Crystal ball 2012: Triumph
Big capacity on the cards for the top Brit manufacturer as the returning Trophy lines up alongside a 1200cc Tiger
BRITAIN'S number one bike maker (and now, with Norton, we actually have got more than one) has had a pretty impressive record when it comes to new model launches over the last few years and 2012 promises to be no exception.
Although Triumph has a policy of never speculating about its new models, spy shots have already revealed the two main contenders it's planning to launch later this year – the 1200cc Tiger and a similarly-engined Trophy tourer.
Both bikes use the same, three-cylinder engine (rumoured to be a 1200, but not confirmed as such). It's totally new, sharing nothing with the existing triples apart from the basic layout, and it's bolted to a new shaft-drive transmission - vital for success in both a BMW GS competitor and a big tourer.
The bikes both have angular looks in keeping with Triumph's latest style, and provided they match the impressive standard set by the firm's other recent launches they should be contenders to be market leaders in their respective classes.
As far as other new models are concerned, Triumph is increasingly ambitious and there are indications it's developing a new superbike (having tested a Ducati 1198) and a new small-capacity machine (250-300cc seems likely, although it could be as small as 125cc), but both those projects are long-term ideas that are unlikely to see the light of day within the next year or so.
BRITAIN'S number one bike maker (and now, with Norton, we actually have got more than one) has had a pretty impressive record when it comes to new model launches over the last few years and 2012 promises to be no exception.
Although Triumph has a policy of never speculating about its new models, spy shots have already revealed the two main contenders it's planning to launch later this year – the 1200cc Tiger and a similarly-engined Trophy tourer - seen here.
Both bikes use the same, three-cylinder engine (rumoured to be a 1200, but not confirmed as such). It's totally new, sharing nothing with the existing triples apart from the basic layout, and it's bolted to a new shaft-drive transmission (vital for success in both a BMW GS competitor and a big tourer).
The bikes both have angular looks in keeping with Triumph's latest style, and provided they match the impressive standard set by the firm's other recent launches they should be contenders to be market leaders in their respective classes.
As far as other new models are concerned, Triumph is increasingly ambitious and there are indications it's developing a new superbike (having tested a Ducati 1198) and a new small-capacity machine (250-300cc seems likely, although it could be as small as 125cc), but both those projects are long-term ideas that are unlikely to see the light of day within the next year or so.
