 Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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I was researching the Triumph America today on the internet, and I read that Triumph has a manufacturing facility in Thailand. Are Triumph Americas built in Thailand?
What model year separates Triumph Americas that were built in Britain from Triumph Americas that are built in Thailand?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
Regards, -Ward
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Learned Hand
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The ones made in asia have the following tank badging Thaiumph 
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Loquacious
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Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
No one knows for sure. If you're buying one, get it now that way you're pretty sure of getting a Brit built one if that's what you're after.
Failing that, who cares where they're built???? 
This topic has been done to death - it's bound to be in the archives unless it got to the stage, as so often happens, where it was taken too far and was nuked ...
BTW, I'm informed that the Thai bloke painting the stripes on tanks has been doing it, like, a few months and does a better job than the guy whos been doing them 20+ years - or something along those lines.
Just goes to show ....
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Monkey Butt
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Quote:
I was researching the Triumph America today on the internet, and I read that Triumph has a manufacturing facility in Thailand. Are Triumph Americas built in Thailand?
What model year separates Triumph Americas that were built in Britain from Triumph Americas that are built in Thailand?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
Regards, -Ward
Hi Ward, I think the majority that are new will come from Thailand, but I think the engine etc are still built at Hinckley in England, don't know if they just don't assemble everything in Thailand.
I may be wrong about this though,(would not be the first time ) there was a big discussion on this at the begining of the year try searching for it
Ray(UK)
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Oil Expert
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I'm fine with it as long as they aren't going to be made in China.  Your dealer should be able to tell you the particulars.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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If memory serves, I read an article in a motor mag a while back. That all the Thai models were destained for Asia, Australia and the Americas. Hinckley models for UK, Europe and the rest of world. Have too wait and see where they actually turn up. The vin No's must denote it? Surely they won't have Made in England on them anymore.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Loquacious
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Some not all of the Bonneville Line which includes Americas and Speedmasters are assembled in Thailand. All the components are still manufactured in Great Britain and shipped to Thailand for assembly.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Adjunct
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Surely they won't have Made in England on them anymore.
I don't think they've said "Made in England" for quite awhile (I could be wrong, though). My 2004 badge says "Triumph - Great Britan" - it doesn't say "Made in England" anywhere on it.

(RIP) 2004 Black Speedmaster | Scepter Exhaust | ISO Grips | Black-Hex Shifter Rod | Willie&Max Bags
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Quote:
Quote:
I was researching the Triumph America today on the internet, and I read that Triumph has a manufacturing facility in Thailand. Are Triumph Americas built in Thailand?
What model year separates Triumph Americas that were built in Britain from Triumph Americas that are built in Thailand?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
Regards, -Ward
Hi Ward, I think the majority that are new will come from Thailand, but I think the engine etc are still built at Hinckley in England, don't know if they just don't assemble everything in Thailand.
I may be wrong about this though,(would not be the first time ) there was a big discussion on this at the begining of the year try searching for it
Actually, rumor has it, that only those people who go to the trouble (and stir up the pot) of asking WHERE their bikes are manufactured, will receive the Thai Triumphs. Those of us who are good little customers will still receive Brit models. Those who are not, will have their bike run back to the shop for a "last minute pre-delivery adjustment" where it will be swapped for an identical Thai bike! Remember John Bloor knows who has been naughty and who has been nice... 
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Quote:
John Bloor knows who has been naughty and who has been nice

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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
If memory serves, I read an article in a motor mag a while back. That all the Thai models were destained for Asia, Australia and the Americas. Hinckley models for UK, Europe and the rest of world. Have too wait and see where they actually turn up.
Thats what I was told on the factory tour last month, at that time complete engines where assembled and crated up for shipment and final assembly in Thailand, these where all engines with carbs.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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FunkleTrumpet wrote: ...who cares where they're built????
