 Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
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BB kits, Stroker kits, cams, carbs, etc. The only thing I can figure is that the engineers at Triumph are just dumb as a stump. They build seriously underpowered machines that would only be done out of stupidity. If you are gonna make a bike, make it right. Make it right away with 90HP and 70 pounds of torque. The cost is no more as it is done from the ground up. A piston is a piston and a cam is a cam. Just making pieces that go together. Looking at the Sprint, Rocket, Daytona, etc. There was no legal reason to under-power it. They were either just too dumb or too cheap to put the money into a better faster motor. Now, I hope you know, all the above is playing devils advocate, but why would they do that, or not do that? I was wondering this when I thought I was happy with the power my bike has now. I would never BB it, cam it or whatever to it. If I did that it would mean I bought the wrong bike in the first place wouldn't it? I think we have way too many folks looking for that new bike because they really don't like what they bought. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I think Triumph with our bikes started off with a 1000cc and then turned everything down.
I like my America, but the odd time I wish it would be that little bit faster, but then again it goes faster now than my brain can cope with. Or is that just my age getting older wiser and more afraid of coming off once again..
Ray(UK)
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Well they discontinued the Trophy and the Thunderbird. Two real bonehead moves there.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I just did 300+ miles with my wife on pillion today, and yes, I need to rejet after adding the TORs, but I have to say I'm happy with what I've got. Crotch Rockets can have their fun. I could get a Rocket III and have more/bigger everything and an 800 lb. bike. Or I can continue to be impressed with the soundness and reliability of what I have, and the capacity it has to move me and my pillion down the road keeping up with anything else I saw out there today - depite running a bit lean on top. I thought about what it might have been like a time or two today, if I had been on a new Tiger 1050 instead, and it just kept kept hitting me that it would still be a motorcycle, and I would not be any happier, and might wish it something else. There were a lot of lookers today though, that wished their ride was a TRIUMPH, whether they recognized a Speedmaster when they saw one or not. I did see an America in Montgomery, Tx at breakfast. Mulberry Red and Gray. 
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Sure they could do with a bit more oomph but they easily keep up with standard bikes of a much bigger cc.
If I want to go fast, I use a different bike.
IMO, these bikes more than serve their purpose.
No one held our arms up our backs to buy 'em.
We knew the power output / top speed / cc before we bought - or am I the one that's stupid and missing the point??
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I have been very happy for the last 3 years but I'm starting to want a little more comfort.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
BB kits, Stroker kits, cams, carbs, etc.
The only thing I can figure is that the engineers at Triumph are just dumb as a stump. They build seriously underpowered machines that would only be done out of stupidity.
If you are gonna make a bike, make it right. Make it right away with 90HP and 70 pounds of torque. The cost is no more as it is done from the ground up. A piston is a piston and a cam is a cam. Just making pieces that go together.
Looking at the Sprint, Rocket, Daytona, etc. There was no legal reason to under-power it. They were either just too dumb or too cheap to put the money into a better faster motor.
Now, I hope you know, all the above is playing devils advocate, but why would they do that, or not do that?
I was wondering this when I thought I was happy with the power my bike has now. I would never BB it, cam it or whatever to it. If I did that it would mean I bought the wrong bike in the first place wouldn't it?
I think we have way too many folks looking for that new bike because they really don't like what they bought.
No they are not stupid.
They built a great bike at a great price (if it was over 10k then it certainly would have been out of my budget and I would have bought a Shadow or even worse a Sportster  ).
AND if they built a 1000cc then youd be here posting how stupid they were for building it instead of a 1500cc.
I dont see Triumph as stupid in any way shape or form.
I dont know that I have ever bought any motor vehicle or decided to try any hobby out that I didnt want to buy accessories for. Its the we tend to do things. "I got one too but mine is faster and bigger than yours!"
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I am very happy with my bike. I bought the right bike it suits me it's fast enough powerful enough handles well and is reliable. When my engine needs a rebuild then it will get a big bore stroker rebuild but only because it needs to be rebuilt and it's always cool to tell people it's a stroker.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
and it's always cool to tell people it's a stroker.
Heheehehehe....you said "stroker"
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Well they discontinued the Trophy and the Thunderbird. Two real bonehead moves there.
If they're not selling, then it would be stupid to continue making them yes?
