Triumph Bonneville GEARBOX FAILURES! The truth about TRIUMPH!

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!
PayPal donations. [e-mail]
PATREON. / stuartfillingham

[@bartjax2818]

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.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks for the info!

[@bartjax2818]

Month later, thousand miles more and another selector replaced. Workshop gave me 1.5k miles warranty 😂 so I already booked a next visit 👍🏻

[@bartjax2818]

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.

[@bartjax2818]

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.

[@JH-wt3zq]

Hi Bart, please keep me informed on your bike. Mine has failed 5 times.

[@ronnronn55]

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

[@nicholasknibbs8162]

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.

[@guzz1jon]

'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!

[@wallyr.7854]

Stuart, as always a great informative and honest video 👍🏻 Thank you for being out there and looking out for us Triumph riders 👊🏻

[@brockett]

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.

[@Juliang61]

I did the same!!!!

[@alanmcqueen8498]

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.

[@rumien1383]

Good on ya Dave. Enjoy the Z👍🏻

[@jonathanmeehan4400]

Had three Kawasaki's and loved them all

[@grimo57]

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.

[@petercarr6599]

Come on triumph, pull your bloody socks up and be better, your losing customers and I'm one of them.

[@georgiesgirl64]

Me too! Was going to get another for my 50th next year, serious doubts now

[@alanburton2689]

I will never buy a Triumph after this video but they have never been the most reliable motorcycles ever

[@timothy5355]

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.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

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 😃👍🏻

[@rodbowes5309]

Yeah, but to be fair Enfield gearboxes don't have to deal with similar levels of power and torque..😉

[@leslieaustin151]

@@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?

[@sbeck152]

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.

[@bankruptpensioner]

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.

[@Mtthwpez]

I got everything I needed to know about Triumph quality, reliability and customer service from a Twitter acquaintance called SMO. He owns a Speed Tipple RS and his frame has snapped along a weld. This has affected more people than his personal bike, and despite Triumph acknowledging this as a known problem, they left him out in the cold to cough up for a replacement frame...

[@Shinysideup]

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.

[@myagoodbody7942]

I’ve owned a few triumphs and currently own a rocket 3r, after a few months of ownership I had a couple of questions, I sent Triumph a email, the following morning I got a phone call from Triumph answering my questions and telling me if I had any more just to call, a couple of hours later I received a phone from my dealership telling me that they had a call from Triumph saying I had been in touch and repeating that if I wanted the bike looked over just to bring it in at any time that suited me, I’d call that first class service, sorry to hear your having difficulties but as I said I can’t fault Triumph

[@RobynMunguia]

I love my T120 ! But now I worry about issues after this video. I feel bad for everything he’s gone thru. Sad

[@mcfund3188]

LOL They obviously don't realize half of their customers are also your viewers!

[@UncleWally3]

I’ve ridden plenty but never owned a Triumph . . . but, I’ve been getting close. What’s been holding me back is that the closest Triumph dealership is “questionable” and, as opposed to my Suzuki and Honda bikes, I’m not sure about the long term quality of the product and customer support. Combined with local realities, these videos have postponed that first Triumph purchase.

[@johndillon5290]

It's like dealing with a nest of vipers. I have a Thailand made Triumph Thruxton R, which so far hasn't given me any probs . However, when you spend so much money on a motorcycle, you expect a decent level of service, and if there is a problem with the product, you would expect that the company stands by it's commitment to rectify the problem instead of fobbing it off onto someone else. Most of us haven't your tenacity for chasing these companies to get answers, we would have given up half way through the journey. I'm guessing they, like others, depend on our apathy to give up the chase. If i had read of your experience prior to buying my motorcycle, i would be riding a completely different bike now. That's how important social media is compared to their bias marketing ploys. Keep up the great work.

[@9parasqn656]

Been seriously considering a speedmaster for a while. Some of the cheap, tacky touches ( plastic speedo, cable ties on the bars, corrosion, ridiculous pricing for custom add-ons .. ) have made me think a bit harder. Now I see this and am very sorry to say NO WAY Triumph.

[@davidparadis490]

Reminds me of a time me and a buddy both bought the same Yamaha bike from the same dealer on the same day. It became a known issue that these bikes were prone to a bad 3rd gear. My buddy went through two of them before resorting to an aftermarket gear set replacement to fix the problem. I never experienced the problem. Was it a difference in shifting styles or just random bad parts and i hit the lottery? We usually rode together and put the same hours/mileage on the bikes, so who knows...

[@themoog3889]

Great video ! Obviously 6 people who have Triumph blindness have disliked it !......For balance , Other brand blindness is available ! 😎

[@Pynaegan]

I'm pretty sure that anyone in upper management at Triumph (especially in regards to customer care) are well aware of these videos by now and are subscribed to this channel to get the latest information regarding their own public relation faux pas. I imagine that Triumph would enjoy a greater "success" were it not for the customer community being so well informed through channels such as this one. A "consumer watchdog" as it were.

[@paulaustin5970]

I totally get why Stuart may not want to buy another Triumph but nothing in this video would stop me buying one. Think there is not one manufacturer out there that is not guilty of similar practices regarding a potential known fault. It's wrong but certainly not unique to Triumph. Happy to make my own mind up on these kinds of issues and take what comes from that.

[@themoog3889]

@@paulaustin5970 I think that's what everyone should do , make up thier own minds ! As I've said in a comment before I'm sick of Bonneville riders coming and telling me why my bike is s#$t , mind your own it suits me and thats what matters ! Its not just that bike either I get the same when I go out on my Versys too ! Vive la difference I say ! Just bracing myself for when I buy a Benelli TRK502x for the onslaught . My money my choice !

[@scottroberts4551]

I own a 2020 T120 and so far it's been a great bike w/5k miles on it. I'll be watching this very closely and making decisions accordingly. We should all band together - power in numbers! Class action suit???

[@Sy7her]

I'm impressed with your patience and perseverance, really appreciate it. Thank you for looking out for everyone, this will be my last Triumph...

[@mjstow]

Great work and information. The saga you describe is appalling, and one that brings up many memories for me regarding dealing with large companies. They're happy to take your money, and after that you're on your own. I've used the Consumer Rights Act to great effect in the past, and am keen that everyone should be more aware of their rights. This video is a great reminder of those rights.

[@colt2206]

Wow I was going back and forth on purchasing a Triumph or Royal Enfield. Kept thinking that Triumph must be better because they are about double the price. But after seeing all the reliability problems and quality issues with Triumph I think the Royal Enfield is by far better

[@iangilmour1597]

Thankyou for this information I've owned a T00 triumph Bonville for over 6 years I bought it second hand from my and s NEWCASTLE I'm happy with it but next time bi think I'll buy another brand thankyou for your honesty and your very well explanation on how I've come to my decision to try a different brand next time thankyou Yours sincerely Ian Gilmour

[@richardplatt2826]

Just bought a Triumph. Not a Bonnie thank goodness but I am bloody worried now. Cheers Stuart! Not sarcasm, genuinely glad that someone is prepared to stand up in public and say whats what. What the hell are Triumph playing at?

[@OldSkoolBiker62]

All of these problems with Triumph dealerships as put me off buying a T120 and now looking at buying a Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster.

[@jonathanprior6025]

I bought my first new bike last year and went with Royal Enfield. The 650 Conti GT that I bought has now had three warranty issues with bike off road and having to be returned to the dealer. In all three instances there has been no issue with either the dealer or Moto GB and the communication has been trouble free. The latest issue was during the Covid lockdown but the communication was not hindered in any way and the dealer regularly contacted me to keep me informed. So whilst I am disappointed with the reliability of the bike, I am more than satisfied with the way that RE and their dealer have treated me. For me, the way a company treats its customers is one of my key buying considerations. I was toying with the idea of buying a new Triumph, maybe even trading in the Conti for the new Trident but this sorry Triumph after sales care saga has totally convinced me not to. I will stick with my RE, recognising that their after sales care is worth its weight in gold. I have yet to see if my other brand new bike acquisition was a mistake from an after sales care perspective but then it is a Yamaha and it hasn’t let me down at all. Maybe there’s a key learning point right there?

[@markgoscinski3509]

I had doubts about owning my Ducati Scrambler (starter motor failed at 34 months old and 5k miles ! ) but it's a blessing compared to the poor feedback i read and observe on channels like yours and through other media channels regarding Triumph products ,on this basis alone i wouldn't ever dip my toe in to their products despite loving the look and performance of them . I don't need the stress .Keep at em Stuart ,thanks for a great video .

[@peterford9369]

Hi Stuart, I know on auto's, disk brake squeal is caused by a slightly loose pad, or movement of the pads, something like that. They sold brake grease to apply to back of pads on assembly. It happens periodically but not always on every vehicle. Man the gearbox issues really sounds crappy. Can't believe they can't find out the problem. But I sure wouldn't put up with those answer's. I have an air cooled bonneville. Can't understand what could be different with a liquid cooled model. Unless the design places a coolant passage in an area that does something detrimental to the shift forks or whatever goes bad. And if it can happen again and again in the same engine,,,that truly stinks. Guess I'll stick with old air cooled. Haha. Thanks

[@survivalskillsuk]

Depressing saga. My trainee's bike went down with the same issue last week, was fixed in time for the training but failed again during the course itself. Although it appears this second issue could have been a clutch problem, and perhaps related to the rebuild rather than the original gear selection fault, the breakdown mid-training left left her stranded on the motorway.

