Triumph - or not? Advice please

[timorang]

OK, I am thinking about a Triumph. Either a Bonneville, Speedmaster, America - that kind of thing, i.e. the parallel twin cruiser or modern classic. I have not yet ridden one or closely inspected in the flesh but research is starting. Others here will undoubtedly have their experince and knowledge that i would like to call upon. Please don't tell me to ride and make up my mind I will do that. I won't be buying new. So please provide your thoughts and experience of these bikes. BTW I did get to ride a Street Triple 675 and was mightily impressed, it is that what got me thinking about Triumphs, but of the more laid back style. thx.

[Big Dave]

Very cool bikes, twins are quite bulletproof motors and they have sensible power outputs for the speed blitz.

Highly Customisable or fine stock and have a 'feel good' that goes with one of the richest histories of any name in motorcycling.

I prefer the std Bonnevilles ergonomically.

[avgas]

Get the cafe racer - lurvely

[idb]

I like the look of the Speedmaster myself.
Just needs more hp (OK, I know that's not what they're about but...grrrrrrrrrrr!).

[Big Dave]

I like the look of the Speedmaster myself.
Just needs more hp (OK, I know that's not what they're about but...grrrrrrrrrrr!).

Picking up a efi america test bike next week.

EFi is worth 7hp on the speedmaster and 270 degree crank jobs - plus you can give it 10hp with bolt on stuff.

[xwhatsit]

What's the crank now? Do we get to hear the lovely warble of a 180 degree crank again?

[Big Dave]

What's the crank now? Do we get to hear the lovely warble of a 180 degree crank again?

It's actually a 360 degree (both go up and down at the same time) T100 - Bonne - America - Thruxton or a 270 - Scrambler and Speedmaster.

[Rem]

I brought a speedmaster after many years of riding sports bikes, true it does lack hp but is really comfortable and I can easily ride all day without aches.
I get a thrill riding it and it suits my needs. worth a test ride.

[xwhatsit]

It's actually a 360 degree (both go up and down at the same time) T100 - Bonne - America - Thruxton or a 270 - Scrambler and Speedmaster.

What, and they both bang at the same time?

Shit, I gotta get me one of these. 850cc single! :D

[sinned]

What, and they both bang at the same time?

Shit, I gotta get me one of these. 850cc single! :D

Alternate bang - it is a 4 cycle motor.

[xwhatsit]

Alternate bang - it is a 4 cycle motor.

My apologies -- that's what I meant in the first place with the 180 degree crank. Awesome. Proper `British' sound, not this Jap 270 degree business.

[Dooly]

Triumph is all good!:Punk:

[timorang]

Triumph is all good!:Punk:

I do admire your fleet, and location. I had relations farming in the valley - Culwick. I am not sure if my Uncle is still there - John. Nice bike country that you live in.

[spookytooth]

i can only agree great machines and look like proper bikes too :)

[oldrider]

We changed to Triumph just over a year ago and really like our bike now it is farkled to suit our requirements.

Changing Brands presented us with unforeseen problems but these are gradually being overcome for the better.

Having a Tiger 955i is not the same as the models you are looking at but it does bring us closer to the Triumph family and we do notice the other models much more than before.

I personally have always had an attraction to the Triumph badge and if I could afford it I would have a couple of the parallel twins in my garage purely for my own pleasure!

The latest models are so retro and yet so modern, you just can't go wrong. (IMHO)

Purchase quickly and enjoy it before the wankers of the world fuck things up completely and prevent us from enjoying riding our bikes. :ride: Cheers John.

[motorbike.ventures]

BTW I did get to ride a Street Triple 675 and was mightily impressed, it is that what got me thinking about Triumphs, but of the more laid back style. thx.

