I have my own reasons for why I regret buying my 2017 T100. Some are dealer issues, some are OEM issues. it didn't take long either. Within days the luster of the purchase was starting to wane. Getting to the point now where there is not one vehicle, motorcycle, ATV, UTV, etc that is being made today that is worth the money they want for it. The excitement is gone.
Sorry to hear all these sad tales, especially as I've just come over to Triumph from Harley (similar horror stories could be told...). I have a 4 year old Explorer (no idea where they are made...is it in Blighty?) and the only corrosion that I can see is a little peeling of the finish on the front of the engine casings which get most of the muck/salt chucked at them from the road. Now liberally coated in ACF50. I looked extensively at BMW but they were on the whole pretty awful with corrosion problems evident on bikes only a few years old (mostly the alloy coatings bubbling up and peeling off). One dealer told me that he bought a new R1200RS two years ago, rode it for 11 months and when it went in for service, they told him that they had to scrap the frame which they would replace under warranty due to severe corrosion issues rendering it unsafe....that would have cost him over £3k had it been out of warranty. Similar horror stories about with BMW GS reliability with 40% of new bikes breaking down or needing replacement parts in the first few years...Triumph are not alone. What matters is how the dealership treats its customers. Most of these issues are resolvable (it's not rocket science after all) but if Triumph are not acting honourably, they will lose custom as people are more savvy these days when it comes to who they spend their hard earned with. I left Ducati after having quality issues with their bikes. I left Harley after having so many issues on a new bike, and getting it back without things properly resolved, in some case with more damage inflicted by sloppy care from the dealership (albeit the build was pretty decent). It seems to me that a combination of EC Regulations on metal coatings have pushed many manufacturers away from some of the better more robust finished that they used to use (on alloy for example) but where steel is concerned its down to the quality of the steel and the preparation before coating and there's no excuse for rust on a decently powder coated frame. I'm hoping that my Explorer frame doesn't suffer from the same issues (it seems to be ok after 4 years/7K miles). It does seem that many bikes are going this we these days and the only European manufacturer that are pretty much exempt from a lot of these issues is KTM. I had one a few years back and the build quality was simply superb. BMW/Triumph/Guzzi/Ducati are all seemingly much of a muchness, but reliability and running costs-wise, I would never go back to Ducati, nor would I chance a newer BMW until they have got atop their reliability woes. I hope that the OP gets sorted.
It is such a shame that most of the current range of KTMs are just eyeball searingly awful to look at. They are quite nicely made things.
Reading this is sad but I agree with many its not just Triumph but now on my 4th Triumph and thankfully no major issues. My Sprint ST was all good When I bought my 2014 Tiger Sport I returned home and a week later whilst cleaning & applying ACF50 I noticed salt corrosion on the inside of fork legs. On closer inspection it appeared the bike had done most of its 2000 miles with a previous owner in winter and not properly cleaned/protected. My dealer was fantastic and Triumph replaced the front fork legs complete under warranty even though it was clear the bike had not been cared for properly. So a good dealer really helps My last Speed Triple was faultless and I hope this new one will be the same. I did find a defect in the tank under the plastic cover but the dealer said they will take a look on its 500 mile service. I expect them to be first class again and resolve if I am not happy though Triumph like all dealers seem to have quality issues but like many have said, its the dealers response to these that makes the difference (Pic of tank defect below)
I started off thinking the Speed was fugly, then everytime I looked it got nicer looking now I want one. Its the same with the KTM's
The KTM's I've either owned or ridden aren't as comfy as the Explorer and the fueling on them (except the last of the Mikuni carb models I had) has been pretty awful unless re-mapped. Better on the newer ones though. I'd agree that KTMs are generally better built and seem to be the more reliable longer term option (IME for the last generation models) but they don't have it all quite their own way. SMT/Adventure/SM headlamps were dire; first of the fly by wire fuel injected bikes were jerky as heck at low revs; seats generally too tall for anyone under 6 ft; seats not that comfortable; weren't really designed with two up touring/motoring in mind plus far from cheap new. I'm not a great fan either of the Transformer looks, but trumpets, including my own aren't exempt (The Explorer is modelled on Orvil!) Latest generation KTMs are insanely powerful...and I got thinking about this recently. After 35 years in the saddle I've owned and ridden all sorts from so-called "hyper-sports" to big tourers with bikes up to close on 150BHP. I simply don't see how, in any respect, that 160BHP for a relatively lightweight litre-plus bike is relevant at all on UK roads...or any roads come to that. Track bike? Yes. Touring/Adventure? No. It's become a race to the top but no-one seems to know why a power race is being run when really, it defeats the point of a pleasant and effortless tourer/adventure bike (I'm not referring to the sports models...just the touring oriented ones). It's simply put, unnecessary and brings its own set of issues. I've ridden some of these and the power is too much to be comfortable with. The Explorer may have 30Kg extra bulk but Triumph have got that balance of power to purpose spot on; low down torque and massive mid range shove all where it matters. They've just ignored the silly bonkers top end race for hyper-sports-like performance and their touring and adventure bikes are all the better for it. BMW are similar, if not quite as exciting to ride. They have the balance right too (but NOT their reliability!). For all that, KTM arguably make the best genuine off road bikes currently available...it's just a shame that they had to go and laden them with over-complex electronic gismos and pointlessly high power outputs. One of the best I reckon the produced which seemed to strike all the right balances was the older 990 SMT. Chuck in a lower seat height, better lights, better seat and they'd have had a world beating all-rounder which could have left the others to their power struggle and those in the know would all be riding SMTs. As it stands, KTM didn't really get round to addressing these things. Instead they made their bikes taller, more complicated, more expensive, more powerful, less everyday all rounders. The grass may be greener on the other side but I have no regrets about buying a Gen 1 Explorer. I think Triumph essentially got it right on this first time...just as Aprilia did with their RSV Mille and RSVR entries into the Vee Twin sportsbike world (I owned two of those and they were fabulous motorcycles that also "got the recipe right"). Pity then that Triumph couldn't offer an Explorer where it doesn't take all day to get to the spark plugs or carry out what would be relatively simple and straightforward maintenance without major hassles...that's another story though...
