Triumph Bonneville GEARBOX FAILURES! The truth about TRIUMPH!
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- Опубліковано 7 гру 2020
- Not the video I had hoped to produce on this subject. After 4 months talking to Triumph about the reported gearbox failures on their liquid cooled Bonneville models This is what I've been able to find out!
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham - Авто та транспорт
First gear selector replaced at 1.5k, second selector replaced at 4k miles. This time I couldn't shift up. Anyway, Triumph is up for something, I think, as after repairs I had to fill up questionnaire about failures.
Thanks for the info!
Month later, thousand miles more and another selector replaced. Workshop gave me 1.5k miles warranty 😂 so I already booked a next visit 👍🏻
Another update, the same part failed. Been officially informed, by Triumph, that one more breakdown and bike is going back to the factory for investigation.
Well, another 1000 miles and another gear selector gone (4th). Same issue, not shifting up or down, stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. The bike was sent to the Triumph factory for an official investigation.
Hi Bart, please keep me informed on your bike. Mine has failed 5 times.
This company hasn't caught up with the fact that doing business in the era of social media means customers (and potential customers) can talk with each other from all around the world. And what is passed around through those channels can make or break their business. Ronn
Luckily I own a Triumph t120 and it’s brilliant.
Although strangely it was made In 1967🤔🤔😂
Me too, I have had mine for 44 yrs and prefer the Meriden Triumph's
My old VW beetle is more reliable than my new Golf. First (and last) new thing I’ve owned. My old Harley and Royal Enfield are more reliable than any of my mates new bikes.
Excellent!😀
Yes, and my mother had a refrigerator that lasted 36 years. There days we are lucky if a major appliance lasts five years. Is craftsmanship a lost art? Is it that our supply lines are flooded with cheap Chinese components with little regard for quality control? Or have manufacturers simply realized that longevity is bad for profits and now deliberately build products that will need to be replaced every few years to keep inventory moving? I’m guessing it’s that last one. I don’t know, maybe we’re old and cranky and just remember everything as being better back in the good old days. Certainly our standards have changed. I remember in the 70s and 80s thinking “Jaguars are lovely cars but need to be repaired almost weekly. Not like good old reliable Fords that are only in the shop once every couple of months or so. I hardly ever have to call for a tow truck for my Ford.“
@@PNWShawn built in Obsolescence I think they call it.Recently a friend had to replace 3 springs in his high end German car as they had snapped due to potholes!Last week my partner had to replace a front spring which had snapped due to potholes (same area of UK)Both cars attended the same Garage where astonishingly there was a mound of broken springs in the corner of the workshop all waiting to be collected by a scrap merchant! Mechanic told my partner that was all he did nowadays replace springs due to 2 interesting but totally unsurprising factors1•Appalling road conditions in the UK generally and 2. Manufacturers using poor quality springs made in ( you guessed it)..!
Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this on our behalf, Stuart.
Thanks Stu for your determined efforts, I fear Triumph will go the same way as Meriden in the 80's.
Lack of customer care is inexcusable.
I have owned a total of 72 bikes over the years and currently own a 2012 T100 Bonneville air cooled model! I was so looking forward to upgrading to the new water cooled model Bonneville's, but after talking to various water cooled Bonneville owners and listening to the info in this video, there is no way I would be willing to take the chance based on how Triumph have performed with regards to their customer service! Thanks for saving me all of the hassle.
I commend you, Stuart, for your perseverance and patience. I love my T120, but I'm appalled at this almost unbelievably bad customer service! I hope my bike doesn't experience this gearbox issue (I've learned to live with the squeaky front brakes). Not sure I'd buy another Triumph after listening to this incredible saga. Grrrr! Heartfelt thanks for your efforts on our behalf.
I think the British motorcycle industry has been pretty well much unchanged since the 50s. Design something good, make it nice looking, cut corners in production, concentrate all your efforts on cooperate fanfare and branding, release a flawed product, put your head in the sand and then repeat for the next 70 years......
That is it in a Nutshell .. Well said 👍👍👍.
@@thomasmusso1147 spot on my friend,that’s why British leyland,Rover are no longer with us
They can’t even plead with us to buy them because they’re made in England now either.
I have never owned a bike but I enjoy your channel, the presentation style, the content and the authority with which you speak. This was a very good video - thanks.
I tell you what, if Triumph called the mechanical genius Allen Millyard in, the gearbox fault would be sorted and I’m being serious. I mean if he couldn’t fix the problem then we are in bother.
Allen would probably add another couple of cylinders... or make it a V-twin... or a single just for the hell of it while fixing the gearbox in his spare time.
The problem is, it's a problem that they seem to be aware of, and may even have resolved. But they won't admit to it, because they'd have to recall all offending bikes, and repair, and that costs money...
@@memsybabe Occasionally it’s cheaper in the long run to just ‘suck it up’ rather than sacrifice company reputation.
@@stevebluesbury6206 ..definitely agreed 👍🏼
Millyard would fix the gearbox and then add two extra cylinders to turn it into a V4 just because he was in there lol
I've got to admire your tenacity in attempting to deal with these issues. You have the patience of a saint.
You create a rod for your own back the moment you forget, lose, lie to, get things wrong, avoid, deflect and otherwise mess your customers around. Each time something goes wrong you double your work. Do it twice and your quadruple your work. So you have you have two choices. Either at the very beginning you take the hit and say “No” or you hear the customer out and deal with their problem. It could be that the customer requires education, that their expectations were too high, your documentation is incorrect or that you have a faulty product or a whole host of other things. Even if you have a faulty product you still don’t have to do anything. Short of doing a “Ratner” saying “No” and/or doing nothing to fix faulty products is the most destructive thing a manufacturer can ever do to their future. Customers are now more wired together than has ever been the case. The price of alienating your hard won customers is that they will not return. No customers, no future.
Even if the repair kit was cheap, and the job was easy enough for the average home mechanic, doing it yourself if the problem happened would invalidate the life long warrantee on the engine! Thanks Stuart for persevering with this.
Wow - what a journey...!
I imagine all brands can have production issues, but the way they treated you when the issues surfaced, that is beneath anyone.
Thanks for sharing your story!
My next bike will not be a Triumph.
I was hesitating between a Triumph or a Kawasaki W800, this video made my mind up...
Just discovered your channel, and so happy I have. I am now a subscriber. This video is very reveling on a couple of levels. I am going to be purchasing a 2021 Triumph (Bonnie Speedmaster) with in the next 60 days. You have opened my eyes towards Triumph Customer Service. As you are a "influencer" due to this channel. So it was no surprise they contacted you long after the warranty expired. No question that Triumph had a golden opportunity they let fall out of their hands. If Triumph would have been more open, address the issues now (after letting it go for so long), and did a video with you outlining a " program" to take care of the gearbox/brake issue for all owners now. Triumph would have hit a home run. They would be seen as a company that cared for their customers (even if a bit late). We all realize that we are human. No company is perfect. No product is bullet proof. The main issue is not gearbox problems. The main issue is what Triumph does about it. Do they step forward and take care of the issue, show respect for their customers. Insure their "Owner Base" is happy and loyal, or do they hide in a corner with the hope the problem goes away or that the customer simply gives up? The company that steps forward and insure the customer is taken care of can look forward to loyal, happy, repeat customers. While this video has not changed my mind on a new Triumph it has motivated me to take a couple of steps before my purchase. Including a call to customer service here in America with a gearbox issue (friend has a 3 year old Bonnie that I can use his serial number). I expect quality, professional customer service in a timely manner. If I do not receive that I will NOT be investing in a new or even used Triumph. I do not care if things break or have an issue, I care how it is taken care of. Thank you for this honest, fair, and professional video. Looking forward to more videos, in the mean time I am going back and looking at your other videos.
Be happy, be safe.
Thank you for this video! Makes me think twice about buying a Triumph as my first bike.
Got me worried now. I just bought a Bobber. My dealership in Perth Western Australia has been great. Lets hope the issues with the brakes and gearbox are fixed now and we can enjoy the ride. Thank you for your efforts on this issue !
Interesting. I have a mate with 1200 scrambler that just stopped on him, after 2 months of ownership, and left him stuck on the side of the road. That brand new bike was in the dealer workshop for almost 3 months. After he got it back, it takes 2 or 3 flicks of the starter switch to get it idling without stalling. Now this tale of woe. I wouldn't buy a Triumph.
Wiring harness problem?
'Hubris' is the word that applies to Triumph, I think. I jumped ship, not because of any problems as such but partly because of the negative things I've been hearing about Triumph.
Triumph should beware; the Grapevine can be deadly!
My advice to Stuart and everyone is don’t give up. Another avenue for anyone who purchased a bike using finance incl PFP is to hold the finance company responsible for fitness for purpose etc under the same consumer law. I had a successful claim against Honda Finance but not the dealer. I know it’s not Triumph but it’s the same principle. Ended up going to County Court and wining.
