Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Ten Thousand THAI Triumphs

This is taken from a free magazine front page news MOTORCYCLE MONTHLY


BANGKOK BONNIES COME ON FULL STREAM

Triumph aim to sell 42,000 motorcycles this year - and almost one in four will be made in Thailand. About 10,000 Bonnevilles and related models in Triumph's twin cylinder retro range will be built at the company's plant at Chonburi, 50 miles west of Bangkok.

America, Australia and the Far East are among markets being supplied from Thailand. Components made at the plant have been used on Triumphs for almost five years and the first complete bike - an American spec bonnie rolled off the assembly line there last summer.

Twin cylinder models for Britain and Europe continue to be made alongside all the company's 'Urban Sports' models at Hinckley.

About 500 people approximately half Triumph's entire worldwide workforce, are employed at Chomburi. The team there include production engineers and quality control inspectors from the UK. Mr Bruno Tagliaferri, Triumph's UK sales and marketing manager, stressed that the plant operated to the same 'high standards and procedures' as the leicestershire site.

He said " All existing design and manufacturing processes - for example, R&D; engine manufacturing and build; injection moulding and paint; parts, accessories and clothing distribution will continue at Hinckley. The existing volume of chassis assembly at Hinckley will also be maintained.

"This manufacturing strategy will enable Triumph to continue to invest aggressively in new models, which are a key ingredient to success in the motorcycle market, and to bring in-house the manufacture of more components and sub-process , giving greater control over both quality and the supply chain. It also enables us to remain competitive in the market place.

"Triumph have had a component plant in Thailand for almost five years and the country's proven track record in the automotive industry, combined with our own experience of excellent quality and a very good work ethic, make it a natural location for Triumph to expand."

Triumph production has risen from 25,000 machines in 2004 to nearly 40,000 in 2006. A mini survey MCM conducted last summer, after it was revealed that Triumph planned to build complete motorcycles in Thailand, suggested that the 'made in Britain' tag was an important consideration from many UK buyers.

Fears that quality might fall were also expressed, but readers will be suprised to discover that 8000 Triumphs were produced in Thailand in 2006. Asked how the level of customer satisfaction and warranty claims on these machines compared with their UK equivalents, Mr Tagliafferi said: " Build quality is exactly the same and the bikes are subject to the same quality standards."

Your opinions

I see this as an answer to the EU not allowing carbureated engines any longer. Without this the classic range as well as our models would have disappeared. As long as quality stays the same, what is the difference?

Does not matter what is said, Triumph have been using parts for our bikes from Thailand for 5 years, Now I know why all the chrome on mine has been replaced But seriously I think it will not make much difference to sales worldwide..

Neither do I. The parts are the same so the engine will run the same if the workers are trained to properly put them together.

Deja Vu! Here we go again.

Tommy

The article indicates that a lot more 2006 models were built at the new plant than most people thought. I'll stick with my original feeling - as long as they keep the quality up - I don't think there's any problem. The reason we bought the bikes we have is still there. I haven't found a competitor's bike I like better yet.

Even with greater production numbers, they will still be a minority. BUT, a slightly bigger presence in the market could be boost for Triumph, a few more dealers, and more after market attention which would benefit all owner's.

Political musings aside...
I wonder if Triumph is planning any Thai Sticks promotions?

Quality is not the issue. We know asian bikes have great quality. If I wanted an asian made bike I would have bought a Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki. The issue is perception and the fact that Triumph's were made in Britain and not asia. Now Harley, Victory, BMW, Ducati and Moto Guzzi dealers will say you don't want a Triumph they're made in Thailand like Hoysung. The Thailand bikes will probably be great but they'll be lumped in with all the asian bikes. The Triumph name won't mean the same and it will be a marketing disaster for Triumph. Perception is everything in marketing.

Mark my words, Triumph will regret this move. Especially since they're making the retro's over in Thailand. They should have made the youngster bikes (Daytona, Speed Triple, Tiger)over in Thailand. I don't think the youngsters would care as much as older riders who like the cruisers and retro's.

Isn't Thailans know for its child labor, kiddie porn and cheap whores? Hmmmm...Mr Tagliafferi thinks litte hands will build a better engine. This is going to backfire on him bad!!! I truely hope the quality does not suffer.

Well, seeing as Triumph sponsors Hinkley United football...
I wonder what team, or club, or 'other' they will choose to sponsor in Chomburi?

and one time at band camp I......

My Speedmaster was built in the UK. Sure bits and pieces were probably made in in other countries. Who cares most bike makers now-days do the same thing
I don't plan on selling my SM. I also don't plan on buying another Triumph.
Don't get me wrong I love the SM, and will probably never sell it.
My next bike will be another BMW. The new F800ST. Anti-lock breaks, belt drive, heated grips, hard bags, and more weather protection than the Triumph. The big plus with the BMW is their dealer network.
Mark

That's it I'm tradin' for a Vento

ZZZzzzzzz......


If the quality is tops, whats the problem? I see members on here continually looking for as cheap a deal as they can find, so here is one way to reduce costs and prices, yet all we get is the moaning and whining. Cant have it all.

Why can't we have it all? Triumph has been making a profit all these years by building in the UK, so why not continue? If costs go up, raise the price a bit.

Quote:

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ZZZzzzzzz......

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ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

Just as long as McVities doesn't farm out the J-cakes

Thanks for the article Birchr. This is the closet to facts from the company that I've heard here. It sounds though like it was written by the PR department at Triumph to soften the blow.

I agree with Fishercat that it might have been a better move to assemble the Sport bikes in Thailand. The retros are typically bought by people closer to middle age, although I know that is not a hardfast rule seen on our site by the diverse nature of our group

I know there are those who say let the subject die, but I cannot think of a more appropriate subject on a motorcycele fan site then where our bikes are made. Am I wrong? I know I am old school (tranlsated old dude), but I have not changed my mind. I doubt if I will ever buy a Triumph "MADE IN THAILAND". It even sounds obscene, give me a break

Oh yes... this is just my humble opinion

Ya know I went and looked at the Vento. I have been riding , building ,and working on Triumphs for 30 yrs and have 20 of them now including 04 SM and 04 America , the rest range from 54 to 72. I like the colt and v thunder.I know nothing about them and never heard of Vento before.I would have to look into quality and such but if Triumph is going to be made in China I just might have to make my next bike a Vento! LOL I know Mike was joking but Made in Englan means something and if I can't have that I want USA but not Harley. Victory is another possibility. Of course I like my 64 BMW too. LOL

I agree,what more appropriate subject than where our bikes are built. Maybe (doubt it) Triumph will get the hint and change things. We may have to ride fuel injected retro styled bikes though.I didn't know the EU banned carbs.

Post deleted by Grump

I'll never sell my Speedmaster.
And I'll never buy a Triumph twin made in Thailand.
Victory, here I come.

Totally agree with Fishercat & PES, buying a Triumph with a "made in Thailand" stamp on it is just wrong. How could a bike be labeled "Retro" when it's not made in it's country of origin. Also, some maybe mixing up Thailand with communist run Thaiwan on labor laws. Just my opinion too.

AmyLee

AmyLee,

The Republic Of China, aka Taiwan, does not at this present time have a communist run government, as much as those in power in Beijing would like to see that happen.

But give it a few years of americans buying all these cheap-labor made goods presently manufactured in the so-called "People's" Republic Of China(formerly known as "Red" China), and they'll have enough money to carry out their wish very very soon.

(I mean, you know us americans...always willing to help out those "in need"!)

What's the problem? Even HD has parts made in asia.....Angelis

Post deleted by oneijack

To me, building Triumphs in Thailand makes them wannabe's
just like the made in Japan Harley look-a-likes. I'm so glad
I got my '03 "Made in England" TBA when I did.

I have come full circle on this. I guess because I wanted a new speedmaster in the Mulberry red. I decided it really didn't matter to me that much in the end where the bike is assembled. It is still designed and originates from Britain,
And it is composed of all the same parts, same engineering, etc. the only difference is the place of assembly. I would prefer they assemble them in England, but its a new world order these days. I will love my bike no less than the 2004 I had previously. All you people saying I'm so glad I have a bike made in england already and I won't buy one assembled in Thailand, we will see if your tune doesn't change if you had to replace it.

Post deleted by oneijack

Those Ventos actually look pretty good. I was surprised to
see that they're made in CA, figured far east. 250cc is a
kinda small motor though. The price is a bargain, if they're
any good.

Poppy, my cuz just back from Thailand, it sounds like it's still quite a party!