 Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I would still have bought mine in 2002 if it were built in Thailand (I probably wouldn't have known then anyway). The Triumph heritage was just a bonus to me. The product spoke for itself. I don't have the bias against Asian countries that always seems to go hand-in-hand with Mom, apple pie, Generic Motors, Harley Davidson and unions. It was WWII. Let it go. Not all far east countries are Vietnam and Japan. It's a global economy. Yeah, some sh!tty things happen in the "third world," but the things that go on in this country everyday don't exactly put us on a high moral ground. I would probably not buy a Thai-brand bike made in Thailand because there are none with any kind of track record or history that I am aware of. But I'd have no problem buying an 1800 VTX. If Triumph was a huge conglomerate with a board of directors and shareholders I would trust them less, but I think John Bloor has shown great business sense and instincts. Time may not confirm that - the Thailand bikes may indeed experience problems, but a good business man is going to make dammed sure that doesn't happen if at all possible because of the PR nightmare. Whew. Take a breath. Right now the only other bike I'm considering for purchase in the next 5 years is a Rocket III. Yeah, I'll look at the mid-size cruiser, but it's going to have to kick some serious a$$ to beat the RIII. And even if it does, IT WILL BE THAI BUILT. I'll probably buy a pre-Thai RIII just because I'll want to buy used to get the best deal. That's the major consideration for me. But with all the people who refuse to consider the Thai-built bikes, the prices for new ones should be pretty low. Now back to your regularly scheduled FUD (look it up), jingoism and other drivel. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. Now you have mine. Now let's see who I've pi$$ed off. Maybe I'm losing my touch. 
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
For all that are screamin' about this, ever stop to ask why the assembly plant isnt located in the USA? Or even Mexico ( whose labour rate is four times that of China )? Would we rather that Triumph produce in low numbers, not have the capital to grow the line, and maybe not stay solvent?
Yes to that question.
The average worker in Thailand makes about $7.00 per 12 day.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Maybe I missed something. What proof does anyone actually have other than the assumption that a "T" in the VIN means Tailand? One thing that seemes to have slipped peoples minds is that for the most part the new America and Speedmaster are new models, that would affect the 3rd or 4th (or both) characters of the VIN. About a year or so agao (maybe longer) I posted a thread about decoding the VIN number with explanations of the letters. Unfortunatley I can't seem to find that thread right now. In what place was the mysterious "T" found in the VIN? Here is a link that may help. http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/vin.htmSoren
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365 |
Hmmmm, very interesting. I've been looking at an 07 TBA, Pacific Blue/New England White, but didn't know they were now built, aka, "assembled", in Tailand. Interesting thread, perhaps I need to think "pre-owned"?
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Hmmmm, very interesting. I've been looking at an 07 TBA, Pacific Blue/New England White, but didn't know they were now built, aka, "assembled", in Tailand. Interesting thread, perhaps I need to think "pre-owned"?
Helllloooooo.... They just might not be. Read the previous post You all just might be jumping the gun on this one.
Soren
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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hmmmm. just stumbled on this topic after a short absence and there a few things that come to mind.
1)I like Dwight. He's the type of guy you'd like to hoist a few with. Kind of like keith richards. Cool.
2)My Japanese next door neighbor will not buy a Toyota built in the USA because he thinks the American worker is bad. He will only buy the imported Toyotas. I told him to shut his f&^ckin mouth. Then politely bowed.
3)I bought my Triumph because, up until recently, it was the only marque still being build in its homeland after a 100 years. I think this Thai gig may backfire.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 406
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Helllloooooo.... They just might not be. Read the previous post You all just might be jumping the gun on this one.
Soren - A quote from Wikipedia:
In February 2002, as the company was preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary as a motorcycle maker, its main factory was hit by fire, destroying most of its manufacturing capacity. Nevertheless, the company, which by then numbered more than 300 employees, quickly rebuilt the facility and returned to production by September of that year. Furthermore, in 2003, Triumph opened a new, cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Thailand. Also, assembly and painting facility in Thailand was opened this year (2006) by Prince Andrew. Triumph is building another facility in Thailand supposedly to be engine manufacturing site.
Full article here: wikipedia
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
$7.00 a day, so what? How does/what does Triumph pay?
As I said, it is about more than pay. Take in the govt regs that adds tons of extra costs, the crazy fat benefits that workers get, add in what the major growth markets are ( projected and actual ) add in shipping,and then maybe, the wages. American workers are paid way over their value for unskilled jobs, to stay employed, to stay competitive, they need to stop living with the union bull, go after the politicians who "care" for them ( with all the crazy overbearing regs ) and demand the lifting of the regs to be more competitive. I sick of hearing about the victimhood of American workers,they choose to be stubborn, and then ****** when jobs leave. But, as I said, govt regs and big benefits are the real issues with being competitive, not wages exclusively.
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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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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After reading all these posts, I still have to say that I bought a British bike because it was British. It had heritage, looks, reliability and performance. I could have bought any bike I wanted. Cost was not an issue. I will pay a premium for what I want. I bought the Triumph because it was my first choice, and I intend to keep it. Tommy made a good point earlier: why did they not just make the sports bikes in the Far East where most other sport bikes come from, and build the British Classics (and Cruisers) where people expect them to be built? I think this will cause Triumph a lot of lost sales on them. I for one would not buy a Triumph made in the Far East. If I wanted to buy another bike now, the choice would probably be of a bike with an American or German heritage. However, with the political scene the way it is, that choice would probably be reduced to an American bike, as the Germans have not supported us like the British always have.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23 |
Soren,
The T in the VIN is in the 11th character slot. Which is in fact the assembly plant code in a Triumph VIN. Unless they changed the Hinckley assembly plants code from a J to a T .. which I doubt then this is the tell-tale sign of a Thai assembled Triumph.
To those that have alluded to me having an issues with the Far East. I have no such issues ... I do however have an issues with a British bike steeped in tradition and heritage being assembled outside of it's homeland. Short-sighted ? Probably ... but as the consumer it's my right to feel however I so choose ... and to voice said feeling with my wallet. I was about to start talking a trade in my local dealer for a Pacific Blue and White America until I ran my finger down the VIN code on the frame and found a T in the assembly plant slot. I told my dealer, "Nope, don't want this ... it's a Thai assembled bike." The dealer made some joke about only '04 T100s being assembed there (that's my bike by the way) but he mysteriously stopped talking after I said that.
'07 Tiger (white)
'04 Bonneville T100 "Made In England" - retired
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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So does this mean that you will never buy a one of the new Toyota Highlanders they are going to build in Tupelo, or one of the BMW Z3 or Z4’s built in SC. The list goes on Hyundai’s built in Montgomery, Honda’s in Indiana, Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn.
Just a question.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898 |
If there is a "T" in the 11th spot then the bike is assembled in Thailand, has this been confirmed, I need to know, because I am looking at the new Triumph's. I would definately buy an older bike if I can get one assembled in the UK. Its the principle dangit.
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: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I'll probably buy a pre-Thai RIII just because I'll want to buy used to get the best deal.
You mean the RIIIs are going to eventually be assembled in Thailand also? Tell me it ain't so  , that's my future dream bike also.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Quote:
Subaru. Assembled in Indiana.
Told ya it was a whole new world with no borders, didn't I? 
It gets better - Toyota purchased 8.7 percent of the shares General Motors held in Japanese automaker Fuji Heavy Industries, (Subaru's parent company) and -- Toyota now builds Camrys inside the West Lafayette, IN Subaru plant. In other words, Subaru is building Camrys for Toyota. It's a win / win for both companies. The Camry is also the number one selling auto in the United States.
My point - I wouldn't get too excited over Thai assembly. It's just another day in world economics. I can't say for certain, but if the UK is anything like the US, we've over regulated, over taxed, and in general, puppy whined business to foreign shores.
For instance, I'm paying unemployment on a guy who disobeyed a written order composed by a labor law attorney, and took an extra 3 weeks vacation without permission, basically because his labor lawyer outsmarted my labor lawyer. I'll end up paying this guy $12,000 to stay home, plus wasted legal fees. Ours is a very small company. To pay someone $12,000 to stay home hurts. Bad. Gotta love it here.
I may not like it, but I don't blame any US manufacturer who sends jobs overseas. Between the states and the feds imposing so many fees, taxes, & non nonsensical regulations & burdens upon US business, to do business in the states has become a lot more difficult than it's worth. I don't think there's too much that's different in the UK.
If you're not in business here, what I'm saying may not ring true, so I'll give you an example of what US businesses deal with --
Our employees were subject to US DOT required drug & alcohol pre-employment testing. It was decided in Congress that pre-employment alcohol testing violated the employee's rights. Why? Because the employee has the right to go to the job interview drunk. I don't make this stuff up folks, I just have to follow rules like this to the letter.
Want another? Why not. Fuel pumps that dispense ultra low sulfur diesel need a little decal to state that the fuel is ULSD. The fine per pump for not having this little decal on the pump? $32,500.00 per pump, per day.
Is it any wonder that foreign shores look so inviting to a board of directors?
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Boy, this topic could spin into the "they're not real Triumphs" area so fast. I mean, these Thai-built Triumphs weren't built in England, won't have lots of Brit components, etc..., never mind that they will still be designed, engineered, and "born" in Hinckley. Yep, I'm sure pretty much the same argument any "true" Triumph (pre-Hinckley of course) owner could say about our bikes. Yeah, they were built in England of course, but not only by the likes of the afore-mentioned Alfie, but maybe by a guy named Bhanuprasad (who moved to Hinckley from Delhi, India), or Chan from Hong Kong, or whatever, but our bikes don't have Amal carbs, or Lucas Electrics, or even come with proper Avon Tyres, so how can we really say they're English. For God's sake, the electrics are built by the Hun!!!!(Siemens!) Hey, just ask the Brit Iron Rebels, they'll be sure to tell us that our bikes aren't classical Triumphs, cause they're bastardized standard Bonnies! Yes, it's each persons choice to spend their hard earned money on what they want, and choose to buy stuff based on where it was built, just seems kind of silly. Yeah, it was my hard earned money, but it would have been a cold day in HELL before I would have spent $8000 on a Sportster (uncomfortable, not great styling) or even a Honda (reliable as a bullet, but styling of an appliance, IMO), just because my Triumph wasn't built in Hinckley. That's my choice too. I loved the bike first, and the history and tradition too, but that's just me. So, feel free to buy a Sporty or a Vulcan, just means I get to stay exclusive and not see myself coming/going.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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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 |
Well, after reading all the latest responses, I think I kind'a of look at this issue this way....
My would be priorities in the purchase of a new mid-size "cruiser"(if I didn't already own an '02 BA, that is).....
(1)-The aesthetics of the entire machine.(the proportionality of the whole...go ahead, tell me that there was ever a more beautifully proportioned M/C than a Triumph Bonneville)
(2)-The handling.(how the machine will navigate the roads)
(3)-The engine performance.(this includes the degree of unwanted and irritating vibration)
(4)-The quality of build.(this includes the finish of the paint and chrome)
(5)-The "heritage" of the marque.
(6)-The price.
(7)-Where it was assembled.(but I have to admit, a "Siamese Twin" doesn't quite have the same "ring to it" than a machine bolted together by Clive and Basil...you see I've always held in my mind's eye a picture of a quaint little shop in dusty Ole England where those two imaginary blokes take pride in the assembling of this hallowed motorcycle brand....MY limitations, to be sure)
So, using these criteria, it looks as if I would still purchase a Triumph (used to be...Bonneville) America, as the lowest of my priorities would be the country of manufacture.
Cheers,
Dwight
(though I still would prefer that Clive and Basil would have a job to go to on that little island o' their's, MR.BLOOR!!!)
