 Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
met the Triumph rep. Seemed to be a nice guy.
I told him of our near universal disapproval of the new tank, and he said that we just dont get progress, and that we will learn to like it over time ( he also said that it has to be seen in person to be appreciated, I have viewed it in person, I still like the old one better. I must be a Philistine andnot seeing the light ). And for those who simply dont, well...., there are 07s out there to be found and purchased ( does he not realize that that statement seems to say that there's not too much demand out there? For surplus stock can be interpreted as low demand ). Nice to see that knowing and responding to customer preferences is a priority.
He also doesnt like to come to these boards, as he can only take us for 5 to 10 minutes ( he gets p/o'ed ), as we all have a lot to say and know nothing about most of what we discuss. ( I wonder if he will pop on to see this site after I mentioned that he should come on see what we have to say ? )
He did mention that they want more dealers, to grow market presence and sales.
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
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
He also doesnt like to come to these boards, as he can only take us for 5 to 10 minutes ( he gets p/o'ed ), as we all have a lot to say and know nothing about most of what we discuss.
I like this guy already. We have a lot in common.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
|
OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
He did mention that Triumph has/will have chrome wheels available for the Speedmaster and America. They thought the set may be $1000, but then he rep said that may be dealer cost, or not. Either way, I would like to see what these things look like.
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
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
|
OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
And he mentioned that Harley Davidson now has a plant next to the Triumph plant in Thailand.
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
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
And he mentioned that Harley Davidson now has a plant next to the Triumph plant in Thailand.
Now THAT is funny. Of course I'm sure the bikes produced there are for export only, right? They wouldn't dare sell Thai-made Harleys in the US, would they? 
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I like the look of the old tank but I like the extra capacity of the new one. Maybe they should use Timelord technology and make the old tank bigger on the inside.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Quote:
He also doesnt like to come to these boards, as he can only take us for 5 to 10 minutes ( he gets p/o'ed ), as we all have a lot to say and know nothing about most of what we discuss.
Should we laugh at this or take it as in insult. Im not sure. I know what i am talking about, its the rest of you im not sure about. 
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
He also doesnt like to come to these boards, as he can only take us for 5 to 10 minutes ( he gets p/o'ed ), as we all have a lot to say and know nothing about most of what we discuss.
I could not have said it better...
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610 |
Is that why you've been MIA? 
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
Quote:
Quote:
He also doesnt like to come to these boards, as he can only take us for 5 to 10 minutes ( he gets p/o'ed ), as we all have a lot to say and know nothing about most of what we discuss.
I could not have said it better...
well, well, well where the heck have you been?
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
We all need a vacation, even from our "hobbies."
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Sounds like a real people person 
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Well, what did you expect, Todd??? Owning what many Triumph Higher-ups, dealers, and customers still erroneously consider the "Red-headed B*stard Step-children" of the Triumph line(read: the Cruisers) would automatically make whatever utterances you might relay to the poor gent suspect in his eyes. You "Philistine", you!!!  (and speakin' o' "PHIL"-istines...WELCOME BACK, DUDE!!!)
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)
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Sounds like he might be the editor of TriuMPH magazine too. Sfacime!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111 |
I still love the new tank!!!
Blessings
Nigel
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
|
OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Funny thing is I mentioned how the new tank on the BA and Speedmaster appear to look like the one on the new Rocket, and that they are not of the same family of bikes. He didnt agree, yet one of the owners of the dealership did, as he said that its quite obvious that the twin and the triple are the keys, and the twins are ( my term, heritage bikes ) and the similar tank plays to the family aspect there. Whereas the triple/Rocket III is not of the same family, nor lineage, its appearance and essence are quite different. The owner even agreed with my point that with H-D, they respect and build upon the continuance of the heritage, with our bikes, it appears they want to throw it away ( and in my mind, to throw away success that has been earned ).
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
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
They should know better than to follow the lead of the Japanese bikes. I agree that Triumph already has it's heritage and should continue to highlight the features that make it unique. This is similar to my Jeep Wrangler analogy on another thread.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
Quote:
Busy
oh 
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Hmmmm... I'm still mulling over what the rep said...He sounds a lot like upper level management types,"we know whats best, you are just knocking it because it's different" etc. I'm not sure I like being told what is good looking when the majority of us really like classic Trumpet styling. AGAIN, why did we fall in love with our bikes and why did we choose them over other bikes? Classic Styling had a lot to do with it, of course. I hope Triumph is not shooting itself in it's arrogent foot with this one. Truth is, (and appologies to my British biker cousins) the English run neck in neck with us Americans when it comes to arrogence. 
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
I'm sure I don't like being told what I'll like. I don't like the new tank on a few different levels.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
And to add one more thing, after Hennery's last post, I can remember when the big Hardly Glides took on Japaneese styling for a short time in the 80s. Moved the speedo off the tank and built a full fairing around modern looking guages in a cluster on the bars, very gold wing like. Those models tanked and a short time later Hardly started embellishing their cool retro look bikes and now they look great again.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
I remember that too. Hated the look of those. I had a friend who had one. He sold it and bought a Titan hardtail, he has wished he had kept the dresser ever since and the Titan won't sell for enough to make it worth it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 116
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 116 |
Quote:
This is similar to my Jeep Wrangler analogy on another thread.
My thoughts exactly!!! I drive a Wrangler because it's unique, and I got a Triumph for the same reason. Why go and try to be like everyone else when there is a market out there for something different and unique?!?! The new tank makes it look like a harley-yama-hon-zuki-saki clone! I had my choice between the '07 and waiting another month and getting the '08 and hands down I went with the '07 because it's different. I love it and it's sad to see Triumph getting rid of that. I wish we could do something to show them what they're doing is a mistake! 
It's like chasing a race horse on steroids!!!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47 |
I like the old tank A LOT BETTER!!! I would like to have seen them make the old one with a slightly larger capacity and get rid of the "stamped" look around the edges to kind of clean it up a bit.
Black '06 Speedmaster, BUB of course.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 300
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 300 |
let me weigh in on this: the new bike [tank] is a nice looking motorcycle, but it DON'T LOOK LIKE A TRIUMPH. the fact of the matter is, people buy triumphs [me] because they're triumphs. i paid 8200$[plus 3500$ factory accessories] for a TRIUMPH. you can get a pretty good asian bike for that. i paid 10'900$ for a roadstar midnight, chromed out hard bags w/s etc., so i think i have a pretty good point. triumph KNEW old timers would have problem with heritage, they're targeting younger buyers, using success with sport bikes as leverage.there is more younger buyers, who has'nt spent the last 50 years looking at triumphs, the heritage won't mean as much to them. the flip side to me is will those buyers pay 1500-2000$ more for a triumph than a yamasaki??? the bottom line,,,, i'm glad i got mine[07] when i did,, i value the lineage.
some people are like slinkies, they serve no purpose, but, they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I don't remember a poll where we all agreed the tank was ugly. I would never tell members and future members they have an ugly bike. While we have this thread going telling our valued members they have an ugly motorcycle I would like to disagree.  I like the tank design, it still looks like a Triumph and suits those who buy the bike. Thats all that matters. Making a Triumph a budget Road King on purpose can be open to the ugly discussion too. I don't remember us picking at you guys.  Ride your own ride and stop throwing rocks at our new and not so new members who buy these bikes. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
I'll go over to his shop with my plasma cutter and show him what I like and maybe something else.
Strangler
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
I wouldn't go as far as ugly just less Triumph specific in my opinion. Satxron has a point as far as it being ugly or not. I don't find it ugly I just have a preference for the old style. It still (at least for the moment) has the air cooled vertical twin. I fear that will become a thing of the past eventually as well,trading in the oil cooler for a radiator.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I don't remember a poll where we all agreed the tank was ugly. I would never tell members and future members they have an ugly bike. While we have this thread going telling our valued members they have an ugly motorcycle I would like to disagree.
I like the tank design, it still looks like a Triumph and suits those who buy the bike. Thats all that matters.
