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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Personally, I would have preferred that Triumph would have taken a "bolder" step by making a large twin cylinder on the lines of a 2 cyl. Rocket. I think it would have been much more "unique" although a lot "riskier". It would have had more "develpoement" potential. I think we've kicked the "parallel twin" motif to death, already, what with the Japanese in the 70's, 80's and all! JMHO!

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...and the Rocket's red glare


The jig is up.
The news is out.
They finally found me!
Styx... (Renegade)

Ride each ride like it may be your Last!

From what I've seen thus far I like it. I think it's a logical step for Triumph to make and the uniqueness of having a parallel twin in such a chassis will make it stand out from the Harley/Victory crowd.

If I were in the market for a large cruiser I'd definitely give it a serious look.

I really don't know what to think about this one.

I've looked at the photo several times today and then I start to wonder about the details of the engine performance and handling characteristics, and then I think its a big clunker, and then I think it would look good with the appropriate chrome and paintwork, and then ............ I'm not normally this indecisive - its got me flummoxed!

From what I can tell, they've basically split the difference between the America/SM market and the Rocket... Not quite a huge (though still big) displacement tourer, but a lot more engine than the current offerings in the line.

You have to think, though... who buys a Triumph?

...people who want something different. This is certainly aimed at the Harley market, and Harley riders are not going to be sold on a british bike.

I guess the question is: will is be priced competitively enough to sell someone who is just shopping for a cruiser and not necessarily a triumph? ...it just doesn't look much like one to me.

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-Chris

Originally Posted by NoDice

You have to think, though... who buys a Triumph? ...people who want something different. This is certainly aimed at the Harley market, and Harley riders are not going to be sold on a british bike. I guess the question is: will is be priced competitively enough to sell someone who is just shopping for a cruiser and not necessarily a triumph? ...it just doesn't look much like one to me.

This is true.. Especially if it's made in Taiwan.. Just speaking for the normal Harley buyers who still think Harleys are all American..

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Dave Arnold
'04 Rocket III
'01 Trophy 1200 (wife's ride)
La Vernia, TX

I really think they are going down the wrong road with a cruiser, what we want [what I want] is a classic style bike, not some recycled ships anchor that can't be laid over and pushed around corners.
Why is it that every time a company thinks big twin they design a cruiser or another version of an underbraked bad handling bike. Must we always be ignored.

This bike looks nothing like the bike many of us have all been waiting for. We aked for a rapier and Mr Bloor delivered a cricket/baseball bat.

I bet all the 1000cc or 1200cc kitted Hinkley Bonnie owners are happy as.............esp. if they fitted a couple of other after market things like twin discs etc.

Triumph need to make a classic bike version first, this is their unique advantage. Then they can derive other models from it afterwards.

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tridentt150v,
Great Southern Land.
(Where women blow and men chunder).

Just had another look, took the pic and zoomed in..........god its ugly!!!

I hope they are going to have finning on the real motor, there is none on the bike. And the whole thing looks...well....fake....its a bit early for April Fool isn't it?

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tridentt150v,
Great Southern Land.
(Where women blow and men chunder).

Ugly as sin, fat as a whale, looks like it can't handle, and that radiator... A Speedmaster or straight Bonnie a 1200cc air-cooled engine was what everyone was waiting for... I know that returning buyers aren't important in the scheme of things (new buyers are vital for a company) and my area (the UK) isn't the market for this bike either. All the same...

It seems like Triumph is doubling down on the cruiser segment just as it's cooling off. The European and Japanese mfrs seem to be pointing in two directions- ultramodern and retro- and my thinking is that's where the next generation of motorcyclists will go. Even Harley will ahve to ultimately admit their heritage is mostly a marketing device, and fashions change. Also, the next generation of 'reentry' bikers will look to the 80's bikes and beyond as their ideal. So, from a US Marketing perspective, I think this model has limited appeal.

I do hope they introduce the equivalent of the bonnie/ thrux/ T Bird Sport version of this thing...

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2005 Bonnie Black
2006 Goodwood Green Bonnie
1989 Honda GB500