Well, we're talking about a motorcycle company, steeped in British tradition, that is manufacturing motorcycles under a supposed British marques. If such a company were to actually start building their motorcycles in Thailand...I can see where some people might care.
Regards, -Ward
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Monkey Butt
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Ward, as you have not completed your profile we have not a clue where you are from so its hard to answer. If you live in the U.S. you will get a Thailand bike. Look at the 11th digit. It will have a T if made in Thailand and a J if made in England.
In response to them not advertising they are made in England. Their home page for the U.S.: ____________________________________________
ABOUT TRIUMPH
Born, bred and proud to be British.
With over 100 years of history behind us, Triumph is a privately-owned British company. Our motorcycles are designed, developed and built at our factory, one of the most technologically advanced plants in the world, which is located in Hinckley, in the heart of Great Britain.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Should be Riding
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All the bikes are designed and engineered in England. Almost all of the parts are made in England. Some of the bikes are just assembled in Tailand.
Soren
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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They're all built in Thailand. Go buy a Harley. 
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Oh yea, HD, aren't they half chinese?
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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No, no, no, they're pure 'Murican.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Should be Riding
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What are the odds of someone being named after the TV father of the beave?
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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Quote:
I was researching the Triumph America today on the internet, and I read that Triumph has a manufacturing facility in Thailand. Are Triumph Americas built in Thailand?
What model year separates Triumph Americas that were built in Britain from Triumph Americas that are built in Thailand?
Ok a lot of misinformation here. All 2007 models parallel twin models (speedmaster, America, thruxton, t100 etc) are built in Thailand including the assembly of the engine. Many parts may well be made in England but not as many as you think. Seats, wheels, brakes, and some parts of the engine definitely are not made in england and I suspect a lot more parts.
2006 models may be a mixed bunch, certainly late 2006 frames and final assy was done in Thailand but no one can (or is willing) to give a definite answer.
The above info is true for the USA, Australian, NZ and Asian market. These all come with carbs. I believe the English and Europe bikes are still made in Hinkley and all now have EFI to pass the EU laws.
The reason I am so sure is all the research I have done because I got mislead (down right lie actually) and ended up with a Thailand Triumph instead of a real one.
As mentioned a look on the frame (VIN) number on bikes in the USA will tell you. The 11th digit will be J or T (T being Thailand) In other markets a F2 or F4 sticker near the steering lock will tell you. F4 being a false Triumph and a F2 being a real one.
Hope this helps, any more questions just ask.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
FunkleTrumpet wrote: ...who cares where they're built????
Well, we're talking about a motorcycle company, steeped in British tradition, that is manufacturing motorcycles under a supposed British marques. If such a company were to actually start building their motorcycles in Thailand...I can see where some people might care.
Regards, -Ward
A lot of people are die hard Chevy fans, but are clueless, or just simply refuse to accept the fact, that a majority of the parts (or even the cars themselves) for their beloved "American" Chevy's are made in Mexico, or Canada. Same goes for FORD or Chrysler. None of them say up front that their "Built FORD Tough with American Labor" actually means "NORTH AMERICA" which means, yeah, technically, they're built in America, if you use the definition of North America which is the US, Canada, and Mexico. Same goes for Harley, but they'll never admit it openly. Anybody who believes his vehicle is going to be built forever in England or the US, or Germany in this time of globalization is oblivious to reality. Yep, we're all free to whine about this, but in the end, the decision is purely financial, as it is with any company, and our whining won't change a thing. This subject has been beat to death before. If it is such a big deal, I would suggest putting blinders on and buying a Harley, or a Victory. Whatever you do though, don't EVER look at the labels on any of the parts...