The Triumph guys tell me the Thunderbird was a tooling issue... they couldn't justify the expense of retooling to continue building the bikes with their declining sales. I love them myself but evidently their target customers did not.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Thanks to the legal profession , there is something called " liability exposure " ..if YOU hop-it-up it is no additional exposure to the factory...only to the after mkt mfg...and they usually have a waiver in the purchase agreement you sign when you purchase the BB, etc....so it is only "wise business practice" on Mr. Bloors part
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
BB kits, Stroker kits, cams, carbs, etc.
The only thing I can figure is that the engineers at Triumph are just dumb as a stump. They build seriously underpowered machines that would only be done out of stupidity.
If you are gonna make a bike, make it right. Make it right away with 90HP and 70 pounds of torque. The cost is no more as it is done from the ground up. A piston is a piston and a cam is a cam. Just making pieces that go together.
Looking at the Sprint, Rocket, Daytona, etc. There was no legal reason to under-power it. They were either just too dumb or too cheap to put the money into a better faster motor.
Now, I hope you know, all the above is playing devils advocate, but why would they do that, or not do that?
I was wondering this when I thought I was happy with the power my bike has now. I would never BB it, cam it or whatever to it. If I did that it would mean I bought the wrong bike in the first place wouldn't it?
I think we have way too many folks looking for that new bike because they really don't like what they bought.
Triumph stupid? yeah.. stupid like a fox..and there is nothing "underpowered" about my bike. It runs 40 mph faster than I will ever want to go and handles curves 30 mph faster than I ever wanted to take them.
They aimed for the Shadow/ Sporster market and I think they did one heckuvva job.. they built a dependable mid sized cruiser that people like me can afford. Want to talk under powered? ride a Suzuki Boulevard or just about anything in their cruiser line.
Want speed? they've got the answer to that too.. it's called triples.. strap yourself into one and talk underpowered then... not enough? Rocket 3 scary fast and torque from here to there.
I think Triumph is very much on top of their game and the engineers and marketing know exactly what they are doing.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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or you call always BB your BA or SM
and have it side lined for an entire
riding season for one mechanical mishap or another.
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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If you want bigger get a CVO Road King...no, wait, they cost as much as three well appointed TBAs...welll there's your answer now isn't it? A great running affordable bike with enough power for the rest of us commoners...and style, too.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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My America is fast enough to scare me it never entered my head to put in a BB. I think the guys who have put a BB in are the guys who like to mess with their motors they enjoy making them faster. If those same guys had a 1500cc cruiser they would be looking to make them faster too. maybe bump them up to 1800 or such. I don't think the people at Triumph are stupid and I don't think they made a mistake with our bikes. If all I was interested in were speed I would have bought a different bike.
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Tiger 1050, Daytona 675, Sprint, Speed triple, Rocket III, all award winning bikes, all in different segments, Triumph is a very small company when compared with HD or Japan Inc. No they are not a bit dumb, great marketing and great engineering.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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As I said, I was just being a devils advocate. BonnevilleAmerica-dot-com seems to be lately 1500cc.com
I thought I was right. I don't want a new Triumph, I like mine. I am not selling my Triumph for a 1500cc anything.
I was just kinda shaking my head at the excitement over a bike nobody has a clue about. I was thinking they must really hate what they bought to be so jittery over what may be coming out.
(in the area of hotter cams and big bore, I think the engineers decided the lesser stress would improve the life span of the bottom end)
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
We knew the power output / top speed / cc before we bought
I didn't. I just saw a pretty bike sat in the corner.... and the rest is history. I hadn't even got a licence to ride at that time, and didn't even haggle about the price.
I was gonna say 'I keep up with those I ride with' but then I think of comments made by people in the past about how they could struggle to keep up with me if they weren't on something that bit bigger....   
If I wanted something bigger/faster, I would have bought something bigger/faster after the crash. I didn't, so I have two Americas.
No, I think Triumph are incredably clever. A little slow with their cleverness, but clever all the same.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
As I said, I was just being a devils advocate. BonnevilleAmerica-dot-com seems to be lately 1500cc.com
I thought I was right. I don't want a new Triumph, I like mine. I am not selling my Triumph for a 1500cc anything.
I was just kinda shaking my head at the excitement over a bike nobody has a clue about. I was thinking they must really hate what they bought to be so jittery over what may be coming out.
