Triumph then and now

Steve McQueen. Von Dutch. Bud Ekins
Those three names flashed across my brainpan these last few weeks, which might seem curious  – I mean, none of the aforementioned gentlemen are still riding on this mortal coil.

The synchronicity’s there though, if you look hard enough. See, I attended a Bonhams & Butterfields auction in Los Angeles at the Petersen Museum, held in conjunction with California Bike Week. The event was every bit as interesting as the two-wheel action taking place on the track that weekend -  the Butterfield’s guys consistently showcase topshelf vintage metal.

Among the acres of priceless hardware displayed was one of Steve McQueen’s tricked out desert racers, a 1970 Kawasaki G31 hand painted by Von Dutch (a.ka. Kenny Howard), in true, bold, Kustom Kulture livery.

Seeing any piece of original Von Dutch art (not the hyper-branded t-shirt crap) is worth the price of admission, but gazing at that McQueen Kawasaki served to remind me of another bike he’d been associated with, and a close relative of a model I’ve been road testing for the next  issue – a Triumph Scrambler. The Scrambler is loosely based on the old TR6 -  the bike, you might recall, McQueen (as Colonel Hilts) sailed
over a barbed wire fence in the classic war epic, The Great Escape.  

I saw that movie at least a dozen times growing up, and it had a great deal to do with my future fascination and adulation of two wheelers. 

‘Course, I came to find out that the man who flew through the air aboard a motorcycle was Bud Ekins, not Steve McQueen. Ekins, a stuntman extraordinaire, avid racer and AMA Hall of Famer, shuffled off this mortal coil just this last October.

Almost as a final underscore to all these connections, the new Matt Stone book, McQueen's Machines: The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon (www.motorbooks.com), magically appeared on my desk last week. If you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you to pick it up – it’s a fascinating read about a star who was a true motorcycle rider. Just like the other two guys….

New Triumph Storm

The new Triumph Storm is a home run - as long as you don't plan on touring.
 Just rode the new Storm 400 miles from Phoenix, AZ to L.A., and man are my shoulders killing me. (Bah Boom.) Don't get me wrong, the bike is an all-around well-engineered package in any kind of riding situation: super-smooth fueling, eager throttle, power whenever you need it (just ask) and well-matched gearing. The thing kicks ass. But it's a bear if you're trolling the superslab, mostly because it sets you out like a sail in the wind. A couple of hours at 75mph+, and well...you'll be digging for the ibuprofen. Which stands to reason - I mean, it's not designed to be a touring rig.

I'd assume existing Thunderbird accessories could be easily fitted to this model though, in which case i'd go for the midsize screen - something that won't muck up the low, clean lines of this bad boy.

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

A bit late to the new-release party but still wanting to partake was Triumph, who recently introduced a new version of the Thunderbird cruiser.

The 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm rolls on the same chassis and sources its powerplant from the base Thunderbird, but the 1699cc liquid-cooled Parallel Twin engine (with 270 degree firing interval), is a bored-out version of the standard 1597cc unit. Triumph claims 98hp at 5200rpm for the Thunderbird Storm, with torque rated at 115 ft-lb. at 2950rpm.

The Storm takes it a bit further than just the engine upgrade, with wholesale styling changes that include black engine cases, a straighter drag bar style and twin bug-eye headlights (as opposed to the regular T-Bird's solo light). It also gets twin 310mm floating discs up front with four pistons for superior stopping power, and ABS is optional.

Triumph also announced major changes to the long-running America and Speedmaster for 2011, which include lower seat heights and improved ergonomics 'to make them more accessible to more riders', say the Brits.

The America refreshes its classic theme for 2011, with the 16-inch front and 15-inch rear cast wheels now sporting full-height tires to complement a deeper front fender, and handlebars and controls pulled back to focus the traditional cruiser look.

The Speedmaster, meanwhile, goes in the other direction, with the addition of a 19-inch cast aluminum front wheel and 'skinny' tire for a more chopped, look. Ergos also get tweaked for the 2011 model year, with a low 27 inch seat height married to new, wider handlebars that bring a new riding position. All three units will be available in the USA and Canadian markets by the end of January; check our website for the prices.

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm - USA Specifications
American MSRP: $TBA USD

Engine
Type
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel-twin, 270 degree firing interval
Capacity
1699cc
Bore/Stroke
103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Fuel System
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, progressive linkage on throttle

Transmission
Final Drive
Toothed belt
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox
6-speed constant mesh, helical type 2nd - 6th

Cycle Parts
Frame
Tubular steel, twin spine
Swingarm
Twin-sided, steel
Front Wheel
Cast aluminum alloy 5-spoke 19 x 3.5 in
Rear Wheel
Cast aluminum alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6 in
Front Tyre
120 / 70 R19
Rear Tyre
200 / 50 R17
Front Suspension
Showa 47mm forks. 120mm travel
Rear Suspension
Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 95mm rear wheel travel
Front Brakes
Twin 310mm floating discs. Nissin 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brakes
Single 310mm fixed disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper


Dimensions
Length
92.1 in
Width (Handlebars)
34.6 in
Height
44.1 in
Seat Height
27.5 in
Wheelbase
63.5 in
Rake/Trail
32 degree / 151mm
Wet weight
746 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity
5.8 US gals
Performance (measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC)
Maximun Power EC
97bhp @ 5200rpm
Maximum Torque EC
115ft.lbs @ 2,950rpm

Colours
Jet Black

2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS

• 2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS

2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS

Scratch. Tour. Commute. Three bikes in one.

The perfect all-rounder? Tackles the urban jungle with aplomb, carves the twisties with ease. Looking for adventure? Get there in style and have fun on the way, one up or two.

With its commanding riding position, muscular 1,050cc triple engine, powerful brakes and high specification sporty chassis making for real fun on the twisties and composure in the traffic. Want one bike for all your needs? Tiger 1050



An all-rounder. The perfect all-rounder, we think. The Tiger is equally at home in the urban jungle as it is prowling on the open road.

The tall riding position gives a commanding view, making passing through rush hour traffic easy. Hit the highway and you will revel in the muscular 1050cc triple which, combined with powerful brakes and a high-specification sporty chassis, make carving through the twisties a real pleasure. And for the long haul the ergonomically designed seat with screen and fairing ensures a comfortable ride regardless of distance. A 5.2 gallon fuel tank, comprehensive instrumentation and optional ABS add to the practicality.

As with all Triumphs, a wide range of official accessories are available, allowing owners to tailor the Tiger to meet their specific needs. These range from practical items such as color matched luggage, heated grips and touring seats, to exquisitely crafted special parts allowing you to create an truly individual look.

Triumph Tiger 1050

A truly versatile motorcycle, the Triumph Tiger 1050 is a rare creature, one that is equally at home
in the urban jungle or wide open prairies.

It is this ability to do all things equally well that has made the Tiger 1050 one of Triumph's best selling
models in recent years and given it a huge following around the world.

Sit astride the Tiger 1050 and you will understand just why so many year-round riders choose one
as their daily ride. The tall (835mm) riding position gives the rider a commanding view over the traffic,
with the well appointed saddle facilitating comfortable day-long riding.

The Tiger 1050 fs effortless power comes from a 115PS version of Triumph's legendary 1050cc triple
which delivers 98Nm of torque at just 6250rpm.

But while the Tiger 1050 is perfectly at home on the commute and the open highway, it is on twisting
roads where it really excels.

Triumph has endowed the Tiger 1050 with a chassis that would not be out of place on a sports bike.
The aluminium twin spar frame features a braced aluminium swingarm and light 17 h alloy wheels
fitted with sporting road tyres. The 43mm inverted front forks are fully adjustable for preload, rebound
and compression damping, with the rear monoshock unit also adjustable for preload and rebound.

Braking power comes from twin four-piston radial calipers gripping 320mm front brakes.

Combined with the commanding riding position and wide handlebars, the Tiger 1050 fs chassis and
engine combination adds up to a motorcycle that inspires confidence and is deceptively easy to ride
quickly. With a fuel capacity of 20 litres, the Tiger 1050 is capable of covering over 200 miles between fuel stops. The Tiger 1050 is available in two metallic colours, Phantom Black and Crystal White.

A number of official Triumph accessories are available for the Tiger 1050. Most popular are the
colour-matched hard luggage, heated grips and gel touring seats, confirming the Tiger 1050 fs place
as an all-round workhorse.

A higher-specification Tiger 1050SE is also available. It features ABS brakes as standard, along with
panniers (giving a capacity of 43 litres), centre stand, gel seat and handguards. The Tiger 1050SE
also comes in two distinctive colour schemes: Intense Orange and a two-tone Matt Graphite and
Matt Black combination.




