I live in the USA. Has anyone out there seen this new Triumph Cub? http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2012/07/triumph-bringing-back-cub-single/ I would prefer a 500cc but would buy a 350cc tomorrow.
I had to get some problems fixed with some warranty work I was trying to get done on my speed triple so I was talking to Triumph USA about a 350 class bike. They did not say yes or no but did say in 18 months we will know more about what all the buzz is all about. Personally I hope to see one sooner than that but looks like its going to be a little while before we get to play.
FWIW, seems the majority of Google results lean toward a mini-street-triple looking bike, not so much a 'classics' model. perhaps like the Daytona and Tiger only the name will be retro...
Buddy had a 200cc Cub. I had the 250. Heavy but a fun 1st dirt bike. Rode my 1st Enduro on one. Finished the 100 miler but was young and draggin at the end. There are much better 250s around now like the new Honda.
The first bike I ever road was a BSA 441 Victor after my high school art teacher tossed me his keys. I bought a used BSA Starfire 250 which was similar to the Triumph. I traveled all over New Mexico on that with K70 Dunlops, the knobby of the time. I'm 58 now with a DR650, 800XC, and a ST2 Ducati and wouldn't mind adding a smaller single or an improved 650 to the stable. I had one of the first 800's in New Mexico, putting money down sight unseen, and haven't been disappointed. I'd do the same with a Triumph single. GO TRIUMPH!
I'm sure it will be Triumph priced, and with no dic brake at all...why not just go with a TU250X and get the made in Japan quality? F.W.I.W. I did get a kick out of some of the comments on that page. It's funny how some brain-washed people only think of smaller CC bikes as beginners bikes. Visit the TU250X page on this site alone, and you'll see many of us skilled vets find a 250CC bike to be plenty adequate. (and the classic lines make these bikes usable/customizable compared to something like a cookie cutter CBR250R or Ninja)
I looked at the TU250x but my last bike was a Yamaha xt225. I would like at least a 350cc for mountain riding. The best bike I ever had was my Yamaha SR500, I regret selling that and now they are going for "classic" motorcycle prices, more than when they were new.
Yes, you should have held on to that bike. A modern balanced version would be nice. Clean used ones at good prices turn up around here from time to time. I never rode one, but had one go by me in New Hope PA last summer and it sounded fantastic and looked very cool. So many bikes, so little money and time....
Living in New Mexico with Arizona to the west and Colorado to the north off road elevations can get pretty high. I've always loved the 250's but with 3500' to 9000' altitudes the norm I needed to go bigger. Triumph would do well to bump up to at least the 350-500cc range and keeping the weight down. What would be nice...... * $500-$1000 more than DR/KLR * around 300 lbs * large dia. / thin wall chrome moly frame (light and reparable) * 5+ gallon tank * 8" suspension travel (adjustable would be nice) * 31"-33" seat height (wider seat, this not being a MX bike) * decent wattage alternator * fuel injection * wide ratio 6 speed * air cooled (lighter/less maintenance) * decent headlight * available options - tubeless rims, center stand, side and top racks Would this cut into 800XC sales? I don't think so. It would open Triumph up to people intimidated by size, weight, and price.
but can't get photobucket to work. any ideas? http://s1295.beta.photobucket.com/user/Tin_woodman/media/1969BSA250.jpg.html
Ah, thanks tirebiter. Will study up on posting pics. Wouldn't you just love to smack that snot nosed kid on the bike?
Tirebiter, Boy did you hit the refresh button on my memory. I had a 68 Starfire that was cream white and light blue. It had a low pipe on the right. My first street bike, it took me all over norther NM.
Thanks for the posting tip - that was the final key I needed. It ain't easy being stupid you know. We may have hijacked this thread enough. You may see me pop up on Yet Another Toaster Rebuild (pun intentional). I promise, it will be tedious. ps - nice pic of you on the Honda - not sure what you're more proud of, the bike or them desert boots. And wipe that smirk off your face.
Sketch here, may mean nothing, might be the bike? http://motociclismo.terra.com.br/index.asp?codc=1112#
Looks to be a better CBR250, shooting for a 32 HP figure at the top. Shy of the Ninja 300, maybe the chassie bits will be better? http://www.carblogindia.com/triumph-street-300350-sports-bike-india-launch-by-2013/
I live in AZ, and have ridden from Phoenix to Flagstaff (1200 feet to 10,000 feet) many times on a TU250. I did not feel it really needed more power. It probably has as much or more than many of those 500cc singles from the old days, and it won't break down. I just downshift when needed. I was very impressed with it's performance.