Triumphrat

Mr_Chips · 08-11-2005, 04:08 PM

I've been told by a Triumph salesman that the reason Triumph has such quiet pipes is a result to noise complaints expressed by Harley on bikes coming into the United States. Since Harleys are notbikes coming into the US, the laws do not apply to them.

Also, a major number of new Triumph riders are disgruntled Harley riders who which to have a bike that is unique but with better performance and less cost than the HD's

Any insights into these thoughts. Apparently the Bonneville and Truxton ar major threats to HD??!!

garry · 08-11-2005, 04:24 PM

Harleys are quiet too if they're left stock. There are noise and emissions regulations to comply with. As for any bike "threatening" HD, HD has over 25% of the total motorcycle market in the USA and they only make cruisers. Triumph has about 0.7%. The Rocket, America and Speedmaster probably steal a few HD sales, but the numbers aren't there to "threaten" them.

Pig9r · 08-11-2005, 06:16 PM

European standards are mainly the reason for "quieter" pipes on Triumphs and for all bikes sold internationally. Harley did have the lawsuit over their "sound" being copied by other manufacturers saying it was a trademark of the brand but that is all I have heard as far as sound being an issue.

There isn't a Harley owner I know that didn't have the dealer drill out the baffles in the pipes or replace them before even riding the bike off of the lot. But all bikes foreign or domestic have to meet the same set of standards from DOT.

I think the biggest thing threatening Harley right now is Harley themselves. They will always be strong in the US but the problem they are going to face is too many Harleys are out there. Their resale value is slipping and dealers are now having to sell well below MSRP to move bikes. Their sales have slipped some too as the cruiser market is being flooded by all of the other manufacturers. I think once the baby boomer generation gets too old to ride they will really take a hit. But Harley will always have the "mystic or status" to sell with every bike no matter what kind of product it produces. I guess the same kind of thing that drew me to Triumphs.

Shawn · 08-11-2005, 07:05 PM

I guess that is possible, maybe because they are starting to put a dent in HD's sales.

On the other hand, if exhaust sound was such a factor at the time of purchase, then Ducati would likely be the king of the US import motorcycles.

jefftarlton · 08-12-2005, 08:42 AM

Some people prefer a Harley's sound to a Duc. Not me, but some people. I don't know how anybody can stand to ride a hd with super loud pipes.

Mr_Chips · 08-12-2005, 10:02 AM

I recently did a ride with a guy riding a V-Star 1100 with the straight pipes, borrowed from his son-in-law. Half way into the ride he was taking out the tylenol because his ears were ringing. His wife, on the back, had it even worse. But, hey, it sounds cool!

DavePreston · 08-12-2005, 11:02 AM

I think it is far more likely that Triumph has learned from Harley's marketing expertise. Most Harleys are sold with expensive aftermarket pipes already installed, most of them Harley's own Screaming Eagle pipes. In this way they make a profit on two sets of pipes for the same bike. Working for a dealer that sells both, I have noticed that Triumph offers more and more pieces as "accessories" that could have come stock on the bike, such as the axle covers, exhaust can, heated grips, and saddlebags on my own ST Sprint.
I'm not saying this is good or bad - it just is. One good thing is that Triumph is now producing a lot more branded clothing items, etc, that Harley has been doing for decades, and I am all for that!

Dave Preston
Cycle Barn Motorsports Group

Will · 08-15-2005, 01:46 AM

As long as Triumph makes a whole lot of money, and John Bloor needs to spend it somehow to avoid paying taxes on it, life is good! That means we will see lots of technical development, maybe a racing effort... hey, maybe I should get me some assless chaps that say Triumph on 'em! :razz: