Triumph Motorcycles celebrates a highly successful 2015 with a special new video. (more…)
Famed British motorcycles manufacturer Triumph is ending the 2015 business year (which ended on 30 June 2015) on a high note after recording increased profitability compared to its performance in 2014.
Despite the challenging market climate, the British marque raised £10.3 million with its efforts, of which it recorded a £2.3 million in profits alone. This is a healthy recovery following a dismal 2014 performance where it recorded a loss £8 million. Reinforcing this is the fact that the brand also recorded healthy growth in 2015 in areas beyond its finances.
Firstly, the brand set out to enlarge its global footprint this year, and spearheading this was the revised Triumph Tiger 800 model that features six variants altogether. Also fuelling the growth was the introduction of four special edition versions of the outgoing air-cooled Triumph Bonneville classic bike.
The firm also released other special editions this year for models such as the Street Triple, Speed Triple and Speed Triple R, followed by the Thunderbird and the anniversary edition of the Rocket X. It is also worth noting that like the Bonneville, the Speed Triple series is being replaced with the updated new Speed Triple S and Speed Triple R models for 2016.
Beyond its model range expansion, Triumph also recorded a growth in several of its networks overseas such as India and Brazil. Presently, Triumph boasts a healthy India-based dealer network across 12 cities, resulting in the brand’s 13% market share growth there as well, followed by a 10% market share rise in Brazil too. Adding to this was the commencement of its sales and distribution in Thailand starting April this year, further cementing the Triumph brand’s overseas market presence too.
With a sleuth of new models set for market release in 2016, Triumph is expected to perform even better in the new year too. Leading this charge are several core models starting with new liquid-cooled Bonneville family, followed by the revised Speed Triple duo, not forgetting the updated iteration of its flagship Tiger Explorer range as well.
Source: MCN
The famed Hinckley-based brand first got its ball rolling when it introduced the fully revamped Triumph Bonneville range towards the end of October, followed by the refreshed Speed Triple model just weeks before EICMA 2015 opened its doors.
Now, the firm is strengthening itself further for 2016 after it introduced the refreshed range-topping Triumph Explorer model for 2016. This mid-life refresher sees the flagship dual-sport gaining with a series of new kit and features, with much of the updates mirroring what Triumph did with the smaller Tiger 800 range last year indeed.
For 2016, the Triumph Tiger Explorer will be available in six variants altogether – XC, XCx, XCa, XR, XRx and XRt. The range is separated simply by the fact that the XR range is optimised more for road and street whilst the XC line-up boasts more off-road optimisation instead.
All six models share the same 1,215cc inline three-cylinder 12-valve powerplant; all of which standing rather unique in the class thanks largely to the cylinder configuration it boasts, along with the shaft-drive layout as well. The looming Euro4 legislation prompted Triumph to update the Explorer’s engine in order for it to be compliant in two fronts of said legislation: emissions and noise.
Triumph remains rather coy about the mechanical changes, but sources online report that the powertrain has received a completely new exhaust system accompanied by a larger new catalytic converter, ride-by-wire software, as well as a hike in both power and torque figures too.
Like the smaller Tiger 800 range that was updated for 2015, the 2016 Tiger Explorer gains with a host of tech upgrades aimed at improved stability and control. These include Triumph’s first ever semi-active suspension primed in all but the two base XR and XC variants, followed by other features such as cornering ABS and traction control, four selectable pre-set rider modes available plus an additional fifth riding mode which riders can tailor to their own settings.
Also updated is the ABS system with entry-level models offering switchable ABS and traction control whilst the remaining four models gaining further with the aforementioned advanced cornering ABS and traction control suites. These four models are also further primed with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which uses an array of sensors to measure five axes of movement: including lean angle, acceleration and deceleration ensuring the traction control and ABS suites are at their most optimal level of performance. There is also the option of a Hill Hold Control (HHC) feature that electronically holds the brakes on to stabilise the bike during hill start.
Other notable changes here include a mild exterior styling revamp, the presence of heated grips and seat, an adjustable windscreen, plus a rich choice of luggage as well. Overall, Triumph have indeed granted its flagship dual-sport adventure bike with a much more complete package for 2016, allowing it to stack up well against new and improved rivals such as the new Ducati Multistrada Enduro.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown / MCN
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