Not sure any of the adventure bikes from any manufacturer will have you looking back longingly thinking its a looker but I dont think KTM has triumph licked in all areas, some, but not all. The Super adventure GT is a nice bike though. I was tempted by that
I agree that the fueling on the newer ones is much improved, and have to admit that the active suspension is fab. I just worry that with all the electronics these days, there's just more things to go wrong. They can bimble along when needed but there's something more attractive to me about older school bikes made with characterful engines that just perform right without all the electronics to flatter the riders and with just about the perfect balance of power to weight. I think that there's a tendency to use electronics to appeal to a wider audience but most skilled riders, off road at any rate, tend to switch the gimmicks off for more fun/control. There's also a few other confusing issues when looking at bike comparisons these days and that's that some quote BHP/Torque at the rear wheel, others at the crank. It would help when looking for a true comparison or impression if they all quoted at the back wheel. Triumph quote 135BHP for the Explorer for example but rear wheel is more like 115. I'm unsure if KTM quote at the crank but would assume so. They're mostly all pretty grunty these days though.
One thing other than seat height that put me off buying a KTM over a Triumph was their warranty exclusions. They only cover engine, frame and swingarm (ie no electronics). It comes down to bad luck I know if you get one that develops electronic issues, but on such a complex bike, costing so much, I wouldn't take that risk. Used buys are probably a safer bet as with some miles on them, as long as everything works, they ought to stay fine. They do seem generally reliable bits of kit though. If I'd had the room, I'd have kept my old KTM...cracking bit of kit.
Have to agree with you mate. Had 5 Triumphs in the last ten years And now on my second KTM ( a brand new 790 Scalpel (parallel twin) , I wont be going back to Triumph!
Full 2 year warranty on bike, limited warranty after I've got a 3 year old 690 Duke that had a blown plastic tank (due to high ethanol content in fuel). KTM changed under limited warranty, at the cost of one hours labour last month. Try getting that out of Triumph???
Changed forks on my tiger sport, 2 year old after previous owner neglected to clean salt off. Youles submitted warranty claim and Triumph sorted out. For every bad story there is a good.
Changed forks on my tiger sport, 2 year old after previous owner neglected to clean salt off. Youles submitted warranty claim and Triumph sorted out. For every bad story there is a good.
Well Andy, I have despite being happy with my 765RS found myself lusting after another KTM, this time it’s a RC8 I went to look on Saturday & struck a deal there & then. Nothing wrong with the Triumph just got a bit bored & fancied another V twin. Anyone who fancies a 765RS can have mine for £7900 but would need to collect it & pay by Fri or it’s going to the dealer.
I am in the middle of a warranty claim/battle at the moment. Speed triple R with all over frame corrosion, I bought it used from a triumph dealer. They tried the warranty route at it got rejected due to outwith warranty period, it’s nasty looking. Visiting local triumph dealer at the weekend to see if there is any hope!
Sadly this is all very true for me,iv'e had at least 5 new triumph's in the last 10yrs that have gone so badly rusty i sold them all before they were 10m old,the worst being a 5m old tiger 1050 and i keep my bikes meticulously clean ride all year round and do a lot of miles,never had a problem with any other make of bike,combine this with the arrogance of some dealers like there is nothing wrong with our machines and the extortionate cost of servicing these piles of rust,NEVER EVER going to buy another new one,hence i have a 2011 triumph in the garage from an era when they were not made from thailand metals but even though my current 2011 triumph is really good and far better quality when it approaches it's major service it will be gone and i will be a 2 yamaha family,the only regret being this forum has the nicest bunch of people iv'e ever communicated with.
Gazwhitespeed. Although its called the Triumph Forum I don't think it will matter a lot what bike you are on. You are still Family and we do love to hear from you and your travels and tips. Ride Safe Joe.
Yeah,keep off my grass you blind f-cker,stones ain't big enough for yer,iv'e hit a wall with the knee exercises just can't get the bend past a certain point but you know me jez will keep going no matter what,i will get there but can see it being another 6 weeks easy.But the minute i can bend it enough to get in my car that will be a nice halfway point until my first bike ride.Knew this was coming for the last 10yrs that's why iv'e got an automatic car and a bungalow.
How long post op are you? Your flex will have diminished with your old knee deteriorating. It is painful re-stretching shortened tendons and ligaments.