Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Why Triumph?

OK, I know I'm going to stir up a hornet's nest, but I want to know why I should buy a Triumph instead of a Harley. Money is no problem. I've read all the magazines and brochures. This will be my retirement bike. Why, other than the name? I joined this forum because I'm trying to decide.

OK , here we go :

1. less initial capital
2. folks will gather and stare at the Triumph and neglect the Harley
3. you can play on this.........forum
4. England is our Mother
5. From Latin "Triumphus" , meaning victory , how cool is that ?
6. It's just the right thing to do
7. Has a chain
8. Is absolutely off tha chain , man
9. I hafta stop , I'm getting an acute attack of euphoria

Congrats on making the correct decision .

I cannot own a Harley, only because they are too common now, I like to be different, besides Triumph's fit me and feel more natural, whenever I sit on a Harley I feel like I'm sitting on a block of concrete, good luck with your decision.

Well, besides the good points Wade and Mark mentioned above, Triumphs handle better, run smoother, and are just plain cooler.

(yeah I know, that last one here is a subjective opinion, but the first two can certainly be confirmed by conducting a comparative riding assessment!)

Only the seat of your pants can answer this question.

Go test ride all the bikes you're interested in. Each has it's own personality, or lack thereof.

If money is no problem - buy a couple of each...

Like Senior Deon said...ride each one and buy whichever makes you grin the widest.

I own both and like both,each one is different in its own way.The best thing you can do is go ride either one and decide from there.
You cant beat a Triumph in the long run they look and ride very well.....cant go wrong there

OK, I'll elaborate some.
The name drew me to Triumph, I'll admit. Everybody owns a Harley, I want something different. I do like the people in the forums. When I browsed the forums, I got the feeling these were people I wouldn't mind riding with. I haven't ridden a Triumph, I think that may be the deciding factor.
On the other hand, some concerns and I hope I don't offend anyone; ah, what the ******, you don't know where I live, her goes:
Harley:
1. Lots of support, dealer/mechanic on every corner.
2. Technology - 6 gear transmission on full size models. Has had EFI for a couple of years now. Has the bugs worked out.
3. Better gas mileage (sorry, that is a consideration).
4. My friends ride Harleys.
5. Pipes are too loud.
6. Everybody owns one.
7. Looks lopsided with both pipes on the same side.

Triumph:
1. Made in Thailand? What's up with that?
2. Plastic front fender?
3. Finally EFI!
4. Looks better, symmetrical with one pipe on each side. Notice almost every Harley picture is a right side view?
5. Chain drive? Hinkley: this is 2008! Think belt or drive shaft. Read some rumors about a 2009 1500-1600 Triumph with a drive shaft - hurrah if it's true.

You have to ride one to appreciate it. I have ridden Harleys and they are way too heavy with no umph! Once you ride a Triumph, you'll know what the better bike is. It handles better, is more comfortable and just looks sooo much better. :-)

Ok here are a few reason why i own some triumphs as well as HD's.

Triumph is a better built bike.
made in Thailand? Um check real good on that HD, pretty muc hthe same.
EFI being a issue, Triumph has been doing the RD on the EFI systems for a long time, its is pretty much bug free as of right now. All Fi systems will have bugs in them, look at service reports on anyhting automotive bikes or cars, there are for ever comming up with FI updates beacuse of a issue.

Yeah they do look better. Lets face it, its is more pleasing to the eye.
Chain drive? Yeas, the cain offers best bang for the buck, its easier to service, if it fails its easy to repalce (ie you dont have to remove the swing arm)
and the prie is 2/3 or more cheaper to replace then a belt.
I have never liked shaft drive bikes, to much twist at higher speeds.

I have taken my showroom condition HD springer and my 04 Triumph bonneville america out in the same day. my father-in-law riddign the triumph,and people will climb over the Springer to look at the HD.. Ever wounder why there is a mechanic for HD on every corner? Cause thats aobut as far as it makes it befor the next part falls off.

Yep, I rode a Low Rider for 7 yrs and a Road King for 5 after that. Finally got tired of all the 'biker' stuff that goes with Harleys (my handle here, XHD, says it all).
Realized I'm a motorcyclist not a biker and after one ride on a TBA was hooked. Goes faster, stops faster, corners faster and I can still put in 8+ hour days on it. And, it do get a lot of attention.
Go for a ride and be happy with whatever decision you make...the ride's the thing.
SteveB

Buy one of each, if you can afford it. That is the only way to go, plus you can go to both sets of rallys. Why you are at it, also buy a BMW. Three is a charm!

I went without a bike for 15 years after having them since 14 yrs. old (I'm now 57). I had a number of friends that all bought bikes and I started thinking about it again. I had never let my motorcycle license lapse. I owned a Triumph back in the early 70s and decided to check the new ones out even though every single one of my friends own a Harley.