Wow, I'm so jealous! I am thinking about getting a Street Triple, I got to sit at one at the bike expo in town, but was not lucky enough to ride it.. When I get serious (in maybe 2 years?) I will hopefully get to test drive one :)

[firefighter]

My old man has a really nice speedmaster, I love it and even though i'm into sports bikes I really want a nice cruiser like a speedmaster, so nice to ride and sounds cool too, I wasn't really into cruisers until he got that, now I have a really good appreciation for them, when i'm older i'm definately going to get something similar.

[chubby]

Firef

Get a cruiser... when your older!!!! Oh please, step closer to the lounger so i can hit you with my zimmer frame. Cheeky young buck :oi-grr:

:msn-wink:

[firefighter]

Firef

Get a cruiser... when your older!!!! Oh please, step closer to the lounger so i can hit you with my zimmer frame. Cheeky young buck :oi-grr:

:msn-wink:

hahaha, I didn't mean it like that at all, i'll just (hopefully) be more likely to be able to afford one as well as a sports bike when i'm older, if I had the money i'd have both right now, I just figure i'd do the sports bike thing whilst younger then when i'm old (30, hahaha just kidding) i'd get a nice cruiser, makes sense in my mind anyway.

[chubby]

and for the record and for what its worth .... I totally agree with you.

[timorang]

I just HAD to pop out from work so did a wee detour to AMPS to look at the range there. The Speedmaster and America are the direction I will pursue ie. the cruisers. I found out that the 08's have fuel injection (dressed up as carbs!), more power, and a larger tank (+ 2 or 3 litres). All good improvements over the previous year. They have a 06 Speedmaster there for sale, so tomorrow I will attempt an escape from the family and a test ride. If I like it then given the 08 improvements then I will have to save for a few more months to purchasing a new bike. I will post my impressions. Not sure about buying a new bike, never had one before and it would make my bike habit even more expensive as on average I replace 1 bike a year. Speedmaster or America - it'll be a style thing. Triumph T-shirts are better than HD - every day.

[idb]

Yep, their accessory range is very cool.

[Bonez]

If you ignor all the marketing, feel good bullshit, I'm sure you'd be quite happy with the purchase. Just find alternatives to the standard outlets for spares etc.

[AllanB]

I like the bonnie.

Sorry but I do not like the look of the America or Speedmaster - its a crappy effort at a cruiser for the USA market.

If they had called me up when designing a Triumph cruiser..........well HD style imitation hard-tail and bob the bugger. Sweet.

Man I need to win Lotto.................

[tri boy]

My apologies -- that's what I meant in the first place with the 180 degree crank. Awesome. Proper `British' sound, not this Jap 270 degree business.


:Oi: Scrambler's have 270.
(and it's Taiwanese, not Japanese)

[Bonez]

:Oi: Scrambler's have 270.
(and it's Taiwanese, not Japanese)Shhhhh the perception is they're blitish made.

[woodybee]

Triumph is all good!:Punk:Again we agree......I ride a triumph T100 matey and I find it quick enough for what I need.

However, I have riden a Street Striple today and it was awesomely quick and it scared the crap out of me, but the black model is both sexy lipsmakingly so in fact and gorgeous chrome shiny mufflers, and its looks kinda agressive in a pussy cat way.

So whatever you needs test ride the lot dude, and you wont be disappointed......

[Big Dave]

its a crappy effort at a cruiser


Crappy! Ridden one have ya?

Speedmaster is Very enjoyable to ride - and the America is the best selling bonne model in NZ.

[Big Dave]

Shhhhh the perception is they're blitish made.

The way it was explained to me is that Triumph have a component manufacturing plant in Thailand as well as sourcing components from japan, taiwan and europe.

The bikes are still made - and designed entirely in-house - at Hinckley.

[Bonez]

The way it was explained to me is that Triumph have a component manufacturing plant in Thailand as well as sourcing components from japan, taiwan and europe.

The bikes are still made - and designed entirely in-house - at Hinckley.

Thank you for biting Dave. My night is complete.

Off to bed, ready for a 8:30 skoot in the morning. I hope you have a good weekend.

[Big Dave]

Thank you for biting Dave. My night is complete.

Off to bed, ready for a 8:30 skoot in the morning. I hope you have a good weekend.


That's not biting. That's reporting.
It's a well discussed topic and I have interviewed some Triumph factory bods lately.

Biting draws blood.

[86GSXR]

I can vouch for Triumph, great bikes. I have one of the last of the 955i Daytona's and it suits me perfectly :yes: I've kept an eye on the other models and was lucky enough to get a loaner Bonnie for the night a few weeks back. I loved it. Really comfy, torquey and sounded great! Let me know if you want the details for a great Triumph mechanic :cool:

[shafty]

Guys, "each to their own" but what about a Kawa W650? Value plus? Check this out. Also - check out the Sellers other Listings! Lucky Guy! http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-149274080.htm

[AllanB]

Crappy! Ridden one have ya?

Speedmaster is Very enjoyable to ride - and the America is the best selling bonne model in NZ.


Yes I have sir, and they do indeed ride well - I'll define my statement better - to my eye the styling is 'crappy' :sick: They remind me of a 80's Jap 'custom' (what they were called before the cruiser tag).

And with bikes the 'look' is a factor, especially with the cruiser range/sector.

Each to their own, if you love the Speedmaster you'll probably think my ride looks like a transformer humping a pair of wheels. :shit:

But then I'd think you were wrong........

[Big Dave]

Yes I have sir, and they do indeed ride well - I'll define my statement better - to my eye the styling is 'crappy' :sick: They remind me of a 80's Jap 'custom' (what they were called before the cruiser tag).

And with bikes the 'look' is a factor, especially with the cruiser range/sector.

Each to their own, if you love the Speedmaster you'll probably think my ride looks like a transformer humping a pair of wheels. :shit:

But then I'd think you were wrong........

Always thought the Hornet was one of the most underrated bikes atchally. Always given them a good write up.

[AllanB]

Always thought the Hornet was one of the most underrated bikes atchally. Always given them a good write up.


One big man-hug coming your way now :clap:

[Big Dave]

One big man-hug coming your way now :clap:

Not a chance. :pinch:

JD and coke.

[Bonez]

That's not biting. That's reporting.
It's a well discussed topic and I have interviewed some Triumph factory bods lately.

Biting draws blood.
Looking fwd to the write up.

[laRIKin]

Well if the weather clears more I'm test riding a 2nd hand America because I can not ride the new Speedmaster unless I buy it.:crybaby:

I like my 03 Daytona 955i more and more.
But I want a layed back bike as well, when I want to ride slower in a group.
I like both America and in ways prefer the Speedmaster.

The only thing that puts me off is the size of the motor.
What were they thinking?
Sure it is a good motor and has enough power to do the job.
I just like bigger motors.:baby:

[YellowDog]

IMO - The Speedmaster is more of a semi cruiser. It has many classic/conventional style looks about it and is generally more acceptable all round. I haven't ridden one yet, but do like the look.

I won't be getting one for a while as I have finally decided an ABS Tiger, which is by far the easiest 1000cc plus bike on the road to ride in all conditions. At <200Kg, it is also one of the lightest <1000cc plus bikes and has excellent height/visibility. It was the manouverability that did it for me and being able to better tackle the Coromandel dirt roads was a big plus.

Happy hunting. It took me 14 months of research and test rides, which was lots of fun, but also pretty stressful. When you are buying a bike you can barely afford, you don't want to make the wrong decision.

[wofman]

a wise choice to get a triumph.but then i am working for a triumph dealer
make the choice of the modle on what you want the bike to do .
my street triple has some minor mods and puts out 100hp.great if you want a
nimble bike wiht loads of power.mods are easy as changeing the air intake,jets in the carbys and exhaust.the difference is very notacible
but take your time and ride them all .at least half hour so you know if your
ass fits the seat

[laRIKin]

my street triple has some minor mods and puts out 100hp.

