Triumphrat

Apdingfield

I must agree with the general attitude that the new cruiser is just typical Harley-shopper pandering, much like the Rocket III Touring.
Now, if I could have a wishlist bike it would be a new Trident based on the Bonnie frame with an air cooled triple and upgraded brakes and suspension.

CommandoRdster

Here's two (completely different) bikes Triumph could build that would get my attention:

One,start making the T-Bird triple again,but call it a TRIDENT,like they should have to begin with,and put a full boat Speed Triple engine in that baby,with suspension and brakes to suit.

Two,take a hot version of that new big twin,and drop it in a Speed Triple chassis.They could resurrect another name from the past;the Speed Twin.

I'd have a hard time making up my mind!

Cheers!
Bruce

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buz

I wonder if there is a touring or a roadster version on the drawing board ?

IrlMike

CommandoRdster

I'm kind of with you on both the bikes you propose. A more relaxed middleweight roadster might be a good entry to Triumph for new riders. (Or for my 80yo dad who'd probably buy a Tbird or Bonnie if it was smaller & lighter )

I think Triumph should take note that there's been nothing new for years for the retro-ish triple fans & if sales dropped off for the Tbirds they should note that they produced them for 8 or 9 years with virtually no updates at all.

How about a retro (-ish) triple 'standard', with, say, the 1050 motor retuned to max 100hp but at lower revs & with massive low/mid torque? Add belt drive to give low maintenance & a 'cafe' option model a little like the classic (& big seller) BMW R90S/R100S ? (I had an R100S & commuted 60miles/day on it - great bike!)

BTW, I had a 71' Commando roadster too - fantastic bike, if a little...well... unreliable

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Jamo

You're joking, right? THey do both have two wheels and a headlight. I'll give you that. They'll look nothing alike in person. Nothing at all. A vaguely similar shape and that's it.

A 250 Rebel? Come on. They won't ride or perform anything alike, either.

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propforward

I really think it's time for a speed twin. That 1600 engine needs to go into a bonneville style bike.

The cruiser I don't care about - that's just me. Lot's of people do, and that's fine too.

But I want that engine. I can't wait to see one in the showroom so that I can start sniffing round it and see what putting one in a Bonnie involves.

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dazco

Want proof that it will sell? Simple....go to the rocket sites. At least one (either r3ownert.net or .com...there are 2) started a thread about it and MOST responded they like it or will buy one. Yeah....it'll never sell...right. Stop thinking in terms of what YOU feel and use common sense. I never saw a bike that evoked as many "god that thing is ugly" responses as the RIII, yet it's been in production 5 years and will no doubt keep going for some time. And those are the types that will buy it. It's very simple minded to just assume everyone thinks like you.There are also many positive responses at other forums because at this one it began negative and usually once a post flows in a certain direction most who disagree don't want to jump into the fire.

Triumph has yet to design a bike that has flopped. Know why? They understand what sells....you HAVE TO or designing bikes will break you ! I assure you they know the bike will sell, and again if you don't believe it visit the R3 forums. You guys with your whining about it's a POS, and i would never buy that junk, etc etc, are so one sided i can't imagine how you get along with others in your personal life. When you only consider your position on things and blow off what others think, it's gotta make relating to the human race a losing proposition at best. Dump the ego and consider the possibility that not everyone on earth thinks like you.

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Jamo

It is partly the simplicity of the design that sets it apart from the Harleys and such that it is being compared to. It doesn't have an excess of chrome or design element gear covers and other overly shiny but non-functional badges and thing-a-ma-babs that just complicate and add weight. I'll bet it has a modern frame. I hope so.

It's to-the-point. It looks light weight, fresh and inviting - though I think I'd've preferred a 2 into 1 - with an apparently modern engine - 100 hp! that's good - that can perform in terms of both torque AND horsepower, without excessive vibration and effort. Harleys are designed for maxium fuss, noise, vibration and potato-potato. Don't get me wrong, I like Harleys. I know Harleys. This isn't a Harley.


In short, it's what I've wanted, and very different from Harley or it's clones. Thunderbird is an odd choice moniker, I agree.

By the way, and only incidently, this is described as a whole new engine. I am interpreting that description to mean that it is not just two cylenders of the RIII engine.

That being what it is, it means that Triumph has - note I said 'has' and not 'have' which would have been gramatically incorrect - plans for further applications of this engine, probably in other cruiser bikes.

I hope Triumph can do what Victory has not been able to do very well, make some headroads into the cruiser market with a practicle cruiser for those of us who love the cruiser riding position but want a modern, efficient performing drivetrain and less weight.

And you all do know, I'm sure, that it was a Triumph that Brando rode in 'The Wild One'.

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SMcD

Again....... I'm not comparing the performance characteristics of a 250cc Harley clone with an 1600cc Harley clone. Neither am I interested in hearing about the metallurgical differences in the engine casing alloys. The styling is exactly the same on both the Rebel and the Triumph. It's like the same guy designed both bikes.

Harley's design dept. should get royalties from the legion of companies that have ripped off the aesthetics of the Superglide.

SMcD

Considering the narrow width, I can only imagine how tall this 1600cc engine is. I can't imagine it going into a Bonneville frame. The seat height would be 5ft. off the ground.