TRIUMPH’S GLOBAL CONFERENCE
took place in Birmingham, UK from July 19 through the
21st
With the motto RE-WRITING HISTORY:
RIDING THE NEW GOLDEN AGE, the conference took-off with more than
1,100 delegates from 38 countries and over 700 dealers worldwide.
RPM Cycle was the only DFW area dealership to attend. Messages from
Tue Mantoni (CEO) and owner John Bloor, outlined the vision of the
company and goal to launch on average two new models per year.
This shows the level of commitment and growth Triumph is looking
for. Interesting enough, considering that most people see the 50’s
and 60’s as the Triumph glory days, in 2008 Triumph built over
50,000 motorcycles, more than in these two decades!
Putting growth in perspective, since
the first Global Conference held in 2004, Triumph has had an
average worldwide growth in sales of 17 % per year. Just in the
United States, data from Motorcycle Consumer News in the August 2008
issue, indicates Triumph as the manufacturer with largest
projected growth in sales in 2008 vs. 2007, with a stunning 32.21 %,
which is higher than any other brand!
So, what is new for 2009? The model
range includes, as new bikes the following:
·
Bonneville 50th
Anniversary: limited
edition of 650, less than 1 per dealer. Will be numbered (ex. 17 of
650) by a brass plate on the handlebar clamp, with a written
certificate, signed by John Bloor. To sell for $9,999 and available
in a two tone color combination, Meridian Blue-Exotic Orange (RPM
has asked for one). Date available: tba.
·
Bonneville SE:
reduced seat height (about 1 inch), changed handlebars position, 17
in cast alloy wheels, tachometer, new mudguards and megaphone
silencers (as in the Thruxton), chromed tank badge, brushed alloy
engine cases, Triumph imprinted logo on back of seat, two color
scheme, fuel injected. Awesome, fresh looking. Available
accessories: detachable (quick release) windscreen and rear
rack/grab rail, 2 into 2 or 2 into 1 Arrow exhaust.
·
Street Triple R:
In matt Graphite and matt blaze Orange colors, with 675 compatible
rear sets. All goodies from 675: radial dual front brakes with 4
piston calipers, full adjustable 3 way front (41 mm) and rear
suspension, more horsepower and increased rev range, slightly taller
and wider stance, tapered aluminum handlebars from Magura.
Accessories: gel seat, new wider, taller and reinforced wind screen.
·
Thunderbird:
It is a go!… but available until July of 2009 (yes, in about a
years’s time
L
). Bike is 99% developed,
but still final details are in the works. It will be a 1,600 cc
parallel twin, fuel injected, with a 6 speed gearbox, belt driven,
with a low and long chassis. A comprehensive list of accessories are
being developed for variable customization options, from a street
rod with high performance enhancing parts to a fully dressed tourer.
Will actually be part of the 2010 range. For more info and a quick
glance, go to http://www.motorcycledaily.com/21july08_triumph2009thunderbird1600.htm
·
A new Trophy model may
come in the future, but no further details were given.
Updates for 2009:
·
Daytona 675:
Evolution with more power (aprox. +3 hp) and less weight (aprox.
-6.6 lbs), improved front and rear suspension (now, low and high
speed damping control adjustment), better handling through a lighter
rear wheel to reduce unsprung weight, quick shifter ready gearing,
revised headlight, cockpit and screen. New Nissin monoblock calipers for added
stopping power and feel, Pirelli Super Corsa SP tires. Redesigned
cylinder head, revised combustion chamber and valves, to lift rev limiter by 450 rpm
to 13,950. Taller first gear and hydraulic cam chain tensioner come
standard, being previously part of the race kit. Accessories: new,
Arrow designed rear sets and optional race-ready quick shifter.
·
Bonneville:
fuel injected, lowered seat height (about 1 inch), more rearward
handlebar position, 17 in cast alloy wheels, redesigned mudguards
and megaphone silencers (as in the Thruxton), Triumph imprinted logo
on back of seat.
·
Thruxton
has now higher bars, eliminating the clip-ons which are substituted
by triple tree M bars, making riding position much more comfortable
without loosing the sporting feel and style on the bike.
·
All twins become
fuel injected for 2009.
·
All other models get
some new color options and minor cosmetic updates.
Pricing & availability:
·
Bonnie Black
$7,299/Aug; Bonneville $7,699/Jan; Bonnie SE
$8,399/Jan; Bonnie 50th $9,999/Sep; T-100 $8,799 Oct
·
Scrambler
$8,499/Nov; Thruxton $8,599/Aug; America & Speedmaster
$8,699 (single color), $8,899 (two tone)/Aug
·
Rocket III
$15,399/Aug; Rocket III Classic $16,199/Jan; R III Touring
$16,999 (single color), $17,299 (two tone)/Sep
·
Daytona 675
$9,799/Jan; Street Triple $8,699/Aug (limited numbers); S
Triple R $9,499/Nov
·
Speed Triple
$11,299/Aug; Sprint ST $11,599 & ABS $12,399/Aug;
Tiger $11, 599 & ABS $12,399/Jan & Oct
·
Thunderbird,
price to be assigned and not available until July of 2009 as a 2010 model.
On other fronts,
Triumph launches a long list of New Accessories, including
more options for exhausts in collaboration with Arrow of
Italy. Also, an awesome Apparel range has been developed,
including a line of jackets, suits and boots clothing made
specially for Triumph by no other than Alpine Stars, a
company known for high quality standards in design and protection.
This is something really exciting that no other manufacturer can
offer!
So as you can
see, Triumph is truly re-writing history and we at RPM Cycle proudly invite the motorcycle community to join in and be part of
the New Golden Age…
