Triumphrat

rmak

Being a man of passable intelligence I have never, even in the depths of my darkest dillusions, imagined my 21st Century Triumphs to be of the original variety. I used to own a T140. The differences to me have always been pretty clearcut.

So, with a stiff upper lip, I suffered through the recent thread where the vintage Triumph purists insisted on once again reminding me that I have a phony, overweight, underpowered toy motorcycle upon which I can only approximate the thrilling experience of riding a true classic. Of course, I accept every word of this admonishment as being true.
...and it should go without saying that I have been humbled as a result.

You can understand my shock, however, to learn on another rat.net forum today that one of our members feels that because of the ongoing use of cheaper materials, no real Bonnevilles were made after 2006!

Now I find myself in a dilemma. Since I have a 2005 and a 2007 Triumph twin, I have one real (albeit phony) motorcycle and one unreal one. Since I have started and ridden both I was under the false impression that they both were "real" phony motorcycles. Now I find one is a "phony" phony bike.

Just when I thought my feeling of inadequacy could'nt get any worse. I now have to ride something that only approximates an approximation! I guess my plan at this point is to get a dark shaded shield for my helmet and some really loud pipes so I won't hear the jeering and taunts from all you guys who own real Triumph motorcycles.

Kurt V

I really don't understand the attitude. It's not like we don't hear enough crap from the non-motorcycling public. People need to be more good natured about these things. I also have a 2001 Honda VFR Interceptor and prior to that an '85 Honda Interceptor. There have been 6 generations of the Interceptor and we all congregate on one board: www.vfrdiscussion.com Teasing between the generations always comes up, but it tends to stay good natured. Should be the same here. After all we all love the same brand.

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Kurt V

Skyblue62

rmak take no notice of the nasty purists - there's only one thing that's perfect - a great big zero, nothing, nada

The original Triumph's were made in Coventry but also in Germany both using an engine made in Belgium, the next generation came from Meriden, a few more were then made down in Devon, the modern classic Triumphs were reborn at Hinckley and some are now being produced in Thailand

Both of your bikes are pure Triumph - just as much as anybody else's even the purists

Triumph doesn't mean made in England - it means a very great success, achievement or victory

Which is being achieved by keeping the 'name' alive using what ever means possible :

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Ian

OhioTT

It doesn't matter what hobby/sport or any other forum you find yourself on there are always the snobs who believe their choice is the only choice. I choose to ignore them and ride whatever trips my trigger and don't really care what they think. A motorcycle is whatever you want it to be....it's either good to go, out the dealer's door or a blank canvas to create your own personal vision. Ride and enjoy!

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2007 Bonnie Black
Emgo reverse megs,K&N filter,Polaris bellmouth,130 mains,stock pilots,three turns out,gaiters,to be continued......

TB-T100

rmak - master of ironi.

I totally agree. We all ride great bikes. And whatsmore: most other bikes are cool also.

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'04 T100 Black and White (because it matches a dinner jacket)
904, 813, port&polish, Pieman igniter TORS, rebuilt front (valves, springs, etc), Öhlins shocks, tubeless alu rims, JMC alu swingarm, 520 conversion, Ti nuts and bolts
- Ringer

mikeinva

dang i started off with a real made in england 03 bike but now it has made in usa rods pistons and reworked crank i guess i dont have a real one now ether so dang ill go sluming with you guys lol

modre

I wouldn't worry... each day anew brings the same Lucas Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Raindogs

Of Don Rickles coveted Guffaw of the Week award with the irony-laden original post. Good stuff, and you made your point quite well. Although I am disturbed by the plasticizing of the newer Bonnevilles, I am more bothered by the newer tank shape that probably makes getting replacement tanks in the event of a get-off in the future more difficult. Anyway, don't let the d-bags get you down (doesn't sound like that is a problem) and just remember...I saw ____ band when they played at _____ club in front of 20 people when they really rocked, before the sellout of course.

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Kansas City, MO
'05 Bonnie Black

3Moons

Jonathan Swift, Voltaire, and other satirists of forgone days don't hold a candle to you. You are the Moliere of the 21st century. Edmund Rostand would shave an inch off of Cyrno's nose for your wit and wisdom.

ohiorider

I took some minor flak when I purchased the first US model of the BMW K100RS in early 1986. Like 'where's the cylinders?'. But it was all in fun. It was indeed a different bike than the traditional Airhead. And different than the Japanese multi's of the time, too. But I loved her, and no one could make me feel any other way about that fine old Beemer. We parted company only after 65,000 miles, and that was for a second K100RS with ABS brakes in 1990.

Compared to a Japanese sports or sports tourer, the K's were lead-sleds, but I could sure cover the miles on them.

Bob

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03 T100 Lucifer Org and Silv: 122/42 jets, TORs, 18T, UNI filter, no AI, Polaris bellmouth, Metz 880 tires, Prog. 440 shocks (105/150 springs), 11-1124 fork springs, Thrux fork caps, gaiters, MotoTwin low bars, 6024 lamp, htd grips, 12v outlet.