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: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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If I have got this right the bikes are being "assembled" and not "manufactured" as such in Thailand.
If the former is the case then I wouldn't really care either way.
For example, would it be a problem if all the parts were manufactured in England, boxed and shipped over to a factory in the States (instead of Thailand) and then finally assembled there?
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,466 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
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I'm still trying to get over the fact that I had to buy METRIC tools. Yeah, I didn't know and for some unknown, illogical reason it still bothers me.
I'd have the same nagging concern over Thai assembly - nothing wrong with the bike, just one step further from tradition.
At least any previous outsourcing was done for the sake of improving the product - not this.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Let me reminisce a little and perhaps provide some perspective.
I was researching the Triumph Bonneville America in the summer of 2001 and I found a forum (I think it was TriumphRAT.net although I cannot remember for sure, maybe it was Delphi) that decried and lambasted the living crap out of the TBA. The threads there were so full of vitriol, I thought WTF? Is there something wrong with this bike? Of course, all the gnashing and naysaying was coming from Bonneville 'purists' harumphing over the fact that the TBA was not a true Triumph and how could John Bloor make such a horrible mistake? I understood but did not agree with their sentiments and did not let it stop me from buying Raven.
Fast forward almost six years. Thousands of very happy TBA, BA, & SM owners here from all over the world. Is a TBA/BA/SM really a true Triumph? You could find many, many people who would argue they are not! I know everyone reading this would argue with THEM, right?
Janet's T100 ha a T as the 11th digit. I don't give a rat's arse, to be honest with you. Her bike is an engineering marvel, extemely well built, runs like a charm, and is absolutely beautiful. THAT, my friends is all I care about and THAT was all I cared about in 2001.
Where it was assembled never crossed my mind and never will...
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Where it was assembled never crossed my mind and never will...
Does it still say "Made in Great Britain" on the triangle on the engine? I would prefer that Triumph make all their bikes in England, but considering parts come from everywhere I'm not sure how much difference it makes.
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: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Quote:
I don't give a rat's arse, to be honest with you. Her bike is an engineering marvel, extemely well built, runs like a charm, and is absolutely beautiful. THAT, my friends is all I care about and THAT was all I cared about in 2001.
Where it was assembled never crossed my mind and never will...
Here, here, well said (and once again proving I'm a windbag, and that someone like Phil can come along and put it so much better in so many fewer words!!)
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Just a foot note.... Got my "Genuine Triumph Parts" yesterday. Light bar and driving lights. Little plastic bag covering light has in bold black print "Made in Tiawan". Now does this mean the light, or the bag it came in?
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 476
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 476 |
Quote:
Does it still say "Made in Great Britain" on the triangle on the engine?
Mine is a 2004 and it doesn't say "Made in Great Britain" anywhere on the bike.
(RIP) 2004 Black Speedmaster | Scepter Exhaust | ISO Grips | Black-Hex Shifter Rod | Willie&Max Bags
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 403
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
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Quote:
(7)-Where it was assembled.(but I have to admit, a "Siamese Twin" doesn't quite have the same "ring to it" than a machine bolted together by Clive and Basil...you see I've always held in my mind's eye a picture of a quaint little shop in dusty Ole England where those two imaginary blokes take pride in the assembling of this hallowed motorcycle brand....MY limitations, to be sure)
Clive and Basil?
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23 |
I understand that for some of you it doesn't matter where the bike was built. Good for you. I on the other hand feel differently ... and I'm sure there are more than enough people who don't care where they were built to keep the sales going.
For the gentlemen alluding to whether or not I'd buy the new Highlander due to it being built in the states ... I could care less. I wouldn't even consider it because I don't like the vehicle. And as for my truck, it was purchased based upon a need for transportation ... not where it was built. On the flip side, my bike was purchased due to it's tradition, looks, and ride. I had wanted a Triumph since I saw in back in the states around '96.
Back to the bike ... I really want an America. But now I'm searching for a used one. For me it matters where it was built.
