The Triumph Motorcycles Dealer Conference was in Thailand in early October and an entertaining meeting of 1200 dealer representatives from around the world. For Kiwis who went there and back, including our Sales Manager Mike T there were more hours spent travelling than actually being on the ground but the big reveal of new models, factory tour and Triumph news was well worth the long trip.
The Big Reveal
The first thing to know about the big reveal is that all models except for the Bonneville T40 are still under embargo. So we can't discuss the specifics yet. However, the T40 is gorgeous! It is a 400cc motorcycle with absolutely stunning Bonneville styling. These classic features are complemented by modern technology, such as a new 4-inch full-color round TFT display, full smartphone technology, turn-by-turn and full-map navigation, Cruise Control, lean-sensitive Cornering ABS, Lean-sensitive Traction Control, full LED lighting, and a USB-C charging port.
The Tiger 1200 is a massive upgrade in performance and handling, the Tiger 900 has impressive handling and styling, and the Street Triple is an edgy machine. It got the most enthusiastic reception - in our section anyway.
The Factory Tour
After the initial entrance phones were taped up so we could not take photos. The factory is a massive, clean, quiet, high-tech version of the Hinkley factory in the UK. One of the coolest things about Triumph is unlike other factories the "assembly line" consists of entirely different models of motorcycles to keep the techs engaged and alert as they assemble each motorcycle individually. In Thailand they pointed out another reason for this is because the motorcycles are all made to order for each region of the world. Our distributor does their best to get the motorcycles we want to have here in New Zealand. Models are not mass produced then sent out to the market like the Japanese brands.
Hinkley Factory assembly line, 2018 (Leigh Beckhouse - Triumph NZ, factory painter - UK, Stewart Rodwell-TSS)
With no pics from inside the factory I've added some from Hinkley 2018. Although Thailand is much bigger there is still the same attention to each individual motorcycle, with pride in the painting, detail and testing. The Thailand factory has signposted sections that describe the processes that are increasing efficiency of production or performance. For us that is essential for competitive pricing.
Kiwi Dealers/Distributor and Triumph Ceo, A few of the Kiwi contingent including Mike T (TSS), Rob (Holeshot), Greg (Auckland Harley), Dion (Holeshot), Ray (Triumph NZ), Leigh (Triumph NZ), Chevanne (TSS)
Triumph News
In some ways, Triumph is an unchangeable family-run business with a passion for producing stylish, high-performing motorcycles, but in other ways it has grown to be much more diverse in it's product range and global in it's outlook. The MC on stage was American former professional motocross and supercross racer Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael won 15 AMA Motocross and Supercross championships, including a record-setting seven AMA Motocross 450cc championships and five AMA Supercross 450cc titles. He holds the record for the most overall motocross wins in AMA history with 150 wins. (Wikipedia)
Ricky gave an inspiring talk about the value of hard work and dedication, doing more and going harder to reach the top of his sport. A lesson for business in these difficult times it was well timed for the release of the new Triumph philosophy. Those who go further TRIUMPH. We are definitely proud to be part of the Triumph vision and future. All those who ride and wear Triumph should take pride in the innovation, and dedication to performance and styling shown by this iconic motorcycle brand.