107 years of Triumph: National Open House

A few days ago I was doooing a bit of goooogling trying to find some information on Triumph motorcycles and came across this announcement (<--- Click)

Being British they had a reputation for being curmudgeony as a conch in Florida, but I understand that they now seem to be very reliable and well engineered. They have a factory in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England and another in Thigh-Land, as Mr Twisted Jack would say. (see Jack, I'm catching onto your lingo). I thought that this would give me a good opportunity to swing my leg over a model or two, and wondering if they would have such a thing as an automatic retracting side stand.



I arrive in fine style using (only a smidgeon) of the available 72HP of my magnificent SV650 with its smooth reving 90degree V-twin power. Again I am off to Langley where all of the large motorcycle dealerships are gathered together in clumps within a stones throw from each other. As I leave from the heart of urban Vancouver, the dark clouds are rolling in with the forecast for scattered showers turning to rain late afternoon. I can feel the winds pick up and wonder if it is worth the 1 hour ride east. Oh well, I have my rain gear and this was in my Saturday plans. Call me stubborn as Sharon - Sojourner's Moto Tales (<-- click link) . You know the type, make a plan and hook or by crook you will move heaven and earth to achieve your objective, even though events occur which conspire to ruin your plans, you will not deviate . I finally arrive, park and noticed the largest herd of Triumphs I have ever seen.


(Speed Street)

I know nothing about these models. I was looking for a Street Triple, but this was called a Speed Street, which has a triple cylinder, perhaps they changed the name for 2009


(Speed Street, different colour)


(Triumph cruiser)

While I prefer "standard" bikes, these cruisers are nice looking


(Triumph Tiger)

This is the one I would take home with me when I win the lottery.


(Tiger, cockpit)

Notice the factory installed tachometer. I am told that this model comes standard equipment with the matching hard side cases



I think the engine in this monster is larger than the one in my car


(Triumph Bonneville SE)


(Triumph Bonneville instrument cluster, notice the factory tachometer)


(Bonneville, standard gauge cluster)



The hotdogs were good enough, even for the chefs. All of the proceeds of the food and beverage sales went for charity, so of course I had to donate.



While I was there a couple of bikes were being delivered to their new happy owners



While others had balloons strapped to their handlebars trying to entice a new master



I can't remember all their names: Thruxton, Scrambler, 675 but my favourite is . . .



A fully dressed Triumph Tiger, with matching hard luggage



And a thank you to the chefs of the day