Ah.. now that is a good point I think a huge proportion of these bikes will be PCP deals!
@@stuartfillingham There's also the Section 75 Consumer Credit Act option if any part of the purchase has been by credit card and the payment was over £100.
And that would apply on either a new or used bike purchased from a dealer.
Perhaps if the law was changed from Civil to Criminal they might have a bit more urgency too👍
Another superb video...I thought it was just KTM that acted like this with total disregard for Customers
Stuart, as always a great informative and honest video 👍🏻 Thank you for being out there and looking out for us Triumph riders 👊🏻
Great vid. I own a triumph and will not be buying another one, can’t and won’t support a company that treats its customers like this. Thanks for the vid
I'm of the same opinion, if I do get another Triumph it'll be second hand with a full service history. I'm already looking to get a Suzuki VStrom to replace my 2011 Tiger 1050 which ive had since new, with a gearbox issue from factory which required multiple returns for rectification under warranty and its on its third Stator which at last replacement the cost of parts was covered by Triumph but not the labor fitments which I had to pay out of my own pocket (it was 8 months out of its two year warranty)
Never had a problem with Triumph to be honest customer service has always been great
Thanks for your video, Stuart and sorry to see a fellow motorcyclist go through this. I've been following your videos on the Bonneville gearbox issues closely and it has me very concerned. I've been thinking about getting a Street Twin sometime in the future and I'll be staying away until I hear about Triumph rectifying this issue and getting their act together. This and hearing of horror stories of the Triumph dealership here in Bangalore, India has me thinking more about investing in an Interceptor 650 instead. I hope your bike gets sorted by Triumph and they understand how to operate with integrity. Sad to see the brand go this route.
I was genuinely about to go for a 2017 T120 - however after hearing about this absolute shower from Triumph, I think I'll now be in the Enfield/Guzzi club. Unbelievable from such a storied manufacturer
Same here... Guzzi here I Come...
Holy crap. A dealer almost talked me into a 2017 Triumph T100 Black with less than 500 miles. The dealer says the owner traded in several bikes at the same time because he got terminally ill. I'd like to believe him, but now I'm wondering. I guess I'll just get a Royal Enfield.
@@frankiepitt9135 I ended up with a V7 - less power but still happy with it!
Thank you for your efforts, Stuart. Appreciated. My 2018 Speedmaster (out of warranty) is staying in the garage until the end of the pcp deal in June when I will hand it back to the dealers and then never buy a Triumph again. Makes me sad as I loved the bike - and the brand - but but just can’t afford for the gearbox to go down.
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this. You have probably saved a hundred other buyers from being fobbed off over their mechanical issues. Love your videos.
The message here is clear: if you have a problem-free Triumph, be grateful; if not, don’t expect any help from Triumph. The lesson for Triumph is: don’t mess with Yorkshire folk!
The message to me is even clearer: no one has a problem-free Triumph, instead you have a ticking bomb.
@@admiralbeez8143 i have one 2001 bonneville....
I am not affected with my Bonneville as you kindly adviced me when I asked, but it leaves a bitter taste to know that Triumph don't rush to their customers aid. It's the love of the brand that resurrected it's success. Loyalty. Makes me sad.
You Sir are the staightess talking man I've had the pleasure to follow , honesty , incredible integrity. Deep respect and gratitude. Regards Gareth Wiltshire UK. Gratitude. Quality. Respect.
Triumph have a reputation for acting like this. They think they are too big to be touched, but the reality is they are one of the smallest bike firms in the Industry. They are not big enough to squander the good will of their customers.
100% agree.
I agree. Maybe Triumph should go back study the history of the original Triumph company. Management was too hard-headed to believe they were making a mistake. People who fail to learn from history........
@@boomerguy9935 The main thing to be learned from history is that most people learn nothing from history... Les
@@leslieaustin151 I've come to realize this by watching the daily news. I've never understood why people disagree with history and choose to either ignore it or change the history books. I'm old enough to remember how life was back in the 60's and here we are again.
As an American country boy, I was in love with all British vehicles and owned some of them. They weren't perfect but I loved them and their history. I preferred BMC over BLMC and Royal Enfield over Triumph and I have enjoyed their histories. However, the 1970's was a bad decade for British management. It looks like we're in for a repeat.
