said that, I know the burleigh bars are about a grand. Bloody nice bars but no way I'd pay that.

[Headbanger]

The legends continue to be told ... it helps being noticed if you've taken the baffle's out of the exausts.

Is it about image ... ??? tarnished, or not being tarnished enough ???

Nobody notices my little yammy ... which is fine by me.

People love Harley's, That is all.(And the likes of HOG play on this in a massive way with their dress-ups)

Someone can ride something else past at double the volume and still not get the attention that a Harley brings.

[Winston001]

Me too. Worst thing HD ever did was coming out with all the HOG bullshit.......

Harley Davidson have to be the best motorcycle marketers on the planet. Their sales are proof. Yes, HD nearly disappeared as a marque and indeed Norton and Triumph did disappear.

Personally all the chrome and yadda-yadda HD marketing makes me physically sick but that doesn't matter. What does matter is they have sold the image - the sizzle - that riding a Harley is cool and the ultimate bike.

It works. Most people I know don't have any interest in motorcycles but ask if I have a Harley? Even my own kids had to be educated that a Ducati is far superior. :D

Another piece of proof - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Look at all the HD wannabe bikes produced by Suzuki and Yamaha in the past 20 years. Black cruisers with chrome motors. Nothing wrong with them of course but it has to be sales driven.

[Winston001]

Me too. Worst thing HD ever did was coming out with all the HOG bullshit.......

Harley Davidson have to be the best motorcycle marketers on the planet. Their sales are proof. Yes, HD nearly disappeared as a marque and indeed Norton and Triumph did disappear.

Personally all the chrome and yadda-yadda HD marketing makes me physically sick but that doesn't matter. What does matter is they have sold the image - the sizzle - that riding a Harley is cool and the ultimate bike.

It works. Most people I know don't have any interest in motorcycles but ask if I have a Harley? Even my own kids had to be educated that a Ducati is far superior. :D

Another piece of proof - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Look at all the HD wannabe bikes produced by Suzuki and Yamaha in the past 20 years. Black cruisers with chrome motors. Nothing wrong with them of course but it has to be sales driven.

[FJRider]

People love Harley's, That is all.(And the likes of HOG play on this in a massive way with their dress-ups)

I believe its about marketing ... how many brand (names) of any other product that people will tattoo on their chest/back/other body part to the same amount/scale as HD ???

[Headbanger]

I'm referring to the general public, Not people who actually own Harleys (and get Harley tatts) however I consider it to be the romantic notion of the bad arse biker and that freedom/in the wind bullshit that causes the interest in the bike (and which has been whored to the point of throwing up in your helmet by the H-D marketing division) Though you pretty much need to enter a dealership in NZ to taste the marketing as I don't believe its played on NZ media.

[AD345]

Strange thread.

Triumph have certainly got a broader range and the new Thunderbird surre looks like it's aimed directly at HD, but I wouldn't see most of the others as competing.

Now if you're talking image among a subset of the population - who knows?

[scumdog]

(especially people who wait till I get my helmet off at the servo and then pounce so we can have a bit of a convo about my bike)


Hating the public since ages ago.



You need a skull-mask.

NOBODY talks to you then.:pinch::gob:

Not even yer mates.:crazy:

[Sketchy Snr]

My opinon targeting H D with this T'Bird i dont think so. Now a replica of the old well that would be a different story.

[scumdog]

My opinon targeting H D with this T'Bird i dont think so. Now a replica of the old well that would be a different story.

Yep, that radiator just shags the appearance eh!:wacko:

[Sketchy Snr]

Yep, that radiator just shags the appearance eh!:wacko:

The radiator, the front end ( stolen HD ), the rear end, the exhausts, what were they thinking?? The new HD i dont think so. The only thing this bike will do is maybe shuffle a few Triumph owners around.

[AllanB]

Triumphs are little sluts...they play with the Jappa set and they play with the American set! :whistle:

Yeah everyone wants to ride the slut, but who wants to take her home?


The new Harley?

I don't think so - I think what may be happening is that people are being less tunnel visioned - I have know of guys who wanted to get back into riding - all they talked about was a Harley - never ridden one and last rode a XR350 or something 25 years ago.

Now days I think people who want a Harley are also trying others - Triumph is getting a fair bit of the returning "I want a HD" crowd on the merits of their bikes. Ride a sporty and a T100.

Plus the Triumph name has enough bad-boy history to still impress your old lady ;)

[Storm]

Yep, that radiator just shags the appearance eh!:wacko:

Come on now, the reason no one talks to you is because of another sterotype- your day job.

Dont take it personal. I dont care what they say- I reckon you're..........all right



EDIT: Damnnit quoted the wrong post. This was meant to quote Scummy's comment on the skull mask. Take it easy, I've been away for nigh on 5 months

[ukusa]

The radiator, the front end ( stolen HD ), the rear end, the exhausts, what were they thinking?? The new HD i dont think so. The only thing this bike will do is maybe shuffle a few Triumph owners around.

rode the demo Thunderbird to Akaroa last week. As soon as I parked the bike an old guy came up & we got chatting. He said it looked like a Harley except for the tank.

