Rod returns from Triumph Global Conference:

continued from main page (scroll down for Triumph press release)

The 'Big News' for this meeting was the confirmation of a 1600cc Triumph Thunderbird in the works, due for release as a 2010 model. Powered by a 100+hp water-cooled parallel twin, equipped with a 6 speed close ratio gearbox, belt driven and styled with a brawny, tightly muscled look, this bike is going to dominate the 'performance cruiser' market. Based on what I've seen so far this one is a winner for Triumph.

2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc Power Cruiser

 Once the cat was out of the bag it was time to move on to the changes affecting the rest of the Triumph lineup.

New color choices for 2009 include Blazing Orange for the Tiger, Jet Black for the Sprint ST, Pacific Blue over Fusion White, Jet Black over Fusion White, Fusion White over Exotic Orange for Bonneville T100 plus Jet Black or Fusion White for Bonneville.  Phantom Black over New England White for Bonneville Speedmaster, Matte Kaki and Jet Black for Scrambler, Eclipse over Azure for Rocket III Classic. These are just the new colors. There are several colors used in '08 that return for '09.

Hot stuff -

Look for the exclusive "Street Triple R" by year end. Featuring sweet matte graphite or matte orange paintwork with contrasting logo and lettering - The Street Triple R features the fully adjustable suspension from the Daytona 675 with Nissin radial brakes also carried over.



Speaking of the Street Triple 675, Triumph told me that we'll be getting a Street Triple for '09. In fact that'll likely be our only Street Triple for '09 unless someone gets off the pot and places a pre-order for another one.

All new fuel injected Bonneville models are on the way.  We'll be seeing the new Bonnevilles and several other new Triumphs very shortly, likely before the end of summer. Bikes are enroute as I write this.

In addition to the switch to FI systems, Bonneville has undergone several major changes aimed at improved ergonomics and better maneuverability, especially for new or short riders.

The big change for '09 among the Bonneville range is the addition of the Bonneville SE. Lowered by 1.5in with 17in cast wheels front and rear, brushed engine cases along with the upswept pipes from the Thruxton there's a surprising sparkle and visual balance to the whole package. I think the Bonneville SE is a very handsome motorcycle.  Especially in Pacific Blue over Fusion White.

I'm working on getting a photo of the Bonneville SE to share with you.

The standard Bonneville also gains cast wheels and revised ergonomics. The classic Sixties-influenced Bonneville T100 returns for 2009, with a few minor detail changes and a new blue and white color scheme option. The price leading Bonneville Black returns in '09.

Next up for 'highlight of the trip' is the release of the exclusive 50th Anniversary Bonneville in Meriden Blue and Exotic Orange with gold hand painted pinstripes. Only 650 of the 50th Anniversary Bonnevilles will be built and sold worldwide. The bikes will be specially numbered with a commemorative dash plaque and a certificate of authenticity signed by John Bloor identifying the bike by production number. (Yes, we're trying to get one, no we don't know if we're getting it or not). I must say that this paint job is stunning with a gray and black seat. If you were around for the Queen's Jubilee Bonneville, you know how fast these limited edition bikes sell. Let me know if you're interested in purchasing a 50th Anniversary Bonneville and I'll do my best to get one for you. Release month is August of '08.




There's a Matte Kaki Scrambler on the way. This is a color that brings the Scrambler up from 'nice retro bike' to the 'Wow! That's a hot urban commando bike' zone. Scrambler is also available for '09 in solid Jet Black or Aluminum Silver over Roulette Green.



There are more than a few detail changes for the Daytona 675. Think 'incremental improvement' vs. 'all new'. Aerodynamic improvements, 3 more HP and 8lbs lighter weight  along with upgraded suspension components result in quicker acceleration, better handling and bring the bike closer to track ready straight off the dealer sales floor.



The Sprint ST and Tiger remain unchanged for 2009, with the exception of color choices.
No more blue, but say yes to Jet Black on the Sprint ST and Blazing Orange on the Tiger (see photo in next story).



Rocket III returns unchanged for 2009, since Triumph did the early release of the Rocket III Touring which had originally been scheduled for 09 release.

Speedmaster and America gain fuel injection and color choices change. The Matte Black Speedmaster is scorching hot. I can visualize it with white Von Dutch style pinstripes. Availability of Matte finishes in the US market is 'unknown', if enough people ask for it we may be able to get Triumph to send these finishes our way.

With a mere 32 hours spent stuffed in another coach seat for my return trip home, that pretty much wraps up my report. Stop into the dealership to chat and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Rod

New Triumphs unveiled at 2008 Global Dealer Conference

Monday, July 21, 2008 courtesy Triumph Motorcycles -

Triumph today unveiled its new models for the 2009 model year to an expectant audience of dealers and press at its Global Dealer Conference in Birmingham, England, as well as officially announcing the eagerly-anticipated parallel twin-cylinder cruiser, which will be known as the Thunderbird.

Set to go on sale for the 2010 model year, the all-new six-speed 1,600cc cruiser has been designed to take on the best in the cruiser category. Combining sleek and modern looks with great dynamics, the belt-driven Thunderbird will provide an authentic cruiser experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

The Thunderbird will be offered with an extensive range of official accessories which will allow the rider to tailor the bike to their individual needs. Whether they want a stripped down and chromed up hot rod with muscular performance or a fully-dressed classic style custom-tourer for two-up touring, Triumph’s accessory range lets the rider customise the Thunderbird to their individual tastes. An ABS option is also available.

Before then, Triumph fans can look forward to an exciting 2009 range. 

New for the coming season is the high-specification Street Triple R, aimed at discerning riders looking for a naked bike that provides a sporty riding experience normally associated with fully-faired supersport machines. Based on the phenomenally successful standard Street Triple, the 675cc triple features race-track derived suspension and brakes and will be launched with a new Matt Graphite colour scheme, complete with striking orange graphics. A Matt Blazing Orange (with Graphite graphics) option will also be available from January 2009.

Triumph is also introducing a heavily revised Daytona 675 for 2009. Producing 3PS more than its predecessor and weighing 3kg less, the highly acclaimed supersport machine handles even better than before thanks to the latest race-developed suspension, featuring high and low speed damping at both the front and rear, while new Nissin monobloc brakes give improved feel and stopping power. The bike has also been restyled, with a new cockpit, headlight and screen complementing the Jet Black and Tornado Red colour options.

Triumph’s Bonneville range has also been given a serious makeover.

 

The iconic model celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2009, and Triumph is marking the occasion with a limited edition model. Just 650 Bonneville T100 50^th Anniversary models will be produced in a unique orange and blue colour scheme that echoes the 1959 original. Based on the standard T100, the Anniversary model features a host of detail changes and comes with a numbered handlebar-mounted plaque and a certificate of authenticity signed by John Bloor, the owner of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Meanwhile, the standard Bonneville gets Seventies-look cast wheels and revised ergonomics. With its lower seat height, the 2009 Bonneville is more manoeuvrable than ever before. Also on sale is a higher specification Bonneville SE, which takes the standard Bonneville and adds a two-tone colour scheme, brushed alloy engine casings and additional instrumentation. The Sixties-influenced Bonneville T100 remains in the line-up for 2009, with minor detail changes and a new blue and white colour option.

The Rocket III, Rocket III Classic, Rocket III Touring, Speed Triple, Tiger, Sprint ST, America, Speedmaster, Scrambler and Thruxton all remain in the Triumph range for 2009, benefiting from minor detail updates and exciting new colours, including an attitude-filled Matt Khaki Green option for the Scrambler.

Triumph’s dealers were also treated to the full range of products for the forthcoming year. In addition to the new motorcycles, Triumph’s clothing team unveiled its most comprehensive range of apparel ever. Over 50% of the 2009 range is completely new. At the top end is a new product line developed in collaboration with Italian manufacturer Alpinestars, while a number of classically-styled ‘essentials’ have been introduced to bring high-quality Triumph products at very competitive prices. Riders of cruisers will be catered for with a new range of high-specification products designed especially for their needs, while the company’s first heated product will also hit the marketplace, in the form of the electrically-powered EXO2 vest.

Triumph’s popular casual range hasn’t been forgotten about either. A special edition range celebrating 50 years of the iconic Triumph Bonneville is being introduced alongside a new summer range of T-shirts, including a new design inspired by legendary Triumph rider Steve McQueen.