Statment From Triumph regarding Buell

[NoDak]

I just found this:

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/News_12145.aspx

I think this is cool but I'm a Triumph owner.  What do Buell owners think of this?  Would you consider attending Triumph rallies?

[ninegear]

triumph now has my respect.

harley davidson is going to regret their decision

[1000lbs]

I find this pretty interesting considering that when I decided to leave "cruiserville" for something more sporting the Triumphs and Buells were the two brands I was most attracted to...  In my case the Triumph won out, but there was a bit of thinking before hand...  

It makes sense for Triumph from a marketing standpoint, as it would draw a similar customer base to their urban sport line that just lost their product...  From the Buell customers perspective I don't think it would be seen as a negative, but I wonder how interested they would be in attending events just based on this statement...  

Still well done Hinkley, nice statements on the Buell brand and a stab at some new customers...

[falconati]

Triumph owner, and I wanted to buy an 1125 :P

[R Doug]

Brilliant move.  

[XLR8]

Sorry to be cynical but this is not motorcycling altruism.  

[hig4s]

Let see,
Triumph was the only motorcycle company to increase profits in the US.
They are planning to significantly add to their product line.
They are offering to let Buell riders attend their factory events.

Hmm, could they be talking to Eric???

What a quick and easy way that would be to increase the product line.


They could call them Bumphs!!

[kevin_stevens]

Triumph owner, and I wanted to buy an 1125 :P

Triumph owner, and I did buy an 1125.  Then sold the Triumph.  



That's probably more fraternal than they had in mind!

KeS

[Phenix_Rider]

They could call them Bumphs!!

Or "TriElls" ... a triple in the 1125R chassis?  

[hig4s]

Or "TriElls" ... a triple in the 1125R chassis?  

Ahh, we could juxtapose a few letters and go with Thrills !!!

Or maybe just the first two letters and the last two with a zero between them.  TR 0 LLs  

[veefer800canuck]

Not often do you hear one manufacturer praise another.


Big   for Triumph.


Oh, and Santa, I'd like a new Daytona 675 under the tree to use as a track whore.  

[Rogue]

I like it.

It's funny because the last two bikes I have ever considered were Triumphs:  The Sprint ST and the Speed Triple.  I am currently in love with the Speed Triple because I like its oddball looks and its performance.  And yes, I do believe Triumph and Buell were two of a kind in the way they designed their bikes and chose their niche markets.

My next bike will most likely be a Triumph.  

[falconati]

I like it.

It's funny because the last two bikes I have ever considered were Triumphs:  The Sprint ST and the Speed Triple.  I am currently in love with the Speed Triple because I like its oddball looks and its performance.  And yes, I do believe Triumph and Buell were two of a kind in the way they designed their bikes and chose their niche markets.

My next bike will most likely be a Triumph.  

Just got mine and can't wipe the grin off my face.  Do it.

[Brad1445]

I have had two Triumphs, very high build quality.  I'm hopping Harley follows their business model and rolls out a full line of motorcycles.

[jim williams]

Hmm, could they be talking to Eric???

What a quick and easy way that would be to increase the product line.


They could call them Bumphs!!

I had a 1050, and, there are still things I miss about it. Now, as much as I love my Uly as is, I can't help but think the ultimate bike would be a Uly with a 1050 motor

[R Doug]

I have had two Triumphs, very high build quality.  

+1

Everytime I had to break down my 675 for anything, I was amazed how easily parts lined up together based on my experience with doing similar work on a Kawasaki and Yamaha.  It always seemed like I had to coerce the parts of the later named bikes whereas the Triumph was as easy to put together as it was to take apart.  

[maddjack]

 

[kendenton]

It's a nice gesture, but aren't ALL bikes welcome at their events?  Would my Duc get turned back from the velvet rope?

[Castaway]

Sorry to be cynical but this is not motorcycling altruism.  

Agreed. A nice compliment to Buell ... notice it wasn't given when Buell was viable. But, still nice to think there's some sense of community amidst the competition.

[Scratch33]

Would my Duc get turned back from the velvet rope?

No, but don't touch the pastries.

[wbrisett]

Triumph was the only motorcycle company to increase profits in the US.

I don't think that's true. I think BMW also saw the same in the US, meager as they might have been last year. However, worldwide, BMW saw losses.

The owner of the local BMW dealership (also Triumph dealership) and I had a discussion about this and they actually have seen a significant increase in BMW sales last year.

