We see plenty of riders at demo days who like the R3 but are put off by the size. WE know that that's not an issue but some simply will not have it. Many, if not most dealers will tell you Triumph needed a bike in the size range for the T-Bird. 865 is thought to be too small by some and most cannot handle our BFG's!
Triumph did what was needed-remember the R3 exists because USA dealers insisted that the bike be the biggest production bike available-and it sells fairly well. A bike a bit smaller fills in the gap. It's astounding how many walk into a showroom with their buds (most have H-D's) and the friends tell the guy "865 ain't gonna cut it" so no sale. No matter what the facts point to. Now, the H-D's guys don't mention that at all with the 'Bird. Granted, those riders will never change-for them it's a HOG or nothing-but, agree or disagree-perception in the buyers mind is reality. To that end, riding in on a Triumph sure beats riding in on a UJM and that matters to a LOT of buyers. No, not the real riders who go 5-10,000 miles or more a year but the guy who rides 750 miles a year.
Hey, no reason Triumph should not take their money, too.
Sure does seem like this bike has polarized the faithful a great deal but it's needed in a showroom. The fact that it runs rings around 99% of the competition is a bonus.
