Triumphrat

Roughcut · 03-05-2008, 07:42 PM

I have it on good authority that Triumph Motorcycles America will NOT be holding any R.A.T Raids this year. It would seem they can't figure out how to make it work for the majority of their customer so it is easier and more cost effective to just do nothing. They want their dealers to spend the time and effort to keep the riders group alive.

whoa · 03-05-2008, 08:15 PM

Yah, they had their meeting a couple weeks ago. They don't have staff or funding to much of anything, and they probably live in fear of the US legal system.

I've heard absolutely nothing from my emails and calls about Torque. For now, the easiest decision is to not make one. This isn't all on the American team, they are stonewalled from upstream, or so the rumor goes. I've no reason to doubt them.

On the flip side, it sounds like several areas figured this out a while back and started planning RAIDs. We need to start sharing ideas and progress to make these RAIDs happen.

And if we can make progress with a few RAIDs, I'm interested in doing a "roll your own" Torque. The interesting part about Torque is going to come from us anyway, I can't think of much Triumph would provide that would be of much interest. Except maybe some information from the factory supersport team. But we could probably get some pics and insights from the crew anyway.

cafetbird · 03-05-2008, 08:19 PM

Amen, brotha whoa. We posted this thread several days back, but thus far, no one has posted their events.

http://www.triumphrat.net/rat-united...or-2008-a.html

I have heard to the Mid Ohio VMD event being discussed, also Indianapolis MotoGP and Kootenay. What are the others?

Oh, and the money decision most likely relates to the awful exchange rates between the pound and the dollar right now, Triumph must be losing their ... dividends.

Roughcut · 03-06-2008, 11:57 AM

I see alot of loyal and enthusiastic people here that have a strong tie to Triumph and to the Riders Association of Triumph. I find it ironic that the people who started this club have so little loyalty and excitment for it. The dealer have always been the driving force behind the group and its growth, the national raids were a place to meet other comitted owners and get a chance to talk and mingle with one or two of Triumph motorcycles america staff.
For the members here it was also an excuse to have a big ride and weekend away from the homestead. This decision by Triumph is a step in the wrong direction, and for every step in the wrong direction it takes two or more steps to get back on the right path. Last year the area of the midwest was pretty much left out of any raids, which makes a buyer feel unappreciated, and now this year we are slapped in the face again along with every other triumph owner on this continent. Sure there are tons of events and rallies all over the country, but there was always something really cool about going to a Triumph excusive event and seeing all the other owners there and their bikes. For everyone who never went, they missed out on something very special, and for all who did, now they to will be missing out.

drharveys · 03-06-2008, 12:14 PM

I'll be here:

http://www.classicmotorcycleday.org/

Maybe have a get-together for some local RATs, too??

elDizzle · 03-06-2008, 01:16 PM

Talk about having to keeping it grass-roots. If not for outstanding dealer support/ sponsorship for our local RAT, get-togethers would be flimsily put-together and unorganized. Hats off to Dave and Team for getting some rides put-together and more Triumph comradery & loyalty built than the manufacturer can provide (at least at this point).

JapanScratchy · 03-07-2008, 02:30 AM

Triumph Corporation is not RAT....WE ARE!

It is nice to have large events all planned out but we can still do all that. I would say that most RAT Packs are self sufficient and can have a good time on their own. Now we just need to get the different packs to talk. (So pressure your pack leaders) Then we set dates, locations, routes from the local shop, and meet....done.

Remember, this is about the people who have a common interest and not a large corporation. (if they're nice we might even send them an invite.)

So, does anyone know good locations to meet where a large number of motorheads can get together and have a good time? (I've only had the joy of going to the "British in the Blue Ridge"...I'm sure there are more)

JS

cafetbird · 03-07-2008, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JapanScratchy

Triumph Corporation is not RAT....WE ARE!

It is nice to have large events all planned out but we can still do all that. I would say that most RAT Packs are self sufficient and can have a good time on their own. Now we just need to get the different packs to talk. (So pressure your pack leaders) Then we set dates, locations, routes from the local shop, and meet....done.

Remember, this is about the people who have a common interest and not a large corporation. (if they're nice we might even send them an invite.)

Amen, Scratchy. In my experience, most of the work done to make the RAT packs successful has come from the individual dealers and the Pack Leaders, NOT Triumph. Triumph has created a schedule, coordinated rooms meals and such with the hotels, brought a few goodies along to give away, and that is about it. Leaders plan all the rides and most of the fun stuff. In the early years, the Pack leaders did most of the other stuff too, and Triumph simply brought a bit of swag. Torque is no longer there to promote, but we have the internet....

Most of this can be done without factory support - it isn't that difficult. Heck, some of the best British bike events in the country are in no way affiliated with TMA. Groups like GABMA, TIOC, BBC, INOA, VBMC, etc. put on some great gigs - and there is usually more of something there for everyone.

Quote:

So, does anyone know good locations to meet where a large number of motorheads can get together and have a good time? (I've only had the joy of going to the "British in the Blue Ridge"...I'm sure there are more)

JS

Yep - there is a link to where RATs are gathering this already posted here:
http://www.triumphrat.net/rat-united...or-2008-a.html

The folks planning Mid Ohio VMD say that TMA is still potentially planning a National RAT Raid there. It is the year of the Triumph, and 50th anniversary of the Bonneville, after all. But if they don't come through, we can still make it happen alone....

Scot

bluedogok · 03-07-2008, 11:22 PM

whoa and I are working on having another Kerrville Raid down here in Texas again this year just like last year. We are just going to work it from the regional dealers end of things. I have already talked to one of the OKC RAT Pack leaders and they are interested in it.

cafetbird · 03-08-2008, 06:10 PM

Oh yeah, and if you don't like it - fill out the survey and tell them:

http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/ratsurvey/