Overall, I think it was a nice gesture towards Buell, but I'm not convinced it wasn't more of just pure marketing. But then I'm biased since I see similar things in my industry and ultimately it's all a way to lure folks towards a brand. I think it's cool, and the local RAT guys are awesome, but at least locally the Buell and Ducati folks (dealers and clubs) have really established more of a relationship.  I see both Triumph and Ducati in similar ways, both have bikes that I wouldn't mind parking in my garage, just not right now.


Wayne

[Rincewind]

That's nice they issued a statement.  I don't think any other manufacturer showed this respect to Buell's closing.  It seems pretty sportsmanlike, though it is kind of a sales pitch.

Yes, any makes are welcome at Triumph meets, they say, but Buell and Triumph are definitely two birds of a feather.

[kendenton]

I'm not knocking Triumph, I think they're a top-notch organization.

[jim williams]

My local HD/Buell dealer just signed on Triumph.  

[dorklord]

I'm sure that this is a marketing idea from Triumph, they're trying to establish (or reinforce) a connection, in ideals if nothing else, between Buell and Triumph. Some people already see a connection, some people will probably see it, some people won't, and I'm sure someone will be offended by it. I don't know if there are going to be a whole lot of Buell owners flocking to Triumph because of that statement, but I've got no problem with Triumph making a grab for the Buell consumer base. Statistically speaking a lot of those Buell owners are likely to be buying another bike in the next couple years, so they'll have to buy their bikes from someone.

I also think it is kind of cool that they're offering to take in motorcycle enthusiasts who've been orphaned. And if it turns out that this is step 1 of their strategy to bring Erik to Triumph in some capacity, that would be even cooler. I fear it might take him a while to recover from the loss of a company that was his namesake, and that I'm sure he felt was his legacy, but in the long run I think his talent is wasted at Harley, as they aren't exactly pushing the boundaries of motorcycle design, and what he did with Buell was amazing, I can't imagine what he could accomplish if he was backed by a company that takes sportbikes, new technology, innovation, and racing seriously.

[Tpoppa]

As a Buell owner and former Triumph owner, I think this is a good move for Triumph.  I'll bet alot of would be Lightning & CR buyers will be looking to the Speed3 and Street3.  

[chornbe]

Classy move.  

[DNA]

Being a triumph owner and a buell admirer, can you imaging the amount of oil that will get spilled if the two marques do join up at meets?

Call in hasmat - they could create a new superfund site.  

[SalsaShark]

Being a long time Triumph owner and a new Buell owner, I like it... It's a nice compliment to Erik. It's also a clever marketing move by Triumph.

It's also nice to see that I'm not the only one who has an affinity toward something other then the big 4.

Taken the day before we got 20" of snow...

[Brad1445]

Hey I got to ride one of those in CA last Summer, what a fun bike!

[SalsaShark]

^^ Correct me if I'm wrong, but looks like a Street Triple? If so, I've always wanted to take one for a spin. I love the Speed Triple, it's a great bike.

[falconati]

^^ Correct me if I'm wrong, but looks like a Street Triple? If so, I've always wanted to take one for a spin. I love the Speed Triple, it's a great bike.

You definitely should.  The Streety is awesome.  Just make sure you take out the R version, as the regular version has less impressive suspension.

[hig4s]

I don't think that's true. I think BMW also saw the same in the US, meager as they might have been last year. However, worldwide, BMW saw losses.

The owner of the local BMW dealership (also Triumph dealership) and I had a discussion about this and they actually have seen a significant increase in BMW sales last year.

Overall, I think it was a nice gesture towards Buell, but I'm not convinced it wasn't more of just pure marketing. But then I'm biased since I see similar things in my industry and ultimately it's all a way to lure folks towards a brand. I think it's cool, and the local RAT guys are awesome, but at least locally the Buell and Ducati folks (dealers and clubs) have really established more of a relationship.  I see both Triumph and Ducati in similar ways, both have bikes that I wouldn't mind parking in my garage, just not right now.


Wayne

Nope, while the full year sales figures are not yet in,

Despite the dramatic contraction of the US market by almost one half, a total of 7,556 BMW motorcycles were handed over to customers during the nine-month period under report (– 10.5 %).

In a contrasting trend, the sales volume figure of 1,645 motorcycles achieved in Canada
corresponded to an increase of 13.4 %, even though the overall market suffered a similar sharp drop.

that means there were 8349 bikes sold in the US for same period in 08, and 1425 in Canada. Total of 9774, and this year a total of 9201 so a 6.2% decrease in total North America sales.

[xbud]

 That's good marketing by Triumph, I admit I was on the fence looking at a Triumph Tiger 1050. But the fire sale pricing and Rotax engine did it for me on the CR, I still find myself drooling on the Tigers.

