 New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
So, my friend Clive wanted to check out the new bike last weekend.
Off we went to a dealer. An hour's ride away...they were having an open day.
Not only did he too find the bike cramped but no test rides....' It's not working'
Seems like it had an oil leak.
I'm glad they really tried hard to capture the essence of the Meriden days.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
This is the 3rd or 4th report of oil leaks on the new Speedmaster I've read about. I also noticed a drop under one on the dealer floor.
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
This is the 3rd or 4th report of oil leaks on the new Speedmaster I've read about. I also noticed a drop under one on the dealer floor.
Dang, poor start for sure. Still considering it for my "retirement" bike. I was actually on my way down to the "local" dealer to look at one today, but called ahead to get the bad news. They dropped the Triumph brand after only having it for a few years. The saleman told us that Triumph corp. was insisting they carry a few of the "adventure" bikes on the floor in addition to the cruisers they sell some of. When they balked, (salesman said they never had ANY call for one) Triumph pulled the plug. Honestly, I don't think they were moving too many bikes anyways, but they did have a fair selection to look at. More of a "motorsports" kind of store, with golf carts their main sell, and a few new Yamaha's. Still, now I don't have a dealer close by at all. Closest is now nearly two hours away. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Unreliability and poor dealer service?
Welcome back to the 1960's folks.
Seriously though I think Triumph have something of an identity problem.The people in the market for a cruiser style bike aren't usually interested in either sports or adventure style machines...it's a sort of lifestyle/ identity thing.
You'd have to be a total Triumph nut to honestly embrace every style of bike they offer.When I go to the dealers they really don't have that much interest or in depth knowledge of the cruisers they're selling...all the gizmos clothes etc are aimed at other market sectors.
In some ways the big 4 have the same problem but their size and clout masks it more.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Oh and another thing......
When the salesman extolled the virtues of the new Speedy( assuming it was running that is) I pointed out the diminutive size of it and that tomorrow I'll be riding 250 miles to Devon then back next day. Whereas I have done that many times on my various TBAs and have no hesitation with the Tbird, I simply wouldn't contemplate it on the new Speedy. He just looked blank...' but we're selling lots of them.'
I suppose that in itself justifies production, but I doubt they're selling to serious motorcyclists...at least those who come in adult sizes.
Ok rant over now.....
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Yes that's bad about oil leaks. I'm still torn about one. The 1200's power is lovely. I don't know how many they're selling here .All the dealesr seem to have plenty on hand[looking at the adverts on Bike Sales on the net.]Also the pirice isn't a great selling point. 20,000 Australian for the basic black here and 500 bucks extra for the Black and white.I reckon if they went for 18,000 they'd sell.but what would I know.The Americas and Speedmasters sold for 15 to 16,000 here.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
I agree about identity. I like the classic's and Cruisers.
I like the Trophy and Rocket but the Adventure bikes dont do much for me. My idea of an adventure/off road bike is a 500 cc high pipe scrambler.
At this point in time Triumph is targeting the younger crowd. That's understood to survive in the business world you need to generate new/young customers.
Once the fad of bobbers wears off in 2-3 more years Triumph will be wondering where their customers base went.
Today's generation seems more interested in Snapchat, online dating and the latest micro brewery that just opened.
As has been mentioned numerous times in various forums, drop that 1200 in one of the early style Americas or Speedys. Hell half the members of this forum alone would be interested.
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Yes, I suggested exactly that to the salesman...drop the new engine in the old bike and we'd all be queuing up....he just looked completely blank.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2 |
Lets wait and see how the 1200 holds up before we drop it into an older TBA frame...it's ALREADY leaking oil remember.
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
I've heard whispers here's supposed to be problems with the finish on the cases holding up too.Especially in Europe with the salt on the roads.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Yes, I suggested exactly that to the salesman...drop the new engine in the old bike and we'd all be queuing up....he just looked completely blank.
Yep we've been banging on about that since day one.Twin discs up front and drop it in the old form.but what would we know?
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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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:
Oh and another thing......
When the salesman extolled the virtues of the new Speedy( assuming it was running that is) I pointed out the diminutive size of it and that tomorrow I'll be riding 250 miles to Devon then back next day. Whereas I have done that many times on my various TBAs and have no hesitation with the Tbird, I simply wouldn't contemplate it on the new Speedy. He just looked blank...' but we're selling lots of them.'
I suppose that in itself justifies production, but I doubt they're selling to serious motorcyclists...at least those who come in adult sizes.
Ok rant over now.....
Alan, from how I read that line of yours above which I placed in bold letters, it seems to me that you're suggesting that "serious motorcyclists" are only or at least primarily only interested in cruiser style motorcycles.
Now, that MAY just be an unfortunate choice of words on your part, but if it wasn't, then allow me to remind you that Triumph's modern cruiser line was never a large portion of their overall worldwide sales, nor indeed a style of motorcycle which, first, Triumph was or had ever been historically associated with in the past, and secondly, nor the style of motorcycle even most "serious motorcyclists" think of when the name "Triumph" is mentioned.
In other words, and just from my own anecdotal observations since I purchased one of the very first Bonneville Americas back in late-2001, for every one BA or Speedy I've ever seen out there on the roads of California and now here in Arizona, I must have seen 4 standard style Bonnevilles out there during these past 17 years.
(...and once again, THIS observation even took place here in the good ol' U.S. of A., and where the cruiser market and the demand for such a style of machine, percentage-wise, among the motorcycle purchasing public is much larger than over there in the U.K. and the rest of Europe)
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: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,236 Likes: 56
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,236 Likes: 56 |
Quote:
I've heard whispers here's supposed to be problems with the finish on the cases holding up too.Especially in Europe with the salt on the roads.
They use salt on the roads here as well but most people don't ride until the rain has washed it away but then again you know those Europeans. 
No matter what the cause I do not want a bike that drips oil in the showroom. Perhaps they think the market is all about days gone by because that is what your grandfathers Triumph did. NT!!
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
Quote:
Oh and another thing......
When the salesman extolled the virtues of the new Speedy( assuming it was running that is) I pointed out the diminutive size of it and that tomorrow I'll be riding 250 miles to Devon then back next day. Whereas I have done that many times on my various TBAs and have no hesitation with the Tbird, I simply wouldn't contemplate it on the new Speedy. He just looked blank...' but we're selling lots of them.'
I suppose that in itself justifies production, but I doubt they're selling to serious motorcyclists...at least those who come in adult sizes.
Ok rant over now.....
Alan, from how I read that line of yours above which I placed in bold letters, it seems to me that you're suggesting that "serious motorcyclists" are only or at least primarily only interested in cruiser style motorcycles.
Now, that MAY just be an unfortunate choice of words on your part, but if it wasn't, then allow me to remind you that Triumph's modern cruiser line was never a large portion of their overall worldwide sales, nor indeed a style of motorcycle which, first, Triumph was or had ever been historically associated with in the past, and secondly, nor the style of motorcycle even most "serious motorcyclists" think of when the name "Triumph" is mentioned.
In other words, and just from my own anecdotal observations since I purchased one of the very first Bonneville Americas back in late-2001, for every one BA or Speedy I've ever seen out there on the roads of California and now here in Arizona, I must have seen 4 standard style Bonnevilles out there during these past 17 years.
(...and once again, THIS observation even took place here in the good ol' U.S. of A., and where the cruiser market and the demand for such a style of machine, percentage-wise, among the motorcycle purchasing public is much larger than over there in the U.K. and the rest of Europe)
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Hmmm, Dwight, Olde Beane, just an unfortunate choice of words on my part. In fact I'd say most serious motorcyclists will be found amongst those who aren't especially interested in cruiser style bikes....there are other machines much more practical to use.