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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Well Bayern you say the subject has been done to death, well then why read/ post? just move on to another thread if it annoys you. Ward has a genuine question over an issue that is important enough for him to ask and I see no harm in politely giving him the information he seeks. I myself found it very hard to find the correct information and can understand Wards concern.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Because I have the right to express an opinion. I was not suggesting that Ward did not have a right to ask the question, simply expressing a view that while it would be nice to be able to "Buy British" or American, or whatever, it is becoming wholly unrealistic anymore to actually believe that is the case. Triumph IS building/assembling/whatever the bikes in Thailand, and that is that. My response was actually directed at the part of the question about why Triumph does not advertise this or clearly state it, and the simple answer is marketing, just like Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, Harley Davidson, etc.... Whether or not any of us like that answer is really pointless, since our feelings, opinions, etc... simply will not change how they market these bikes, or where they make them. That may seem like a harsh answer, reality is harsh sometimes. I don't believe that I personally attacked Ward, nor intended to, just stating cold hard facts.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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fwiw,
mine is assembled in Thailand according to the "t" being in the vin number......It's still a triumph and I'm still very happy with the bike.
it makes no difference to me.....as long as triumph does well and stays around for years to come with bikes such as the ones being offered today-I'm good.
edit: mine is an 07' speedmaster.
Last edited by Tony_From_Boston; 10/30/2007 11:16 AM.
-Tony
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Quote:
StaggerLee wrote: I got mislead (down right lie actually) and ended up with a Thailand Triumph instead of a real one.
A F2 or F4 sticker near the steering lock will tell you. F4 being a false Triumph and a F2 being a real one.
Thanks Stagger, I've been debating the pros and cons of getting a used Triumph versus a new one.
It seems then that my chances of getting a "real" Triumph (versus a "false" one) are much better if I search in the used inventory.
Regards, -Ward
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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I swear to god I want to start smacking people around over this issue. If it bothers you that much, please, PLEASE don't buy a Triumph. 
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Being in the automotive field for more years than I would care to admit I know it's been a globel thing with the automotive manufacturing industry for years.As long as they hold up the same and are the same from an engineering stand point I don't know if its big thing to me.As long as they keep producing the bikes and the company makes money (the reason they are in business in the first place)I dont care where in the world they put together.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Fe Butt
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Yep! I hear most the Bonnie models ARE assembled in Thailand now Ward, which of course was formerly known as Siam, right?! And sooooo....I don't know Ward, but it sure sounds to me like you've got somethin' against "Siamese Twins" here!!! And you KNOW Ward...Eng and Chang WERE people TOO! And I hear were very nice people TOO!(hmmmm...or should that be TWO???)  AND, seein' as how one of those famous Siamese Twins was named "Eng"...as in "ENGLAND"...I guess you could make the case that there's STILL a connection(though granted, a bit nebulous here) with the Motherland....RIGHT?!  (hmmmm....now what WAS the title of that one play by that englishman known as the Bard of Avon???...oh YEAH!!!..."Much Ado About Nothing"...THAT'S right!) 
Last edited by Dwight; 10/30/2007 1:29 PM.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Dwight, 1st - (and this is totally off-topic) - Would your avatar happen to be a picture of the rear of the Porsche Spyder that James Dean was killed in?
2nd - Regarding your "much ado about nothing." That all depends on the perspective of the individual. Some folks might be okay with owning a Thailand built "British" motorcycle. Other folks might consider a "British" motorcycle with a "British" heritage being built in Thailand is somehow not the real thing.
Regards, -Ward
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Fe Butt
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Yep Ward, that's a Beck 550 Spyder, alright. The avatar is of one I saw done up in James Dean's No.130 "Little B*stard" livery a couple years ago. I had wanted a Spyder for years(a replica of course, as any of the 50 original 550s left in existence are pushin' a cool million bucks nowdays) and finally bought one a few months back. These cars are very close to the original Porsche specs, such as their mid-engine, tube chasis and body dimensions.
Though I really wanted one in a blue-silver color, I couldn't pass up this deal on this black one I got. Big ol' 2165cc CB VW motor sittin' right behind the cockpit puts out approx 160BHP at the rear wheels. This one also has 4 wheel disc brakes.
It's about as close to driving a "four-wheeled motorcycle" as you can get. It's a friggin' BLAST to drive!!!
