Triumphrat

WaltZ · 01-29-2008

Last year seemed to be a coasting year to finish out the season, with Matt moving into clothing, and Tia taking over.

There's like NO communication happening, the eMail is silent, and Triumph seems to want to just let the dealers run the course without any factory support.

Is there truth in the observation of: as it is at the top, so will it be at the bottom? AKA: Triumph's mato - go your own way...?

The new mag has like nothing in common with the old, like in the RAT Pack News section.

Will Factory RAT make a come back, or will it just fade away, and become a club thing?

Of course, in my area, there NEVER was much participatory interest either by bike owners or the local dealer. Both Factory and Dealer(s) seem satisfied that they are selling bikes to their capacity and making profits, so why do more then we can handle. Hear tell too, that Triumph controls what they might introduce into the U.S. marketplace, because they would not be able to keep up with manufacturing capacity. Supply and demand complacency is an interesting place to be. Reminds me of Triumph in the '70's.

triumphite · 01-30-2008

I think you might be right.

OutlawS3 · 01-31-2008

I don't really understand why everyone keeps whinning about Triumph Corp. not getting involved with RAT. Who needs them? What do you want them to do?

I've been the pack leader here in AZ for 3 years and we do monthly rides, monthly bike nights and out of state weekend rides. All without the help of Triumph USA. The raids were always to far away for us so we don't miss them. Who cares if they get involved, just get your pack together and go for a ride. That is way we bought them, isn't it?

If you have a strong pack then someday when Triumph USA comes calling you'll be ready.

Speedblue2 · 01-31-2008

Way to speak up Outlaw3. Your doing a good job John. Which party are you running for in the presidental race,oh yeah that is another ........

Roughcut · 02-03-2008

All of the memeber of our pack here always enjoyed going to the national raids. Last year they kind of ignored the midwest, so our dealer put together a mini raid and camp out that while not hugely attended was a great time. This year they are planning to do the same and have juggled the schedule to coinside with a local bike rally so it will offer more entertainment and give everyone greater choices. I would like to see the national raids again, but I'll make do with what is out here locally. The Breeze Cycle Rat Pack is great!!! They always have several dinner rides and events throughout the year and make each rider welcome and do an outstanding job with going to different places and picking enjoyable routes to ride. Anyone in the Omaha area I would suggest you hook up with this pack as they are all about riding and making it fun.

whoa · 02-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roughcut

schedule to coinside with a local bike rally so it will offer more entertainment and give everyone greater choices.

This could be the direction of Triumph and their national RAIDs. Key it in with some other function that pulls more riders in. I like the idea that your dealer had in putting their own RAID on. Do you know how much effort they put in, or if they drew riders from other areas?

If we find out Triumph isn't doing RAIDs (as we know them), I'm thinking about seeing if the Texas Triumph dealerships are interested in hosting a RAID.

erikmustride · 02-10-2008

The Oklahoma RAT seems to organize rides at least once a month. I haven't actually been on any what with work and all... But they also show up in force at all the rallyes and shows here. We're going to one on the 24 and 25.

garry · 02-13-2008

Have ANY pack leaders heard ANYTHING of substance directly from Tia/corporate regarding RAT in 2008? Will there be ANY official Raids? Anything (real, not rumored) for Vintage Days?

The silence is deafening. I suspect RAT is nothing more than a mailing list for the magazine now. That would be unfortunate, but I can deal with it, but just give the leaders a status update. I've been planning regional moto-events and rides for years, but it'd be nice to know if Triumph is going to do anything this year.

I just sent emails to Tia/RatAmerica asking for a status update would encourage ALL pack leaders to do the same. Maybe we can get a real update if she gets several dozen inquiries. RatAmerica@triumphmotorcycles.com or tia.robinson@triumphmotorcycles.com. One forwards to the other I think because I got two auto-replies when I sent the same message to both addresses.

Garry
Pittsburgh RAT Pack Leader

garry · 02-13-2008

It's true that we don't NEED national to put on an event, but there sure seems to be a perception among Triumph owners that the grassroots stuff isn't as big a deal. Corporate supplies some cool prizes and does a better job of leveraging dealers for monetary support too. I just think people are willing to travel for a day to get to an official Raid, but are less inclined to do so for a local/regional grassroots event.

