Triumphrat

Cheatin5 · 06-06-2004

I got my RAT membership both times I bought a new Triumph. Sure, I looked forward to the quarterly issue of Torque. It could have used some more meat, but it's still cool. I got a neat membership card and a sticker and a patch. All that was missing was a decoder ring. When I lived in Central Florida, the RAT Packs were dormant. In Alabama, it's the same deal. I see about three TBS's on the road regularly around Birmingham, it sure would be cool to ride with those guys and maybe some Bonnies, Speedmasters, and even an S3 or two.

It seems to me that Triumph is blowing a golden opportunity to develop the experience. The HOG is active. Meetings, tents at events. Hell, Ducati had Ducati only parking at the AMA Superbike event at Barber's last month. Bostrom signing autographs, bikes on display, and grub and drink if you cruised up Desmo-style.

I think most stiffs are like me. Limited free time with a family and all. If someone else were to handle the logistics, I would be an active member. I enjoy riding my TBS, I make excuses to ride it: "Honey, I can carry all the groceries in the tank bag." My kids would be into it, too. Oohing and ahhing over motorcycles is something every kid enjoys. I did anyway.

If Triumph America got it promotional juices flowing and held regional events, shows, rallies, and the like, supported by the local RAT Packs, it could be a terrific organization. The folks that ride Triumphs seem to love 'em because they're Triumphs.

As it stands the RAT is currently supported by an otherwise distracted dealer network. Even my local Triumph dealer with the BMW distributorship has BMW Owner rides, nothing Triumph. (By the way, they also sell Ducati, see above.) Until there's more focus on the RAT as a way to unite owners and grow loyalty, I'll be content to wave at the other Triumphs when we pass on the highway and keep my membership fee.

VR6 · 06-06-2004

C5,

I agree, I would expect more from my membership than a thin magazine every quarter. It would be nice to get discounts from time to time on merchandise, service, and events. As for events it would be nice if there were more promotions like the Demo truck. I am contemplating re-upping but I have not come to a decision yet.

VR6

Pablo · 06-07-2004

I was getting the monthly e-mail for a while, now that has stopped. We have an active RAT Pack locally but they are ignored by whoever it is that is suppose to be in charge of it nationally so we just do our own thing. One local Pack tried to put a raid together but could get no support so they bagged it. There is suppose to be a raid in Bend Oregon in August but I'm not holding my breath or sending my money in until I hear some more noise about it. (Communication is so good I don't know who to send it to anyway.)

GaryD · 06-07-2004

I think I subscribe to every english language motorcycle periodical that exists; however, I did not renew my RAT membership. Torque magazine is little more than a Triumph advertising brochure that should be free. As to the other supposed "benefits", I received none. Not renewing was a "no brainer".

06-08-2004

You guy's are lucky, I bought a NOS new 02 sprint in Feb 04, and have recieved NOTHING from triumph.
I put a call into customer support in GA and recieved NOTHING in response!!!!!
I sure hope I dont have a major problem with this bike,so far it's fine.

Bill Edwards Simi Valley Ca :???:

Shawn · 06-11-2004

It has been a while since I had an active membership as well. However, it is difficult to maintain when there isn't a local dealer in my area.

My recommendation is to form your own group locally. If it has a few enthusiastic Triumph owners in it, consider forming a new Pack and planning events together.