[Mastros2]

Classy move.  

Yes.  Nice move Triumph!

[Schneegz]

Brilliant move.  

Absolutely.  

[bomber]

Of course it is not an altruistic move on Triumph's part.

Still, I see it as a far more classy marketing move than some of what comes out of the Iron Tower (who seem to be hell bent for election {to quote my granddad} to alienate anyone that doens't already have a Harely).

in the spirit of full disclosure, I own a Triumph and a Buell, I DID inhale, I enjoyed it, close cover before striking.

[Rogue]

Still, I see it as a far more classy marketing move than some of what comes out of the Iron Tower (who seem to be hell bent for election {to quote my granddad} to alienate anyone that doens't already have a Harely).

H-D is THE MASTER at alienating everyone who do NOT own or like H-D.  99% of their owners group act the same way.

This kind of thinking is what drove GM/Chrysler/Ford into hard times in the 1980's.  People will not continue to buy your products just because they are made in the USA when there are better alternatives.  However, H-D seems to believe in it.

During a time when a company should be investing in the upturn that is coming, H-D chooses to contract and hide inside its shell.

[2DFlyer]

Class act.  Sure it's a pitch but in a most sensible and respectful way.  Considering especially the history between Triumph and HD, is there any other mfg that could have put out this statement and have been taken as anything more than a cheap marketing ploy?

The perfect two stall garage (this week anyway) could be a XB12R and 1050 ST.

[Gary B.]

Very classy...and shrewd. Hats off to Triumph!

[ibppjr]

   Nice move Triumph.  Gotta love the Brits...not afraid of a fight and always gonna show some class.  

[atadaskew]

During a time when a company should be investing in the upturn that is coming, H-D chooses to contract and hide inside its shell.

Please mention other companies, outside BMW and maybe Ducati, that are expanding the concept of their product line.

Sure as hell don't see Honda doing that...

[Orson]

thank gawd them Buell ruffians won't taking up parking space and vomiting in the porta-potty at Guzzi gatherings  

[JTM]

That is a very classy guesture on Triumph part, granted I still want to replace my 636 with a Daytona.

[highside]

There is defiantly some crossover in their customer base (the whole NOT Japanese thing, along with some of the design themes on their bikes). Giving a thumbs up to a company that no longer makes bikes doesn't really do any harm to the bottom line. I think this is a sound business decision and a great way to expose an orphaned riding population to their next bike.

[naustin]

Whatever Triumph's motivation, they just did more for Buell Owners than HD ever did - they invited them!

[Brad1445]

I bet Harley would disagree as the number widely reported is from start to end they lost 25 million during the Buell years.

The XB Bikes were good bikes, that was the dealers fault for not cashing on on that R&D.  The 1125 is not the dealers fault.  As good as the bike is it continues to get bashed for its design, that = sales, marketability.

When writes that like the bikes power and handling say and I quote "it looks best with a blindfold" - "It will not win any beauty pageants"


ow

[Rogue]

Whatever Triumph's motivation, they just did more for Buell Owners than HD ever did - they invited them!

You hit the nail right in the head.

[delta one]

be it for marketing, genuine praise, good sportsmanship, or just trying to snag back the buisness they may have lost to Buell in the past. whatever their motivation it worked on me!

Whatever Triumph's motivation, they just did more for Buell Owners than HD ever did - they invited them!

how beautifully eloquent in brevity.  you really did sum it all up in that one line.

[2DFlyer]

Whatever Triumph's motivation, they just did more for Buell Owners than HD ever did - they invited them!

Yep.  Well said.

[JTM]

Whatever Triumph's motivation, they just did more for Buell Owners than HD ever did - they invited them!

You are dead on, the sales manager at HD was an ass even though I was buying a bike.

[Kootenanny]

Yes, a classy move by Triumph.  Sure, there might be some "marketing" in there, but I doubt it's gonna improve their sales by much, if at all--however, it does make their corporate "personality" seem more warm and fuzzy.

Back when I was shopping for a bike, my short list included a Triumph Speed Four as well as the Buell.  However, as I was not allowed to demo the Triumph, I had to cross it off the list.

There is a new dealer, much closer to me now (4 hours away rather than 8 hours), who understands the importance of demo rides--I recently attended a demo day there, and rode a Street Triple R--preferred it to the Speed Triple--as well as a Bonneville T100 (the surprise of the demo day, for me).  My next bike might well be a Triumph (although I do like those Guzzis--take that, Orson ).