(in the area of hotter cams and big bore, I think the engineers decided the lesser stress would improve the life span of the bottom end)
Nothing I said was intended as an attack against you and I don't think anyone else ment it that way. We all understand the devils advocate thing. Like was posted above the guys who did the BB and cams etc.. are guys who would be looking to do BB and cams etc on a 1500 or super charge a Rocket 3 etc.. The general concensus seems to be we have great bikes no matter BB no BB ,cams no cams any way you want to slice it. Our bikes are good general all around bikes. You can do almost anything you want on them. There are better long distance bikes but not many that are as much fun in the twisties , there are better bikes in the twisties but not that are as good long distance bike as ours. I think you could go through the range of bikes and no matter what our bikes are good over a wide range of uses and not limited to being good at just 1 style of riding.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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no, no, Dog I don't feel attacked at all. First, I wouldn't have the moral authority to feel that way, I started the tread I was just kinda throwing thoughts out there. For some reason, I could care less what they are making in 08,09 or next week. I am not selling my America to get one anyhow Its really probably more of a wrenching thing than a practical thing on the BB kits. The BB takes them from slow to not so slow compared to other bikes. Just an expensive hobby I guess. No problem, has nothing to do with me. I was just worried they didn't like what they bought and wondering why Triumph didn't make a faster bike from the start. Triumph has to pay for pistons, cams, and valves anyhow. Why not do it at the assembly level and turn out a seriously hot machine from the factory? It would not cost them anything more than what they are now.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Cool, I only said that because I got the impression you were getting defensive and wanted to be clear I meant nothing as I am sure neither did anyone else.
I would hope everyone is as happy as I am with my bike. I bought mine not because of low cost I bought it because it's what I want. I am with you as far as I am not interested in selling mine for anything else. I toyed with that trade in the classified for a HD and a Gold wing with trailer. If I did that I would be selling the HD right away and buying another Speedmaster.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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What's retarded about this discussion is that if power was the only issue, and that's all that everybody ever wanted, why do the lion's share of TBA/TA/SMs sell? Wouldn't the Rocket IIIs sell out? You can say "well, they're ugly" or "they're too much power" then what are you really trying to say? What I'm saying is that some people will NEVER be happy. Triumph fans get excited with anticipation when a new product is coming out, and they'll whine and complain after that product arrives if it doesn't meet or exceed their every expectation. Sure Triumph could've started with a 90hp engine in the Bonneville America. But they already had the vertical twin developed for the Bonneville and it's much cheaper to repurpose that platform and test the market with their first cruiser. To me that's dang savvy business acumen on the part of Mr. Bloor. But developing a new 90hp engine would've made the TBA cost more, probably at least $10k, even if they still based it on the Bonneville engine. That would've priced a lot of people out of the market and sent them to a Japanese bike or a Sportster (Ugh, Zod forbid). I would guess that most people who by an America or Speedmaster are quite happy with them as they are. A smaller number (like me) are happy once they add the pipes and Freak. A very small percentage feel the need to install a big bore or stroker kit, mikunis, etc. And finally, an even smaller percentage trade theirs off on a bigger bike. Does any of that make the first couple of groups stupid for being happy with what they have? I don't think I'll buy the 1500 bike. If I'm going to go bigger, I'm going Rocket III. As quick as my TBA is, it doesn't make sense to spend all that money for 30 more horsepower (in what is likely to be a heavier bike). That's too small a jump for the expenditure (assuming it will be $10-12k). The view is not worth the climb. Oh I'm sure you'll be able to pipe it and K&N it and remap the EFI, but then you're in the same money pit cycle as with the TBA. A stock Rocket III will still probably eat it's lunch. Dang, that went way longer than I thought it would. Must be the low blood sugar. I'm off to dinner. 
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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our motors seem to actually be pretty overbuilt. even with bb kits and carbs and headwork you still dont hear about breaking anything. the only time i have heard about internals breaking are on a seriously hopped up turbo bike. for the money we have have best bike in the class with the most potential of any other 800 class bike. we have options for power, touring, and custom. the only dumb thing i think triumph may do is not offer a line like harleys sreaming eagle stuff. they could make a killing with aftermarket performance stuff. but they are still a small company and we are lucky enough to have some options
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Adjunct
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Ha--Ha--you are (how they say) co me dian. You make it statement to "stir the pot"  for thees type of bike (Daytona--Rocket) to be under powered, rider must be (what you say) FAT A$$. Da Brits been put'n "under powered" ( i make joke-no) rides on street for century plus and yet to know this--you still buy. You go see cousin Yuri in Bratislava--he trade Ural from you--then you have it "under powered" 
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Noli Irritate Leones
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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I just think Triumph specifically de-tuned our bikes for the sake of reliability and their reputation (while still remaining comparitively competitive performance-wise in the cruiser market), which translates into sales.
