tastie new bits from milan show

Went to the Sydney Motorcycle show yesterday, no Honda display, was a huge Yammie display tho - they probably took the space. A lot of Thunderbirds at the Triumph stand, one lonley R3 with the matt black/ white stripe paintwork sitting at the end, looked like the orphan of the family. No-one looking at the 3 Nortons on display nearby, tho one guy asked the price as he was walking by and the response was $33,500 to $39,500, that was enough to put a spring in his step and yell "F%(k Me". !!
 
Same here in Europe last spring. One R3, they put it in some corner somewhere, like it's just another bike. The biggest and strongest cruiser in the world, and Triumph's chance to speak out as a leading manufacturer. But seems it's out of their focus, or they just don't get it...

They also miss out on important updates for the R3 since years. But who knows? Maybe after the X there will finally be a new Rocket.
Or they will start selling 250 watt e-bicycles and wearing green ties.
 

I have always wondered about the lack of support for the bike by triumph. I can only imagine when it launched it had a ton of backing by the dealers and what not. They call it a "flagship" bike, but it sure doesn't seem like it nowadays. If it wasn't for this forum, I know I wouldn't know much about the bike at all as there are few reviews or in-depth long term reports. Hats off to you folks that put in the heavy lifting.


It seems like most other brands, including triumph, are pouring a ton of their focus into the "entry level" bikes for the new rider. Look at how hard ducati is pushing the scrambler. They want to get young customers that become brand loyal and buy into the name in hopes that they will buy their premium bikes down the line. Heres to hoping the new bonne will sell like hotcakes to fund the next generation rocket!
 
I would be dodging those new Nortons unless you've got a second reliable bike so you can ride when you want to and not only when the Norton is going.
 

My take on all of this is that while Triumph may call the R3 their flagship model, it seems to me they only do so because it's their biggest bike. They seem to be more into featuring their more traditional models, especially the twins. And most people interested in Triumphs in general also tend to gravitate more towards the smaller bikes. I don't know if it's the tradition that attracts them to these models, or they're just intimidated by the size and power of R3...either way, I believe Triumph is wrong for not showcasing the R3 more, and the people who are staying away from the R3 don't know what they're missing.
 
If I had to guess I'd say the lack of promotion has to do with profit. The R3 shares nothing with any other bike in the lineup and I'd bet it is the most expensive to produce. Could be why they haven't made any significant changes as well.
 
Hey, nobody mentioned that maybe now we'll have more tire choices! It is a bad assed looking machine, and I'll bet it has a bad assed price to match! Also have you heard Ducati is getting Casey Stoner to test ride for their MotoGP bikes? My Rocket still draws attention wherever I park. I'm a happy boy!
 
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