Triumphrat

JohnRimmer · 02-08-2007

Just received email from Ben Gray (UK RAT coordinator). No more UK national events after this year.Apparently Triumph want dealers to organise their own runs. A great shame in my opinion as these were fantastic events.I've been to the Highlands Raid the last 5 years. As a consequence (together with other admin changes) poor Ben is being made redundant. What a shame,he was a really nice guy and a great ambassador for Triumph. Let's hope Triumph have got their strategy right,as the large national events were also a great advert for the brand,as it makes a hell of a sight seeing such a large group of Triumphs. Progress ? Time will tell.

lancashirelad · 02-08-2007

MI've met Ben a couple of times, it'll be a shame to see him go, you would think a firm so big could've found something else for him to do?
Triumph do seem to be loosing the plot these days for some reason?
Torque mag isn't what it used to be for a start!!

doodledog · 02-09-2007

Maybe they just think as the brand has expanded we can do it together now as packs, rather than centrally, we have the numbers to do it and the pack leaders can get the packs together using this forum? Just a thought , sad that the guys lost his job though.

JohnRimmer · 02-09-2007

I think the local packs can organise one day events but the logistics of a trip away for several days with a large group should not be under estimated. Plus it will need someone doing it in their free time,which is ok if the person has the time and motivation. My guess is we will all organise independant trips but there will be no large gatherings. The end of an era which I think is a loss. For me it is a watering down of the RAT experience.I will still want to go to the Highlands every year,and so we'll organise our own group which will not be exclusively Triumph.We've been doing this in recent years by adding days onto the RAT event because the Highlands is a long way to go for 2 nights and when you see the roads and scenery you don't want to go home too early. So we have a head start in that we know good roads and places to base ourselves.

tarmacrat · 02-12-2007

hi john just recently joined, i am also from warrington and was about to ask where are the nearest rat meetings
and how do i get involved
Bought my speed triple on a 52 plate from bs m/c kidsgrove
not sure what the official colour is neon/caspian blue
i also havent worked out how to post piccys :???:

EnglishWombat · 02-13-2007

We've had a discussion on this over at bonnevilleamerica.com. There was a comparision with HOG that seems to work quite well - but not owning a HD I don't know about it myself. The problem with RAT seems to be that Triumph make sports bikes, classic looking bikes and cruisers, and as a generalisation they are aimed at different people and what interests sports owners doesn't always interest criusers. Remember what I said when we were looking at going to a track day here..? I was not up for it at all. It is now going to rely on the dealers having time to commit to RAT, yet my dealer seems to do nothing. I'm hoping there that as it's a new year they may, but I'm not holding my breath....

JohnRimmer · 02-15-2007

tarmacrat
RAT events are organised by the dealers.Our local one is probably Bill Smith but my dealer is Woods of Abergele.Go onto Triumph website,go to RAT section and you can search for the events.You can also register for free and get the quarterly magazine.
We also have our own informal riding group (Triumph,Aprilia,Ducati) which you are welcome to join. We generally go into Wales. I think we will be out on Sunday,meeting 10am at Poplars service area car park,which is just south of Thelwall Viaduct.At this time of year we will be out 'til no later than 4pm.We will probably go A49 to Prees get a bacon sandwich and then make our way into Wales,maybe A5 to the Meat Shop for a coffee and then home. You can contact me on Warrington tel 821234 if you want to.
Interestingly I am looking for an S3 and recently visited BS amongst others. I'm after a black or green,or maybe a 1050 if funds allow later this year.

chrisn · 02-17-2007

Shame about National RAT and Ben loosing his job.

I guess Hinkley Triumph feel they've now grown to a point were they don't need this overhead to promote future sales. Could be a mistake as in my view much of their custom is based on strong brand loyalty. Still, I suppose this demonstrates their confidence in the new bike range, which will now be judged purely on merit.

Raynewb · 02-17-2007

Spoke to our RAT pack leader about this and he confirmed that Ben is to be made redundant.
It would seem that any national RAT events would be organised by local packs. If any one is thinking of doing the Dragon Raid this year (April) we will be marshaling the event so expect some good rides around South Wales.

Might see some of you then.
Ray

Richard · 02-18-2007

Our RAT pack organise all their own events including trips abroad. Please visit us at www.wylieandhollandrat.co.uk and see what you think.

If Triumph want local dealers to organise their own packs and events let them do it and see just how many dealers do anything at all. You will see the almost total collapse of RAT in the UK.