Triumph motorcycles - where are they?

witfalait · #1 (**permalink**) 11th April 2009, 05:56 AM

Every few months I depart Bangkok for a day or two at Chantaburi. On each occasion, I drive past the Triumph factory, and wistfully recall my youth when Triumphs, BSAs and Matchless's kept my garage floor well lubricated (one at a time, I should add).

But where are the bikes? Who has ever seen a Trumpy on Thai roads? Anyone? Are they all for export? I have never even noticed a bike shop selling them.
Man, I'd love to buy one before I croak, even if they don't leak oil any more.

(Some would say it is a conspiracy to deny expats beautiful motorbikes. That is plainly ridiculous... but certainly the CIA is involved somewhere.)

King Silk · #2 (**permalink**) 11th April 2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witfalait

Every few months I depart Bangkok for a day or two at Chantaburi. On each occasion, I drive past the Triumph factory, and wistfully recall my youth when Triumphs, BSAs and Matchless's kept my garage floor well lubricated (one at a time, I should add).

But where are the bikes? Who has ever seen a Trumpy on Thai roads? Anyone? Are they all for export? I have never even noticed a bike shop selling them.
Man, I'd love to buy one before I croak, even if they don't leak oil any more.

(Some would say it is a conspiracy to deny expats beautiful motorbikes. That is plainly ridiculous... but certainly the CIA is involved somewhere.)

I am sure there some here Wit old bean. Never seen one though.
I had a shock a couple of years ago. Went into the UK Motorbike Museum and there on a stand in the Foyer was my old 500cc BSA Twin! It had been beautifully restored to a new condition. I think I paid about 250qud for it in 1991. It was then priced at 1250 if my memory serves me..
And would you believe it. THERE under the engine was....a little pool of oil!!!

King Silk · #3 (**permalink**) 11th April 2009, 11:18 AM

Hey! Triumph have a factory in Thailand!!!

This is a dealer in BKK I think matey.

BritBike Company Limited | Soi Soonvichai, Rama 9 Road | +66 (0) 2 203 1315, +66 (0) 2 203 1316

witfalait · #4 (**permalink**) 17th May 2009, 02:45 AM

Thanks Kingy old man, you are a champ! I will check it out when I get back to BKK, though I am starting to fear my dream of riding a big pommy bike again is fast evaporating. Back in Aust for a while - one or two health issues and to see the kids. Fingers crossed for the future. (Sadly, I may have to give up Sangsom and coke. That should be easy here: can't get Sangsom here for love nor money, can you believe it? What a primitive country.) So sorry I did not see your message at the end of April.

I found another great quote for you:
"When I die, I would like to go peacefully, in my sleep, like my Grandfather did. Not screaming and yelling like the passenger in his car." -Jack Handy

King Silk · #5 (**permalink**) 17th May 2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witfalait

Thanks Kingy old man, you are a champ! I will check it out when I get back to BKK, though I am starting to fear my dream of riding a big pommy bike again is fast evaporating. Back in Aust for a while - one or two health issues and to see the kids. Fingers crossed for the future. (Sadly, I may have to give up Sangsom and coke. That should be easy here: can't get Sangsom here for love nor money, can you believe it? What a primitive country.) So sorry I did not see your message at the end of April.

I found another great quote for you:
"When I die, I would like to go peacefully, in my sleep, like my Grandfather did. Not screaming and yelling like the passenger in his car." -Jack Handy

At Last Wity old bean..... Hope you get a Triumph. Great Quote also. Come back to LOS real soon. Hope no great problem with your health? Take care.....