@@boomerguy9935 Sadly, you could well be right. Norton (‘criminal’!) now Triumph and doubtless there are others. I’m British (English) but grew up same era (b.1946), and much of the stuff churned out of British factories then was junk, but some of it was OK, and most of it had ‘charm’ if little else. RE was always regarded as producing slow plodders (not necessarily a fault) whereas ‘Umphs were usually thought to be more sporting. There is not much to beat the sound of a 60’s tuned Triumph twin on full chat, or a decent one in trials trim doing a steep hill. I had a 250 BSA and then a Triumph TRW (There’s a plodder if you like) I now ride a 1992 Yamaha Serow after a long layoff from bikes. Love it. Ride safe mate! Les
Dampens my interest in the Trident 660.
Same thoughts here exactly!
Yep. Me too.
Me too
Me too !
Buy a Yamaha XSR700 or XSR900 instead. I have an XSR900 and it's amazing!
Mmmmm very interesting and also worrying as i own a 2019 Bonnevillle.
Thanks for all your efforts, Stuart.
Excellent Stuff! This fiasco could be a TV drama series starring JR Ewing and Delboy Trotter. Don't let them off the hook Stuart.
This is an indication of terrible corporate culture in Triumph.
In all probability, very few, if any, of those Corporate Johnnies have ever swung their leg over a motorcycle seat .. as with a lot of products in circulation in this day and age.
My last few bikes have been Bonnie's. Last was nicked and I've been taking a year to decide what next. The movement out of UK to save money together with this sort of issue has sadly decided me it won't be a Triumph. Some major faux pax decisions have been made - none in the interests of the rider
I was about to go to order a T120 gold line on Monday for Valentine's day... and you have just made me doing a U-turn. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you’re willing to do a bit more detective work, you could try contacting the parts department of your local Triumph dealer and ask them if the parts in the transmission repair kit have updated part numbers. Generally, superseded part numbers denote an updated part, at least for the automobile manufacturer that I work for. Every recall part I have replaced has a different part number to the original part and has usually been changed to prevent repeat failure of that part. That being said, I work in an automobile dealership in the US, so your mileage may vary.
I stood my T120 beside a Kawasaki Z900RS. In ten seconds I could see such a vast difference in quality that the Bonnie had to go. 15 months later I know it was the right decision.
I did the same!!!!
So did I lol ... went from bobber to Z900RS ... Stuart’s previous vid on the gearbox issue - whilst I didn’t experience it inside 9k Kms of riding - was a significant component in my decision to change. That and the fact that the Z900RS is such a great machine.
Good on ya Dave. Enjoy the Z👍🏻
Had three Kawasaki's and loved them all
A big THANK YOU for trying to get to the bottom of this issue. You have been totally fair and Triumph have behaved appallingly. They have lost another potential buyer in me as I will continue to trust the four Japanese brands over Triumph, so far 26 bikes in 40 years and no major issues with any of them. 🤞
However, your Interceptor 650 videos are drawing me towards the RE brand as well. Keep up the good work!
Many thanks.
Interesting video Stuart, I was considering at one time buying a Triumph, but bought a 650 Interceptor instead, may prove to be the right decision, terrible after sales service by Triumph, I have to say you have been a lot more patient then I would have been, still do have a soft spot for Triumphs tho, hopefully they get their act together, keep up the great work Stuart, many thanks Steve.
I am SO glad I ran across this video. I have have been researching the bikes on the market today with the intent of buying one after not riding for 40+ years. I an 80 yrs old so I remember the Triumph of back in the day. They were classic bikes. That is the type of bike I would prefer to buy today. In fact, tomorrow I will be going to look at the Royal Enfield INT650. I don't need a crotch rocket or fancy over the top wild looking bike with some kind of weird engine configuration. The "classic" look is what I want. My research has narrowed me down to a choice between two bikes, a Triumph Bonneville or the Royal Enfield INT650. After watching this video, it is now down to one bike, the ROYAL ENFIELD INT650. There isn't anything more aggravating than having to deal with poor or non responsive customer service on a product that is rather expensive. For 34 years I worked in the quality department for a large truck manufacturer here in the US and I know for a fact that when they give you the run-around they are hiding something. You will never get the answers to the questions you asked simply because it could open up liability for many other customers in the form of a recall which they want to avoid at any cost. I could tell you horror stories from having worked in heavy truck and school bus manufacturing. I hope you get your problem resolved. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Update..........................bought a Harley!
Welcome to the brotherhood Sir👍🏻
I'm just considering becoming a 'born again', for the second time. I'm very glad you published your experience. Customer Service is paramount with anything my life may depend on and extremely high priority with anything you expect to last several years or more. Triumph can 'dig a hole', as far as I'm concerned.