[chornbe]

Yes, a classy move by Triumph.  Sure, there might be some "marketing" in there, but I doubt it's gonna improve their sales by much, if at all--however, it does make their corporate "personality" seem more warm and fuzzy.

Which may pay huge dividends in years to come as Buell owners look to move on...

Back when I was shopping for a bike, my short list included a Triumph Speed Four as well as the Buell.  However, as I was not allowed to demo the Triumph, I had to cross it off the list.

There is a new dealer, much closer to me now (4 hours away rather than 8 hours), who understands the importance of demo rides--I recently attended a demo day there, and rode a Street Triple R--preferred it to the Speed Triple--as well as a Bonneville T100 (the surprise of the demo day, for me).  My next bike might well be a Triumph (although I do like those Guzzis--take that, Orson ).

Test rides go a long, long way to getting my $$$.

At least offer me a used version of what I'm looking at to test out.

I've *never* been denied a test of *any* model I asked about at a BMW, Harley or Buell dealer.  

I've been denied almost *every* test ride I've asked about at Japanese-4 dealers. Occasionally used bikes are let out for test.

I've had mixed results at other marquees.

I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the attitude you project, too. I can't see myself ever just letting some 18 year old kid take *any* bike out for a joy ride. I'm 43 (mostly look it) and dress the part of a serious rider when I go test riding.

[falconati]

^^^

I would never buy from a dealer I couldn't test ride at.  I'm not just buying a product, I'm buying a product and service.  I've had great service at European-brand and US-brand (HD/Buell/Victory), never once at a Japanese dealer.

Entirely coincidentally, I've never purchased a Japanese bike, even though the dealers have always been closer.  HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

[Mastros2]

^^^

I would never buy from a dealer I couldn't test ride at.  I'm not just buying a product, I'm buying a product and service.  I've had great service at European-brand and US-brand (HD/Buell/Victory), never once at a Japanese dealer.

Entirely coincidentally, I've never purchased a Japanese bike, even though the dealers have always been closer.  HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Customer service wins, period.  I would go out of the way to get great customer service than deal with a local crappy shop.  

[Kootenanny]

Test rides go a long, long way to getting my $$$.

At least offer me a used version of what I'm looking at to test out.

I've *never* been denied a test of *any* model I asked about at a BMW, Harley or Buell dealer.  

I've been denied almost *every* test ride I've asked about at Japanese-4 dealers. Occasionally used bikes are let out for test.

I've had mixed results at other marquees.

I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the attitude you project, too. I can't see myself ever just letting some 18 year old kid take *any* bike out for a joy ride. I'm 43 (mostly look it) and dress the part of a serious rider when I go test riding.

I've had mixed results wrt demo rides at dealers of all brands.  I'm not a teenager (late 40s... ), I'm ATGATT, and I have had a motorcycle license since 1978, but I've been denied demos at Euro brand dealers, while some Big Four dealers have been quite accommodating (there was one Yamaha dealer who almost forced me to take several demo rides on various bikes one day, even after I told him straight up that I wasn't gonna buy one...I got to demo an FJR and a Road Star that day, as well as the YZF600R I had initially been looking at).

So yeah, I believe it is the individual dealer's call.  I've heard complaints from some about insurance hassles, but...well, other dealers seem to be able to do it, so...?  I would have definitely have given that Yamaha dealer my business, had I been buying a Yamaha...but I really wanted the Buell at that point.  BTW, the H-D shop I dealt with was OK prior to the sale--they allowed me to demo bikes on more than one occasion--but I did know FAR more about the Buell I was considering than they did, and there was a bit of pressure to install a "race kit" with a loud pipe (I declined).  And after the sale, there were a few little niggles, and that's why, if I need to take the bike in for service, I will travel 8 hours to a different dealer (rather than 6 hours to the place I purchased).

And I would definitely consider purchasing from the Triumph dealer who hosted the demo day I mentioned above...they've told me on several occasions that I would be welcome to take out one of their bikes for a private demo, I just don't feel right about doing that when I'm not in the market at all (demo days are different ).  Like some of you, I simply will not purchase a bike I've never ridden.  Sitting on it in the shop is not the same.  I'm a responsible adult, if a dealer cannot treat me as such, well I'll go give my business to someone who will.

[2DFlyer]

I've had mixed results wrt demo rides at dealers of all brands.  I'm not a teenager (late 40s... )... Like some of you, I simply will not purchase a bike I've never ridden.  Sitting on it in the shop is not the same.  

I've gotten demos at Big 4 dealers but found HD/Buell and the Euro brands to be much more accommodating.  But this whole topic is all the more reason to shop used when you can - demos are much easier to come by.