Triumphrat

Caffeinated · 04-04-2006

Why can't Triumph do what the new Norton, Buell and other companies have done and offer a wider range of choice?

I just read the article in CW about the new Norton Commando. They will be offering several versions over the course of time, different price points with different features. Buell started out with a 900cc version of a sportbike then came out with a 1200. BMW offers several versions of the same basic bike. Most of the Harleys are the same bike with different size tires and different handelbars.

The Thruxton and Scrambler are variations of the Bonneville. But they could go further. What I'm asking is why doesn't the Bonneville or Thruxton come in larger engine sizes? Or have a version with upgraded suspension and brakes for those who want to spend the money? I realize the aftermarket is there, but it seems like good business to offer your customers choice.

A 1200cc Thruxton with fully adjustable suspension, magnesium wheels, dual disks and brembos would be easier and cheaper to finance than to build yourself. Might not be as much fun, but I'd rather ride than wrench. (I wrench for a living.)

Steve

THX1138 · 04-04-2006

I have wondered that my self. You bring up a very good point. It may be a matter of numbers.

What are the sales numbers on the Bonneville style bikes compared to the more 'mainstream' bikes. I am not trying to offend anyone, this is just my thoughts.

GrandPaulZ · 04-04-2006

Triumph also offers the America and Speedmaster; thats FIVE models with the same base. Not too shabby.

The aftermarket for the Bonnie is one of the best served markets in modern biking (other than HD). You can upgrade your bike much cheaper than if the factory offered the same stuff as options/accessories.

As for what Norton offers, so far it's NOTHING. Let's wait and see what actually makes it to dealer's showroom floors, and WHEN!!!

I WILL HAVE A NEW NORTON! ...eventually...

[ This message was edited by: GrandPaulZ on 2006-04-04 16:27 ]

curefan · 04-04-2006

Rocket 3, Rocket 3 Classic, Daytona 675, Daytona 955i, Bonneville, T100, Scrambler, Thruxton Sprint ST, Tiger, America, Speedmaster, Speed Triple.

I think that if you look more closely, you will find that neither Buell nor Norton offer near the variety that Triumph does.

My guess as to why they don't build a 1,200 Thruxton with fully adjustable suspension, magnesium wheels, dual disks and brembos is because they don't think very many people would be willing to spend the amount of money it would take to produce it. Of course, that's just a guess. I'd rather keep the Thruxton semi-close to stock and spend the money on a Daytona 675.

Caffeinated · 04-04-2006

There is obviously a market for the upgraded Thruxton I mentioned. They are selling plenty of Ducati retros and seem to have plenty of deposits on the new $20,000 Norton.

I'm very happy with the Thrux the way it is, I think it's a terrific value. Lot's of bike for the money. I'm just curious why Triumph doesn't jump into that market demo. I think they are leaving money on the table, which Norton and Ducati are happy to pick up.

Steve

lightning · 04-04-2006

Well I would say at the price of a thrux plus about $3K to $4K of Mods done to it. You would probably be right up with the ducati and the norton. You also might save some money, but the most important part... It would be something uniquely yours by the time your done with it.

but then again I don't think I would mind a Thruxton SS either

GrandPaulZ · 04-04-2006

I just wish people would stop comparing Triumph's excellent bikes to non-existant Nortons.

As much as I hope the day comes when I get mine, THEY DON'T EXIST, you cannot compare them.

joeswamp · 04-04-2006

I'm all for a Thruxton SS! But I also think Mr. Bloor did the right thing businesswise by erring on the side of frugality. By making the Bonneville/Thruxton a cheap blank canvas for customization, he lowers the risk to himself by minimizing his outlay, and he also maximizes the number of buyers -- how many folks veto a Thrux/Bonnie purchase because the stock parts are too cheap? The people complaining (myself included) are all owners who have already forked over the cash.

On the contrary, how many potential buyers would Bloor scare off if the bike cost $14k? The hard core enthusiasts would still buy, but I'm guessing several people would not.

The other thing I wonder about when this topic comes up is how much performance would be enough. Recognize that you could double the price of a Thruxton with a hot engine, Ohlins shocks and Marchesini wheels and you'd still be light years away from the performance of a Daytona 675. Since the point of the Thruxton is not raw performance, increasing its price with this goal in mind starts to seem a little silly when you consider the big picture.

Tarmac · 04-04-2006

You know, sometimes people say stupid stuff, and I just over look it. But this time I gotta call you out...

Norton HASN'T DELIVERED A SINGLE FREAKING BIKE!!! They have zero options, becuse they don't deliver bikes, they just accept downpayments.

PS: Why would you want a 1200cc Triumph? Now a 500cc single....

Caffeinated · 04-05-2006

Some of you are getting bent over nothing. First, the Norton was ONE example, among others, of a business idea that I was using to illustrate a point. I don't care if they've delivered nothing. It's the business practice I'm referring to. Which is to offer a high-end version AND a lower priced version of a bike.
Which is my second point. I didn't say the Thrux should have cost more with high end components. I suggested that Triumph could make more money by ALSO making a high-end version of the Thrux for those who can afford it and/or don't want to go to the trouble of doing it themselves. I didn't say I am one of those people.

You know, I was just making conversation. Which is what I thought this was all about.

Steve