Regarding your 2nd question, it's your choice in this matter, but the only reservation I've ever had regarding this is not some "heritage issue", but the idea that much of the "heavy industry" in the "First World" is being, or had already been outsourced to Second and Third World countries, which I believe is not looking "long term".
In Triumph's case, that least their main facility and their R&D Division is still where it's employing british subjects. I feel that's the silver lining here.
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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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Fe Butt
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"Siamese Twins" here!!!And you KNOW Ward...Eng and Chang WERE people TOO!
yeah and fathered a bunch of kids, imagine their wives. Was it a 3 some or did the other brother read a book or something? Were they really connected or was it a sly way to wife swap? They also both maintained a completely seperate house for their respective families and alternated what house they stayed at.
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: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Loquacious
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Dwight, 1st - (and this is totally off-topic) -
Ward, if you've been around these boards long at all, you'll know (or soon will), that it takes all the force of a gnat fart to get "off topic" around here... 
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Dwight wrote: In Triumph's case...their main facility and their R&D Division is still where it's employing British subjects. I feel that's the silver lining here.
Fair enough Dwight. Perhaps the quality will continue, even with the Taiwan connection.
The flat panel LCD monitor I'm sitting in front of is consistently rated as one of the best quality monitors that you can buy. It is made by a company in Korea, and it was recently revealed that the company uses parts, and indeed even entire panels, that it imports from other Third World countries and sells under it's moniker. LCD Panel Origins
Yet, the quality is still there.
Perhaps it's just sort of a mental block or something, but when I think of Triumph Motorcycles, I think of a well made British motorcycle...not a motorcycle imported from Taiwan. However...as with the LCD monitor...perhaps the quality engineering is still there.
Regards, -Ward
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Learned Hand
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I swear to god I want to start smacking people around over this issue. If it bothers you that much, please, PLEASE don't buy a Triumph.
If this issue bothers you that much TOO BAD!
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Fe Butt
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Personally I waited until they were tooled up in England before I would have even considered a new Triumph. Made in England means something to me. If they were not made in England and I wanted a new bike I would have been looking for Made in the USA or just kept rebuilding my old ones.
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: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Quote:
Quote:
I swear to god I want to start smacking people around over this issue. If it bothers you that much, please, PLEASE don't buy a Triumph.
If this issue bothers you that much TOO BAD!
We all have our pet peeves.
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Learned Hand
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And my new company vehicle, a Honda, lists its composition of parts being 70% USA, go figure. BMW assembles cars in the USA for the cheaper labour, other manufacturers do it elsewhere. Look, ifs it quality built and not slave labour ( like China ), then whats the problem? Tell me, of all the parts in a UK built Triumph, was it 100% UK sourced? If not, why buy it?
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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3/4 Throttle
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(hmmmm....now what WAS the title of that one play by that englishman known as the Bard of Avon???...oh YEAH!!!..."Much Ado About Nothing"...THAT'S right!)
Rumour has it, William didn't write it either!!
Still a good story - Bonnie are still good bikes - American websites sell Union Jack decals... so what! 
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The Dog 33 wrote: Personally I waited until they were tooled up in England before I would have even considered a new Triumph. Made in England means something to me.
So Dog, what year Triumph do you own?
Regards, -Ward
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
I swear to god I want to start smacking people around over this issue. If it bothers you that much, please, PLEASE don't buy a Triumph.
I agree with you 100%!
The thing that frustrates me the most about it is that everything has been based on speculation. Nobody has stated any facts from Triumph, the Triumph factories/assembly plants or facts from any genuine source.
Soren
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 Re: Which Triumph Americas Are Built In Thailand?
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I remember, well sort of remember, back in the 70s we use to take great pride in smoking products imported from other country's. ie' columbia, jamaica, panama, tialand, etc. Homegrown was the bottom of the barrel. Couldn't hardly give that away. Funny how things change.
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