Autoblog

BMW planning to revive Triumph?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST

BMW may be a German automaker, but it is no stranger to the allure of British motoring. Several years before buying Rolls-Royce, the Anglophiles in Munich bought the entire Rover Group - a collection of British marques of which BMW kept some and eventually sold others. MG it sold to the Chinese, Land Rover was eventually bought by Indian automaker Tata, but it famously relaunched the Mini brand, and along with it, kept the rights to Riley and Triumph, two dormant brands it did not sell off alongside Austin, Morris and Wolesley.

Ever since, BMW has been rumored to be preparing to relaunch the Triumph brand, but over a decade later, nothing has materialized. Proposals were reportedly made to market a cheaper version of the Z4 as a Triumph, or label the new Mini Roadster as a Triumph - a proposal rejected by existing Mini dealers who weren't eager to launch separately branded showrooms.

A new report emanating from the UK, however, indicates that BMW filed a new patent for the Triumph name that would extend not only to vehicles, but also all manner of branded merchandise from watches and jewelry to luggage and even Christmas tree decorations.

Whether BMW has any immediate plans to produce any actual automobiles under the Triumph name remains to be seen, but the merchandizing campaign can't be good news for the motorcycle manufacturer of the same name that has had the brand all to itself for the past few decades now.

BMW planning to revive Triumph? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Short film depicts the definition of 'triumph'

Zach Bowman — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Motorcycle, Humor

Triumph Blazer - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you have no interest in motorcycles, mechanics or old machinery, it's probably best you skip this post. You see, the short film after the jump is perhaps the best depiction of the highs and lows associated with those three horsemen that we've ever seen on screen. The video features plenty of lengthy shots of a Triumph motorcycle single dashing across the open country side. It's exactly what every motorcyclist thinks of when the words "perfect" and "ride" worm their way into conversation. There's no traffic and no foul weather - just miles of meandering asphalt and nowhere to be.

But our hero rider runs into a bit of a mechanical hiccup when he stops for a spell. Fuel floods the cylinder, and despite his best efforts, he's reduced to a raving ball of frustration after frantically trying to get the bike to start. As the crew at Visordown accurately point out, the scene is the visual embodiment of Robert M Pirsig's famous line, "If the machine produces tranquility it's right. If it disturbs you it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed."

We won't spoil the ending for you, but if you've ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the elation of victory all too well. Hit the jump to check out Blazer for yourself.

Note: Language makes this one Not Safe For Work.

[Source: Visordown]

Continue reading Short film depicts the definition of 'triumph'

Short film depicts the definition of 'triumph' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Triumph Tiger 800 proves the British can still manufacture adventure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Triumph Tiger 800 XC - Click above to enlarge

Back in the day, the British were known for being a nation of ready-and-willing explorers, and somewhat similar expressions could be made of their motorcycles. Sadly, Jolly Ole' England's once impressive two-wheeled heritage very nearly vanished as quickly as all those headline-grabbing expeditions to the ends of the Earth.

At least one storied British motorcycling brand hasn't forgotten its heritage, as the revived Triumph has seen fit to launch a new adventure touring mount for 2011 called the Tiger 800. As we've mentioned before, two versions of the machine will be available, one meant for off-road excursions dubbed the XC and one biased for the road.

Triumph has finally let loose an official shot of the Tiger 800 XC, and we generally like what we see. There's a 21-inch front wheel with spokes and knobby tires, bash guards and mud-catching fenders. We also note some accessory parts, including a beefier engine guard and an Arrow exhaust can. Check it out for yourself by clicking on the image above to enlarge.

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Triumph Tiger 800 proves the British can still manufacture adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati North America seeks new CEO

Devon Brozek — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Luxury

Amidst recent rumors, Ducati has officially announced that its CEO of North American operations, Michael Lock, will step down at the end of July to pursue other opportunities.

Since Lock took the reins in North America in late 2003, Ducati has bridged the gap from something of a novelty brand to what is perhaps the most feared and admired European motorcycle brand. Ducati owners may still crave an exclusive, somewhat eccentric image, but the brand has become very mainstream in the U.S. and Canada, competing at the top of several segments and boasting a robust dealer network. With waiting lists for new models and a full apparel collection to further pad the bottom line, we don't see the momentum slowing much in years to come. In the interim, Ducati N.A. will be run by VP of Sales for Ducati Holdings, Christiano Silei. As far as a long-term plan, expect to see a new CEO appointed soon.

And what of Michael Lock? Why would the successful executive leave when he's at the top of his game? Well, we suspect "other opportunities" to involve plenty of cash and a new challenge for the former Ducati captain. Who knows, maybe Triumph hired him back? Hit the break to view the official press release.

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati North America seeks new CEO

Ducati North America seeks new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Triumph unveils Daytona 675 Special Edition, we fawn

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

2009 Triumph Daytona 675SE - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For whatever reason, most major motorcycle brands can be identified by a specific color. For instance, Honda is red and Kawasaki is green. Over the years, both Yamaha and Suzuki have been associated with particular colors too, though those two cycle manufacturers have flip-flopped a few times. We have an unsolicited suggestion for classic British manufacturer Triumph: stick with the white and blue scheme that's about to debut on the new Daytona 675SE. It's perfect.

Triumph says the bike's Pearl White bodywork and Sparkle Blue frame were "designed to enhance the British bike's sleek and slender profile." Mission accomplished. Underneath the new livery lies the same 126-horsepower, 675cc inline three-cylinder engine that every Datyona comes standard with and was mildly refined for the 2009 model year.

If you want one, we suggest you get in touch with your local Triumph dealer post haste. "Less than 350" SEs are planned for the North American market, and pricing begins at $9,999 in the U.S. and $11,999 in Canada.

Gallery: 2009 Triumph Daytona Special Edition

[Source: Triumph]

Triumph unveils Daytona 675 Special Edition, we fawn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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