I will never buy a Triumph after this video but they have never been the most reliable motorcycles ever
Thank you Stuart for the time and effort in producing this video and the documentation. You certainly where incredibility patient and fair in your assessment. I was looking at the Triumph line, I really like the classic looks. NOT NOW. Hey Triumph is your intent to revisit the seventies and eighties again and fade into the abyss.
Great blog as always Stu. My street scrambler had a warranty claim last month I had a small pin hole appear in the barrel on the joint. It started blowing oil past it went back to the dealer and was sorting within 2 weeks no issues new barrels fitted all is now ok . I have a great dealer to be fair. However both my 2020 street scrambler and my wife’s 2020 street twin have had the brake squeal since new in June. Both bikes have nearly 4000 miles on them. I know someone at triumph in Hinckley who has always said do not buy the 1200 engined triumph 🤔. It won’t stop me having another triumph I absolutely love it.
The shiftiness of this company is only matched by the non-shifting of their bikes.
"He did it off his own back, without consulting with his superiors." Every Triumph employee's job should be customer satisfaction. Do you design the bikes? Your job is customer satisfaction. Do you manufacture the bikes? Your title is Customer Satisfaction. Do you sweep the shop? Customer satisfaction. All their employees should be empowered to help customers solve issues.
Triumph sounds like an unhealthy company that is gliding along based on inertia. That isn't a plan for long-term company success.
*"gliding along based on inertia"* . Sounds like an American company with the initials "HD".
It also sounds like every corporation that employs attorneys.
Complacency and arrogance … the same old story that caused the demise of much British manufacturing - particularly the motorcycle and motor industries.
Thanks for your efforts, honesty, and fairness. I am a Tiger 800 rider who has been seriously considering the T120 but have held back while waiting to see how this plays out with Triumph. Result is that I have just lost interest in the T120 and Triumph has lost a sale.
Thanks for the video Stuart! I've been nothing but happy with my Street Triple R since buying it, as well as the service I've received from my dealership. But despite how much I like their bikes I think I'm going to look elsewhere when it's time to retire my current bike, at least until they sort out the problems that seem to run through the entire organisation.
Come on triumph, pull your bloody socks up and be better, your losing customers and I'm one of them.
Me too! Was going to get another for my 50th next year, serious doubts now
Yes, your service to your fellow bikers is commendable Stuart. Seems Triumph have been disingenuous over these issues to say the least. I'm glad I took note when you started mentioning the brake squeal and gearbox issues. Test rode the T120, was not convinced and went for a used 865 mag wheel bonnie which (so far) has been faultless.
Shame on those patreon scUmmers BTW...🙄
It’s your Bonneville still running strong?
Thanks for the update Stuart... I would truly love to add a Triumph to the garage, but customer care is absolutely paramount and they just seem too risky a proposition to wager my hard earned pennies on... Keep up the great work.
Wow, that was interesting news... now I'll put on my thinking cap and start looking around for something else then a T120 for next season. Thank you Stuart for looking out for your subscribers and an exellent video!
Hm. The bonnie will go up for sale then. If I cannot trust the bike, I should at least be comfortable in trusting the brand and their help when things do go wrong :(
Thanks a million Stu for all the hard work and patcience.I have nothing else to say at the moment without being rude.
I stumbled on this video and tbh now I have seen this I for one will not be buying a new triumph. a friend of mine has had 2 failed altenators on his speed triple so it would seem the electrical horror stories I have been hearing from others may have some grounds. I know other motorcycle manufacturers have problems with failures of parts on their models..but the fact that Triumph have fobbed you off for month's would certainly make me think twice about buying one of their products
Had the money ready, the bike trailer hitched to the truck, and all set to go buy a 2017 T100 with only 2200 miles until I saw this video. I had to call the guy and cancel. I love to ride and I absolutely love the look of the Bonny, but I want something that’s reliable. That’s why I own 4 Honda’s. I will stay with Honda. Thank you for making this info available. The fact that they won’t give you straight answers, speaks volumes. They know there is a problem and don’t have a fix, so they remain tight lipped. Have a blessed week. Ride safe.
Hello, there is only one real motorcycle manufacturer in my opinion, R E! I will never buy an overpriced triumph!
Agree entirely with your comment James! They build them in Bangkok and then plaster them with Union Jack's! Do they think we are Dumb?Answer,Yes They Do!!
