Triumph’s Harley-Davidson clone war

[GPMAZ]

And in any case, why not use the R3T as the base?

One reason could be the end of the R3 line. While many have been asking for a real full fairing version of the R3T, its hard to imagine Triumph would develop a version of the Thunderbird so close to the R3T and let the two to compete for customers.

I don't think Triumph really wants to be in the cruiser business, but given the size of the cruiser market in the US they probably need they need something to compete. I also think they see the Thunderbird as the logical competitor to Harley and the clones.

The majority of their development in the past few years has been on their adventure and sport bikes. They have the Bonneville and related models for that market and currently 2 very different cruiser models. I don't know what their sales figures look like, but if new Thunderbird models start taking sales from the R3, I don't expect her to be around much longer.

 

[xhdskip]

One reason I first bought my Rocket is that it was different and definitely not a copy of anything else.

I doubt that these clones will sell well at all. On the other hand a real touring bike built on the R3 platform would probably sell as fast as they could built them.

Agree 100%.
"real" American bikers want harleys, not knock offs.
Now take the R3 motor and make it into a REAL cruiser,
with all the bells and whistles and they'd have a winner,
cause even the hard core guys know when ya pull up on a Rocket,
they're just fighting for second place.

 

[cootertwo]

Profit margin. Triumph can no doubt make more profit selling the Thunderbird engine package, than it could using the Rocket platform. But I still can't see it. R3T is Triumphs baby. If they spent the $$$ they are spending on these clones, and used it to sell the Rockets, I think they'd do better. I mean come on, what more can you ask for. Another thing, is that I can't see Triumph making much profit on the Rockets, at the current price. I'm surprised they even break even. HD Road King Classic starts at $20,000 (before all the BS freight/dealer prep, etc.) Touring Road King® Classic | 2013 Harley | Harley-Davidson USA
I paid $16,000 out the door for my brand new 2013 R3R, and I would not trade even for a Road King.

Posted on this site, less than $10,000 Triumph : Rocket III in Triumph | eBay Motorcycles

 

[TRIIICK]

Maybe Harley will take in servicing these bikes and i won't have to travel 70 miles to the nearest Triumph stealer... I smell a merger

 

[Kmutt]

Alot folks cant handle the 2300cc engine........we all have stories of guys and gals that have sold or turned down buying one cause its too big...........This is the market I believe they are going after.......it will surely get more riders on their bikes.....and its a direct competitor.......price points will be reasonable too.......those who dont buy into harley and the high price tag will be able to join ranks with these new models...........not sure I agree with that line of thinking but then again I would like to see more support and development on the R3 line

just my .02

mutt

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

Triumph may make a Touring cruiser to compete with Harley and they may even use the T- Bird platform, but they are not gonna use Harley saddlebags, fairings, and fenders as that picture depicts....
, they will have their own design and style, IMHO.

 

[GPMAZ]

Triumph may make a Touring cruiser to compete with Harley and they may even use the T- Bird platform, but they are not gonna use Harley saddlebags, fairings, and fenders as that picture depicts....
, they will have their own design and style, IMHO.

Its not at all unusual for manufacturers to use existing hardware to test new underpinnings. Auto builders do it all the time. Also helps cut down on spy photos before they want to unveil their new models.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

Its not at all unusual for manufacturers to use existing hardware to test new underpinnings. Auto builders do it all the time. Also helps cut down on spy photos before they want to unveil their new models.

I agree with you completely, that is why all this talk of " clones " in my opinion is nonsense, I'm looking forward to seeing what Triumph comes up with, a full dresser Thunderbird could be pretty sweet.

 

[TriumPhil]

+1

It is unreasonable for anyone to expect that the Rocket was intended as anything more than a "statement" by Triumph, thus either it's discontinuance or basically maintaining the R3 line status quo would come as no surprise at all.

 

[TOMCAT]

+1

It is unreasonable for anyone to expect that the Rocket was intended as anything more than a "statement" by Triumph, thus either it's discontinuance or basically maintaining the R3 line status quo would come as no surprise at all.

Sad but true .. at the price you guys pay for new Rockets there can't be much profit in them just to make a statement. Hate to see Triumph start making them in their overseas plant. That would take the shine off them for a lot of potential and current Owners i'd reckon. That Thunderbird cruiser looks like any of the other HD knockoffs being sold .. and they are being sold !!! See heaps of them here in Australia. To be honest I can't even tell the difference between a HD and a jap cruiser these days.