I was at the NEC yesterday, and Charley Boorman (wearing a Triumph logo'd shirt no less) was signing autographs / etc. Has he had a parting of the ways with BMW? There's a new trip planned in January for Autumn UK air on 5.

It was also great to say hello to Sam! Hope the books were selling well.

My brief review of the show, from last Thursday, is in post number 24 in this link:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...enduro-84465-2

As for Triumph, it was clear from their display stand that they have also converted "Globebusters" to their cause - business is business after all.

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Dave

I'd love to see Triumph enter more seriously into the ADV/Travel bike market.
Charlie Boorman would be an excellent ambassador for the mark, IMO.

I hope Triumph don't blow it again as they did with Ted Simon preceeding Ted's last foray RTW. (7 or 8 years back?) In that case Ted had been in talks with John Bloor (owner, CEO) at Triumph about possible sponsorship and "special" bike for the journey.

In the end, Triumph cut off talks cold (according to Ted) and nothing was offered. ... so Ted ended up paying his own ticket and had built a custom R80 BMW ... which fell on him in Africa, broke his leg badly.

IMHO, huge mistake by Triumph.

Problem is, Triumph currently have nothing all that great in the ADV area. The new 800 XCX Tiger is a start (and a really good road bike) but IMO, still WAY too heavy, expensive and fragile. (I'd rather have one of J'Mo's Honda CB500X!)

The Bonneville engine is a low power, super heavy lump, absolutely NOT GOOD for any sort of Off Road work ... or anything really, having tested several. So put that one in the bin. (for ADV bike)

Triumph need either a NEW super light weight twin, or an all new Single. OR ... Several times I've suggested Triumph buy CCM. With Triumph money & marketing, CCM could be a serious player in this market niche. Will it happen? Who knows?

A super light weight 500cc single could be the perfect engine if placed in the appropriate chassis. Call it a "better" CCM. Better? HOW?

Better for overall travel. More room, more comfortable, better road manners yet still good off road capability. Dream bike, yes? ... oh, and it should be very affordable, priced well under current CCM or any BMW or KTM.

KTM will be coming with smaller cc twins and the Japanese are busy too .... so fierce competition all round. Look for Yamaha to do a FZ-07 ADV version. Everybody wants it ... should happen if economy does not explode in the next year.

new bonneville engine maybe a winner, cb500 OTD is over $7500, full rally kit
$2000 plus labor ? about the same hp as a dr650.

I'm sure the new 1200 Bonneville engine will be much improved. (only took Triumph 10 years to do it) But original engine was so uninspiring that the other journos at the international intro were laughing out loud at the bike. Not in a friendly way. Yet ... when ALL their reviews came out ... all was Roses ... and all forgiven and rationalized away. I panned the bike in my review.

I thought the CB500X had a bit more HP than the DR650, which is 35 HP in stock form. Some good deals can be had on "leftover" CB's from '14 and '15. Way below $7500. Check it out.

Mr. Boorman has indeed gone to Triumph! On the 1st Feb there's an interview released on Adventure Bike TV on YouTube where he talks about the move and more.

On my second Tiger800 XC 2015 version, love it, handles like a dream, no issues with the fly by wire throttle. Can't agree with most of the above, the triple is practically vibe free. Which is more than can be said for any big single pot bike, I have done thousands of miles on these bikes and would recommend them to anyone considering a long distance touring machine capable of behaving on/off road. IMO it stacks up nicely against most of the opposition.

Where was I talking about vibes or anything other than the general unsuitability of the Tiger XC off road?? I'd venture to say I have far more experience with modern (and early) Triumph's than you do. My first was a 1995 Tiger. (did 40K on it) I did extensive off road with it ... it was better off road than either my later 955i Tiger (30K) or my current 1050 Tiger (30K and climbing). But in grand scheme, ALL are too heavy in tough conditions on a travel loaded bike. (deep Desert sand, serious rock gardens, Mud, very steep up or down hill tracks)

I've mistakenly ventured into such places, made it out but NO FUN. (former AMA "B" Enduro rider (retired) ... so I know how.

When I was at the Hinckley factory in 2001 I never got the chance to speak up about a off road bike. The Staff were too ga ga over the then secret Rocket lll monster, which they "accidentally on purpose", let me see. What a POS. But no one asked my opinion and I politely kept my mouth shut ... I was their guest.

In talks with Triumph's then USA CEO, I expressed my dismay over the Rocket.
Triumph UK saw the Japanese making easy money off imitation cruisers and proceeded to waste countless R&D $$$ on a bike NO ONE WANTS. Now, Rockets sit in showrooms, collecting dust. Did OK for first couple years, now very slow.

I in no way dispute the XC Tiger is a great road and travel bike ... I've ridden several varieties, so I know this bike. Smooth as silk but lacks power next to my 1050 Tiger.

The XC is fine for most dirt roads travelers will encounter. But if one were to explore more technical, muddy, sandy conditions, a 550 lbs. bike (add another 70 lbs. for luggage/racks, tools et al) is going to be a handful. I've been there, picked up pieces of bodywork lifted these monster from pinned riders.

I simply see a narrow market niche Triumph may squeeze into and fill. Whether through buying CCM or developing In House design, Triumph could (IMO) succeed in this niche. But niches open and close quickly. Once the Japanese lunge for this spot ... it's over and Triumph won't have a chance.

Yep they are big, they are smooth, they will munch miles all day, road or dirt. Does it make me smile yep. Would I like a KLR or DR as well for sure. But it is a good around comprise.

Sent from my D6653 using Tapatalk

Which particular Triumph are you referring to here for road or dirt??

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