Nothing says reliable like an Enfield
Thanks Stuart for all your hard work and perseverance. I think Triumph is a good brand - they're certainly getting good reviews on new bikes. It is a great shame that customer care are behaving this way and I know my own management team would consider this behaviour unacceptable in my business. So far, I've not had a problem with my T120, but will be sure to report it if/when I do.
thank-you for concise and clear communication of the events very educational and valuable for those in the market. BRAVO!
I bought a new Mustang in 1970, mine became a RUSTang. I could write a book on the trouble I had. I ended up mailing the plastic warranty card back to Ford, in a plastic bag covered in Vaseline. I could write two books on problems with Colt firearms. The question I wish you had gotten an answer to, is how many T120 have been effected. So lets start a little survey
I have a 2016 with 17,000 miles. no issues, no squeaks or complaints.
If that is the standard of Triumph's after-sales customer care I wouldn't buy any Triumph.
Stuart, thanks so much for all the info you relate to your subscribers on this matter and your usual transparency. I think it's obvious that Triumph is waiting for you to just give up. Love the looks of the Triumphs but no way would I want to rely on Such incredibly dodgy customer service. It all just makes me so happy I chose a Kawasaki W800 Street instead (fabulous bike). Sorry to anger Triumph enthusiasts on a Triumph enthusiast site but the truth is I want Triumph to build great bikes that the company stands behind. I also care about fellow riders getting ripped off in their desire for motorcycling nirvana.
Stuart, you as a customer has been very patient and fair. Yes your videos have made triump take notice. I have sat on the Scrambler in Triumph's show room, I was very impressed. I was seriously considering buying it. Now I will have to rescind my decision and look else where. I cannot fall a victim myself knowing what I know now. I applaud you for your bravery. A true gentleman. Thank you 👌
Another concise description of your Triumph problems Stuart
I can only agree with you, that since I do NOT have a Triumph currently
I certainly don't intend to bother with the BRAND
Thank you again for your videos, really informative 👍
I really like Triumph, but I put my money down on a chrome interceptor. Comes in just after Christmas 😄
Good choice.
First of all thank you for your diligence & patience over this gearbox issue. I’ve been waiting for an outcome before ordering a new Bonnie from my local dealer, which I certainly WON’T be doing now! In fact due to their arrogance towards customers that have bought, in good faith, a flawed motorcycle, I’ll never ever consider buying a Triumph again! There indifference to all this makes me so angry🤬
Convince Burt Baker to make upgrade boxes for those Triumphs, but the volume needs to be worthwhile. Sad the last decent Triumph gearbox had four speeds...
I love my T120 ! But now I worry about issues after this video. I feel bad for everything he’s gone thru. Sad
What a sorry saga! Many thanks for such a detailed and objective report. Top quality consumer service from a top quality channel.
Glad I bought a 2015 Air cooled T100.
So, I am going to do what you don't like people doing- and I am doing it mainly to add some balance, since only unhappy people seem to comment, and maybe future triumph buyers won't necessarily be discouraged. I have a 2017 street twin with 17,000 tough miles put on the bike and couldn't be happier with a bike, and I have had many over the years. I understand that you have had several problems with your bike and I would probably post as many negative videos as you, if I was treated so poorly by triumph. I am a fan, of triumph, but if I ever upgrade to a speed twin, which I have considered, I will be wary and keep on top of any issues that pop up. I like that you are a bulldog and refuse to be ignored as this helps make customer care better for everyone. Thanks for your hard work on behalf of all Triumph owners. Apparently, Triumph won't learn their lesson until the money stops flowing, as is the case with all businesses that value money over quality and reputation.
Stu, thanks for this very honest video. I have been considering a naked retro and the T120 was in the running. After your video, I am going a different direction. We all know that no bike it perfect but your experience is not only alarming but disappointing. Stu I hope that your finally get the answers you and other triumph owners deserve.
Brilliant video as always Stuart and I think I’ll stick with Royal Enfield as their gearboxes seem ok, as far as I can tell 😃👍🏻
Yeah, but to be fair Enfield gearboxes don't have to deal with similar levels of power and torque..😉
@@rodbowes5309 A gearbox - any gearbox - needs to be strong enough to cope with the power put through it by the engine its mated to, in a reliable and proper manner... that’s patently obvious. And by the look of it the Bonnie gearboxes are not. So Triumph are not capable of designing and building a suitable and strong enough gearbox? Then they should hang their heads in shame! Royal Enfield seem well able to do it right... Triumph, less so? What has your comment got to do with the issues Stuart was talking about, or the comment KRAM2462 made?
