Quote:

Sooooo, let me see if I've got this straight here then, Ian...

It wouldn't have mattered one bit that these newers Triumphs look fantastic, run smooth as silk, AND handle better than any cruiser-style bike has a right to...you wouldn't have purchased the two you have IF they were built in Thailand, right?!

(...well, I suppose we all have our different priorities in life, huh!)





I have to agree with him on this to a point, I bought my America because of those qualities and as I understand it engine production is still done in England. could be wrong about that. I certainly dont like the fact Triumph outsources Bonneville/America production to Thailand for cheap labor. And let's not lie to ourselves that is the only reason Triumph and other companies do it. It is short sighted and damaging to the economies of their primary markets. Why didnt Triumph set up some production here in the US or keep all production in the UK? Cheap Thai labor...and to get around strict domestic enviromental and safety regulations. I understand motorcycle manufacturers purcase some components like shocks, brakes, electrical, tires etc from suppliers around the world, Im talking about the labor intense ops like engine, transmission, frame build, body/paint and final assembly. I bought my America in spite of it being built in Thailand and certainly would have prefered it to be British built.

The least expensive Triumph is a base Bonneville for $7,699 built in Thailand.
The least expensive Harley is an 883 Sportster for $7,999 built in the USA.

Last edited by outerbanks; 05/20/2012 11:01 AM.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014) 2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster 2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide