Enthalpy
07-01-2004, 03:56 AM
Staying up with my kid has gotten me thinking about lots of things, and one of them is what would I do if I owned Triumph, as far as product lineup is concerned.
1. Update engine of the D6. This is a no-brainer. The brakes, suspension and chassis are fine to handle a few more ponies in the engine compartment. The styling, in my view, is top-notch, and maybe could use a freshening. Now that Triumph is discounting the bikes to racers, it would be great to see them competitive motor-wise in the SS class. Following this, I would sponsor a factory team in AMA Supersport (or perhaps FX) in the same fashion that Ducati runs the Ducati Austin team in Superbike, not the Ten Kate model that they seem to be using over in BSS. I think this provides the market an incentive to make aftermarket products, the dearth of which is a hinderance for those boy racers out there who would otherwise consider Triumph.
2. Completely redo the 955. Make it lighter, more powerful, but keep the SSS. Rumors abound over the 1050 cc version, which I think is a big mistake if can't be competitive in *any* racing class. (same holds true for the rumors of the 636cc D6 or a triple 600--which would be awful) But redo the triple to Superbike spec, and run it in British Superbike (and AMA Superstock, as long as the rules dont' change) at first. If people want the gentleman's express, they can consider the Sprint.
Both the above are to give Triumph a higher profile in the racing scene in the U.S. with relatively easy "startup" costs.
3. Obviously I don't think too much about the touring and adventure-touring lineup. But I do think there's a movement afoot to build powerful conveyances for those who want to go on long hauls. Witness the new BMW, or the FJR. If updating the Sprint to that level of refinement and power is possible, it would excellent to see.
4. Innovate. One problem with Triumph in the 70's is that they failed to innovate and bring new competitive products to the fore. In the cruiser class, that's not such a problem. Triumph saw the need to put the twin a bike that consists of a cruiser frame, much in the same way that choppers were built in the 70s. I've yet to see a high profile chopper made from this base, however. But whether or not it's a new engine configuration (V-3 comes to mind here), a new design for rear shock linkage, or improved braking systems, Triumph needs to put in the R&D resources to make their sportbikes and cruisers cutting edge, because for a long time, that was Triumph's real selling point: performance. And that comes from racing.
I know for a company that's just getting in the black, that's a tall order. But I think these are all longer term goals that would benefit the company in increased market share.
1. Update engine of the D6. This is a no-brainer. The brakes, suspension and chassis are fine to handle a few more ponies in the engine compartment. The styling, in my view, is top-notch, and maybe could use a freshening. Now that Triumph is discounting the bikes to racers, it would be great to see them competitive motor-wise in the SS class. Following this, I would sponsor a factory team in AMA Supersport (or perhaps FX) in the same fashion that Ducati runs the Ducati Austin team in Superbike, not the Ten Kate model that they seem to be using over in BSS. I think this provides the market an incentive to make aftermarket products, the dearth of which is a hinderance for those boy racers out there who would otherwise consider Triumph.
2. Completely redo the 955. Make it lighter, more powerful, but keep the SSS. Rumors abound over the 1050 cc version, which I think is a big mistake if can't be competitive in *any* racing class. (same holds true for the rumors of the 636cc D6 or a triple 600--which would be awful) But redo the triple to Superbike spec, and run it in British Superbike (and AMA Superstock, as long as the rules dont' change) at first. If people want the gentleman's express, they can consider the Sprint.
Both the above are to give Triumph a higher profile in the racing scene in the U.S. with relatively easy "startup" costs.
3. Obviously I don't think too much about the touring and adventure-touring lineup. But I do think there's a movement afoot to build powerful conveyances for those who want to go on long hauls. Witness the new BMW, or the FJR. If updating the Sprint to that level of refinement and power is possible, it would excellent to see.
4. Innovate. One problem with Triumph in the 70's is that they failed to innovate and bring new competitive products to the fore. In the cruiser class, that's not such a problem. Triumph saw the need to put the twin a bike that consists of a cruiser frame, much in the same way that choppers were built in the 70s. I've yet to see a high profile chopper made from this base, however. But whether or not it's a new engine configuration (V-3 comes to mind here), a new design for rear shock linkage, or improved braking systems, Triumph needs to put in the R&D resources to make their sportbikes and cruisers cutting edge, because for a long time, that was Triumph's real selling point: performance. And that comes from racing.
I know for a company that's just getting in the black, that's a tall order. But I think these are all longer term goals that would benefit the company in increased market share.