I have the Triumph street twin 2019 model, and was seriously considering the new Trident. With customer service like that I think I’ll give it a miss.
great video Stuart, very useful on the understanding that my T120 is only 7 weeks old with 3700 miles on it. Very thought provoking and only this morning, I was thinking of buying the Triumph 400.
Thank you kind sir for this public service. You have given so much of your time and have been so patient and it is very much appreciated. I for one will look to other manufacturers as a result. Really too bad as Triumph offers a number of models that I would have been interested in, but this is not a company I want to patronize. Royal Enfield, here I come.
Was considering a street twin or trident. Been waiting a while for this verdict. Triumph have successfully demoralised themselves with minimal effort. Bye bye Triumph !
Great comments Stuart. No new Thaiumph in my future. RE here I come.
Thanks again for your endeavors Stuart.
I have been infatuated with the a few Triumph's family members, watched several promos and user videos which instilled my trust in the brand, which, I've never had. But, after watching this video made by your goodself, in good detail, I have a second thought now. Thank you Sir 😊
And this is why, I buy Honda!
What goes around comes around. We’re back in the 80s again.
Me too
Me too.
Sorry to hear this sorry dissatisfied saga . . You have to just say how it is or not and continue morals and story so far intact
Great informative video and definitely makes up my mind that there will be no Triumph in my garage. A company that treats it's customers like that deserves to lose those customers. The new company calling itself Triumph didn't learn from the original company of that name.
As a longtime biker and - now retired - future newcomer your reports and detailed experiences, which I have been following for several months, hurt me a lot. Not only because this puts me at an ever greater distance from my dream-motocycle, the t120 Bonneville, but because - also as a German - can sympathize with all british friends whose hearts bleed in the knowledge of the development of this great motocycle brand. How can it be that the figurehead of british motorcycle art is so tarnished by the disrespect shown to the customer.
Maybe next year, as I did nearly a dozen times in the last 40 years, I will travel to the Island to hang out in houseboat somewhere in the Midlands together with a buddy of mine. Days end in a cosy pub, hardly in conversation with the guys at the bar, we will be pleased with the refreshing irony and the ability of the Brits to not take themselves so seriously and as always the guys will overlook my meager knowledge of English. But they will ask why I am not riding my dreambike but some japanese one. What can I do but to answer that a conscientious and honest Briton advised me against it. How oppressive. The next round will be on me... and I will drink to you, Mr. Fillingham, that's for sur! Many thanks, Sir!
It's a shame that Triumph haven't yet realised that the only way forward for them and the only way to restore confidence in the brand is to do what they should have done right from the start. To be open and honest and realise that admission of their failures is a strength not a weakness. They are probably being advised against this course of action by their errant legal team. Time to sack them off and get a new batch of solicitors. Triumph are pushing on with new models and I've seen the quality of cycle parts improve with every new iteration of each model. But they need to redirect some of this energy back up the chain (pun not intended). Their R&D department need to stop for a moment and address current issues. In the case of the gearbox failures this needs proper consideration. Maybe a change in materials or a redesign of of the selector fork? Maybe all this has been done already and the new parts kit is a full and final fix - but unless they're honest about this, we'll never know.
In the meantime, they'll keep pushing out new models and people will keep buying them. Sadly though, they won't sell as many while they continue to act in this manner.
I was left feeling that Triumph must have an insoluble problem with their water-cooled bikes and, since they are still selling them, it is only a matter of time....
Was really close to buying a street twin. Not leaning that way now. Maybe a RE or a Moto Guzzi. I’ve emailed Triumph customer care. We will see what they say.
Well, Triumph replied. See below. Not terribly friendly, but here it is anyway:
“Hello,
The Street Twin is our top selling motorcycle for the past three years. This model has been proven to be extremely reliable with no major issues. It wouldn't be our best seller for the past three years if there were reliability issues. I am not aware of any "gearbox issues" with this model. All of our models come with a two year, unlimited mileage warranty also.”
Thank you for this video! My gear box went out at 13K miles and that was just after a top engine rebuild after the engine blew up at 11K miles...2 months out of warranty! Thankfully, Triumph covered the engine rebuild, but unfortunately told me that the gear box was wear and tear and I had to cover it. I've never felt confident with the bike since then and most likely will never buy another Bonnie.
Stuart for a very informative video. I was close to purchasing a speed twin this year to celebrate my 60 birthday. However, an opportunity came by and I ended up purchasing (privately) a low mileage 1300 Yamaha (2015 model); a solid and reliable beast on the road.
This is what happens when a cowboy builder moves in to the motorcycle Industry then hands the reins over to his spoilt Brat of a son!
His houses are over priced and overrated as well but like you say the spoilt son has got it now he wants top price for a now second line motorcycle
I've had 4 of the so called Hinkley Triumph's. When I looked to buy a new bike this summer Triumph was NOT a brand I looked at. Why? I think their bikes are overpriced, often under developed, and I STRONGLY dislike the fact that they trade on their British heritage yet now build 90% of their bikes outside of the UK. I also dislike their corporate type dealerships. I also detest the way they treat customers. So I went to my admittedly corporate BMW dealer, received in the main excellent customer service and a fair price on a new BMW R Nine T. (To join my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650) So apart from the 2005 air cooled Thruxton 900 which the wife has had from new which we will keep, its good bye to Triumph and their crappy over-priced (made in Thailand) bikes and their corny "life style" merchandising from this household.
I've never fancied their overly overpriced 'lifestyle' merchandise either.
I owned brought from new a Sprint 1050 2008. The clutch would over heat in traffic and seize preventing gear change until the clutch had cooled down. They constantly told me there’s nothing wrong with it. They eventually took it apart & checked it out and said it was all to factory spec. There’s nothing wrong with it sir. And it over heated on the way home and seized. So couldn’t sell it couldn’t ride it. It sat an the drive for years un rideable. Until I called them up and finally Triumph admitted officially that some clutches have a problem and had a redesigned clutch to fit. I had to pay the labour charge & they supplied the parts. Sold the bike instantly to get rid of it.
I’ll never buy another Triumph.
After my new (300 km oddo) bike fell down at 10km/h on soft ground, gear selector inside gearbox broke and made damage to clutch and other parts inside gearbox, all in all 3700 eur repair cost. I’m still wandering how is possible that such damage is done by simple fall aside incident.
LOL They obviously don't realize half of their customers are also your viewers!
Hi Stuart, I’ve been enjoying your often informative videos over the last few months and I just wanted to raise an alternative view to Triumphs’ position on a couple of things. They can’t and probably shouldn’t share what is sensitive business information on product failures with you, especially when it could end up in this public forum. Also their offer to guarantee a repair with a limited warranty seems fair, surely you can’t expect more? As you and other contributors point out there is legal recourse if the bike turns out to be not fit for purpose. Anyway I still don’t know whether to buy a T100 or an Interceptor 🤔 cheers
I have two friends here in NZ who have had liquid cooled Bonnevilles, and their experience has been very similar to that which Stuart has had. Major issues on the bikes, very very poor dealer support. The dealer did try hard, same dealer in both cases but the support and information from Triumph was so poor that the dealer, although they hung onto the franchise, has essentially stopped selling them. They stated, on the QT to me as a journalist, that the bikes were of poor quality, the warranty and technical support non existent, many promises were made by Triumph but very few of those promises if any were honoured. What Triumph hav done in effect is create a whole lot of people who will, at every opportunity, try to dissuade a potential buyer and steer them to another brand.
I'm an old timer (mid seventies) I got my full licence only last year. I bought a very low mileage Yamaha Fazer 600 from 2003 fantastic bike just to put me on until I could find a nice Triumph. All those thoughts have now gone thanks Stuart for your excellent video's. It looks like a RE Interceptor is on the cards now.
My 2009 T100 fuel injected, air cooled Bonneville...transmission was never quite right from the factory. I bought the bike new. 2nd gear was 'crunchy'. I put 7K miles on it and flipped it. It never let me stranded and because it was a 'tweener' issue and not blatant failure...I didn't take the bike in for it. I researched the issue and found out that Triumph transmission issues are 'ubiquitous'. It is for this single issue, I would never buy another Triumph. The Japanese bikes generally don't have these issues like Honda.
Looking forward to this! Really appreciate your commitment to this for all 👍
Great video as usual,certainly put me off triumphs definitely a different brand next time for me too.
Thanks for all the info you provide for the rest of us, I was considering a Triumph but not anymore.
I have just purchased my third new BMW. I do around 12000 miles a year. Always found the dealer, Allen Jefferies Shipley, to be be very helpful and obliging. After 900 miles I was aware of a slight handling problem. I phoned the dealer and they put me through to a technician. It was arranged that I would take the bike in the following day. They spent 21/2 hours on the bike and took it for a test ride. I have had several warranty issues on the 2 previous bikes which were both fixed at my convenience and no questions asked. Nothing is too much trouble. After hearing about triumph woes I am really glad I bought another BMW, I was considering a 900 Tiger.