I started our own mini-Raid in 2005, the "WV RAT Gathering". It doesn't have all the trappings of a Raid: group dinners, prizes, T-shirts, etc. But it does offer the thing I hope most Triumph owners attend events for: awesome riding during the day and socializing with like-minded folk at night. By stripping out the "extras" it's not as huge an effort to put on the event.

The "WV RAT Gathering" has morphed into the "Euro Rider Rendezvous" for 2008 to better align with the product/brand mix at regional dealerships. If attendance picks up enough, perhaps some of those Raid extras will happen too. This year it's at Canaan Valley resort in Davis, WV on August 22 - 24. Woody, the pack leader from State College, PA has web page with more info:

http://www.nittanyroadriders.com/WV/WV08.htm

Tozser1 · 02-13-2008

Good to hear Paul .
Its great that you are doing this on your own .
Ive heard great things about the Raids out there and hope to one day get there and enjoy it first hand .
Its too bad Triumph does not realize what a great tool or CONNECTION to customers as well as potential customers RAT was .
Building it up and then with no heads up and very little communication dropping the ball .
Im having a hard time writting this because I am such a Triumph nutter but it erks me to no end when common sence is lost.
Sure some Packs will take up the reins like yours and our ONTARIO RATS but others will just as easily fold and become a loose group of sometime rides.
I guess its a let down feeling as if some marketing person is saying weve done enough let them do it themselves now ,,because of cost ?Because of what I ask .
Who would have a captive audience build it up then ask them to go on their own way ,it might be the lack of communication Im talking about again but we had that with Torque didnt we .Man did I ever look forward to receiving that little piece of paper and just reading it front to back about all the packs their outings and some special overseas trips or history or events all gone ,replaced by a brocher
WHY!
I do agree that 23 raids a year is not needed but at least 4 to 6 across the US and Canada even with minimum support would only HELP you think!!!!
Since im on a rant I will have to make a few more points not because I dont care but because I DO!.
Ive been a RAT from the first Raid in Colorado ,I think I can say there might not be anyone left at Triumph from this time ??Is there ??Eric von Zipper you still about lololol
The feeling from that first Raid continued to every other Raid I ever attended fellowship male and female, bonds that were not needed to be said it was understood a given.
How about the feeling of comming into the hotel or resort or gathering point and seeing all those Trumps in a gathering area ,its always special isnt it .
Mid Ohio year of the Triumph .Talk about a marketing opportunity but I hear from friends in Ohio its like pulling teeth even to get something set up from the corporate end .
Ounce again no sence .Moto GP yes I will be there kilted and all and having a blast I wont worry to much about bumping into any of the reps as there wont be any there as well as no support for a Triumph get together .ITS IN YOUR BACKYARD ALMOST LADS GET YOUR FINGERS OUT ALREADY . Is it just me or is this another missed opportunity man COME ... ON .
I guess I have just had it ,I will enjoy my Trumps and make all the un official RAT gatherings I can ,I will still enjoy the friendships built over the years and I am sure to make many more but I am saddend and sick to my stomach as the day I heard Joey Dunlop passed away or when they killed the A13 big bike.
My stomach is all upside down now and I know its time to depart Dr Seuse style into that little hole in the sky with the only bit of Triumph blue showing through maybe one day they will understand .
I bid you all a good night
Akos Tozser "Toz"
STILL AND ALWAYS A CRAZY CANUCK AND AN INDEPENDENT ONTARIO CANADA RAT

----- Original Message -----
From: Paula Klassen
To: RAT_Pack_Leaders@yahoogroups.com
Cc: Peter & Susan Suckling
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:56 PM
Subject: RE: [RAT Pack Leaders] HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Up here in Western Canada we are alive and well. Almost time to start our
riding season. Some brave ones have been riding all winter.

Island RAT has taken the lead in organizing an event this July 17th to 20th
in Nelson, British Columbia. The Kootenay RAT Raid is going ahead almost as
per usual. Our host, Danny Rickaby of the New Grand Hotel will be doing
all his normal arranging for the event. Should be a great weekend! We can
carry this out without RAT N.A. taking part. Local dealers have been
invited to donate prizes.

If you want more information, drop me a line.

Paula Struthers
Co-Leader, Western R.A.T.
Langley, B. C.