I was prepared to pay the cost of a decked out HD, so the price wasn't any object. I saw the new Triumphs, fell in love, and drove the bike home. I paid full retail, didn't care, felt like I got a bargain. I did get some initial ribbing from friends, but that long since disappeared. I love the look on their face when my bike gets all the attention EVERY where we ride.

It's been 2 1/2 years and I feel more strongly about the bike than when I bought it. I won't even get into appearances as I feel too strongly and would go on too long. With all the updates I've made, performance wise, I not only have no trouble keeping up, I can leave them on the highway. One of the best decisions I ever made.

BTW, although my fuel tank is about a 1/2 gallon smaller, my actual mileage on the road isn't much different than my HD friends.

a couple of points to ponder, why do all race bikes have a chain??? chain is the best drive source for a bike, belts break, have you ever changed a belt?? or chain?? try it sometime, you will be glad to, if you have a chain, a belt cant be done on the side of the road and you almost got to be a mech. with a box of tools to change a belt. driveshaft?? sure trouble free but with a loss of h.p. at the rear wheel. i was at an h.d. dealers home the other day and he ask why i didnt ride h.d. my answer is simple, i own a 1972 Triumph that has 112,000mi on the odometer that has never failed me and has never had any work done to the engine below the heads, you show me a h.d. that you can say that about and i will buy it this afternoon, his answer, you know that aint gonna happen, my answer, now you know why i ride Triumph!!!! Triumph handles like a bike is supposed to handle. !!! i was recently told by a h.d. mech that there is a neopreme something on the cams that will wear out before 20000mi... this from a mechanic???? i could go on as to why but i suggest, like others here, that you ride both, then you will know why. if i was younger i wouldnt hesitate to get on this bike and ride anywhere. its lite enough that its easy to move around in a garage and and quick enough to beat almost any h.d. and will travel at 80mph all day long. what more could you ask for. NOW if you want driveshaft and lots of power, you might want to look at the Rocket3 that may be just the bike of your dreams more torque than anything else and h.p. to spare with a driveshaft and there will be a full bagger available this yr. My Mom use to say all the time "LOOK REAL HARD AND LONG BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISSION TO JUMP"!!!

Whatever the outcome, let your butt and your head make the decision - Not your heart or your buddies. The later is the best way to get a garage ornament.

One last bit of advice - If you like to be adorned in orange and black clothes and plenty of cute logoed accessories, and you really want a 'life style' - there is only one place to shop.

And we'll wave to you whatever you chose...

Here's my go at this question.

Why buy a Triumph?
1. Runs smoother with less vibration
2. Handles better than most Harley's
3. Catches peoples attention and looks great
4. Weigh's less and easier to do slow speed maneuvers in parking lots.
5. Costs less so you can spend more money on chrome and accessories
6. Chain drive is not a issue and you can buy after market belt if you really want one.
7. I think they're easier to work on yourself.
8. Better top end than most Harley's except V-ROD
9. Engines are bullet proof.
10. Stop quicker because they weigh less.
11. The Thailand thing is really a positive because it keeps the price down and most Triumph's are made in England. Most folks won't know it's made in Thailand anyway.
12. Old guy magnet - if you like war stories about the Triumph's they owned in the 60's and 70's.

13. You can hang out at Triumph Rally's and this Site and meet some of the best folks in the world.

Reason's to own a Harley? (I don't want to be negative)

1. Good dealer network
2. great clothing line
3. EFI (although some carb guys might say it's a negative)
4. Assembled in America (Mostly foreign parts though)
5. If you like the look of a V-Twin
6. You want to blend into the background.
7. Belt drive is less maintenance.
8. Like the sound they make
9. Heavier and a bit more stable on the highway in the wind.
10. Won't have any issue getting parts in the future.
11. You can join HOG.
12. More low end torque for zooming from light to light with your Harley buddies.
13. 3 or 4 years ago I would have said re-sale but that's
not the case now. (I guess that's a negative)

To me the thing about Triumph and especially the parallel twins is that they are THE classic bikes.. It was what was big modern and cool in formative years and I have always wanted one. Nothing cooler out there for old school... The Triumph story to me is an easy sell, very simple...

Apologies to my Triumph friends but if HD is a consideration the I need to sing Victory as well here...

If money is a non issue, beyond Triumph I would highly recommend the Victory line... The Freedom motors ('03 and up) are bullet proof, they run circles around HD with regard to build, looks, quality (Ask JD Powers), ergonomics, brakes, power (easily higher HP/Tq). handling basically everything is better then HD... They have had 6 speed trannys for a few years, motors are bigger(88 vs 92 and 95 vs 100/106), modern technology, EFI, Higher US parts content then any major motorcycle builder. Great for the long haul and as a two up runner. You do not see one on every street corner, Rabid following at www.thevmc.com

You can also find a bargain on new leftover stock. No need to pay $20K for a big US twin,,,

You can test ride at most any Victory dealer without having to RENT.

