Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Boorman to Triumph?

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Wow, that's not good news! Get well soon Charlie! :D:D:D

I hope his injuries are not too serious. Triumph really needs this guy! Maybe he can convince Triumph to do a smaller/lighter more practical ADV bike?
(that won't hurt so much when in lands on you in an off?)

Go Charlie!

I've read elsewhere it's a broken leg - and bad enough to need surgery. :( Other than that no details.

Best wishes and get well soon Charlie

Quote:

Originally Posted by mollydog (Post 523134)

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. doh

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. :thumbdown: 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? :innocent: 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. :scooter:

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DARKENBAD-1 (Post 533491)

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) :nono:

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. doh

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adventurespokes (Post 537594)

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

Charlie Boorman will go to whoever gives him a free bike and all of the backup he demands. He's like a child who seems to think he deserves everything he wants in the biking world.
His antics in the Long Way series deserved a good slap in the face, from his tantrum and shock at KTM for saying 'no' to giving them free bikes and total backup, followed by his bollocking at one of his crew who didn't buy him titanium knives and forks.
He is a freeloading spoilt brat who has made something of a career on the coat tails of his buddy Ewan McGregor (who seems a nice chap by the way).

PS...The above comments are just my personal opinion. Yours may differ.