There is this statement that goes something like this. "Each of us scratches out a future, from the things that are our past..."
Surely Mr. Bloore the businessman had some unspoken emotions within his decision to purchase the rights to the Triumph marquee. And when I ride my 2004 Triumph, it still has that core feel of my old Triumphs in the day, though it is an all-new motorcycle. It is different, but still the same.
The word junk, as put to different eras of older Triumphs from Meriden, or BSA OIFs, and others, as when compared to the status of the latest new and better use of modern technology, is surely subjective to those eras. I don't think BSA set out to make OIF Triumphs bad machines. But surely the Metric Makers wanted to make the Triumphs their own, less expensively to the world. And there are those of us who would argue on Triumph pre-unit, or 1970 below models, versus '71 OIF and above, including the new Triumphs of today’s era. Which is the premo bike - the hardened '69 or the tweaked 1970...? Obviously it's the '69. And Triumphs trademark the Tripple - who of you would deny ever replacing the middle spark plug and carrying some along just in case? Liars.
But Mr. Bloor, whatever his emotions were too, in making a business decision to do Triumph again, without bottomless pockets, has to make business decisions, and make money, or there will be no motorcycles, nor service, parts, or accessories, or help to support the bikes, and it isn't free. What was, was. What is, is. And it is what it will be. I know I don't send Triumph donations for nothing "to keep up the good work." Despite potential legal liability entanglements from the old Triumph, to the new company, marketing without a tangible return, is a tough expensive thing to do. Especially when a Triumph already has a known name in motorcycles, even if people out there say when they see one, "I didn't know they still made motorcycles." But would it be great if Triumph was on top and number one, a household name for motorcycles, like Band Aid, or Kleeeenex, or Harrleey. People would say and think "Triumph" for the word "motorcycle," instead of "Harley." I wonder how Davidson feels? If this were the case, we'd probably all be mocking Triumph and wanting to ride a Harley... Very funny.
Paul has a deep core love for old Triumphs. [Even bent for foot rests (inside joke).] Paul loves the heart and sole of the old machine. The same beat that's still in the engine of the new era beast is in the new. But the new era, it is not the same beast, is it? Let alone the what EFI it's about to become, when it divides the old modern 21st century carb Bonnie bikes, from new EFIs - the new junk. But, "Go your own way..." There's a meaning in that a slogan I can live without.
But surely I say, yes my old '69 is a money pit. And it was a glorious machine in its day, and may I do it justice in its refurbing. But have you taken your new Bonnie the dealer lately, and looked at the bill for it afterwards? And where the ell is the kick-starter. But I'm glad to put one finger on that button, almost every time instead.
Glory and joy to Triumph!!! The old ones, the new ones, and the ones yet thought about!
Glory to Paul for his loyalty, and love of old Triumphs. Glory be to John Bloor, and my dealer, for having an 'o4 T100 that I could buy and live life to a more fullest.
Slap'em all in the face, and celebrate them all !