Discontinuing models - What's going on?

I'll give my same rant here that I did on that other forum.

"The success of the new generation Tigers and modern classics have given Triumph a serious case of short sightedness IMO. It is their belief that the current customers that are riding the current adventure and retro fad are going to be their long term customers.

So many adventure and retro bikes are being sold today simply because it's fashionable. Adventure bikes are the SUV of the motorcycle world. They are being ridden on adventures just like expensive SUVs go off road. In other words the majority of them are ridden purely on pavement. But it looks cool driving to work in the city on an adventure bike with 3 empty panniers, dressed like the rider is ready for an Alaskan trip. A Thruxton or Bonneville really looks good while wearing anything plaid and sporting a beard from the civil war and a haircut just like my grandfather's.

What type of bike is next for these riders if they stick with motorcycling? They'll be in their forties. They'll want the types of bikes that Triumph is now discontinuing. Which is also the kind of bike that riders that are that age now are looking for.

Triumph are placing all bets that the new generation 40 and millennials are their future. They currently have no desire to market to the cruiser and sport touring customer. It doesn't fit the current demographic.

Then again, what the hell do I know?"

I'm in my 40s and fell in love with the Rocket 3 on sight and traded in my 2011 Roadglide I had dumped gobs of money into. I don't see many Triumph faithfuls like there are Harley faithfuls. What I mean is many HD riders won't ride anything that doesn't say HD. Any company would love that kind of following that Harley enjoys. From my own experience here most of us R3 riders come from various riding backgrounds. There are a few that have more than one Triumph in the garage but by and large we are all motorcycle enthusiasts which means when we go looking for a motorcycle to fit our needs we will go with the one that meets our specific needs regardless of brand name. I like riding with this kind of open mind. I'm not sure if I would buy another Rocket if they made if difficult to work on and upgrade it. But as it's been said already someone will figure out how to get the most out of it even if it means replacing all the electronics for ones that suit our purpose.

Yep, I am ecumenical when it comes to bikes...I get what I want and or need. I'll ride my R3T till it breaks down for good, or I am unable to ride on two wheels...then if it runs yet I can make it a trike or.....it's Boss Hoss time! Pretty as Harley's are they are all way too cramped to sit on for a long ride.

rocketjohn said:

And it won't be long before enterprising souls appear with such an option, and with complete plug and play capability!

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Or get an ECU from an earlier model bike ?

Paul Bryant said:

Or get an ECU from an earlier model bike ?

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If they don't momick up the wiring too much yeah!

Its really a matter of bringing a knife to a gun fight. The manufacturers are being pressured more and more to make their vehicles compliant and being held responsible if they aren't. They have the money and the engineers to protect their business. Before long things like ECUs will be tamper proof. As noted earlier, they will just stop functioning if they detect anything unusual. Of course they won't shut down while they're running, but just like now when they set codes, they will test themselves a few times, display an error and if left uncorrected, at some point they just won't start. ECUs will have to match VIN numbers, coded by dealers only of course. It won't be long before the days of modifying current production vehicles becomes virtually impossible. My two year old car doesn't even have a dipstick. Pretty soon they won't have a hood release. You get the hood open, you void the warranty.

Sure you'll be able to cobble together a bike from parts. But how long will the powers that be allow things like that to be registered. The handwriting is on the wall. We're likely getting near the pinnacle of development in terms of high performance, internal combustion, bikes and cars. Enjoy it while it lasts.

I am only gonna live 20ish more years anyway, and as wretched as this world getting, I don't think I am going to miss much.

You and me both, @rocketjohn

But we cry for our children, while we hope they'll make their way in a better world.

GPMAZ said:

Its really a matter of bringing a knife to a gun fight. The manufacturers are being pressured more and more to make their vehicles compliant and being held responsible if they aren't. They have the money and the engineers to protect their business. Before long things like ECUs will be tamper proof. As noted earlier, they will just stop functioning if they detect anything unusual. Of course they won't shut down while they're running, but just like now when they set codes, they will test themselves a few times, display an error and if left uncorrected, at some point they just won't start. ECUs will have to match VIN numbers, coded by dealers only of course. It won't be long before the days of modifying current production vehicles becomes virtually impossible. My two year old car doesn't even have a dipstick. Pretty soon they won't have a hood release. You get the hood open, you void the warranty.

Sure you'll be able to cobble together a bike from parts. But how long will the powers that be allow things like that to be registered. The handwriting is on the wall. We're likely getting near the pinnacle of development in terms of high performance, internal combustion, bikes and cars. Enjoy it while it lasts.

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Well its a good story but they been saying this stuff for ever and it just keeps going on and on and the bikes and cars keep getting faster and faster 1000 + HP cars and 200+ hp bikes and its not going to end they have electric cars that will run 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds

As long as I can get parts....the R3R stays in the stable.