Triumphs

[Mo Throttle]

The new Triumph 800's looked interesting at the bike show. My concern about a non Japanese bike is its reliability and dependability. I've had Honda's and Suzuki's that are bulletproof. What's your experience with British bikes?

[Papa Lazarou]

They are bullet proof. The only problems I've had with mine, in 8 years of ownership, is a duff coil. Oh, and you need to look after the battery-they don't like low batteries.

With some, you need to keep an eye on oil levels.

Finish is far superior to Japanese bikes. I'd say, if one of the Triumph range suits you, buy instead BMW or Japanese.

[Rattlehead]

The Japanese don't have the market cornered on reliability anymore. There are very few "unreliable" bikes out there any more, especially if you're talking new. Used is another story as an idiot owner can make even the best machine a piece of crap. Even then, I've never had any serious issues with any of my bikes and they've all been bought used.

Me personally, if I were looking for a new bike the Triumph dealer would be one of my first stops. I'm REALLY diggin' their lineup these days.

[Rincewind]

I've had three Hinckley-Era Triumphs over the past ten years.  They have all been excellent in terms of rider satisfaction, moderate service costs, and quality of finish.  Two of them have had oil issues.  The current one has no oil issue but had one failed electrical connector (fluke covered under warranty) - otherwise it's been solid.  I would rate Triumphs high for reliability.  I would rate them even higher for riding enjoyment.  

However there have been some bad ones, even on this site, which have required engine swaps.  Also I have had three of my nearest Triumph dealers that have closed or dropped the brand over the years.  Sorry I don't know specific problems regarding the Tiger 800 - I'd recommend looking at Tiger 800 specific forums for that.  

[scottzilla]

I had a 2007 Speed Triple and would not hesitate to buy another Triumph.  

[slvrsprint]

I haven't had a Tiger but I've had a couple of Sprints.  I put 100,000 miles on a '95 and 62,000 on a '05, so far.    I've had some issues that were promptly taken care of by the dealer.  Right now my plan is another 40,000 miles on the '05 then a Tiger.

I don't see reliability being a concern for me.

[Mr.Black]

I like the Street Triple but my current ride is just fine for my practical bike.

For a second bike, if choosing Triumph would be the Scrambler. That just looks like it screams fun.



Edit;

The only Triumph I owned was a '66 Tiger Daytona.

Absolutely beautiful and as equally unreliable.

[bomber]

There are two Triumphs in our motor pool -- 05 Bonnie and an 07 Tiger -- I would not histate to purchase another modern Triumph again . . . .while there are certain examples of troublesome bikes, no more so than any of the Big Four . . . .

That said, it I was buying an 800 Tiger for a ride to the end of the continent, I might wait another model year, just o be certain -- it's a new platform (though build on very sturdy predecessors).

[ANZAC]

My first Triumph and I love it.  My Streety is by far the best built/fun bike I have ever ridden.  Triumph has a lot to offer these days and are building some real good stuff.

[1000lbs]

Just brought home my third Hinkley Triumph.  The first two were trouble free over a combined 18k miles and performed very well for their given purposes.  My limited experiences with dealer support were positive and I feel offered more in the way of explanation and options compared to other manufaturers.  Fit and finish were superb and performance was on or above par with competitors.  If they have something that you like, I'd go for it.

[Ghost]

Have 09 Tiger, 09 Speed Triple, and wife has 10 Stret triple.  Great bikes!

[Yankee Dog]

00 Sprint RS
02 Trophy
02 Sprint RS
03 America
06 Tiger

All solid and dependable.

[caddydaddy]

22,000 miles and no problems!

[falconati]

I had a 2007 Speed Triple and would not hesitate to buy another Triumph.  

This, except I would edit it to say that I really really really want to buy more Triumphs (specifically a Street Triple, Scrambler, and Tiger Explorer).

[Mo Throttle]

With all the + responses I'll look more closely at the Tigers. Thanks.

[sprint_st]

02 Sprint ST, 04 Sprint RS, 07 Tiger - all great bikes.  Have friends with mostly Sprints and Tigers too.  No problems.  Been reading at least four Triumph Forums for about 10 years.  There have been clusters of issues over the years but what bike doesn't have those.  Most posts are how do you do this or that and "have you heard about" this farkle or that.  

Only advice I have is that having a good Triumph dealer within easy driving range is more important than some other bikes.  Not that Triumphs need more dealer support but IMO dealing with Triumph USA is a pain if you have an issue and good Triumph dealers get things done.

P.S. - you meet some great people riding Triumphs too.

[NoDak]

My wife and I have put over 100,000 miles on the 5 Triumph's we currently own with no problems and no complaints.  Very reliable!   The only problem I have come across is which one to buy!

[BBB]

'99 Sprint ST bought new. Within 18k it had the following components replaced:-

head gasket, front header pipes, pistons/rings/cylinder liners (due to it developing a liking for oil). Suffered the usual seized chain adjuster hub assembly.

Paintwork and finish was good and once all the above stuff was sorted it was a good bike and my faith was restored to the point I bought a

'04 Sprint ST. Last of the 955's with panniers, rear rack and heated grips all thrown in at no extra cost.

Quality of finish was much poorer than the first ST. Alloy furred up on engine and other components. Paint peeled off numerous painted brackets and rear subframe. Speedo over read by 15-20%. Fit of the fairing panels was poor.

The factory changed the fairing panels, but refused to do anything about the paintwork, furred allow or speedo.

The dealer was great but Mark Swepson and Charles Smart at the factory were assholes and their attitude was poor.

There were other issues too which didn't help the experience.

[stk0308]

Suffered the usual seized chain adjuster hub assembly.

Off all your post I will only take issue with the wording of this.  I've had 3 single sided swingarm Triumphs, two 955 and the current 1050, none of the adjusters have seized.  With a total of 173,000 miles between the three of them.  I am not known for cleaning bikes  

The rest, well it happens to all manufacturers occationally.  I won't say Triumphs are perfect, but they are pretty darn comparable in todays market.

Why is it I only ever see this term "furry alloy" from English folks?  

[MadOzodi]

I am not known for cleaning bikes  

truth...his bike is always f'in filthy.