I like the Triumph small write up from an ordinary biker not me not a journo but a ST1300 rider:-
As a result of some previous contacts, I got invited to the Triumph factory in Hinkley, Leicestershire, on Friday 12th October to try-out a pre-production version of the new Triumph Trophy. I was told I was the first member of the general public to ride this bike as it has only been ridden by factory personnel, plus trade and press representatives thus far. This model is aimed fair and square at the touring market, and has in its sights competitive models such as BMW R1200GT and BMW K1600 as well of course as the Honda Pan European.
My first impressions have been as follows:
ENGINE: Not as smooth as the Pan, but pulls well and will rev as far as 10,000rpm, so there is more rev range to play with through the corners. However it is not quite as torquey as the ST1300, but probably similar to the ST1100.
GEARBOX: Six-speed. Very good. I don't think I missed a single gear.
RIDING POSITION/SEAT. Similar to an ST1300 with handlebar risers. The seat is flatter and more comfortable than a standard ST1300.
WIND PROTECTION: Very good for the rider. Not tested as a pillion.
MIRRORS: Similar to the ST1300 standard, which means you do get a bit of a view of hands and bar levers.
PANNIERS/TOP BOX: Extra power sockets in front fairing pocket and top-box look useful.
AUDIO: In-built speakers are not to my taste. Do I really want to ride around like a mobile discotheque? I think fitting an Autocom unit to this bike would be essential so you can hard-wire sat-nav, helmet speakers, etc. and not worry about the vagaries of blue-tooth and having to charge-up head-set batteries.
ELECTRONICS: Loads of stuff including radio, and all sorts of options for displaying trip information/mileage/fuel consumption as well as gear position, tyre pressure, digital speed and air temperature. I didn't get to try the cruise control.
CONTROLS/RIDE-BY-WIRE: This bike has a ride-by-wire throttle. However I don't think you would know that unless told. Fuelling seemed very smooth at low throttle openings for manoeuvring in car parks and at junctions. The rest of the controls, including hydraulic clutch, seemed to work well.
HANDLING: The bike went where I pointed it with no surprises. I left it in 'normal' damping mode which can be varied whilst riding. The Pirelli ST Angel tyres seem to suit the bike very well.
All-in-all I think Triumph have made a very good first attempt at creating a dedicated shaft-driven tourer. Fuel capacity and economy seem to be about right and I am certain Triumph are going to do well with this bike. Honda had better look-out!
Derek French.
And a follow up:-
Dropping the bike was discussed. The bike doesn't have the tip-over wings like a Pan which I think is a shame as the bike is very good in so many other areas.The frame on the Triumph is just 11kgs, and instead the engine is used as part of the frame. Adding the extra metalwork for side crashbars has been viewed as not so desirable for weight reasons. A French jounalist who dropped the bike at a standstill did some minor damage, but (I am told) the fairing did well at taking the strain and bounced right back into shape. The tips of the mirror pods CAN be replaced and the panniers are double-skinned and (I think) the outer skin which has the paint can be replaced.
