Triumph, the Next Generation

TRIUMPH, THE NEXT GENERATION

ROUNDUP

WHILE THE NEW ALLOY-framed, three-cylinder Daytona T595 superbike (see test, page 38) will serve as the base platform for Triumph's model range in coming years, twoand four-cylinder models may also figure prominently in the company's future. And American buyers are their primary audience.

Triumph may have sold just 1600 motorcycles here in 1995-the first year that the born-again British marque returned to the U.S. market-but those sales represented almost 10 percent of the company's total annual production, and were just the start of a U.S. sales drive spearheaded by the Thunderbird cruiser and its made-for-America stablemate, the Adventurer.

Now, after a similarly unsuccessful 1996, a vocal contingent within the company is calling for new models that may be even more appealing to Yank enthusiasts. Discounting rumors that Triumph was planning to scale down its 1200cc four-cylinder line to concentrate on production of its 900cc Triples, the factory

is said to be considering two new big-bore Fours. The first would be a sort of Super IV, bringing the same modifications to the four-cylinder Daytona 1200 that the Super III brought to the three-cylinder Daytona 900. These include extensive use of carbon-fiber, Alcon six-piston brake calipers, a freer-flowing exhaust system and a revised paint job, plus a number of internal engine modifications to boost performance. Expect up to 150 horsepower from the revised Four.

The second new four-cylinder model would be aimed at the mega-cruiser market, where it would face stiff competition from the Honda Valkyrie and Yamaha Royal Star. Powered by an enlarged, 1500cc version of the existing 1200cc Four, this would produce just 75 peak

horsepower, but would have huge amounts of torque at almost any revs. Initial plans call for a naked cruiser, but future variations on the theme could include a full-dress tourer or even a V-Max/Eliminator-type musclebike.

Meanwhile, overseas reports suggest that Triumph is planning to relaunch the Bonneville name with a new-generation parallel-Twin. The liquidcooled, dohe, four-valve-percylinder engine would displace 650cc, would be fitted with a vibration-quelling balance shaft and would be carried by a double-cradle steel frame with a solo seat. Slated to compete head-to-head with Harley-

Davidson's 883 Sportster, the entry-level bike would be styled similar to the Thunderbird retro-cruiser, which remains Triumph's best-selling model worldwide. The reborn Bonnie would also be the lowest-priced machine in Triumph's lineup, giving entrylevel riders a viable European alternative to the ubiquitous Japanese standards.

Though Triumph denies that the Bonneville exists, a prototype engine was reportedly spotted at the factory more than a year ago.

Alan Cathcart