2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS Highlights

Engine: 1050cc Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder

Exhaust: Stainless Steel 3 into 1, high level polished stainless steel silencer

Front Wheel: Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 3.5in

Fuel Capacity: 20 litre (5.3 US gals)

Front Brakes: Twin 320mm floating discs, Nissin 4-piston radial calipers (ABS model available)

- Outstandingly versatile motorcycle with 115PS 1050cc engine

- Sporting chassis with 17 h alloy wheels and adjustable 43mm upside down forks

- Comfortable 835mm seat gives a commanding riding position

- SE edition includes panniers, handguards and ABS brakes as standard

- Standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty







2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS Features and Benefits

Tiger 1050 - Superbly competent bike.

One up scratching for fun. Two up adventures. Short or long haul. Commute or holiday. The Tiger 1050 does it all.

Engine

The Tiger’s engine delivers power and ear to ear grins. The amazing 1050cc, fuel-injected, three cylinder engine, known for its addictive character, has plenty of torque and impressive amounts of horsepower, with ample reserves of both for those two-up fully laden tours. Peak power of 115PS (113bhp) is delivered at 9400rpm, with 100Nm (74ft.lbf) torque at 6250rpm.


Seat

The comfortable, spacious seat and relaxed rider and pillion ergonomics mean you’ll arrive fresh even at the end of the longest day.


Handlebars

High, wide bars give a comfortable riding position and excellent control at all speeds, from urban manoeuvring to motorway cruising.


Suspension

The 43mm upside down fully adjustable forks and spring preload and rebound damping adjustable rear shock keeps the ride comfortable on the worst of roads and gives excellent control when the pace picks up.


Screen

The Tiger screen gives great wind protection for those long journeys without obscuring your view around town.


ABS

Triumph’s Antilock Braking System has been carefully designed to boost control under hard braking, working on both wheels independently. This unobtrusive system retains all the sensations of riding, operating at 100 calculations per second to sense the precise moment the wheel is about to lock up, then preventing it from doing so. The system has been specifically tailored to the Tiger, with painstaking calibration over many months to ensure optimum braking performance.








2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 ABS - USA Specifications
American MSRP: $TBD USD

Engine
Type
Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Capacity
1050cc
Bore/Stroke
79 x 71.4mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Fuel System
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI

Transmission
Final Drive
X ring chain
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox
6-speed

Cycle Parts
Frame
Aluminum beam twin spar
Swingarm
Braced, twin-sided, aluminum alloy
Front Wheel
Cast aluminum alloy, multi spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Rear Wheel
Cast aluminum alloy, multi spoke, 17 x 5.5in
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR 17
Rear Tyre
180/55 ZR 17
Front Suspension
Showa 43mm upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping, 150mm travel
Rear Suspension
Showa Monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping 150mm rear wheel travel
Front Brakes
Twin 320mm floating discs, Nissin 4 piston radial calipers (ABS model available)
Rear Brakes
Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston sliding caliper (ABS model available)


Dimensions
Length
83in
Width (Handlebars)
33in
Height
51.9in
Seat Height
32.8in
Wheelbase
59.4in
Rake/Trail
23.2 degree/87.7mm
Wet Weight
502lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity
5.3 USgal

Performance (measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC)
Maximum Power EC
111bhp @ 9,400 rpm
Maximum Torque EC
72ft.lbs at 6,250 rpm

Colours
Phantom Black, Crystal White

Source: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2011models/2011-Triumph-Tiger1050ABS.htm

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Motorcycle

New for 2011, Triumph presents the ultimate road and trackday bike: the Daytona 675R.

Improving on perfection. Specially developed suspension from Öhlins. Born from the highest levels of competition. Exquisitely made, fully-adjustable for you. Race inspired. Want more? Brembo monoblocs.

Look great. Stunning stopping power. Quickshifter. Shaving tenths. Distinctive graphics, carbon parts. That engine. 675cc. 125PS. Class beating torque. The ultimate trackday tool.

Taking the already sublime Daytona 675 as its base, Triumph’s engineers worked in conjunction with Swedish suspension specialists Ohlins to create a machine that would really be appreciated on the circuit by expert riders.

Ohlins contributed its revolutionary 43mm NIX30 forks, usually only found on the racetrack or ultra-exotic Italian machines, and its MotoGP developed TTX36 rear suspension unit, while radially-mounted monoblock calipers and radial master cylinder from Italian specialist Brembo were specified to ensure the Daytona 675R also has class-leading stopping power.

Further track-spec items included as standard on the Daytona 675R include a standard-fit quickshifter and a host of carbon fibre bodywork, including hugger, silencer heat shield and front mudguard. The Daytona 675R also utilizes the Daytona 675 fs comprehensive instrumentation, which includes a lap timer and programmable gear change lights.

Mechanically the Daytona 675R is identical to the standard Daytona 675, delivering 125PS at 12,600rpm with a class-leading 72Nm of torque making the Triumph engaging and flattering to ride quickly.

Visually, the iconic gold Ohlins suspension units make the Daytona 675R stand out from the pack.

Sporty new graphics include a unique Triumph tank script, while the special colour scheme further confirms the Daytona 675R fs premium status. The sparkling Crystal White bodywork is contrasted with a race style black belly pan and distinctive red subframe.

A range of official Triumph accessories are available for the Daytona 675R, including an Arrow slip on silencer, race style CNC machined levers and single seat cowl.

 2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Features and Benefits

Designed to compete in the Supersport World Championship, the Daytona 675 comes dripping with racetrack technology straight out of the crate.

With a lightweight and narrow chassis, fully-adjustable front and rear suspension the Daytona 675 is composed on all surfaces, while top of the range brakes deliver eye popping stopping power.

The cycle parts are all of the highest level. Öhlins 43mm NIX30 forks and TTX36 rear shock come are developed from the white-hot heat of MotoGP competition, while the Brembo four-piston radial monoblock calipers offer mindblowing levels of stopping power and feel.
The comprehensive instrumentation includes a programmable gear change indicator, gear indicator and built in lap timer as standard, while a host of performance orientated accessories include a plug and play quickshifter, performance exhausts and even a full factory race kit.

Brakes:

Top of the range Brembo four-piston radial monoblock calipers proudly grip the Daytona 675R’s 308mm front brake discs and offer the ultimate stopping performance.

Suspension:

Those iconic gold coloured Öhlins 43mm NIX30 forks and TTX36 rear shock are the highly adjustable and the ultimate choice for the discerning track day aficionado.

Instruments

Comprehensive instrument panel features all the usual functions and includes a programmable gear shift indicator and inbuilt lap timer for those track sessions.

Sharp New Looks

The Daytona 675R sports a distinctive new look with an all-new colour scheme, red subframe and race style carbon fibre parts.

2011 Triumph Street Triple R Pictures

2011 Triumph Street Triple R Pictures

2011 Triumph Street Triple R Photo Gallery

2011 Triumph Street Triple R Sportbike

2011 Triumph Street Triple R Photos

2011 Triumph Street Triple R Motorcycles

( 2010 ) NEW TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 SE

Triumph Daytona 675SE

The New Triumph Daytona 675SE beauteous new liverylivery has been advised to enhance the British bike’s glassy and attenuate profile, with anew styled dejected cartoon and race-inspired pinstripes on the graphite coloured wheels.

Powered by the critically-acclaimed 675cc three-cylinder agent bearing 126bhp, the Daytona 675SE is mechanically identical to the accepted Daytona 675, which has accustomed accepted acclaim back its addition at the alpha of the year. Back barrage the accepted archetypal has won abundant alley and clue based accumulation tests adjoin its supersportsupersport chic competitors and is the apparatus of best for the acute rider.

NEW TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 SE WALLPAPER

The circuit-developed apparatus embraces the actual latest anatomy technology, including awful adult and adjustable abeyance both at the advanced and rear. These abeyance units, adjustable for both aerial and low acceleration compression damping, accord unparalleled levels of ascendancy for the antic addition while alms a plusher than accepted ride on asperous alley surfacesroad surfaces.

A abounding ambit of official accessories are accessible for the Daytona 675SE, giving owners an befalling to personalise both the looks and achievement of their machine. Clue day enthusiasts are able-bodied catered for with a cardinal of accessories, including abundant failing carbon fibre parts, a ‘plug-and-play’ quickshifter set, and admirable race-style rear set footrests and silencers developed in cooperation with Italian chase specialists Arrow Special Parts.

( 2010 ) NEW TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 SE

The New Triumph Daytona 675SE beauteous new liverylivery has been advised to enhance the British bike’s glassy and attenuate profile, with anew styled dejected cartoon and race-inspired pinstripes on the graphite coloured wheels.

Powered by the critically-acclaimed 675cc three-cylinder agent bearing 126bhp, the Daytona 675SE is mechanically identical to the accepted Daytona 675, which has accustomed accepted acclaim back its addition at the alpha of the year. Back barrage the accepted archetypal has won abundant alley and clue based accumulation tests adjoin its supersportsupersport chic competitors and is the apparatus of best for the acute rider.

NEW TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 SE WALLPAPER

The circuit-developed apparatus embraces the actual latest anatomy technology, including awful adult and adjustable abeyance both at the advanced and rear. These abeyance units, adjustable for both aerial and low acceleration compression damping, accord unparalleled levels of ascendancy for the antic addition while alms a plusher than accepted ride on asperous alley surfacesroad surfaces.

A abounding ambit of official accessories are accessible for the Daytona 675SE, giving owners an befalling to personalise both the looks and achievement of their machine. Clue day enthusiasts are able-bodied catered for with a cardinal of accessories, including abundant failing carbon fibre parts, a ‘plug-and-play’ quickshifter set, and admirable race-style rear set footrests and silencers developed in cooperation with Italian chase specialists Arrow Special Parts.

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Official Pictures

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Wallpaper

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Front

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Photos

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R First Look

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Images

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Supersport Bike

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Rear

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Official Pictures

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Official Photos

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Action

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Front View

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R First Image

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Pictures

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Side Action View

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Sportbike

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Rear View

2011 Triumph Daytona 675R Official Photos

2011 Triumph Daytona 675 Special Edition

2011 Triumph Daytona 675 Special Edition Motorcycles

2011 Triumph Daytona 675 Special Edition Details

2011 Triumph Daytona 675 Special Edition Photos

2011 Triumph Daytona 675 Special Edition Sportbike

Triumph Plans Six New Models by 2012

 

Triumph Motorcycles announced six limited edition 2010 models at its recent U.S. Dealer Conference. Included are two versions of its Thunderbird cruiser, including the Thunderbird SE and Thunderbird 1700 – the former featuring touring amenities and the latter coming with the optional big-bore kit standard (pumping displacement up to 1700cc).

Two special editions each for Triumph's Modern Classics and Urban Sport lines are also planned. The Bonneville Sixty is a commemorative edition of the 1960 Bonneville, priced at $8999, of which only 100 will be shipped to North America. The Bonneville T100 Black, as the name suggests, is a blacked out version of the T100, which sports a more retro style than the standard Bonnie, most notably via its wire-spoked wheels.

 

 

The Urban Sport line gets a Speed Triple SE, sporting Tornado Red paint and white center stripe, as well as seat cowl and flyscreen ($11,299). The new SE’s are rounded out by the Daytona 675 SE, with white bodywork and blue chassis, along with carbon fiber trim and new graphics overlay ($10,299).

While the addition of more special edition “SE” models continues a trend by the British marque, the boys at Hinckley have plans beyond modest SE tweaks (and higher MSRPs) to existing models. The press release, which also announces the looming sale of Triumph’s 100,000th motorcycle in the 15 years since returning to North America, gives hard numbers for a planned lineup expansion saying:

“Triumph currently offers 16 different models in three motorcycle families: Cruiser, Urban Sport and Modern Classic. That will grow to 23 models across seven motorcycle families by the end of 2012 and include categories where Triumph does not currently compete.”

What could those new categories include? A mid-displacement complement to the Tiger has long been rumored, even coming with a name – the Tiger Cub. The British marque is also notoriously bereft of a literbike to match its popular Daytona 675 supersport.

Triumph Motorcycles North America CEO Mark Kennedy says in the release: “Triumph has methodically grown our model range and dealer network over the past 15 years, and we have even more great things in store for customers in the coming years.” Kennedy continues, “Triumph has maintained our commitment to new product development, so customers will continue to see great new products that push the envelope in terms of styling, performance and reliability. The next few years are going to be a lot of fun, and we’re really looking forward to the journey.”

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Photos

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Front Angle View

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Wallpaper

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Side View

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Motorcycle

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Images

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Pictures

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Launch

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Photos