Triumphrat

jasonworthing · 01-16-2008

....hmm.. If the 'inevitable' happens..be it 'partnership' or (gulp) ownership would your loyalty or feelings toward the brand change?? This brief news report simply indicates manufacture and distribution possibilities so although presumptuous to assume more than what was stated...you never know..

In my experience doing business, 'fact finding missions' generally means that 'something' or another is going to happen at some point! HQ is looking to 'change' something! At a basic level the current 'status quo' at Hinkley has a timer counting down at it I suspect.

Any speculation as to 'if' or what will be some measure of change that will keep you happy or does it even matter to you?.. be it manufacture, development, assembly or just a partnership to grow and develop into a new market; at the other end there is ...acquisition..hmm...

Here's our chance to speculate and get a sense of what the Ducatista felt like when Ducati were acquired by 'texans', Bimota were purchased by the Chinese, MVAgusta for a time were purchased by Proton (malaysian automakers), Bentley and lamborghini purchased by VW, Rolls Royce and Mini (austin) purchased by BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover, and Volvo purchased by Ford, it goes on and on- good and bad (mostly good)..

Not much if anything is revealed but give it a read..
http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclen...tner/3546.html

scgstuff · 01-16-2008

I wonder if it is to get more production capability. I know that the Bonnies for the US market are apparently made in Thailand now. Maybe they need to find a cost effective place to make the Street Triples since they are/were having problems keeping up with demand. It could also point to future expansion with additional models (ummm...maybe a larger daytona or a baby Tiger) they need production capability for.

Shawn

Speedy Russ · 01-16-2008

As long as Triumph improves their bikes' performance and reliability, I don't care where they are made. It appears that these days, globalization is the only way to survive in a global market.....in other words, go to where the labor is cheap. The only bike maker I'd see having a problem with moving their production overseas is Harley. Could you see the hardcore "buy 'merican" Harley owners if they did that? It'd be hilarious to see though.

Major Kong · 01-16-2008

Russ, most of the components in a Harley are foreign made. The castings for the engines come from Japan, the forks come from Japan, electronics, I think come from Korea...

Kong

Speedy Russ · 01-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Kong

Russ, most of the components in a Harley are foreign made. The castings for the engines come from Japan, the forks come from Japan, electronics, I think come from Korea...

Kong

Yes, I know that but few "real" Harley riders do.

I am talking about moving all Harley production entirely offshore. Really doubt that ever happens....especially if they keep selling for as much as they are asking for 'em now.

w00ht · 01-16-2008

I don't really think I care all that much. I bought my speed triple because I have wanted one since I saw the original in orange during the mid 90's but just recently have been able to get into motorcycles. I honestly don't think I'm going to buy another triumph since nothing else in the lineup moves me (except maybe an old s3). Next for me is a duc 848 in the garage next to my S3.

flyinlow · 01-17-2008

Did you know the largest motorcycle producer in the world is the Hero Honda group in India? They pump out a couple million motorcycles a year. Did you know there is a part made in India in almost every mass produced car and truck in the United States and Europe?

I wouldn't worry too much about bikes being built there. I would if they were going to move to southeast Asia or Mexico.

Joemomma · 01-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyinlow

Did you know the largest motorcycle producer in the world is the Hero Honda group in India? They pump out a couple million motorcycles a year. Did you know there is a part made in India in almost every mass produced car and truck in the United States and Europe?

I wouldn't worry too much about bikes being built there. I would if they were going to move to southeast Asia or Mexico.

So they make a few million bikes...are any of them any GOOD? There is a HUGE diff between cranking out a few million air-cooled single cylinder 125's with 9 hp and a Speed Triple! My experience in my "day job" with companies that have gone from American manufacture to far-east production has been that they are no longer viable tools. The only people who benefitted were the CEO & cronies who cashed out.

Just because this type of "globalization" is rampant doesn't mean it's a good thing. The quality of Triumph products took some time to get where it is now; still not to where Japanese bikes are. Lets hope they don't take a step backwards.

2doggs · 01-18-2008

It's all about the bottom line. Cheaper parts, labor, less goverment restrictions on business, etc. In the future, maybe the same guy who helps me figure out why my Windows operating system has crashed will be the guy that built my new Triumph. And I bet his name will be Steve! My question is, will Triumph pass the savings on to the consumer? I highly doubt it. As a recent Triumph owner, I will be sorely disappointed if the "move" happens. What ever happened to brand/customer loyalty. I'm not to young to remember the days of this concept.

MemphisS3 · 01-18-2008

I would agree. I bought a triumph due to its prestige and history. Either was going to be a Duc or an S3. Plain and simple I wouldn't desire to buying a bike that was no longer unique or a bike that has sold out it's History for increased market share or production cost savings. I would pay more for a bike built by an Englishman or American because as far as I am concerned that IS ME. You can not import or export this type of niche branding and customer following.loyalty.

I guess saying I wouldn't own one is probably too strong. They would have to have a cost / performance ratio that blew everyone else out of the water simply because the tradition or history of the bike would be reduced to a Jap bike instead of an historical icon. Not knocking Jap bikes for what they are quality etc. is fine but for me there is no history there that I feel a kinsmanship to. Which is why I am on a Triumph.

MemphisS3