What do you really want Triumph to do to improve their involvement with RAT

[DavePreston]

I like your idea, and had a similar plan in the report I sent them. I have been told that what is communicated to TA goes on to England, but since TA does not communicate back very well, it is hard to tell what, if anything, has happened.

[speedtriple13]

Originally Posted by DavePreston

When I get a large packet of 2007 RAT patches dumped on my desk, with no advice or directions or instructions - in OCTOBER - that is not how things get done.

You got 2007 RAT Patches?

[denny]

Originally Posted by speedtriple13

You got 2007 RAT Patches?

They were sent directly to the dealers.

[F4sSprintST]

Mirror Harley. Jeep. Ducati.


Folks want to be part of something. The groups I mention offer that.

[triumph_955_st]

What to do.... First of all Triumph needs to replace Matt. They pretty much threw everything in Tia's lap. Tia already had responsibilities to do. Then this.. I believe she is probably overwhelmed with work.

After we have a dedicated National RAT Director, set up a few Raids across the country at the same location and date year after year. For the east coast we have the Smokey Mountain Raid. Which should be called "The Dragon Raid" because that's what it really is. It is well located for most everyone on this side of the country to attend. Traditionally Triumph has done a great job at this event. Although it needs to moved to just a little later in the year. The weather is still a little dicey the end of April.

The local Packs are the heart and soul of RAT. I am Joe's RAT Pack leader and do as much as I can for the group. I am an enthusiast. My members are also. The old "It takes a village to raise a child" applies to the national Rat entity. It's group involvement. We can pool our resources and make this better than another organization out there. My door is open and I am willing help as best I can.

Rick

[parrycm]

For me - the attraction of RAT lies at the national level. I'm a member of NTNOA and since we are British and European bike enthusiasts, there's no shortage of Triumph guys to ride and socialise with.

So I really want Triumph to organise the big events - the Raids and the Rides - and organise them well. I have attended a RAT Raid every year for the last four years and I've thoroughly enjoyed every one. But they're pretty poorly publicised and comparatively poorly funded - in my opinion anyway. They've been good because Jim/Matt/Tia worked hard and above all - becuase of the folks attending.

Having said that, I recognise that the bulk of Raid attendees come from well-organised RAT packs - so success at the local level is fundamental to success at the national level.

Reading the previous posts about Matt being promoted away (what were they thinking ) and everything devolving onto Tia - makes me think there's a lack of interest at the corporate level. Why is that? Doesn't it make sense to keep Triumph owners interested and engaged in what is essentially a lifestyle choice? Don't they keep buying bikes? I'm about to buy my second Triumph and I hope it's not the last.

By the way - the RAT section on the Triumph website is bloody amateur night. When you try to search for RAT Events using the date range - the applet reports "error on page". Given the fact they don't organise enough events to merit a search facility, why not not just link to a bloody list - for God's sakes? And where is the content? Apart from a few pdf's of upcoming RAID's there's nothing! And right now, there aren't even pdf's!

Bottom line - to me RAT is important and is a factor in my continued involvement with Triumph.

[Shawn]

I think we can all agree that being involved in the official R.A.T. has been an experience in constant change.

My feedback has always been the same, if you have a local dealer that is fun to hang around with. Form a RAT pack with the dealer and have a good time.

If there isn't a dealer, or one that you enjoy being with, don't sweat it - form an alternative group and have an equally good time.

[Bluzboy66]

As vice-pres of our RAT Pack here in Baltimore Maryland, I get to see the inner workings of RAT and the surviving Packs. It's not always easy or pleasant. It's obvious that corporate Triumph has more or less left the packs in the hands of the 'people' and the individual dealerships. We haven't heard from a Triumph rep in a long time......no calls, no letters, no e-mails. Nothing. If you're lucky, as we Pete's Baltimore RAT Pack members are, your dealership will be very proactive, and do everything in their power to keep the Pack alive and thriving. Our dealership, Pete's Cycle Baltimore, is awesome. They offer discounts to RAT members, and they often help fund Pack events. Pete's has hosted Pack rides, charity benefits and even our first Triumph motorcycle show this spring. Pete's has done a lot to showcase Triumph motorcycles and their owners. IMO, without dealership involvement, I can't imagine RAT surviving here in the states.

Mike

[Voigtlanderr2]

I'm a recent buyer of a Bonnie Black - VERY happy with it so far - but when I heard about RAT I was thrilled - but to be honest - I'm hard pressed to see what the real benefits to a new member are - at least where I live
I copied this from the FAQ section on the Triumph company Website RAT section.

"Do R.A.T. members still receive the patch and pin sets?
Patch and Pins sets are no longer available.
Will R.A.T. members receive a membership card?
The membership cards will not be mailed out with the free memberships any longer. In the past, membership cards have secured a reduced event fee for the National R.A.T. Raids. R.A.T. raids are now the same price for all attendees. Therefore, membership cards have been discontinued."


so - so far the patches don't go to new members anymore and the cards are no longer issued.

I live in Central Arkansas and the nearest pack as far as I can tell is in Texas.

the RAT section on the website has almost nothing other than the registration page and for that I did at least receive the magazine - but is there a benefit I'm missing?

don't get me wrong I'm not down on Triumph or RAT - but it just seems it used to offer much more than it does now - i'd love just to get a patch - but that seems to be a thing of the past

just my two cents

[cafetbird]

Well, while they don't promise anything on the web site, thus far this year I have gotten a RAT patch and a RAT hat.

What is your local dealer doing with RAT? They may have a pack that is not publicised. I would check with them. We have a very active pack here, and it is great!

Triumph just recently hired a new RAT coordinator for the U.S. - things should get rolling again very soon in Newnan.