Triumph 300cc Thumpers?!?!?

[Rincewind]

Triumph building a new 300cc naked single!

Rumours are flying out of Thailand at the moment that Triumph is developing and due to start testing an all new 300cc or 350cc single cylinder naked bike.

According to Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, on sale now, a new Triumph is being lined up as an affordable entry-level bike for developed markets (US/Europe) and as a prestige model in growing markets (Asia, Africa and South America). News of the bike first emerged last month in the Brazilian magazine Motociclismo, which reports that it will be assembled in Brazil from kits sent from Thailand to a new Triumph assembly plant in Manaus.

As we already know, Triumph wants to expand its line up to 23 models across 7 categories by the end of 2012 and are keen to tap in to the rapidly expanding Asia markets. Currently, Triumph has 21 models across 6 categories; so with this model rumoured to be formally announced in 2012 there is speculation that there will be 2 variants and a new category - could this be a new Triumph Cub?

The liquid cooled four-valve single cylinder engine is rumoured to measure between 267cc and 350cc depending on the country in which it will be sold. If correct, then this would position it against KTM's 200cc Duke for India, Brazil and other developing markets.

Triumph's 800 Thailand employees are under the direction of locally based British management and outweigh the 600 strong workforce at its Hinckley HQ. The Thai operation manufactures a significant proportion of both engine and chassis components for all current models. Triumph is rumoured to be building a volume production plant in Thailand to enable it be compete in the Asian export markets to other countries throughout the region.

Naturally, Triumph have not commented on any speculation regarding the development of any new models.

Posted: 05 May 2011


http://www.triumphtorque.com/news/32/Triumph-building-a-new-300cc-naked-single.aspx

[JReazor]

Nice. I want a Speed Single!

[Rincewind]

With Honda pumping out new Global models from Thailand such as the CBR250, and KTM pimping a new 125cc Duke, this sounds like potentially very good news for Triumph, who sorely lack a beginner-friendly bike.  

The sidestory of the above mini-article is the new Triumph factory in Manaus, Brazil, where Harley established it's first foreign factory in 1998.  Manaus is also home to Kawasaki, Honda and Chinese brand factories.

[bomber]

I think Triumph addressing the world transportation market is a great thing -- it could mean a huge revenue stream, ensuring the health of the company.

The sidestory of the above mini-article is the new Triumph factory in Manaus, Brazil, where Harley established it's first foreign factory in 1998. 

Just a data point, HD had a factory in Japan in the 30s -- er, make that 1930s ;-}

[Rincewind]

Just a data point, HD had a factory in Japan in the 30s -- er, make that 1930s ;-}

A brief google-search indicates the Japanese factory was not HD, but was licensed by HD, who also provided some tooling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikuo_Motorcycle

[sammyseaman]

Gonna be too small to sport-tour properly. Defeinitely won't have enough h.p. either. Probably no shaft drive. Way too tiny for windy days. I'll bet my Irish ass that it won't have an adjustable windshield. Hard bags? Traction control? Automatic tranny? Highly doubtful.

Sorry Triumph, I'll be waiting for the 1800cc Trophy.

[Croak]

If I were Triumph, I'd make you keep waiting for a new Trophy.

Triumph does best by creating or finding a niche to serve and serve well, they don't do so good in head-to-head unless it's in a niche they created first like the Speed/Street line, or to a lesser extent the Rocket and D675.    Sprint, head to head with the other ST rides, has lackluster sales at best, so does the Tiger 1050, and so did the last Trophy.  Doesn't help that the big ST market has ALWAYS been soft.

[sammyseaman]

If I were Triumph, I'd make you keep waiting for a new Trophy.

Big meanie  

[falconati]

Very cool.  Excited to see if this comes to fruition or not...

[pushr0d]

Hmmmm.

A single-cylinder Sprint.  What would you call that?

A "Dash"?



But seriously, if they build a 'cute' 250cc standard; like a small-ish Bonneville with decent power and stupid good fuel economy, I think they'd sell them by the truckload.

But they've got to avoid 'cheesy' design and low-quality components.  And they must make sure to put good chrome plating on it.

Nothing worse than watching your pride & joy rot in front of your eyes.

[Roadscum]

Maybe it's time for Triumph to break into the scooter market?

Regards, Paul

[JReazor]

Maybe a Daytona 325R? Light weight, super narrow, modern engine, real suspension. Don't cut corners and price it in line with the Yamaha WR-X.

[pushr0d]

Here ya go!  "Blazer"!

This, from www.triumph.im:

[sammyseaman]

Here ya go!  "Blazer"!

This, from www.triumph.im:

Mmmm.... air-cooled drum brakes

[bomber]

A brief google-search indicates the Japanese factory was not HD, but was licensed by HD, who also provided some tooling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikuo_Motorcycle

I sit corrected -- thank you sir!