Making a Triumph a budget Road King on purpose can be open to the ugly discussion too. I don't remember us picking at you guys.
Ride your own ride and stop throwing rocks at our new and not so new members who buy these bikes.
Couldn't agree with you more here, Ron! 
And don't forget gentlemen...the new tank....DOESN'T HAVE THAT CHEAP-LOOKING GAWDAWFUL SEAM RUNNING UNDERNEATH IT ANYMORE!!!!!!!!
(hey...that's the way life is sometimes, ya know...they take away one thing but they give you back another...that known as "a push")
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)
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29 |
I like the old tank and I like the new tank, I like the old speedmaster back wheels I don't like the new speedmaster back wheels, I would prefer EFI to carbs ......
The above is small change really.
What matters to many is where the bike is made.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 300
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 300 |
you have a very valid point about the bottom seam, dwight,,, i put some "chrome" auto door edge guard on mine. the new design does [as stated before] look nice,,, you just can spot a triumph 2 blocks off, by the tank. at least the new bike owners won't have 14 geezers a day saying "yeah----i rode one of them in '66, wished i still had it".i specifically got '07 'cause i thought for sure epa mandates would drive them to efi this year, possible water cooled also. NOOOWWW, let me say plainly i'm not knocking that, efi is a wonderful thing, i have efi bike,[yamaha]had to get an efi 4-wheeler to use in colorado for elk hunts. this is some good stuff,,, i simply wanted heritage.
some people are like slinkies, they serve no purpose, but, they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
If I was a new bike buyer in '09 (or whenever we get the EFI bikes), the shape of the tank would not stop me from buying a jet black EFI Speedmaster.
That said, when I was planning the current (perpetual) makeover, my buddy asked if I wanted to adapt an aftermarket tank. I said HECK NO. I love that tank.
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 130
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 130 |
I prefer the old tank to the new one but still think both look nice.
Kevin
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 129
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 129 |
I agree that the new tank is not ugly, just not distinct. Got the Triumph because it was something different than what the masses are riding. I get comments on it every time I ride too  . I owned a '06 Honda Shadow 600 VTX before I bought the Triumph and the new tank on the '08 looks a lot like the tank on my Shadow. Nothing wrong with that, just nothing that really stands out. I liked the look of my Shadow, but I love the look of the tank on my America. It was a big selling point for me. I guess we all have our preferences. For instance, I think that the Harley Sportster is about the ugliest bike on the road. I hate the shape of the tank. Other people love 'em. Guess that's the way it'll be with the new Triumph tanks, but I think they will probably appeal to a different audience than those who had chosen them for the 'old school' styling.
My '07 "For three days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off." Johnny Carson
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307 |
Ok here, hows this? Yall buy the new bike, bring it to me and I will make the new tank look like the old one? I mean it does good for Triumph and me lol
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
I have a knockometer too. 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307 |
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 201
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 201 |
I agree that the new tanks are not ugly but, I personaly like the old tanks. If I bought a new '08 I'm sure I would be as proud as heck of it tank and all. Anyway here's my 2 cents worth and I'm just supposing..  I think maybe the marketing people at Triumph are trying to slowly start in a new direction concerning the America and Speedmaster models. I think FATTER is the concept that they are after (with these two models) and that includes the tank, and what ever else they can streach out in a horitontal direction, ie. rear tire etc. This fat "look" can't be acheived with our wasp waisted tanks. This is the direction that the jap cruisers have been going for some time with a lot of success. I also think that Triumph wants to keep just the standard Bonnie, Bonnie T100, and Scambler as their classic heritage bikes, hence the old school tanks. They still refer to them in their ads as "timeless sixties icons" with "classic designs." Just look at these copies of parts of some 2008 brochures below and how they emphasize the word "FAT" when refering to the America and the Speedmaster. Bob  
|
|
|
Re: Was at the dealer today...
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 103
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 103 |
I like the old tank. I like the new tank. It's called progress. Can't stay the same forever. I also love the new R111 Tourer tank, sweeeeeet.....
Ride a Motorcycle.....not a Bandwagon.
|
|
|
|
|
