Recently announced that Kawasaki is launching a "new" middle weight naked bike in the form the Z-800, coupled with this years "new" Suzuki GSX-S 750 and last years actually 'new' FZ-09 means that all Japanese manufactuers have made an entry into the 'middle weight' naked class and Ducati's....thing.
What I'm asking is what you guys opinion of the future of the Street Triple? I don't ask this in a way to be perceived as "the end of the Streety" but moreover, what do you think Triumph should do?
My issue is this: Price and performance (from an engine/HP standpoint)
All 4 Japanese manufacturers have bumped the displacement of their motorcycles to the upper edge of "middle weight". The FZ is an 849, the GSX-S is a 750, and the Z800 is going to be an 800 and the CBR650F.
And while none of these bikes come in with the pedigree, fit or finish of the Triumph in terms of sheer handling and 'fun to ride' factor, they all come in at substantially less in cost, and either as much or more in horse power.
The real caveat being that Triumph has raised their MSRP $300 for this year bringing their total up to somewhere around an extra $2300 for the Streety over the average of the competitions.
While I am a firm believer that the Street Triple still has a niche market for those who desire a high end motorcycle, with a fit and finish above all others in the class, in terms of rarity, (don't see too many of them) handling, looks and engine performance, I do on the other hand have perhaps a silly gut feeling, that Triumph will either have to bump their HP ratings up (closer to that of the Daytona) or cut their price a little to stay truly competitive if they want to be more relevant outside of those who are on the higher end of motorcycle savviness.
So will Triumph bite the bullet and bump up the HP and cut or maintain the price? Or will they continue to depend on the reputation of the Streety and the market of more informed, and savvy motorcyclists?
Discuss
What I'm asking is what you guys opinion of the future of the Street Triple? I don't ask this in a way to be perceived as "the end of the Streety" but moreover, what do you think Triumph should do?
My issue is this: Price and performance (from an engine/HP standpoint)
All 4 Japanese manufacturers have bumped the displacement of their motorcycles to the upper edge of "middle weight". The FZ is an 849, the GSX-S is a 750, and the Z800 is going to be an 800 and the CBR650F.
And while none of these bikes come in with the pedigree, fit or finish of the Triumph in terms of sheer handling and 'fun to ride' factor, they all come in at substantially less in cost, and either as much or more in horse power.
The real caveat being that Triumph has raised their MSRP $300 for this year bringing their total up to somewhere around an extra $2300 for the Streety over the average of the competitions.
While I am a firm believer that the Street Triple still has a niche market for those who desire a high end motorcycle, with a fit and finish above all others in the class, in terms of rarity, (don't see too many of them) handling, looks and engine performance, I do on the other hand have perhaps a silly gut feeling, that Triumph will either have to bump their HP ratings up (closer to that of the Daytona) or cut their price a little to stay truly competitive if they want to be more relevant outside of those who are on the higher end of motorcycle savviness.
So will Triumph bite the bullet and bump up the HP and cut or maintain the price? Or will they continue to depend on the reputation of the Streety and the market of more informed, and savvy motorcyclists?
Discuss