When did this happen, when did you get the Triple?
Tell us more why when colour etc.:jerry:

[YellowDog]

When did this happen, when did you get the Triple?
Tell us more why when colour etc.:jerry:
As soon as he could get a staff discount!

[trumpy]

Done over 40,000ks in my Speed Four, still runs superbly. No mechanical repairs of any kind have been required (even after I crashed it:o) just normal servicing.
Just my experience for what its worth.

[trustme]

If ya get a chance chuck a leg over a Scrambler , they look cool & I think both BD & I can vouch thet they go better than they have any right to
Not a cruiser but it will cruise, no sports bike but you can still scratch on a tight road & you dont have to turn around when the gravel starts
Just got to watch out for all the old farts who want to reminisce
Even worse the old dears telling you about their courting days
A mechanic & racer/owner of Jap bikes said to me " Trumps are as reliable as anything else & better than most , the exception being the Bonnievelle motor, those things come , we check em & out they go, never seen inside one."
Bet there will now be a tale of woe from someone but they are bloody reliable

[Cary]

Na, go for a Tiger, does everything :niceone:

[s8306]

The way it was explained to me is that Triumph have a component manufacturing plant in Thailand as well as sourcing components from japan, taiwan and europe.

The bikes are still made - and designed entirely in-house - at Hinckley.

So would,nt they be assembled at Hinckley as opposed to being made.

[Big Dave]

So would,nt they be assembled at Hinckley as opposed to being made.

Probably - By the same token - who really cares? It's all gone global anyway.

A lot of harleys have Australian Wheels and chinese doohickeys.

The Triumph folks are proudest of the in-house design thing and the 'moderness' of their various factories.

[Bonez]

timorang here's an interesting site/blog about the later Hinkley kit-
http://www.hinckleytriumph.com/

[timorang]

timorang here's an interesting site/blog about the later Hinkley kit-
http://www.hinckleytriumph.com/

Bonez, thank you for that. I have not seen that site.

I did not get to ride the AMPS Speedmaster (they shut at 2 on Saturday), but popped into Holeshot for a look and they have a 08 Speedmaster demonstrator. So when this rain stops.......

[avgas]

timorang here's an interesting site/blog about the later Hinkley kit-
http://www.hinckleytriumph.com/
I found it majorly biased - Yes while triumph are not a mega player in the bike market they are by no means a minor.
Talk of buying a Triumph because its not mainstream is bollocks. MZ, Munch, Voxan and Victory are a few names of "non-mainstream" manufacturers i can think off right now.
This is all Triumph sales pitch about being "different" and "black sheep"....blah blah blah. Where the matter of the fact is they do not like going head on with the competition, and they have designed their bikes so they don't have too.
I'm not saying that its wrong, or that i dislike Triumph for it. I'm just saying i don't buy into that bullshit anymore - cos at the end of the day it translates to 20 pounds to import a fairing quick clip from the UK instead of $5 from China.
Rant over - Buy the thruxton like i said.

[Bonez]

Bonez, thank you for that. I have not seen that site.

I did not get to ride the AMPS Speedmaster (they shut at 2 on Saturday), but popped into Holeshot for a look and they have a 08 Speedmaster demonstrator. So when this rain stops.......Don't Speedmasters work in the rain?

[Edbear]

Don't Speedmasters work in the rain?

No, timorang doesn't work in the rain... he gets rusty...:whistle:

[klingon]

I borrowed a lovely blue Bonnie from Holeshot the other day and rode to Wellsford and back. Lovely! I could have kept going to Whangarei no problem - I didn't feel like I needed a break coz it was so comfy (unfortunately Holeshot expected me to give it back. :( Hmph!)

It has after-market pipes that make it sound very nice and it was a breeze to ride. I'll be test riding a lot more before I settle on one - but I won't be at all surprised if I come back to the Bonnie.