The only thing HD has over Vic is dealer network, more of the HD shops around and more HD accesories... Also Vics have earned respect from all the non-rub HD crowd, those who ride for the wind and are not trying to enhance themselves through alternate means..AKA real bikers...

I dare you or anyone for that matter to compare a Vic and HD.

And back to Triumph... I love the Rocket III....
It's simply a beast!

gb

5. From Latin "Triumphus" , meaning victory , how cool is that ?

Way cool... I have one of each!!!!

I might have to incorporate that on my Kingpin Bagger project!

Thanks

I had considered an HD, but when it came down to it, the Triumph was better bang for my buck. Seriously, could not afford the comparable HD. Also, go look on Craigs list, and Ebay and your local Cycle Trader. Every freaking bike is either an HD or an asian bike. Very few Triumphs. What does that tell you? They hold their value better too. Look at these guys that buy a dresser fro 20 grand, put 10 grand into accessories, and are now selling them on Craigs list for 9 grand or less. But when it comes down to it with all things being equal, ride each first, then make your decision.

More Bang...Less Buck

I gotta have a go here. Truth is, there are maybe three classic style as far as cruisers, Harley, Triumph, and BMW/Moto Guzzi. Each style is good looking in their own way, although Harley and Triumph are definetly a lot better looking as far as curves and proportions. But the rides are very different, especially for Sportsters v.s. America's/Speedmasters. I have, and have had, old bikes with all of their old style ways. A sportster still vibrates just as much as an old sportster, even with all of the new rubber damping. The new Triumps vibrate a lot less than the old, and the engines are much smoother than they were. While I still like to look at the new Sportsters, and occasionally ride my Uncles 1200, I am much more impressed with the ride of my new America. Finally, if you are going for looks, Harley and Trumpets are practically a dead tie. If you are going for handling and smoothness, Triumph wins hands down. Attention? Triumph has an edge here, simply because there are so many Harleys and their lookalike copiers. Nothing on the road today looks like a Triumph. If your into accessories, Harley leads the way by a mile. Will your Harley friends make jokes about your ride? Yes, and then in private they'll tell you they really admire its looks and reliability. MOST important category!!! If you are into the occasional ride, (a couple of times a month, a few miles or so) then the Harley might be for you. If you want to ride a lot,( three or more times a week, and some long distance) Triumph is gonna make you happy! One final note: as you may have noticed on this site, Triumph riders are as a rule, happy go lucky and pretty darn tolerant of other rides and riders. While we like to pick on Harleys, we do it in good fun and without malice. You are going to find a different kind of person with Harley riders, who will often sneer at other bikes, and the dealerships are the coldest in the country. Just my own generalizations, and definitely not always true.

why be in the herd and follow like sheep

even in the uk ! home of the triumph

we are not apart of the herd

so be diffrent #

buy a triumph and be

Triumph v Harley...its a personal thing. Good and bad for both. Both have history and a heritage to be proud of.

At the end of the day it should come down to a simply choice of, which fits you needs most and which one makes you smile the most. Most Triumph riders it seems have a smile from ear to ear. We like the fact that our bikes are old man magnets and that we stand out in the crowd. You'll never find yourself in a car park full of bikes asking yourself "which one is mine"

And like has been said on here, we are a joyfull lot who basically dont care what you ride, American, British, German, Italian, Asian. Some of us even confess to liking jap bikes. Did i mention i might be buying a Honda next week

Matthew

Quote:

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Um check real good on that HD, pretty muc hthe same.

---

Would you care to prove that up? Harley is building bikes in Thailand and shipping them to the U.S. Is that your assertion?

Bob, it depends on what you want to do. If you want to go to bike nites and cruise around, the retro cruisers from Triumph are a hoot to ride, dependable with a good center of gravity, and plenty of power. They cost a little less than a 1200 Sportster but are not as fast. They certainly draw a crowd. Yes, when asked you will have to admit its made in Thailand not England. For many thats a deal breaker, for many others it doesn't matter.

If you are looking for a bagger/tourer the America and Speedmaster are not made for that. They can do it but are not made for it. There are Road Kings, Rockets, Strataliners and the like for that.

I have access to a lot of bikes. I ride the America most for everything under 200 miles and enjoy it a lot.