Yes I know there are many business reasons for the plant in Thailand ... but as the consumer I have the luxury of not caring about that. I want my Triumphs built in England ... thus I will own only Triumph assembled/manufatured from that specific island.
'07 Tiger (white)
'04 Bonneville T100 "Made In England" - retired
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
I would venture to say that the members of this forum have put their wallets where their mouths are and actually bought these bikes. We have over 100 posts so far on this subject with about 50% of it negative. A split on focus groups is not really bad if you can count on selling to 50% of the population. We must keep in mind that this split means you will lose 50% of your loyal customers. You also lose 50% of the goodwill on the street. I cannot recommend to others who talk about my bike to go buy one. In my mind, I know its silly, its not the same bike.
Now, if I was Triumph and did a focus group of current owners and found 1/2 of them would walk as customers if I did something, I would listen.
I am left with one conclusion. They will build the 675 and the Sprint in England along with all the units to be sold in Europe. The U.S. and non European countries will get Thailand built bikes unless they are buying sport bikes.
The bikes they care least about will be made in Thailand as they could really care less if market share falls or not with the savings they realize on labor the profit will be the same or more. If sales fall from Thailand they can build and ship to Europe also again saving big money on salaries and government controls.
It all makes sense, I don't like it, but I understand it and they have lost me as a customer.
Dealers should have to disclose where it is made, not just a letter in the VIN>
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Posts: 4,072 Likes: 82
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 82 |
You know.. at first it was like a slap in the face... How could they do that?
Then I thought back to the first time I saw my bike.. or at least one like it. At the time I didn't know that much about Triumphs.. just a Brit bike that I, like a lot of people, thought had gone out of business. But I knew what I was looking at was a beautiful machine and at the time I didn't care where it was made.... it rolled right to the top of my want list.
After a test ride that cold day I was sold, sign me up.. I'm in. It was only then that I began to research the company and it's history and developed a sense of pride about my ownership.
Now my baby is very special to me.... in many different ways and she just go made more special with the moving of the assembly plant. But should the cards fall right and I had the chance, I'd get me one of those Tiwaneese Americas.. blue and white and put some real pipes on it.. some proper motorcycle wheels (spokes) and add it to my collection.
She may not be Great Britain born but a Triumph nonetheless and would ride her just as proudly...
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Perhaps they may see in a poll of present owners that 50% are ticked, but in their other more comprehensive poll of riders who are looking to get a bike, or those who want to be riders, the numbers could be much higher than that 50% who already owns a bike, that the points they care about dont include point of origination, but price, style, looks, etc. So the 50% whining may be a very small number and probably arent likely to upgrade to a new bike anyway.
Funny thing, so many on here seem to want a 1500cc bike, but maybe the plant is at capacity and cant produce it, but now with two plants assembling bikes, the production capacity is now there to produce the bike you want. So you get what you want, but have a new gripe to not support the manufacturer who is trying to meet your needs.
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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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Whining?? I Googled that word to be sure what you meant.
Not everybody that owns a Triumph wants the non-existent 1500cc mini-rocket. You may be surprised how many Triumph owners have been riding big bikes for a very long time and don't need Triumph to build them one.
Triumph already knows that too with their more comprehensive focus group. Thats why they don't have one, they can't sell it in America in any volume and they know it.
ahhhhhhhh, anyhow my America was made in England so I have no complaint for myself anyhow.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Posts: 2,664
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664 |
Quote:
Is a TBA/BA/SM really a true Triumph? You could find many, many people who would argue they are not! I know everyone reading this would argue with THEM, right?
Is a V-ROD a Harley?
It has the best motor on earth. But yes, the geometry of the V-ROD is a Harley.
Ride Safe,
Dennis
Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
It will be interesting to see if the quality is the same. I'm not sure I would have bought my America if it was made in Thailand. All I know is I love my bike and wouldn't trade her for anything. However, I liked the fact it was made in Britain like the original Triumph's. Let me ask this question would Harley owners buy Softails if Harley opened a plant in Thailand and started making Softtails from that plant?