The previous air-cooled Ducati SS900 pushed out 83 horses (I am comparing to the 865cc engine), so I am sure Triumph could achieve similar figures.
In the 4 years I have been checking out this site, not once have I heard of an engine failing (that is, without someone previously tampering with it), so I would say they have scored on the reliability front.
I would think that if Triumph were to significantly increase performance they would similarly probably have to upgrade on materials used, which in turn would increase costs etc.
That is, if they were to maintain the same current level of reliability.
The electrics/electronics is another story in which I do not have that much faith.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
You go see cousin Yuri in Bratislava ...
I be in der Bratislava in 4 days, you wanna me say somtin to you cousin Yuri eeh? 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Well most bigger displacement cruisers out there are not faster and do not have a better power to weight ratio. My friends on their 1100 Honda and whatever Yamaha both have more cc's and power on paper but it does not show in the real world. Riding with them the Yam just keeps up and the Honda falls far behind.
I personally bought this bike for the lower size/weight, good handling and decent power to weight numbers. This is my first cruiser and 500 pounds is enough for me. Have no interest in a 650+ pound bike.
I sometimes miss the speed of a sportier bike and may get a naked/standard soon to fill the void. I do not think you should be trying to go faster on a cruiser, save it for bikes that handle the speed.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Quote:
You go see cousin Yuri in Bratislava ...
I be in der Bratislava in 4 days, you wanna me say somtin to you cousin Yuri eeh?
Yuri ride with Wolves club, ride Ural patrol (camo)2 wheel drive w/reverse, if finding him--(deep in woods, good luck!)--tell him--  --petrol in U S A still not equal to 7 U S dollars like home
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_WXxYGyRas
Noli Irritate Leones
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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"Built to a cost", that phrase seems to me to be at the core of this discussion. Triumph had a target price of about $7000.00, so as not to price themselves out of the mid-size japanese-built(especially) market. The cost savings are in the low-end components such as the brakes and suspension units attached to the well engineered basic bike.
All of the modern Hinckley Twins have a solid basic design, especially in regard to their engines and frames. I believe the mid-sized engine displacement of these bikes was agreed upon at the outset of their design because this size was in keeping with the fondly remembered original Bonnevilles.
I think what Triumph Corporate often fails to realize is that the Bonneville line has so much unrealized potential in it's basic design, and that there are many more people out there than they think who would be willing to pay that extra $2,000 to $3,000(or looking at it another way, a $10,000 Triumph Bonneville/Thruxton/America/Speedmaster "Sport 1100" with upgraded suspension) direct from the factory that would keep up and maybe even better the performance of the latest Ducati retro line (a manufacturer with a similar "mystique" as Triumph enjoys) without having to go to the Aftermarket for this upgrade.
And even at $10,000 a motorcycle for this upgraded machine(sounds about right dollar-wise, doesn't it?!) this cost would still undercut the price of the new retro Ducati line by about $1,000, and be about the price of a 1200 H-D Sportster.
Why Triumph seems to always wish to compare themselves to the japanese manufacturers(ESPECIALLY IN PRICE), which lack the mystique and heritage that Triumph possesses IN SPADES, and seems to forget about setting their sights on those manufacturers like Ducati and Harley-Davidson(and few others) who have many many customers who will and often do pay a little more for that mystique and heritage of theirs, is beyond me!!!
That's my take on Ron's question here.
Last edited by Dwight; 08/20/2007 1:59 AM.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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if anyone has ridden a victory, the power those bikes put out is a very good mix of useable and fun. triumph could easily match or beat those bikes
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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The Triumph vertical twins are great mid-size cruisers. Nothing more, nothing less. I love mine.
But after putting 12,000 miles on the Speedmaster and taking a couple of Victory test rides, we decided to get a Victory. Simply put, it does everything better than the Speedmaster. Power & handling are superior. Fit & finish are excellent. If you think you turn heads on a Triumph, you should see the reactions I get on the Victory. The dealer & buying experience was first class. But I've kept the Speedy for solo riding & commuting.
Is Triumph stupid? Maybe. They're showing up (someday?!) at the big-cc cruiser party pretty late. They better bring a hot date.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898 |
I'm getting ready to purchase a 2005 Yamaha Road Star Warrior, I am KEEPING my Triumph Speedmaster. The Warrior has a 1700cc motor and I love the torque it puts out, that being said I love the way the Speedy revs, so I have two loves, nothing wrong with it!
