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.
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.