Captn Bob,
Hard to answer that one, I could go on bout Style, Value for money, Supurb Engineering, Reliability, but the real answer is in your heart, it's either there or it's not.
Probobly the same reason I've just recently swappwed a very good BMW 100RS for a 58 Tiger and a 68 Bonneville that have been sitting in a shed for 25yrs & also having to suffer the wrath of the wife.
I still can't get rid of this smile I've had since I've done the deal.
Hoffo

When shopping, I usually find the better question to be:

"Why not...?" which, as noted above, can best be answered with a test ride.

The only why not I could think of with my TBA was the chain drive, since my bike at the time had a belt. Now that I have had it a while, I have decided that I like the chain. It requires maintenance (according to most), but I kind of like that kind of maintenance, hands on the bike in that way every 500 miles gives me an a good chance to check brake pads, make sure everything is tight, etc. I am probably a better bike owner because she gets more than the usual pre-flight tire and electrical check before I take her out of the garage.

I have two dealers in easy driving range, so that was not a concern for me.

My list of other brand "why not's" have already been addressed by others here.

I have owned mostly Harleys since I was 18. Before that, I had 2 Brit bikes, a Velocette and a Triumph twin. It took a lot of time and money to get that first Harley to run as fast as the Triumph even though the engine was twice as big. Today, I have a Triumph America and a Harley Night Train. The Triumph is fast enough and much better behaved. The Night Train has the Harley B engine, which uses balance shaft technology similar to Triumph twins, so it runs about as smooth. But, because of the extra unsprung weight of the Softail swingarm, the Triumph rides smoother.
I retired as an engineer, so I have some idea of how things should be designed, and I am impressed with the Triumph. I live a couple hundred miles from the nearest Triumph dealer and maybe 8 miles from the local HD shop. I worry more that I won't make it to the HD shop.
As for chain vs belt drive; Triumph had a belt drive back in 1904, probably since 1902. They changed to chain drive because it works better. Take a look at the Screaming Eagle Vrod. You will notice that it has a chain because a belt won't hold up on it.
Carbs vs fuel injection; The advantages and disadvantages are probably about equal. A properly designed injection system is more efficient, which explains why both my bikes get about the same fuel economy. On the other hand, a carburettor is simpler and self contained, and simple is more reliable and easier to fix.

I was at a Harley dealership a few months back and through conversation it came out that I owned a Triumph. Three sales people had nothing but questions, comments, and compliments about my bike. Not one tried to sell me a Harley.

That's why a chose a Triumph!

Ceuls

PS. No one has mentioned the soul of a Triumph. I heard this here before I bought one and only now do I understand. "You never own a Triumph, your just a caretaker!"

Why Triumph?
They're more betterer, that's why!

Seriously, that plastic fender is just one of the items that, taken together, add up to a bike 100-300lbs lighter than a Harley. That light weight, pays off in acceleration, agility, and ease of garage manuvers.

A veteran mechanic came back from a test ride on my Speedy saying, "I can't believe it, it doesn't vibrate! I can actually use the mirrors. "

I ride about 300 days a year, rain or shine. A buddy of mine, long time Harley guy, saw me pulling in one morning during a downpour and said, "If you rode a Harley like that, sh*t would start falling off of it."

It's now about 2:45pm(PST) Bob, and you started this thread at what, about 9 this morning(PST)???

Ain't it shame that in those almost 6 hours you can't seem to get anybody around this place to open up and tell ya how they REALLY FEEL about their Triumphs???!!!

I looked at alot of bikes for a while after my old cb650 blew. When I went to the local Triumph dealer and saw the America, my decision was made. I love thats its different, all my friends ride Harleys or customs and they will be the first to say my bike gets ALL the attention no matter where we go.

If money is truly no object, go ride every single bike you can and then decide for yourself. Asking this question here is like asking a lot of people who breathe air why they like air.

Hey!!! Are you sayin' we're BIASED around here or somethin', good Friar???

Why...I've never been more insulted in my life!!!

(you know, we're just tryin' to save Bob a little time here...I mean, why waste all those hours out there and all that energy when the obvious choice for any "right thinking" and intelligent person would be...well, YOU KNOW!!!)

I just get frustrated at these posts that ask US to sell the bike for Triumph. As if our enthusiasm and the wealth of information on this site aren't good enough.

Half the time, not this one but the last one, I suspect it's some Harley-fan trolling around here to whip up trouble.

Hey dude! It's been said MANY TIMES around these parts, that Triumph saves money on advertising BECAUSE...just like the old Packard Automobile slogan of yore...all ya gotta go is..."Ask the man who owns one".

Of course, in today's world, we'd have to change that to..."Ask the PERSON who owns one"!!!

(just in case Gina, Paula, Shari or Mary see this thread TOO)

You're sooooo PC...

(OH!!! And AmyLee and Becky TOO!!!)