Triumphrat

Matthew in TO · 11-19-2007, 05:30 PM

Now that the Thailand factory(s) is online and building complete bikes, is it time for Triumph to consider a mid-range entry level bike? I don't mean rocket 600cc racer clones, but an honest entry level bike for beginners. Other bike firms have machines in entry level sizes in order to catch the buyers to the brand for life. For example, BMW's G 650 is an excellent entry into the BMW brand.

I therefore suggest that Triumph consider a de-tuned, upright posture, naked bike, looking like the last Thunderbird model, powered by a detuned version of the Daytona 675's engine.

F4sSprintST · 11-19-2007, 06:02 PM

Wouldn't a "entry level" bike be smaller than a 675?

MES · 11-19-2007, 07:06 PM

Triumph considers the Bonnie to be an entry level bike.

Weasel Pete · 11-19-2007, 07:22 PM

The Bonneville fits the bill nicely. But something like a single cylinder 500cc Scrambler priced down low might bring in more buyers and make be a good "dual-sport" for folks wanting a simple machine or a second bike. I think it would be hard for Triumph to compete in that low end market though.

JEnfield · 11-19-2007, 07:23 PM

I like to see them make a 500 twin give it a cool name like speed twin and market it for the new rider I would buy one maybe even two wife and daughter could ride along not with. I like twisties but not 2 up.

whoa · 11-19-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MES

Triumph considers the Bonnie to be an entry level bike.

Thats because Triumph doesn't have an entry level offering. Honda did well by entering the market with small affordable bikes, but that was at a time there wasn't much in that space. With Triumph's poor distribution, and the low margin involved with starter bikes, I'm betting Triumph wouldn't touch this one.

Diego · 11-19-2007, 08:30 PM

> With Triumph's poor distribution, and the low margin involved with starter bikes, I'm betting Triumph wouldn't touch this one.

That really is the essence of it. Traditional small "starter bikes" are low margin products, and Triumph has neither the present ability nor desire to turn out the volume of product that would be required to make it worthwhile.

As for the suggestion "that Triumph consider a de-tuned, upright posture, naked bike, looking like the last Thunderbird model, powered by a detuned version of the Daytona 675's engine"... been hiding in a cave, Matthew?

Triumph does happen to make a bike that is:
1. Upright.
2. Naked.
3. Detuned D675 mill.
It's the Street Triple! No T-bird styling, but believe me, three out of four ain't bad!

TechmanBD · 11-20-2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diego

> With Triumph's poor distribution, and the low margin involved with starter bikes, I'm betting Triumph wouldn't touch this one.

That really is the essence of it. Traditional small "starter bikes" are low margin products, and Triumph has neither the present ability nor desire to turn out the volume of product that would be required to make it worthwhile.

As for the suggestion "that Triumph consider a de-tuned, upright posture, naked bike, looking like the last Thunderbird model, powered by a detuned version of the Daytona 675's engine"... been hiding in a cave, Matthew?

Triumph does happen to make a bike that is:
1. Upright.
2. Naked.
3. Detuned D675 mill.
It's the Street Triple! No T-bird styling, but believe me, three out of four ain't bad!

I was thinking the exact same thing.

And speaking of entry level, if you want a cheap entry level 250cc motor, go to Pep Boys. Yes they sell bikes now. They have a cruiser looking 250cc twin for around $1100. Made by a company called Baja. I couldn't believe it. Pep Boys?

. They also sell dirtbikes too. If I bought the 250cc dirt bike, I would break it the first day.

Brooksie · 11-20-2007, 06:01 PM

Bajaj are the bikes made in India. Tough little things, if not overly sexy. With traffic habits in the western world, I wouldn't want to be on something that can't get to 60 mph or takes half an hour to do it. Bonnies are great as they are docile enough to learn on and can run fast enough to keep you interested after you learn.

Stagger Lee · 11-21-2007, 04:49 AM

Maybe a single cylinder 350 with a low seat height and huge MPG ability (80mpg+) a real stripped bare basic model. I would suggest that tiger cub may be the name to go with. Have the Thailand factory's got enough spare capacity to build that and all the twin cylinder models it makes at the moment though?