Triumphrat

The Hedgehog · 11-09-2012, 07:13 AM

Hi Guys,

Just to let you know that Bigbikemad, the free on-line bike magazine (run by myself and a few mates on a not for profit basis) has just reviewed the new Trophy.

http://bigbikemad.com/2013-triumph-trophy.html

We also have videos and articles on other large capacity bikes including the Triumph Explorer.

Put the coffee on and check it out!

http://bigbikemad.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UcX7...ature=youtu.be

PS any articles, pics etc of bikes, tours and tips always welcome, full credit given (including to this forum) and there's a prize for the best one received before Christmas.

Happy to publicise this forum for free if anyone wants to send us a logo we will happily create back links...

leemadinger · 11-09-2012, 05:15 PM

Nicely written and also a great compliment to the bike. Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com Free App

The Hedgehog · 11-10-2012, 05:04 AM

No problem mate, If you want us to video anything else bike wise, just let us know.

If you'd like us to publicise your site then just e mail me a logo (Dave (at) bigbikemad (dot) com and I'll happily do a write upon you guys and put a back link in back to you. Its a nice forum and club and I'd be happy to share that too.

Ride Safe

Dave

cruisin · 11-10-2012, 09:51 AM

thanks for the review. I'm seriously looking at a Trophy but plan to wait for the second model year to allow time for any first year bugs to be worked out.

The Hedgehog · 11-12-2012, 10:48 AM

Not a bad idea Cruisin....

the bike is a very capable one - I tend to think the RT still has the edge, but the Trophy is very good and a lot cheaper for the same spec.

Dave

cruisin · 11-12-2012, 05:37 PM

Dave, how would you compare the new Trophy to an 1100RT? (if you've ever ridden an 1100).

I plan to keep the stable as is even after the addition of a Trophy so there is no urgency on my part to get one. That is why I can easily wait for 2014 or even 2015. The current RT only has 29K on it; so it's just getting loosened up really good. If I get a Trophy, the RT, C and R80 will all make great bikes for friends and family to ride when they come visit.

The Hedgehog · 11-13-2012, 03:41 AM

Comparison of the Trophy and 1100RT? Hmm...

Well the character is not as far apart as you might suppose... the Trophy has more power and is a tad smoother (as you'd expect it being a triple but its also got a trick balance shaft which means no shakes at idle like the RT has.) Engine pick up and throttle response are also a bit quicker. So generally a more modern feel.

On the other hand the Trophy is nowhere near as smooth as an inline 4, say an FJR, so it still has some of the rough, snorty character you'd expect from a Boxer engine. Just a bit more like a buzz saw. You feel it on acceleration - and its a nice character. Transmission whine on the Triumph is quite loud though...more than the BMW which sort of clashes with the smooth image the looks suggest.

Wind protection is good on both bikes, and handling is great on both. The Triumph is possibly a tad heavier to turn in, but its a slight difference.

The main differences you'd notice are power, pick-up and throttle response plus the generous spec on the Trophy. Also some change in your pocket compared with getting a new 1200RT as its cheaper and lower servicing costs (10,000 mile interval on the British bike). Both bikes do a very similar thing. My guess is that the Triumph will depreciate faster than the BM, so a year old version could be a bargain.

Hope that helps....

Like your generous nature... its nice you think of others when planning a bike change...having bikes for family to ride etc. That's nice.

Ride safe!

Check out our review on the K1600 in a couple of weeks! We're testing the beast next weekend. Got a K1200GT film up later this week (Autumn Color in England) You Tube Channel and on bigbikemad.com.

cruisin · 11-13-2012, 06:25 AM

thanks;

I'm anxious to read your review of the K16. I made a trip to Sante Fe, NM July of 2011 for a computer diagnostic on my 1200C and had a test ride booked on a 16. Once I sat on it and tried to reach the ground with my 27" inseam, I knew the stock seat height would preclude me from riding a bike that size without some serious lowering. Of course riding it is not the problem. Keeping it upright at stops is the problem. I told the sales guy to give me shout if he ever got one in with a low seat. I suspect I will have to initiate any further action on that front though.

Now that 30.3" low seat being advertised by Triumph on the new Trophy is just one of the reasons I am so jazzed up about it. While it is true I could probably score a new or used R1200RT with a low seat and lowered suspension, I am pretty put-out with BMW quality control since 2002. They just aren't at the top of the heap as they once were. I'm hearing, seeing, & reading lots of good things about Triumph in recent years though and am ready to switch brands. That has me thinking a new Trophy would make a really nice 60th B-day present in May of 2014. I just have to convince my wife how nice it would be.

trom100 · 11-14-2012, 12:03 PM

Pick mine up with the lower seat on Wednesday. My inside leg is 29 and I agree that the 1600 is difficult on normal seat. I had R1200RT with low seat but K1300GT with normal seat. I think this worked because it is so much narrower at the seat front. For me the decision rests on being able to paddle backwards which I need to do at lots of places to park (doh!). The trophy on test ride with normal seat (UK gets the higher seat as normal) was brilliant at slow speed but I could only get toes down so no going backwards. Hence low seat which makes all the difference.

Lets hear it for short (and fat) bald old guys!

The Hedgehog · 11-15-2012, 04:27 AM

Hi Cruisin',

Yes, the K1600 will be interesting. We only have it for as day, together with the S1000RR, but we are planning a long trip through the National Park of the Yorkshire Dales - enough to test any bike.

Apparently, with the K16 BMW have taken a leaf out of Honda's book and done what they did with the Goldwing - pinched the tank and seat in to lower the effective seat height. The effect is dramatic on the 'Wing (I owned a GL1800 once). You realise that it's not just the actual height of the seat that determines whether you can get your feet on the floor, but how far your legs are pushed apart by the width of the seat and tank as well as the actual height...

There's a low seat option on the BMW as well...just as there is with the new Trophy. About time there was more adjustabity generally really.. A good dealer should have the low seat option in stock I'd say. It's been a big issue in designing the bike... They should also do whatever it takes to get it to fit - I'm guest of Allan Jefferies next weekend - the biggest Motorrad dealer in Europe based in England - and nothing is too much trouble for them. Perhaps you should come over here - buy it then have it shipped home! They'll get it fitting perfectly even if they have to have it lowered in their own workshop.

Yes, Triumph have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. They have been spending a fortune on R&D as well - most unusual for a British company! Hence several new models in the last couple of years including the Explorer (which is really good - see our review) and the Steve McQueen copy.

British finish and build quality seems pretty good and the service intervals at 10,000 on the Trophy suggest Triumph are confident about the engineering.

It has to be said that Triumph also do a really cool lot of accessories and clothing too. Nice designs and well priced. They do good stuff for women especially - I had to spend a fortune last time I took the wife to our Local Triumph dealer; Jacket, gloves, t-shirts, tops...Good quality though.

Let us know what you decide to do.

If you have any pictures of roads or bikes you'd like to share then we'd be happy to publish them - give you credit for copyright but no location etc.

Cheers

Dave AKA Hedgehog