Triumphrat

MCN · 01-23-2008, 01:20 PM

In this weeks MCN we have exclusive spy shots of Triumph's 1700cc parallel-twin, designed to take on Harley Davidson at its own game. The motorcycle was spotted in Wales, in almost complete form, just missing a few Triumph Badges. Originally thought to be a...

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Brooksie · 01-23-2008, 08:29 PM

I'm hopeful that this type of bike will establish Triumph better here in the States. It is good to see this product being developed, along with the Euro influenced Street Triple, Tiger and Speed Triple. It shows a fair balance to go after a huge (50%) share of the US market. Now, how about that 150rwhp. Daytona?

monkeyboy · 01-23-2008, 08:40 PM

Obviously it's a test mule, but I don't see anything to differentiate it from bikes already in the market. Just because it's a parallel twin with a Triumph badge isn't going to sell a lot of cruisers. Lots of other companies have found that it's real hard to beat Harley at it's own game.

Hopefully it will look a lot better when released. Right now it looks like a Dyna with the rear cylinder pushed forward.

road dog · 01-23-2008, 10:04 PM

I feel kinda bad for the guys like dazco... they've been waiting for a long time. Even I feel a little bit of a let-down.

Lanont · 01-23-2008, 10:56 PM

Not sure how close to release the new twin is, in my mind I have always envisioned a big Speedmaster or America, personally Im goin for the RIII, (next month if the Cycles Gods shine upon me). Just took a second look, is that a radiator between the down tubes with some kinda cloth cover? Also, I hope that engine is in the rough, real rough, cause it is real squarea and kinda reminds me of the profile of the old honda twins

B02S4 · 01-23-2008, 10:57 PM

I'm looking forward to a test ride!

Derby Boy · 01-23-2008, 11:23 PM

I am not really crazy about the look. Too much of a mix of Brit road bike and Cruiser style. It's kinda like a bike with a split personality. I'm sure at twice the CC of my Bonnie that it is a road pounder. I hope they put it in more of an America, or Speedmaster style. MHO

kludge · 01-24-2008, 01:14 AM

It's been proven time and time again that no amount of horsepower, reliability, handling or mechanical sophistication will deter someone who is hell-bent on owning a Harley. I don't think this bike is going to change that.

Purely subjectively it looks like something cobbled up in a garage, somehow unfinished or mismatched. The cylinder head looks like it came of a Kawasaki Zephyr and the primary case looks like a HD copy. Bizarre mixture. The rest of the bike looks like a collection of parts from old Honda Magnas and Suzuki Intruders. In other words, uninspiring and unoriginal.

LongRoadHome · 01-24-2008, 01:31 AM

Tough time to tackle HD with the dollar going down faster than a cheap hooker. Also, the butt jewelry cruiser market seems to be in contraction as used HD prices seem to be falling in my area of the country. If the big R-word comes to pass this year, disposable income will be hard to find for $12K+ cruiser toys.

Shakey · 01-24-2008, 03:53 AM

A larger displacement America/Speedmaster with a slick top tank, offset gas cap and conventionally mounted instruments might work well. The bike MCN caught is butt ugly IMHO. Triumph should also add a belt drive to their vertical twin rather than the chain drive. I had a Bonneville America with a belt drive. It was the best modification I made to the bike. Triumph will never be Harley. They shouldn't even try. Look at all the Japanese clones. Triumph needs to stick to their roots and remain distinctively Brit in styling and performance. Just my 2 cents.