No Way!! Harley Wouldn't even contemplate doing it.
Triumph doesn't understand America, Speedy and Rocket owners. They don't get the cultural aspect of owning a Triumph cruiser. In my opinion they have made a classic marketing mistake. They are selling to the wrong demographic group. For the most part the guys and gals that buy our bikes tend to be in their 40s. Folks in the 40s and 50s tend to be sentimental and nostalgic and want classic looking bikes made in the west. The kids want high performance low price machines and they're not sentimental like the older crowd. They don't give a rats a$$ where it's made.
Good Luck Triumph. You better get a new marketing firm and re-think the cruiser market if you want to play ball with the big boys.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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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 |
Quote:
...It was decided in Congress that pre-employment alcohol testing violated the employee's rights. Why? Because the employee has the right to go to the job interview drunk. I don't make this stuff up folks, I just have to follow rules like this to the letter.
Martin, so let me ask you this then....WHY in heaven's name would your Human Resource representative ever hire a drunk in the first place???
You see, sometimes as I observe a few of my fellow co-worker's going about their jobs(and I say this somewhat loosely, I might add), whether they have a drinking problem or not, I often wonder about this and say to myself, "I'd sure like to meet the idiot who hired THIS guy!!! He must be pretty dense himself, and may need a little "brush-up" on his ability to discern certain personally traits.(like a lack of a work-ethic, MAYBE?!)
Aah, but those days will soon be behind me, as I'm gettin' the hell out o' Dodge...er...this "fantastic" airline career o' mine, VERY soon.
YEP! After 35 years in this rapidly downward spiraling business, I'M GONNA RETIRE NEXT MONTH. 
YIPPEE!!! HALLELUJAH!!! 
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: Thailand Americas
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
I'm not sure, but my woes will be behind me when they discover I'm the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby.
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Re: Thailand Americas
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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 |
Stand in line, buddy! It's gonna be a long wait! ESPECIALLY if the judge assigned to the task of deciding this most pressing of issues turns on the ol' water works again. Ya know, it's kind'a hard to do one's job if they're prone to cry at the drop of a hat.
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: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
I owned my first Triumph 71 750 Tiger for 35 years, and I just bought Big Poppy last June 06 TBA if it lasts 35 years like my first one did I will be dead and this thread is no issue to me.
Big Poppy will never be owned by anyone but me as there is no way I could ever sell it. I have regetted selling the 71 5 minutes after the guy rode off on it. It's like your first love a day does not go by that I do not think about that bike and the places it took me. It was a loyal friend that never asked anything of me, but to take care of it and give it a safe warm dry place to sleep.
I remember the owner of Triumph dealership in Denver, CO. said to me when I bought the 71. Nothing better in this world than geniune BRITISH IRON.
Thats how I feel.
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Yes Ron nailed it. I answer, made literally in the heart of England. I do not answer made in tyebudland. Nor do I answer made in Great Britain. She was born on the fourth of July, err she was born under the flag of St George.
Let us all display our "English" bikes proudly and without travail. This coming April 23rd we should all wear red roses and enjoy English beef and ale, yes and ride our Hinckley triumph! 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
It was decided in Congress that pre-employment alcohol testing violated the employee's rights. Why? Because the employee has the right to go to the job interview drunk. I don't make this stuff up folks, I just have to follow rules like this to the letter.
Want another? Why not. Fuel pumps that dispense ultra low sulfur diesel need a little decal to state that the fuel is ULSD. The fine per pump for not having this little decal on the pump? $32,500.00 per pump, per day.
I'd bet some judge made the first decision and a bureaucrat used his rule making authority to make the second. Often, if you tell a politician about something like that fine, they can get it changed. Too often people complain to everyone except the people who can do something about it.
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: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
I have a confession to make everyone.
I'm really LJ300 father, that makes me the grandfather to Anne Nicole's baby.
Now where does that line form to get in on the money !!!
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: Thailand Americas
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
 Halford had the right idea, I dont see made in Thailand anywhere on this alubm.
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