[popelli]

I had bonnies and tridents in the late 80s and early90s, and everyone i rode with had british bikes(we had 5 or more T140D
triumph specials in HB) then the HD thing started . I never wanted one , i could do the wairoa rd on the T150 awesome, i tried on a Big Block something(never got used to all the letter for models, fxrgt custom blah blah blah)when me and a mate swaped bikes one day , and my mate didnt want to give my trident back lol. The thing that changed was the attitude of "ive got a Harley and your only on a triumph" I sold my trident and got a CB900F Bol,dor with yoshi bits and a noisey 4 into 1. They didnt like that. I see the guys that used to ride with and only 2 out of 15 odd have still got bikes, I think thay were more into the scene than the bikes

first decent trip I did was the SI in 86, 7 of us 2 harleys, 2 nortons and 3 triumphs

the 2 guys on harleys no longer ride, the 3 guys on triumphs now all have harleys, one guy on the norton has a harley and lost touch with the other guy

harley is the new triumph affordable and within everybodies reach

the 883 sportster replaced the bonnie in 1986 and harley have never looked back

[rosie631]

first decent trip I did was the SI in 86, 7 of us 2 harleys, 2 nortons and 3 triumphs

the 2 guys on harleys no longer ride, the 3 guys on triumphs now all have harleys, one guy on the norton has a harley and lost touch with the other guy

harley is the new triumph affordable and within everybodies reach

the 883 sportster replaced the bonnie in 1986 and harley have never looked back

Actually, yes that's a good point. A lot of us back then did ride bonnies cos didn't have a shit show in hell of owning a Harley. Funny, cos I can remember a couple of friends of mine (married) who bought a superglide each. We were all jealous as hell. I'm sure I remember them paying 26grand each or maybe that was for both. If it was each that's more than you pay now.
That would have been very early 80s. On the other hand I bought a 76 ironhead sporty in 89 and paid 7 grand.

[devo]

rode the demo Thunderbird to Akaroa last week. As soon as I parked the bike an old guy came up & we got chatting. He said it looked like a Harley except for the tank.

Shoulda lent him some glasses
I honestly cant see any resemblence between any trump and an hd.
The lack of a v twin is the first noticable difference.
I will admit tho, the tank console could be a bit of a copy, and is the first thing I would toss of my speedy if I could get another tank at a reasonable price, as I prefer the more traditional look.

[Bounce001]

Y'not kidding. Quoted $350 for some Triumph America handlebars!

As for the whole HoG thing? With two notable exceptions I found the ChCh HoG to be the most unfriendly, unapproachable, clicky bunch. When my missus dropped her Sportster at Hororata half a dozen of them just stood and watched. Bollocks to them.

Just remember HOG = Homos On Goats

[bru62]

i took a bonnie for a testa and have to admitt i was pretty disapointted been wanting a truimph for years still got the posters on the wall it was just small and im just under sixfoot but in saying that it turned like a demon i dont think truimphs are the new h-d, with wages being a bit higher and bikes being more affordable thats what gets you in the saddle and the newer machines being more reliable who gives a shit what you ride we all at differant stages of life and that dictates what your riding fuck it and ride

[ukusa]

i took a bonnie for a testa and have to admitt i was pretty disapointted been wanting a truimph for years still got the posters on the wall it was just small and im just under sixfoot but in saying that it turned like a demon i dont think truimphs are the new h-d, with wages being a bit higher and bikes being more affordable thats what gets you in the saddle and the newer machines being more reliable who gives a shit what you ride we all at differant stages of life and that dictates what your riding fuck it and ride

phew, glad you got that out, and without a pausing.

[Bonez]

I like what Triumph are doing with their twins. The thunderbird would make a great sidecar hack. The new Harley-a deffinate no. Triumph twin exhaust note- turnip turnip, turnip turnip..........

Also it does give the "anything but Jappanese" crowd another choice.

[Flip]

I don't think many harley riders will be trading in their bikes on a triumph thunderbird.

They are just too new, too soon, too much, too little. The one thing about HD riders is they are IMHO conservative.

I am happy to ride with any bike brand. Don't care what you ride as long as you are not a d1ck.

[Molly]

I am happy to ride with any bike brand. Don't care what you ride as long as you are not a d1ck.

Damn! Leaves me out then.... :-(

[3lemental]

Have Harleys ever been cool??

(apart from with people that know nothing about motorbikes)

+Rep for that :bleh:

[usa-vtwin]

+Rep for that :bleh:


-rep for that :spanking:

[bru62]

seen the new thunderbird looks awesome up close but each time i go past, have to say looks like a suzi savage wouldnt know its a triumph apart from the badge imho

[Badjelly]

I can remember when Harleys were the new Triumphs. Some time in the 70s, the bikies ditched their Bonnevilles with ape hangers and bought HDs.

[ukusa]

seen the new thunderbird looks awesome up close but each time i go past, have to say looks like a suzi savage wouldnt know its a triumph apart from the badge imho

nah, no chance

[Bonez]

nah, no chanceSame build quality perhaps? The Savage(Boulevard S40) has been in production a long long long long time so may have the edge.............

[scumdog]

Have Harleys ever been cool??

(apart from with people that know nothing about motorbikes)

To those that understand?
Yes.

If you have to ask (and you did!) you don't understand.

[kiwi cowboy]

Maybe the problems with Harleys image, is caused by their sales success. In my early rally going days, Harleys were few and far between.

Now ... they're everywhere ..... no big deal to own one anymore.

And yet you still ride a yammy:zzzz::buggerd::2thumbsup

[FJRider]

And yet you still ride a yammy:zzzz::buggerd::2thumbsup

Of course ... you are special when you ride Yamaha ...

If you dont believe me ... ask any Yamaha owner ...

[kiwi cowboy]

Of course ... you are special when you ride Yamaha ...

If you dont believe me ... ask any Yamaha owner ...

You mean THpeTHal:girlfight:

[FJRider]

You mean THpeTHal:girlfight:

How long have you had the lisp ??? :lol:

[kiwi cowboy]

How long have you had the lisp ??? :lol:

ITH funny i only get a LiTHp when talking about THpeTHal yammy owners:lol:

[doc]

To those that understand?
Yes.

If you have to ask (and you did!) you don't understand.

Isn't it

"If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand" :girlfight:

[FJRider]

ITH funny i only get a LiTHp when talking about THpeTHal yammy owners:lol:

So its a permanant thing now then ... ;)

[kiwi cowboy]

So its a permanant thing now then ... ;)

:argh:Pith off i juTH THay away from THpeTHal people

[FJRider]

:argh:Pith off i juTH THay away from THpeTHal people

ThpeTHal I may be ... but I talk to honda riders as if they were normal ... :dodge:

[kiwi cowboy]

ThpeTHal I may be ... but I talk to honda riders as if they were normal ... :dodge:

AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA you think were norm...... OH wait :argh::argh::beer:

[rosie631]

:Playnice:

10 char

[FJRider]

:Playnice:

10 char

Its ok ... we're friends .... :whistle:

[DMCD]

I hope not, I just brought a Triumph and one of the tick boxes in the Pro's column was "Not a HD".

I had the finance to buy a Night Rod or a M109R and both of them were considered among others, but in the end for many reasons I went with the Triumph and so far I couldn't be happier.

[peasea]

I hope not, I just brought a Triumph and one of the tick boxes in the Pro's column was "Not a HD".

I had the finance to buy a Night Rod or a M109R and both of them were considered among others, but in the end for many reasons I went with the Triumph and so far I couldn't be happier.

And that is where the buck stops.

If you're happy it's a case of FTW. Maybe you should invest in an FTW sticker or sew-on patch. I just bought a helmet sticker, it's first time in my life I've put a sticker on my helmet and it looks great.

[DMCD]

And that is where the buck stops.

If you're happy it's a case of FTW. Maybe you should invest in an FTW sticker or sew-on patch. I just bought a helmet sticker, it's first time in my life I've put a sticker on my helmet and it looks great.

Do you have any idea where one may purchase said sticker or sew-on patch, im sure my Nan can sew it on for me :-P

[peasea]

Do you have any idea where one may purchase said sticker or sew-on patch, im sure my Nan can sew it on for me :-P

The sticker I bought says "Dip me in honey and throw me to the lesbians" but I have also bought a good quality sew-on patch (to cover up an old company logo on a polar fleece I have) from a trader on TradeMe called Nizzy3, based in Wanganui.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/SearchResults.aspx?searchType=all&searchString=harley+patch&type=Search

I had great service and she appears to have a truckload of patches and stickers if that's your thing. If she hasn't got an FTW patch I'm sure she could locate one for you.

[NOWOOL]

Y'not kidding. Quoted $350 for some Triumph America handlebars!

As for the whole HoG thing? With two notable exceptions I found the ChCh HoG to be the most unfriendly, unapproachable, clicky bunch. When my missus dropped her Sportster at Hororata half a dozen of them just stood and watched. Bollocks to them.

Outside of Wellington and Christchurch you'll find cyclists that aren't liberal and still treat a lady as a lady and a gent as a gent. pity you live in a liberal garden city. If she was a lez then they woulda helped her.

[Toaster]

I hope not, I just brought a Triumph and one of the tick boxes in the Pro's column was "Not a HD".

I had the finance to buy a Night Rod or a M109R and both of them were considered among others, but in the end for many reasons I went with the Triumph and so far I couldn't be happier.

Good on you. All three and good bikes to ride in their own way. The one that puts the biggest smile on your face is the right one.

[scumdog]

Have Harleys ever been cool??

(apart from with people that know nothing about motorbikes)

If you have to ask you'll never understand...:cool:


(may have already posted that on this thread but can't be naffed going through this creaky ancient thread to see)