Why Triumphs

[sjm]

Judging by postings in the "show us your bike" bit there seems to be a higher proportion of Triumph riders (of which I'm one)amongst PH bikers than in the biking population at large ?

Why's that then ?

Do Triumphs have the same image as TVRs ? Is it a "buy British" thing ?

[Suggs]

Good question. I'm on my third Triumph in a row now. I was initially seduced because I was bored with rice burners and wanted to support the new Triumph marque. They were building bikes with plenty of grunt and some character, which the Japs were missing. The other european options didn't really inspire except for Ducati and they are too uncomfortable for me. So its a combination of Buy British, Character, I like triples, and of course you get a better trade-in of you buy another Triumph

[s2ooz]

found this myself, several chat rooms are fairly sparse except a triumph one I frequent, and theres hundreds of posts.

personally AFTER buying, I like the britishness feeling, but that wasnt the reason I bought.
the designs are fresher (I like the tube style frame)
when looking, triumph dealers were more helpful
jap bikes are too small for me in general
I like the sound of the triple engine

also I like theres no shortcuts for the sake of sales.
eg good tyres fitted as standard
braided brakes as standard (if I upgrade a Gixxer, its classed as modifying, and could invalidate my insurance)

its the little things...

[hertsbiker]

If you want smoothness and power, my XJR1300 is hard to beat, but with Japanese backup and reliability. Having said that, the trumpets are fine machines and I may consider one for next year. Nah, actually I want a V-twin again, but the triples are close enough.

[Suggs]

I've always had total reliability and excellent dealer service with my Triumphs , the only problem is that the dealers are a bit more thinly spread than Jap bike dealers.

[Leadfoot]

Why Triumph? - just fancied somthing a bit different (had a ZX9 before it) & a more upright riding postion, but on a bike that could still go round corners. I've also had a ZRX1100 before & that couldn't play sportsbike in the same way Carl, guess that would be pretty similar to your XJR.
Playing the patriotic angle did Triumph no harm, but didn't make the decision for me.

[Tony Hall]

As a newcomer to big bikes, and at 49 a bit too stiff for a street racer, i tried a VFR and an Sprint ST. Chose the Triumph, more comfortable, easier riding, better mpg, cheaper insurance, and a bit different.
(My other transport is a TVR)

[diz]

I'm on my second 955 Speed Triple - I chose Triumph because of the Brit thing and the look of the bike. I've had a T140 chop and my sis has owned a T140V for 20 years so it runs in the family.

[dannylt]

Also on my second speed triple - love the sound & feel of the engine, and it definitely seems to have character the japanese bikes miss.