Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Where to now!

I read with interest all the comments on the 2008 America Hoffo has just bought and on paper I must say I am not a big fan of the new tank but will decide when I am actually looking at one whether I actually like it. What really puzzles me is why Triumph persist with the hideos indicators, instrument binacle and mirrors that have zero style and quality written all over them. To me the development of this series of bikes would be all about changing theses items and perhaps developing a new stylish rear guard and tailight in line with engine and induction developments along the way. These bikes have the potential to become a true icon range with just a progression aimed at style and Quality of the finer points otherwise they are destined as just another cruiser range that will disapear into obscurity modified to the max by the faithful (me) because the factory couldn`t come up with a bike that developed the character. Don`t get me wrong I love my speedy more than any bike I have ever owned, and most have been quicker, but I would really like to see the range become something really special with a heritage that is long lasting because the basis is already there, a ****** fine enjoyable motorcycle that performs beautifully and is an absolute delight to ride,. one that stands alone with a unique character that sets it aside from all the other cruisers. NOW COME ON TRIUMPH ADD A FEW QUALITY ANCILLARIES and take it to the next level, In Australia at least it is already there on price!

I reckon the tank was remodelled to house the fuel pump for the forthcoming EFI models,in perhaps 2009. I agree that the indicators & mirrors leave a lot to be desired (I changed mine the first day I got the bike) I reckon that these little things affect the overall style of the bike to a degree, but nothing that we owners can't sort out to our tastes.The standard indicators (or lollipops) need to be that size and distance apart for the bike to be complianced to the country's standard, don't know bout the mirrors but I guess that applies to them too. One thing that really annoys me is the dash warning lights can't see em working at all in normal daylight conditions.I spose the tank styling is a matter of personal preference, I think it's a step up from the 07 model (photos don't do it justice) but thats only my opinion
Hoffo

I wouldn't be surprised with the EFI coming out if our models got a complete overhaul done, the style by then would be seven years old.

I think I am going to suggest to my dealer to stock up on old tanks (ok that sounds strange), because there are going to be some people that just might get turned off by the new look. On the other hand, it just might attract more people that are looking at other brands of bikes.

But then again, maybe that won't be possible, maybe the '08s we get here in the U.S. will have fuel injection.

As far as the mirrors, the stock mirrors stink, but like a few other things about our bikes, it gives us the opportunity to change things and make them our own.

Soren

I would like to see something like the old bullet style tail light they used to use. I personally like the dash and tach mount. Matter of taste.

I agree with a lot of what you've stated here Phil, however I think it's been established by now that Triumph is "building to a price."

I personally would like to see them take the time to fold the unsightly seam of the tank underneath, of which the extra time and expense to do that would probably add another hundred bucks or so to the finished product. But, I'm guessing the bean-counters in Hinckley probably have some kind of charts showing that just that little extra amount of dough kills 7.83 percent of sales or somethin'.

cmon now...if they did everything we all wanted done then WE wouldnt have anything to change and make them OURS now would we?!
The more I look at the pics of Hoffos bike I can see some potential to the new tank shape. Kinda like the Project Finland Bike.
Right now Im contemplating the new bike with the Freak, moving the possible fuel pump or whatever might be under the tank to the open area created by the Freak and installing the older style tank to it. Or maybe even taking teh EFI off a newer bike and installing it onto my 07.
Isnt part of the fun making it yours?

Yeah, yeah, MISTER Lexicographer, Sir!!!

But WHAT ABOUT that unsightly seam under the friggin' gas...oh, that's right, you're still a LIMEY lexicographer at heart, aren't cha?!....PETROL tank???!!!!

Okay...AND, regarding the new tank...not bad...not bad at all, EXCEPT what I'm wondering is....with the new badges on it, if changing it to a different style(is THAT the right word here folks?) will be as easy as it is on the present tanks, where all ya gotta do it unscrew two thorx-head crews and VOILA...you're in like Flynn!


("In like FLYNN"??? Geez!!! Does anybody use that expression anymore???)

Well dude, It seems to me you're now talkin' 'bout a whole different kind'a seam here. But, I suppose the seam I'm talkin' about here COULD be "cosmetically enhanced", per se.

In fact, I recall somebody very recently around here doing away with it, and they posted pics of their "surgery" in the Custom Forum.

BUT, still in my estimation, it should come from the factory sans seam.

Hmmmm....it "seems" our resident lexicographer here is now adding demographics to his resume, huh?!

I don't know, Siggy. I'll bet there aren't too many "kids" under 40 who know who James Coburn was, let alone know of the '60s spy spoof flick, "In Like Flint".

But I hear ya! In fact, I can pretty much tell ya that when some "kid" under the age of 40 asks me my name and I tell 'em that it's Dwight..."just like Eisenhower", half the time I get that "deer in the headlights look" from 'em, 'cuz they sadly seem to have never heard of our 34th President.(let alone the fact that he was the Supreme Allied Commander in a "little scurmish" known as World World II)


Yep! I'd sure like to have a nickle for every "kid" of ALL ages out there who's excuse about not knowing some major historical reference is...quote: "Well, THAT happened BEFORE I was born, Dude!"

(sad, AIN'T it?!)

<--is under 40 ...and knows who James Coburn is...AND also knows who Errol Flynn is...and of his off-screen antics. I also know of another famous Dwight....Schkulltzcshshchtzh...erm, Murdoch.

Triumph proved they can make a great, modern bike with 21st century technology like the Daytona & Tiger.

It's time for them to step up with the long-awaited big cc twin. That is not a bike they can afford to be cheap about. Competition in that market is tough, and if they don't hit a home run with it it'll be a major disppointment all around. It's got to be first class all the way.

The problem is, some people cannot accept that they got it right on the first try. I think the shape of my '03 Speedmaster is perfect, don't try to fix anything. The Porsche 911 is a good example, how many decades did it take before the stylists managed to mess it up?
The 1050 Speed Triple is an unfortunate victim of "can't leave well enough alone". It's functionally superior now, but the T509 looked better.

Oh, yeah, the point of the thread. All I want from a bike is for it to be affordable, to have a decent frame and a reliable and flexible engine. In other words, the basics. I can sort the rest out as and when I can/want to afford it. I bought my Speedie because, overall, it's the prettiest bike around. I love the outline, the seat, the wheels, the pipes, the forks, the blacked-out engine and the clocks. I hate the dash, the cheesegraters, the mirrors, the pumpkins and the rear light. What Triumph have done is given me a beautiful blank canvas and then made it road legal by throwing a few cheap bits on and, for that...*breathes*...I thank them. I broke my budget to buy my Speedie, not by much but any more would have meant I looked elsewhere, probably at the Sportster or Suzi SV650S that I was also considering. Eventually, all the things I hate will be gone to be replaced with items of my choosing/design-some of them already have.
All that said, part of me wants to agree with you; they should offer factory options. Not just the usual pipes and seats but upgrades for everything-mirrors, nuts and bolts, indicators, eckt...in effect, they should offer the Mulliner treatment. (See Bentley)
BUT, doesn't that go against Triumph values? Personally, I feel that Triumph is 'the peoples bike'; it's a bike to be ridden by the common man, not trailered by accountants. And that means keeping the purchase price down and that means making cuts in certain areas.
And that is why I ride a Triumph.

ok america hoffo wtf is that??