Another BTBer with a new job

[Boosted Thrills]

That's one of the main reasons I love the Tiger 1050...racking up the miles is so much easier with the riding position and suspension that can handle New England roads.

[sevy]

Maybe you could twist a few arms and get the Tiger Sport to our side of the pond. Now that's a bike I'd dearly love to own (although my driver's license and I might be permanently parted if I did!)

On a more serious note, congratulations on the new job. Triumph has been able to continue to bring new models to the market, and this is impressive considering the world economy. Globally they seem to be staying very competitive, and I hope this continues.

Closer to home, the Triumph news hasn't been so good, as I have lost all three of my dealers in the past several years. The guys at Destiny Motosports in Syracuse were great guys that went out, then Ed's in Hyde Park when they couldn't do the new floor plan demand, and finally Spitzies in Albany (although I never felt that their heart was really into the Triumphs).
Some of these smaller dealers just can't sell the volume that manufacturers desire now, and when these smaller mom and pop places close, I think we all lose in the long run. I do understand the push toward large multibrand dealerships as part of the globalization process, and obviously buyers like to see and test drive many bikes as opposed to just a few. Still, I think there is a niche for the smaller shops, and I wish Triumph wouldn't follow the path of BMW and Harley and drive the smaller players out of the market by constantly demanding more sales. I am no market expert, and I know there are dozens of factors involved in every decision that Triumph makes, but fewer dealerships is a concern for anyone looking to purchase a new bike that is going to require dealer only maintenance for its electronics, etc.. It is tough to see shops close, and I miss these guys and feel badly for their staff and families. Not your fault, of course, and many factors involved, but thought you might appreciate the feedback.

PS- Did you ever run into Dan Morneau at Bose? He was a former trumpet student of mine, and I heard he worked at Bose at one time.

[Boosted Thrills]

Maybe you could twist a few arms and get the Tiger Sport to our side of the pond. Now that's a bike I'd dearly love to own (although my driver's license and I might be permanently parted if I did!)

On a more serious note, congratulations on the new job. Triumph has been able to continue to bring new models to the market, and this is impressive considering the world economy. Globally they seem to be staying very competitive, and I hope this continues.

Closer to home, the Triumph news hasn't been so good, as I have lost all three of my dealers in the past several years. The guys at Destiny Motosports in Syracuse were great guys that went out, then Ed's in Hyde Park when they couldn't do the new floor plan demand, and finally Spitzies in Albany (although I never felt that their heart was really into the Triumphs).
Some of these smaller dealers just can't sell the volume that manufacturers desire now, and when these smaller mom and pop places close, I think we all lose in the long run. I do understand the push toward large multibrand dealerships as part of the globalization process, and obviously buyers like to see and test drive many bikes as opposed to just a few. Still, I think there is a niche for the smaller shops, and I wish Triumph wouldn't follow the path of BMW and Harley and drive the smaller players out of the market by constantly demanding more sales. I am no market expert, and I know there are dozens of factors involved in every decision that Triumph makes, but fewer dealerships is a concern for anyone looking to purchase a new bike that is going to require dealer only maintenance for its electronics, etc.. It is tough to see shops close, and I miss these guys and feel badly for their staff and families. Not your fault, of course, and many factors involved, but thought you might appreciate the feedback.

PS- Did you ever run into Dan Morneau at Bose? He was a former trumpet student of mine, and I heard he worked at Bose at one time.

Thanks for the congratulations, I appreciate it. There is a lot of dealer development happening now through the next 18 months. You'll find that area of NY will be developed for sure. Triumph currently has about 240 dealers in the US which is really good, with a target of 300 dealerships for North America. There are also a lot of programs available now for dealers which mine have so far found a lot of positivity in. I want to get confirmation on how much information I can share publicly before I carry on too much...

All I can say from the non-employee perspective especially is that as consumers we can be confident in our brand. The future does look bright.

[matts1050]

We'll just have to get a few drinks in Jeff to extract some info

[Boosted Thrills]

We'll just have to get a few drinks in Jeff to extract some info

That might get expensive LOL!

Oh and sevy - I know of Dan Morneau; a few of my colleagues were hired in his class and know him personally.

[sevy]

Thanks for the info. I haven't seen Dan for a few years, so it is interesting that there should be a connection here.

Having a dealer again would be great, as the shipping costs for parts does add up after a while. I also like to keep my money working for me in my own state and region when possible, as I am sure many of us do. If you could ever bring Ed's back into the dealer network, it would be a real coup, as his repository of Triumph history and especially his repair knowledge of the older stuff would really send a message that the new Triumph is serious about their heritage. Lots of potential for some serious positive spin there.
In any case, good luck as you move forward in your new position. As a teacher. any decisions affecting me were done within my own district, and it is hard for me to visualize what it must be like to work for a large company that is actually centered in an entirely different country. It must be pretty interesting, but mostly pretty exciting to get a paycheck for spending every day in the world of motorcycles! Not many of us get to work in an area where we are passionate, so you and I are two of the lucky ones I guess.

[Boosted Thrills]

I also like to keep my money working for me in my own state and region when possible, as I am sure many of us do.

Agreed - with the new E-commerce setup, if you sign up and login to shop.triumphmotorcycles.com, you can shop online there and have items shipped to your local dealer for free, and they get the credit for it. Alternately for your situation, you can have it shipped directly to you for a pretty reasonable amount until your dealer network develops again. I believe in the meantime, when you register on the site, you can still choose the dealer closest to you (even if it's a distance away) and they will still get the credit when you purchase items online. You can always change your preferred dealer later when we get something established closer to you. Check it out!

[Salisburyguy]

Congrats and good luck Jeff!

Kenn

[jefff1]

Excellent Jeff and many congratulations from this Jeff ....I enjoyed speaking with you on my Official Tiger Bash Deck last year and look forward to more gars...cookies and adult libations this year....Now if Matt would just give the official countdown as we're closing in...

There certainly has been a shuffling of dealers in the past few years and I find that unfortunate as Triumph makes so many appealing models...I have personally whittled my fleet of bikes down to three and they are all Triumphs....Tiger 1050...XC 800 and totally cafed Thruxton....I firmly believe that Triumph makes the right bike for everyone...okay I'm not talking motocrossing...I am glad we have a friend representing us...thanks for stepping up to this level of responsibility

The best guys I've ever ridden with ride Triumphs...nothing more needs to be said....

[matts1050]

I thought you fell off the side of the earth, Jeff...
We're closing in on a new countdown # soon...
Stay tuned!

[jefff1]

Hey good to hear from you Matt...I thought I was banned for thirty days so I waited to check back in

And where's that countdown?

[matts1050]

Be patient young fella

[jefff1]

Be patient young fella

Patience is a virtue of mine...NOW GET ON WITH THAT GENIE COUNTDOWN

[matts1050]

I think we're getting tired of Jeannie. Maybe Pamela Anderson?

[matts1050]

I think I'm in the wrong thread...