[bomber]

Mmmm.... air-cooled drum brakes

Water cooling added too much avoirdupois.

[sammyseaman]

Water cooling added too much avoirdupois.

Smarty-pants  

[bomber]

Smarty-pants  

Ta DA!

[Rincewind]

This further article states that the new Honda CBR250R is being benchmark tested as part of the R&D on the new Trumpet-Thumpers.


Triumph's small bike – rumours won't go away

Lower capacity machines spotted on test
Posted: 11 May 2011
by Visordown News

TRIUMPH might not be admitting it but the suggestion that it's working on a new small-capacity bike just seems to be getting ever-stronger.

The firm has already been spotted testing a small machine, around the size of a 125 although some have suggested it's actually bigger than that. More recently a Honda CBR250R has been seen testing in the company of some Triumph prototypes – presumably as the firm gets a grip on what its rivals are up to.

The appearance of the CBR is particularly important, it's built in Thailand and targeted largely at the ever-growing markets in Asia and India.

Triumph, which has its own Thai factory, is in a position to compete when it comes to manufacturing cost, and must surely be keen on grabbing a slice of the world's fastest-growing bike markets.

More rumours suggest that the firm could be working on a single that's closer to 350cc – perhaps not coincidentally the size of one cylinder from the firm's 1050 triple – although at that size it might be too big to be able to capitalise on the Indian/Asian markets where 250cc is still considered “superbike” size.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/triumphs-small-bike--rumours-wont-go-away/17981.html#ixzz1M3w2Q8r4

[Papa Lazarou]

Just to mention that the baby Indian built KTM is rather good...

[BlueRidgeKat]

So if this is true they are going to be made in Thailand ???  

[falconati]

Thighland  

[Croak]

Thaiumphs, we like to call them.

[Rincewind]

Click the links if these images don't hotlink right.  



http://www.blogtriumphchepassione.com/triumph/2011/04/street-flex-una-nuova-triumph-300cc-per-il-brasile/



http://www.triumphtorque.com/media/file/83702.aspx

[crispiegee1]

If they're going to make a sport single, they should do it right and use the Rocket III motor.     That way you'd have a nice 770cc single... talk about a thumper!
 

[Rincewind]

This month's Motorcyclist also picked up on the story from the Brazilian press.  They call it the Street Single and anticipate it being a global model made in Brazil from kits created in Thailand.  Up to 350cc with liquid cooling.  Being a global model I would expect some pretty competitive pricing.  The article stated the bikes will be available in 2012 which seems quite soon especially given the very little info on the bike so far. 

I would love to see a little brother to the Street Triple.  This weekend I saw the newly revised Street Triple with slanted headlights sitting next to a 2012 Speed Triple.  They seem even more similar looking with the new styling.  If they make this Street Single with the same styling and sell them for around $4000, it should be a real winner even with less than 50hp.

Add to this the recent news that Triumph will enter the Indian market, and this new Triumph Global Thumper makes a ton of sense.

[falconati]

Oh man, I would love love love that.

[camaroz1985]

It would make a great second bike.  I will be keeping an eye on this, after all the dealer is only about a mile away (and less than a mile in the opposite direction is the Ducati/Suzuki/Kawi dealer, too many temptations).

[Rincewind]

It would make a great second bike.  I will be keeping an eye on this, after all the dealer is only about a mile away (and less than a mile in the opposite direction is the Ducati/Suzuki/Kawi dealer, too many temptations).

CAT and Koups, I bet.  I go see John at CAT for my Triumphs.  They get a thumbs-up from me.   

[camaroz1985]

Yeap, live right between the two of them.  My step father bought both of his triumphs from CAT.  I've only been there a few times, but have had good experiences as well.

[crispiegee1]

Thaiumphs, we like to call them.

 

[crispiegee1]

I wonder what kind of fuel mileage it could achieve. It would be a great city bike, especially if 70+ mpg is within reach.

[TonyKZ1]

Could be an interesting bike, I wouldn't mind having one at all.
Tony

[sleazy rider]

That would make a hellacious commuter for me.  Do it, Triumph.

[Rincewind]

Small capacity Triumph confirmed

Indian arm reveals plans for downsized machines

TRIUMPH appears to have confirmed at the Delhi Auto Expo that it intends to build smaller-capacity bikes within the next three years.

Speaking to Indian news site Business Standard, the managing director of Triumph's newly launched Indian operation, Ashish Joshi, revealed the firm has a six-year product plan with 'a few' lower capacity machines scheduled in. He's quoted as saying of the plan: “It has got a few new bikes. They are of lower capacity” and confirming that “the development time is three years.”

Stories of a small single-cylinder Triumph – speculatively called the Street Single in some corners – have been doing the rounds for some time. Small machines have been spotted testing at the factory, but no decent pictures have yet emerged to reveal whether they're prototypes of a new Triumph or rival brand bikes being 'benchmark' tested to gauge the needs of the new model.

Rumours suggest the new single will have a capacity in the 250-350cc bracket, and that it will be assembled in plants both in India and Brazil. Referring to the hopes of big-bore bikes in India, Joshi is reported as saying: “I believe the 250cc-500cc engine bikes will always sell in better numbers.”

Initially, the single-cylinder Triumph is expected to be a straightforward naked machine, following the styling cues of the Street Triple. However, the suggestion now appears to be that there will be several models, so don't be surprised if a small Tiger (Cub?) appears, or even a CBR250R-rivalling miniature Daytona.

Business Standard also repeats the swirling rumours that Harley-Davidson is planning a smaller model for the Indian market.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/small-capacity-triumph-confirmed/19809.html#ixzz1j4GFy79q

[DosEquis00]

This is some excellent news as the little engine machine market needs so more options. Best way to grow the motorcycle population is with the availability of some fun inexpensive machines.

[1moreroad]

Not sure why everyone thinks they will be inexpensive.  Look at the Yamaha WR250X - it's a 250 and not a 300, but it's otherwise identical spec-wise to this Speed Single.  2011 MSRP was $6600.

So yeah, if Triumph prices it at $4000 it would be a great bike.  But they won't be able to.

The WR lasted 3 years in the US before Yamaha discontinued it.  It was heavily promoted the first year but sank, in part because of price.

Suzuki stopped selling the DRZ400SM in 2009 and it cost $6700 back then.

Americans don't want this kind of bike, and they won't buy it (well, most of us - I have the WR sitting in the garage).

[DosEquis00]

You could be correct but I think Triumph will keep the price down to stay in line with the present competition in India.

[stk0308]

Not sure why everyone thinks they will be inexpensive.  Look at the Yamaha WR250X - it's a 250 and not a 300, but it's otherwise identical spec-wise to this Speed Single.  2011 MSRP was $6600.

So yeah, if Triumph prices it at $4000 it would be a great bike.  But they won't be able to.

The WR lasted 3 years in the US before Yamaha discontinued it.  It was heavily promoted the first year but sank, in part because of price.

Suzuki stopped selling the DRZ400SM in 2009 and it cost $6700 back then.

Americans don't want this kind of bike, and they won't buy it (well, most of us - I have the WR sitting in the garage).

I think it's pretty clear this bike isn't intended for the American market.  It's intended for the Indian market.  Which has overtaken the American market in shear mass of numbers.  It won't beat China, but it's considered the 2nd biggest market for motorcycles, when including scooters in the numbers.

[Rincewind]

The rumor mill on these bikes is not letting up.  Triumph is said to be moving forward with a production plant in the subcontinent - Karnataka, South India.  They will be making some of the existing bike range, but also it is rumored they will produce the new Single-capacity bike as well.  

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/triumph-125cc-rumours-re-emerge/20462.html#ixzz1sOiwPGE1

An interesting note at the bottom of the article is that Harley Davidson is also considering a small capacity bike for India.  

[bomber]

Triumph and HD are intelligently addressing a huge market . . . ..  Asian bikes are transport, bought, used up, repaired, and replaced with much greater frequency than bikes are here, or in Europe, I would imagine . . ..  . the number of households in Asia that are juste recently capable of buying an inexpensive bike is beyong imagining . ..  ..

[jhawk]

i got tired of waiting for it.....  

and bought an old Honda CB350 instead....

[Rincewind]

i got tired of waiting for it.....  

and bought an old Honda CB350 instead....

Probably a good idea.  Latest news says that this new Triumph will be a twin (Speed Twin?) and only sold in India & maybe SE Asia, so it could be a few years before it arrives.  But, Triumph is building major production capacity in India, so maybe we'll get lucky and it'll be sooner.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/triumph-distributor-confirms-250cc-model-asia/

[Rincewind]

Pretty cool renderings - http://www.motoblog.it/post/101463/rendering-triumph-300-giovane-e-divertente

[nevinfs327]

I'd like to see this.  I wish there was a physically small modern naked similar to the Bandit 400 or Hawk GT I owned in the past.  A twin would be good, and 300-500cc.  Would be ideal for my wife who finds my Street Triple physically a little too large (tall, mostly).  Look forward to seeing the CB500 when they hit dealers.  

[bluepoof]

Nevin, did you see the new Honda CB500F at the bike show?

I'm also looking forward to seeing them at dealers....

OnTopic...mmmm Triumph 300.    I would buy the heck out of that.

[nevinfs327]

Nevin, did you see the new Honda CB500F at the bike show?

I'm also looking forward to seeing them at dealers....

OnTopic...mmmm Triumph 300.    I would buy the heck out of that.

I didn't make the bike show, but do look forward to seeing those when they arrive in dealers.  Or rather, my wife looks forward to seeing it - I'm much more interested in the CB1100.  Is the CB500F Honda Hawk GT sized?