Triumphrat

MCN · 07-21-2008, 01:00 PM

These are the world-first pictures of Triumph?s complete 2009 range unveiled at a dealer conference last night (Sunday). The major new release is the all-new Thunderbird 1600 cruiser, designed to take on Harley-Davidson head-on. The 1594cc liquid-cooled parallel twin makes...

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cafetbird · 07-21-2008, 01:26 PM

At first look, I wouldn't call the look particularly "unique". It looks pretty much like any other metric cruiser, with a Triumph engine stuffed into it.

Hopefully, the uniqueness will show through when we seen it in the flesh at Mid-Ohio next weekend....

kileface · 07-21-2008, 02:15 PM

Man, when are you guys going to quit dissing the new cruiser? It's a CRUISER already! What did you expect it to look like? I like it - it looks a little more athletic than the America, with the smaller fenders and the pipes. And with 100 BHP, it should really scoot. Guaranteed, a lot of people that passed on the "smaller" Americas and Speedmasters will go for them. I know when I had my America, I got loads of compliments from Harley guys and other people in general, but the "bigger is better" mindset is still alive and well here in the USA. I hope it's a big success. When my bonnie is pair off, I'll be looking for one, if it's as good as it looks.

One question - what does the tank badge say? I can't read it.

cafetbird · 07-21-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kileface

Man, when are you guys going to quit dissing the new cruiser?

Never Kile - as long as they make them look like every other cruiser on the planet. I would venture to say most of us buy Triumphs because we want something unique - not just like every other bike out there. Heck, Triumph even markets itself based on its uniqueness. The last couple of cruiser models are a disappointment in that respect.

If Triumph applied a little creativity to the design, they would gain our respect. You didn't find Edward Turner trying to make his bikes look more like Harleys now, did you? They were uniquely British.

It is obvious they really aren't concerned what we think - seems that they are more interested in reaching the lemmings.

nibbs · 07-22-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafetbird

Never Kile - as long as they make them look like every other cruiser on the planet. I would venture to say most of us buy Triumphs because we want something unique ..........

Couldn't agree more cafetbird. I find this effort deeply depressing. From my point of view it has no character!

TonUp · 07-22-2008, 09:16 PM

I do like the looks! Hope it performs well.

Ton Up!

Greaser · 07-24-2008, 03:18 PM

Cruiser range is expanding while the liquid cooled triple range is.....stagnant. No 1050 powered retro bike (new Trident perhaps? Hint hint...) no 1050 Daytona, nothing. I f I want sporty retro/standard I guess I go to Ducati. The GT1000 could be close replacement for my aging TBS.

NOTHING to draw me back to Triumph I am afraid.

djmakm · 07-25-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kileface

Man, when are you guys going to quit dissing the new cruiser? It's a CRUISER already! What did you expect it to look like? I like it - it looks a little more athletic than the America, with the smaller fenders and the pipes. And with 100 BHP, it should really scoot. Guaranteed, a lot of people that passed on the "smaller" Americas and Speedmasters will go for them. I know when I had my America, I got loads of compliments from Harley guys and other people in general, but the "bigger is better" mindset is still alive and well here in the USA. I hope it's a big success. When my bonnie is pair off, I'll be looking for one, if it's as good as it looks.

One question - what does the tank badge say? I can't read it.

+1 on this post
Why all the negative reactions? It's a cruiser. Looks pretty cool to me. When can I take a test ride?

Derby Boy · 07-26-2008, 11:50 AM

I'm afraid I have to agree on the negative side of this bike. It just doesn't say Triumph to me. Looks like a mix of Honda VTX / Suzuki Vulcan. Although the engine does stand out from the crowd.
It's a very neat and modern looking package. Like the belt drive, and I'm sure that engine will thump with some aftermarket pipes.
I would love to ride one up to my buds with their metric cruizers and give them a run for their money. I get tired of the ignorant ones that giggle at my Bonnie and call it a sewing machine (I've offered pink slip runs thru the twisties, but no takers).
I hope it works for Triumph, but I don't think they will sway first timers away from the US and Jap cruizers. And I don't think Triumph loyalists will be pulled to it, though we would love to test ride it, I don't think we'll be putting them in the garage.
My 2 cents is that Triumph should stick to the unique, typically British triples and twins. Put there money into bikes like a smaller Tiger, maybe a 300 lb. 500 single, or a new Trident triple.
We love Triumph for their uniqueness and heritage, the same way the Harley guys love their machines. Harley tried "new" designs (V-Rod) and they all failed, what sells is the Harley mystique and that's what will work for Triumph.

tridentt150v · 07-26-2008, 10:36 PM

What is it with this infatuation.........I hate cruisers. I gave up looking at my reflection in shop windows [and thinking how cool I looked] years ago. That style went out the door with fingerless gloves [another useless 'invention'].

I want that engine in a classic ------ now that would be a reaL TRIUMPH!!!

Until Mr Bloor does it, my $$$ stay with me!!