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22 |
What Dwight said! I think they could have done a seriously fast bike appointed very well for less than 10k. I think they would have sold them all anyhow. I agree they underestimated how much folks will pay for them. I think many have about that much in theirs anyhow, but after-market companies got to keep the money. I probably really typed this in the subconcious hopes that Triumph may read it Offer two bikes kinda like the car industry. Mustang or Mustang GT. Speedmaster or Speedmaster- S with cams, carbs, suspension etc. Naturally the S model would be a few grand higher. I bet it would sell. Yes they are as fast or faster than the bigger cruisers. Triumph should never worry about what the other are doing, they should do what they are capable of doing all the time. Kinda like "Go you own way",
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 147
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 147 |
I am keeping my Beemer R1150RT, but I am coming back to an '07 America with nothing but pure joy when I get home in October-the day I sold the '04 was one of the saddest days of my life.
Keep your powder dry
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
Quote:
the only dumb thing i think triumph may do is not offer a line like harleys sreaming eagle stuff. they could make a killing with aftermarket performance stuff.
Frank that is a great idea. I totally agree. Flipping through the accessory catalog points out how weak the factory and aftermarket support is.
And Mert what if you don't hop you bike up but miss a season due to stupidity?
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 389
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 389 |
Quote:
or you call always BB your BA or SM
and have it side lined for an entire
riding season for one mechanical mishap or another.
Yeah...what she said!!! 
Definition of Insanity: "Doing things the same way over and over and expecting different results."
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Hmmm, underpowered.... The '49 Triumph 650 I had way back produced something around 35, maybe 37 HP stock. With lots of modifications and barely usable on the streets, it put out maybe 48 HP. OK, moving right along, my America came with an 800 engine that produced 61 HP stock. 61/800 * 650 = 49.5625. So, it started out with more power per CC than money and hard work could get from a 650. And, it takes relatively very little work and money to get 68 - 75 HP from the America. Now, moving back just a little, the '76 XLCH I had came with 61 HP from an engine 200CC bigger. And, it was considered the fastest stock HD made at the time. Yes, it was possible to bump it up to 75 or so HP, but it took more cash and work than getting the same power from the America.
Now, considering my '03 America. It will run a ton up with more to go. It will spin the rear tire when starting off with my feet up. It was faster 0 to 70 that the OL's 88 cubic inch Lowrider with pretty much the same mods. What it does not do is give me the feeling of imminent death before I even shift it into gear. Maybe that is what is meant by "underpowered"? Used to be that motorcycles were underpowered if they couldn't reach the speedlimit on some of the roads in the area.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
OK, moving right along, my America came with an 800 engine that produced 61 HP stock. 61/800 * 650 = 49.5625. So, it started out with more power per CC than money and hard work could get from a 650. And, it takes relatively very little work and money to get 68 - 75 HP from the America.
Well I for one would love to hear how to juice the 865 up to 75 hp. Even with TORs my Speedy doesn't have a shadow of the power my Kingpin does. Not even close.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
The 865 needs cams to get real power.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is Triumph just stupid?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
You're right about the modern Bonnies putting out a reasonable amount of power for their size, Greybeard, however I don't think that that is Ron's point. I think what he's asking(and so am I) is why there is not an option offered from the factory and already sitting in the Triumph showrooms for people who would like that additonal power.
I've personally sat in these showrooms and heard people with years of riding experience say to me that they like the "idea" and look of the new Bonnies(in all their permutation), but felt that they just didn't have enough "oomph" for them, and they didn't want to have to go through all of the trouble themselves or the lag-time involved(not to mention the likely voiding of the warranty) in order to get it where they wanted that power to be.
It kind of always reminds me of the line that I read in Cycle World a few years ago right after the BAs hit the market where they stated in their review of these machines...."While the Bonneville America LOOKS like 'The Wild One', it actually is more 'The MILD One' when it comes to it's performance."
And, I've always kind'a, sort'a wondered how many potential experienced customers for these beauties were and still are turned off to the idea of purchasing one of them because of this...ummm....fact!
(Yep, I still feel it's a fact that all the stock modern Triumph Twins are slightly "underpowered" for TODAY'S superhighway needs, and I view it a special shame because they do almost EVERYTHING ELSE pretty darn good, while lookin' so darn great)
Last edited by Dwight; 08/20/2007 3:40 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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