It's maybe a reflection on myself...I ride a lot and long distance ( e.g.leaving in next half hour on a 500 Mile trip ...back tomorrow.) ...it's just that I can't see the point of spending all that money on a bike which CANT be used as a practical distance machine should the owner so wish.
Again, maybe my quirk.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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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 |
Yep, I see what you meant now, Alan. With the smallish tank on these new Speedmasters, this would limit its use from more serious long distance riding.
I've also thought since the day I first saw this new model that Triumph seems to have gone in a bit of cost-saving manner with it. In this I mean, and unlike how the previous models had their own frame separate from the standard model and with more kicked-out front ends, that by basically using the same frame as the Bobber with its steeper rake, that these new Speedmasters with a shorter wheelbase while making it handle quicker than the previous models, also make it look less "substantial", and which seems to be one of the biggest complaints I see stated about it around here.
(...in other words, it seems Triumph didn't think giving these new Speedies their own complete separate frame was worth the expense)
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: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374 |
It is all about the money, you would need to sell a lot of cruisers to make a completely different bike. Going up against Indian and Harley is a tuff row to hoe.
Tin Man 2
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
(...in other words, it seems Triumph didn't think giving these new Speedies their own complete separate frame was worth the expense)
It shouldn't have been that much of an expense. They had already designed the America/Speedmaster frame and had the manufacturing set up.
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: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I ride a lot and long distance ( e.g.leaving in next half hour on a 500 Mile trip ...back tomorrow.) ...it's just that I can't see the point of spending all that money on a bike which CANT be used as a practical distance machine should the owner so wish.
Again, maybe my quirk.
+1
You are not alone in your quirk. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
I have expressed the same complaint as others that new Speedy is to small frame wise for myself at 6ft and 200lbs, however my 2006 fits perfectly. It will be interesting to see what Triumph does when they release a revamped Thunderbird model.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Maybe the crepe sole salesman's shoe will make a comeback.
Bike salesmen used to use them to sop up the oil on the floor.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
Quote:
I ride a lot and long distance ( e.g.leaving in next half hour on a 500 Mile trip ...back tomorrow.) ...it's just that I can't see the point of spending all that money on a bike which CANT be used as a practical distance machine should the owner so wish.
Again, maybe my quirk.
+1
You are not alone in your quirk.
Yep it's fun. There is a bar in a small town several hundred miles away where they actually think I'm a regular customer who just doesn't come in that often.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I ride a lot and long distance ( e.g.leaving in next half hour on a 500 Mile trip ...back tomorrow.) ...it's just that I can't see the point of spending all that money on a bike which CANT be used as a practical distance machine should the owner so wish.
Again, maybe my quirk.
+1
You are not alone in your quirk.
Yep it's fun. There is a bar in a small town several hundred miles away where they actually think I'm a regular customer who just doesn't come in that often.
Dang. There is a mom and pop cafe, really a small buffet, that has the best fried chicken in Georgia. Hazlehurst GA. Used to be Sister's Cafe, then Papi had to take it back over (now Papi's Cafe). They too consider me a local that doesn't come in often. I usually eat there 4 or 5 times a year. 300 miles away or just about halfway between Dahlonega (or Moody Hollow) and home. Did I say they have the best fried Chicken? Almost as good as that place in Lays out west in some forgotten state.
This restaurant is a memory marker as well. When Friar John rode up with us to the GA Rally several years back (2011?) we stopped at Sister's Cafe for Lunch. When we decloaked and looked around we noticed Tom's wife's car in the parking lot. Jennifer and Bobbie where indeed inside enjoying lunch. I sit next to John each time I visit that restaurant.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: New Speedmaster upholds tradition
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Sounds like a bitter/ sweet experience....but it's life. I still go to the places I went decades ago...it's just that the circle of my old friends accompanying me gets smaller each year.
Glasses are still raised to a number of absent friends.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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