[martybabe]

Don't take this wrong,it's an honest question. I'm a pom and I lived just down the road from Hinckley and I admire the stuff mr Bloor is it? has done with resurrecting the Triumph name. I am however surprised at how popular Triumphs are over here in NZ. With the exception of a few models Triumphs are not main stream in england.There are a few sporty ones knocking about but you won't see an America or speedmaster in a month of Sundays.

I can't quote sales figures or anything but generally if you see one trumpy in a line of fifty at a bike meet,that'll be your lot. It's not uncommon to find half a dozen on a ride out round here.

As I said,genuine question why are trumps common and popular here, when in their country of origin they are quite often overlooked as serious contenders in any class.

Having said all that I think the new Tiger may do really well for them.

[woodybee]

Man I need to win Lotto.................[/QUOTE]Hell yeah me too mate, would buy a plot of land, build a huge garage then the house on top with a glass floor on top of the garage so that I can the following bikes and car I would purchase. Triumph Street Triple in Black, Ducattis GT1000, and my own current Tex the Triumph Bonneville, and Esther the Vespa Piaggio.

So I am a rocker and a mod!!:devil2:

The car would have to be the New E Type Jaguar, the Beecham, which is sex on wheels.:cool:

I would hunt down a gorgeous array of old Triumphs and ducattis and restore them to their former glory and more......the more bling the better.:niceone:

Anyway off to bed now, night all

Woodybee

[idb]

You took a while to find this thread Woody!

[avgas]

As I said,genuine question why are trumps common and popular here, when in their country of origin they are quite often overlooked as serious contenders in any class.

I heard the driving force is price and performance. However i suspect the made in UK thing only really sells outside the UK.
I noticed the later in China.
There were good quality chinese stuff there, but is seems everyone wanted something Euro. VW's, made and assembled in china are popular as are Audi's (also made in china), BMW (china made) as soon as a car (or anything) had a chinese name....it would fail in the market. It did not matter if it was better quality, it did not sell.

In the UK how many Rovers do you see in comparison to BMW's? How many Japanese cars to british?
Royal Enfeilds and the like are super popular in Japan.

[martybabe]

I heard the driving force is price and performance. However i suspect the made in UK thing only really sells outside the UK.
I noticed the later in China.
There were good quality chinese stuff there, but is seems everyone wanted something Euro. VW's, made and assembled in china are popular as are Audi's (also made in china), BMW (china made) as soon as a car (or anything) had a chinese name....it would fail in the market. It did not matter if it was better quality, it did not sell.

In the UK how many Rovers do you see in comparison to BMW's? How many Japanese cars to british?
Royal Enfeilds and the like are super popular in Japan.

Ahhh, the cloud lifts a little. Thanks mate

[Big Dave]

With the exception of a few models Triumphs are not main stream in england.There are a few sporty ones knocking about but you won't see an America or speedmaster in a month of Sundays.

I can't quote sales figures or anything but generally if you see one trumpy in a line of fifty at a bike meet,that'll be your lot. It's not uncommon to find half a dozen on a ride out round here.

As I said,genuine question why are trumps common and popular here, when in their country of origin they are quite often overlooked as serious contenders in any class.

I can't bring them to hand easily - but last time I looked the market share figures in the UK say otherwise. Doing real well. Bonne's and the 675 in particular.

Why here - NZ is the England of the Pacific is it not?

[martybabe]

I can't bring them to hand easily - but last time I looked the market share figures in the UK say otherwise. Doing real well. Bonne's and the 675 in particular.

Why here - NZ is the England of the Pacific is it not?


mmm as I said one or two models do well but I think there are a lot more modern trimuphs per biker head here than the uk,infact almost a semi cult status from what I've seen and read which surprises me.As for Trumpy cruisers,I don't ever recall seeing one apart from the odd rocket and I went riding with six of them here just a few weeks ago.

It matters not a jot to me,I was just struck by the amount of triumphs I've seen since I dissembarked,then again Britain is still mostly biased in favour of sports bikes,maybe that's part of it.I'd definitely have one but I can't think of a model that would be on my lusted after list. :niceone: