Triumphrat

07-20-2004

Am I the only one who feels that Triumph has a gap in the line-up with the demise of the Thunderbird? I'd love to see a new Thunderbird /Thunderbird Sport based on the current design 955cc triple. I previously owned a T-Bird, and ride a 2001 Bonneville now. Plans are to keep the Bonnie, but I sure do miss the triple's power. I like the 955 engine, but the Speed Triple, Tiger, Daytona and Sprint are a bit too far from the "standard" ergonomics and styling to suit the type of riding I do. So, Triumph, how about a new T-Bird with the 955 engine?

Joemc · 07-20-2004

No - you are not the only one who feels this way. I am sure you know I agree but I just had to take the opportunity to "vote" my conscience on the issue.
Although the new Tiger is very appealing, it does not turn me on like the "classic" style does. Technological refinements to the classic Thunderbird coupled with an aggressive marketing campaign would, I believe, be a homerun for The Triumph brand. Lets pray our voices are heard. Would love to have more voices here on this subject (older threads on the subject notwithstanding)
See you soon.
oon.

97TB · 07-20-2004

Personally, I would like to see a derivative of the 955i engine in the America/Speedmaster. If it could be geared like the S3 - or with even more low-end power - I think Triumph could hit a homerun. I believe there is a much bigger market for cruisers then there is for something like the Tbird.

Right now, Triumph charges $8500 for a 790cc cruiser. That's as much as Harley charges for its 1200 sporster. I know I would be more tempted to buy a Triumph cruiser if it had more displacement (Rocket3 notwithstanding).

[ This message was edited by: 97TB on 2004-07-20 12:16 ]

Chumpmaster2k1 · 07-20-2004

I would definately like to see the triple line come back. However, I don't think there is going to be much of chance of that happening...at least over here in the States. Cruisers are the BIG seller and I don't think Triumph can hope to stay alive with a standard bike AND a cruiser line-up...regardless of engine size on standards. Sure there are those of us who absolutely LOVE our bikes and think "if only other people would try them..", but the majority of people want forward controls, low saddle heights, loud (or louder) pipes and tons of ways to add "custom" accesories. I can't count how many threads I see on here asking where to get some accessories for one of the classics. Granted there are work-arounds on most, but you can't go to Dennis Kirk and look up accessories for Triumph and expect to find a whole lot.

I know that sounds all pretty negative and you're probably thinking...this guy likes the classic line up? Well, you'd be wrong about that...I LOVE the classic line up. That's why I bought my Legend. It's got this awesome retro look and I can't even count how many times someone asks me what year it is...only to be surprised that it's a 2001 and not something from the '60s or '70s. It's an eye catcher and has this incrediblely distinctive look and sound and on almost every ride I get a comment on it. My friend (who rides a BA) and I have a theory...we think that everyone who has ever ridden before, rode a Triumph at sometime. Again, can't even begin to count the number of times I've had people say "I used to have a Triumph back in [insert year], man, really loved that bike, wish I had never gotten rid of it."

But right now Triumph wants to increase sales and tap into the huge US motorcycle market and to do that, they're going the more traditional cruiser route. That's why the T-bird went away..to make room for the America, Speedmaster and Rocket III. They're bigger bikes and for better or worse, in the US, everything is BIG. Maybe if the Rocket III breaks new ground for Triumph and adds them to the list of Big 4 (or 5 if you count Harley :-D ), perhaps Triumph can start offering the old line back to us.

07-20-2004

>But right now Triumph wants to increase sales and tap into >the huge US motorcycle market and to do that, they're >going the more traditional cruiser route. That's why the T->bird went away..to make room for the America, >Speedmaster and Rocket III.

From a business viewpoint, it is indeed the correct decision. Cruisers make up about 60% of all road going bikes sold in the USA. Triumph's cancellation of their 1300cc superbike and reduced emphasis on making their 600 a class leader in that category tells me they know where to spend the development pounds -- almost said dollars! That said, they shouldn't forget that behind the cruisers, the Bonnie is their biggest seller.

jp99tbirdnm · 07-20-2004

I am all for a newer and bigger T-Bird, but what can
we do? I guess just wait. I believe the RIII will help
Triumph become a bigger player in the overall market.
So maybe after that happens, all us standard design
motorcycle lovers(T-Bird, TBS, Legend, and Adventurer)
will be rewarded with at least one Classic thats upgraded
in size.

All we can do is hope,
Jerry
Love those Classic Triples!

upNorth · 07-20-2004

I would gladly pay a premium price for a bike that looked like my 2000 Thunderbird and had fully adjustable suspension, twin front discs, and 100 horsepower or more. Judging from the posts in this thread, I am not alone. Oi - Triumph! More bike in a classic wrapper please!

Silk · 07-21-2004

Just wanted to add my name to those who would like to see the T-Bird return in its full metal jacket.

I might be a recent returner to the fold, but part of what grabbed me back with both claws was that: Oh so classic look that my 95T has.
So much so that I doubt I will be hunting for a replacement anytime soon, but unless they come up with something special, (or I suddenly come into some serious money

) I can't see me wanting to exchange mine for another. Don't get me wrong, I like Bonnies, (I always did), but in reality it doesn't quite have the kind of power 'I need' (even the T is close to not quite cutting it)

However, show me a 2006 T (or similar) that has returned to the classic style, with a little more bore, a little more low end grunt, higher rated suspension etc., and I will be breaking my back to slap on a deposit.

Yes, my choice in style IS because throughout my younger days, this was the type of bike I wanted, oh so badly, but couldn't realistically afford to buy and run. And now I am at the age when I can afford, and am mature enough (allegedly) to appreciate it.

There are a lot of us baby boomer's out there, and many of us are getting to the age when we 'can' look at returning with the bikes we always wanted. I met two couples at the weekend, both about our age, who were drooling over my T, and both were saying, that give it another year or two, (and the kids had gone) they were going back.

So there is a market out there to catch, but like one of my other pastimes, (fishing) it is a matter of putting on the right bait.

The only other positive thought is: if no new T's or the like do arrive, we know ours are built so well, with a little TLC they will probably see a good number of us out.

Classic03 · 07-21-2004

I bought mine for the same reasons--it was the bike I wanted but could never afford way back when. And I'd love to have more choices, variations, accessories, etc. for "retro-classic-standards." Here's hoping the Thruxton and RIII bets pay off so Triumph has capital to reinvest--and confidence that there's a market for more than just cruisers and sportbikes.

I wonder how we fans could make our voices heard on this in the halls of Hinckley? Ducatisti swing a lot of weight with their manufacturer--anybody know how they do it? Just swamp them with emails?