Riding Impressions: The 2010 Triumph Line Up

I recently had the opportunity to sample just about all of the models in Triumph's 2010 model line-up at a recent demo truck event at Go AZ Motorcycles in Scottsdale, AZ (which happens to be my day gig). Missing from the demo fleet was the Sprint ST.  The explanation I received from Triumph's area rep was that something new was coming and that the current model's inventory levels are low, so it made no sense to promote it.  So, the new model is the 2011 Sprint GT.
Triumph's model line up is very strong for just about every type of street riding a person would want to do.  I also found that most models were very versatile enough for many uses.  Here's my take on the bikes I rode:

• Daytona 675 - After the first set of turns on the test course, I remembered how much I like full on sport bikes.  It had been a while since I'd ridden one, and the last one I rode was a 2007 Daytona 675.  The 2010 demo model I rode made all of the right sounds through the factory accessory Arrow slip-on muffler.  The motor was as I'd fondly remembered it; smooth, torquey, but with a kick on top.  The riding position is perfect for my taste with a short reach to the bars, placing your body over the front of the bike.  I like feeling of being on top of the motorcycle instead of being "inside" it.  Handling-wise it is light and easy to flick side to side.  This is one of my favorite sport bikes on the market today and would love the current white and blue SE model to be sitting in the garage next to my Bonnie!
• Speed Triple - I can see why the Speed Triple is one of Triumph's best selling models.  It is comfortable, powerful and has good handling characteristics.  This is an excellent choice for the one bike garage.  It just will do everything you will ask it to do on the street.  I'll have to admit, I've never been a fan of the bug-eyed headlights.  I feel the first model Speed Triple (early 90's era) to be one of the best looking bikes ever made.  Styling tastes aside, this bike just works!  Highly recommended if you just can have just one bike!
• Street Triple - I really liked the "Striple!"  I think I liked it more than it's 1050cc big brother!  The 675cc engine is so smooth and usable that I really didn't miss the extra torque of the Speed Triple.  The riding position is just as comfortable, but in a lighter, more nimble package.  And that engine!  It's a comfy Daytona 675.  I was impressed!
• Tiger - I briefly rode a Tiger 1050 when it was first introduced a few years ago.  The one I rode was not a very happy motorcycle.  It seemed that the fuel mapping wasn't quite right, causing some popping and general engine vibration under throttle.  I'm happy to say that the Tiger I just rode didn't have any of the mapping issues I encountered before.  It's a tall heavy bike though.  It makes an excellent tourer, but I would not like to be the guy that has to try to save it when the front end washes out on a dirt road!  Or the guy that has to pay for the expensive bodywork damage either!
• Rocket III Touring - Before saddling up to this one, I have quite a few preconceived opinions on this bike.  Big and heavy!  Big and heavy to me is usually followed by slow.  Not the case here!  The Rocket III is definitely a substantial motorcycle, but with a low center of gravity, it is not as bad as you might think just by looking at it and by reading the spec sheet.  The 2300cc motor has impressive torque to say the least!  If you gun the throttle while moving a slow speeds, you can feel the rear 240 width tire wanting to break loose.  That kind of torque is addicting!  I have to say that this would be my choice of "bagger" for a long trip.  Now it has me thinking about the recently introduced Rocket III Roadster with 165 lb-ft of torque.  Hmmm, they have a windscreen and bags available for it...
• Speedmaster - I was surprised at how nice of a cruiser this is!  It's pretty well balanced and light weight.  This is an excellent choice for the person that likes this style of bike, but is either on a budget or has little experience on a motorcycle.  It is very docile, forgiving and not intimidating.
• Thunderbird - The 1600cc motor is not the story here.  Yes, it has gobs of smooth torque and a nice sound, but the real story is how well it handles.  This bike is very well balanced!  Cruisers this long usually have a tendency to fall into turns at parking lot speeds, but this bike doesn't have any of those bad habits!  The Thunderbird just feels like a well engineered boulevard cruiser that you can take on a long trip and a back road without any of the sacrifices that long and low customs have attached to them.  The 1700cc kit adds a bit of torque and midrange.  Very nice!
• Bonneville SE - As an owner of a carburetted 2007 Bonnie, I was very interested to ride the new "fuelie".  This bike felt very different than mine.  The SE features a 17" front wheel vs the 19" that mine has (and the current T100).  The riding position seems to have been revised and has more of a cramped feel.  The SE definitely feels more friendly to a beginner rider, but I still favor my '07.  Fuel injection vs carbs?  The "fuelie" has more power and better throttle response.  Fuel injection just works better than carburetors.  My preference?  I just like the feel of carburetors more.  Don't ask me why, that's a subject that deserves a blog post in itself!
• Scrambler - I really enjoyed my time on the Scrambler.  It feels like a tall version of my Bonnie but torquier.  It has a different firing order giving it more power at lower rpm's.  This tester was equipped with the Arrow 2 into 1 full exhaust making it a customer favorite!  If you're into the vintage Steve McQueen style, this is the bike for you!
• Thruxton - I spent some time aboard an '06 Thruxton for an article on Rt. 66.  I fell in love with the motor which led me to buy the Bonneville I have now.  From that experience, I did not like the riding position for long trips which led me in the direction of the standard, more upright model. I have to say though, I had a great time on the 2010 model.  Now having a good amount of seat time on Bonnevilles, I see the attraction of the Thruxton.  It has quicker turn in, thanks to it's 18" front wheel and a better spread of power.  Credit that to the fuel injection and the beautiful sounding Arrow 2 into 2 full system.  If you're looking for a bike with classic looks that is fun on a twisty road, the Thruxton is hard to beat!

Overall, I came away impressed at what Triumph is doing with their model line up.  They have a quality choice for just about any rider out there.  The only gaping hole I see in their model line is the lack of a serious big bore Superbike contender.  It would be nice to see a pumped up version of the 1050cc engine (to 1200cc?) employed in a bike with the same principals of the Daytona 675.  This would prove to be the halo bike Triumph needs to take things to the next level.