New Triumphs For America?

NEW TRIUMPHS FOR AMERICA?

TO THE INTENSE DELIGHT of marque enthusiasts, the reborn Triumph Motorcycles Limited continues to gain financial and market strength—so much so that company bosses at last are willing to entertain the notion of selling their all-new motorcycles in the United States.

Export manager Michael Lock said, upon return from a U.S. tour with John Bloor, Triumph’s sole owner, that the pair detected plenty of interest in Triumph motorcycles, and also a growing anti-Japanese feeling. He said of the American market, “Product liability remains a problem, but we’re looking at the market. If we’re willing to pay the insurance, we can sell there, though it possibly won’t be for another couple of years.”

If and when that happens, the bikes that go on sale at that time likely will reflect changes to the Triumph model lineup that will be first seen at this year’s IFMA show in Cologne. These reportedly include a sharpening of the sporting intent of the Daytona, and a reaffirmation of the sport-touring focus of the Trophy. Changes to the Daytona are said to include more aggressive styling and an engine tuned for more top-end power, while changes to the Trophy probably will include an improved fairing and a more upright riding position.

Also a possibility is a reprise of the famed Bonneville name, which would be attached to a two-cylinder bike. This is hinted at by a current, low-key dispute between Triumph and American auto producer General Motors over the rights to the Bonneville name.

Triumph plans to construct 6000 bikes this year, and says it will sell 75 percent of these in countries outside Britain.

-Roland Brown