[@eyedoclondon]

I have a recently become obsessed with getting a triumph and have made loads of enquiries of friends who have them - and they universally loved them. None of them have had any significant issues. What does differ is the responsiveness of the dealership. I have been to several over the past three months - the difference is stark. The one in Washington has been absolutely brilliant. So helpful and responsive. Reply to emails and phone calls immediately. As I was browsing the stock bikes in the car park at Washington I met a little man who brought his Bonnie for repair - he told me he been going to them for years and that they are an absolutely brilliant dealership and have repaired a few things over the years either free of charge or with contributions. The content of Stuart's video is quite disheartening though....Triumph's behaviours and attitudes just make them look incompetent at best and arrogant and uncaring at worst. I love Stuart's videos. They are like little stories and I share many of his pet peeves.

[@surdzo]

I was on my way to Triumph dealer in Macedonia to place an order for either speed twin 900 either t100 2024 (competition green) and thanks god at last minute I’ve spotted and watched this video. To be honest I like Triumph as a brand and heritage it have not to mention it’s looks and to put it simple it is my dream bike since I was a kid. …but, since this bikes are way too expensive for the sum of its components at least I expect not only initial exceptional quality and fit and finish but also exceptional reliability and customer care. If this happened to me I would probably splash gasoline on the bike in front of Triumph Showroom in Skopje and burn it while filming that and posting on all social media platforms. Because to purchase either of mentioned models average citizen in my country need to work and save at least 24-36 months for this bike and hibernate in meantime. I think that European motorcycle and car manufacturers have to wake up from a long nap before Chinese brands run them over in a few years from now, you can not live from an old glory, I mean you can, but its a short lived journey. Thanks for your effort and at least you wake me up if not Triumph. Cheers 🍻

[@johnDukemaster]

Thank you mr Fillingham! Warranty is a way to keep customers to do their services at the dealership. I'm staying away from Triumph. Not just because of your reports, but the local dealer here in Copenhagen is somewhat...like the brand itself! If everything goes well, he's your best friend. If anything goes wrong...well, he's not!

[@34979Charlie]

Stevens MC ??

[@ajay600-G11]

Currently own a 2010 cast wheel 865. No problems of this nature but I'm certainly put off buying a newer replacement. Triumph need to pull their socks up and do better. In this day and age of social networking companies can't get away with this sort of thing hoping people will not get to find out. Makes you wonder what sort of idiots are in charge burying their heads in the sand and hoping it will go away. Honda had horrendous problems with the VF750 but look at the VFR 750 that came out of their problem solving. Allen Millyard got bored with his as all he had to do was petrol, tyres, brakes (occasionally) !

[@pad759]

Fascinating video. I’ve been seriously thinking about getting a water-cooled Triumph Bonneville - but you’ve given me something to think about - hmmm!

[@quarkiepo]

Thank you for the video. It's important for us customers to know the reality and experience of existing owners. I really would not buy a triumph now - I was interested in the trident, I want to support a local business but if you could not have your problems fixed I've got no chance. If you want to play with the big boys triumph it's time to grow up and treat the people who put bread on your plate with respect and stop fobbing them off!!!

[@rickydowns1289]

I’ve heard enough to put me off buying the new trident. Thanks uncle Stu, I’ll be sticking with Honda.

[@markfilby2292]

A big thank you again Stuart. Shame on Triumph. As an ex-owner directly attributed to this fault; Triumph can be assured I will not be buying another one of their bikes. The lack of customer service and taking responsibility to care for the customer is just unacceptable. Is it a dangerous fault?, personally I didnt feel I was put in danger but I could imagine, in the wrong circumstances that it could indeed put the rider in a very vulnerable situation. My bike failed without warning (5200 miles) and only had been serviced by Triumph 400 miles prior - everything appeared perfectly normal (apart from noisy breaks and somewhat dodgy fueling) - I should add the bike was out of warranty. A very good point about the true meaning and value of warranty; in reality the relationship between customer and dealer is often a deciding factor - my dealer was good right upto the point that Triumph would not support the gearbox failure!....bye bye Triumph! Keep up the great work and I really hope your T120 keeps reliable.

[@stevelong5510]

Thankfully I don’t have a Triumph, I have a Bullet 500, but I’d just like to say what a great video to show anyone how to ride a bike on our UK roads particularly someone new to riding, the only downside is I was so transfixed I didn’t listen 100% 👍

[@billbarrett6285]

Would you please tell me what issues your aware of that still exist on the new 2022 T100 / T120? Which bike would you recommend for a beginner who is in early 50s, 6' 3", avg weight? What options / accessories would you recommende for that bike? Are there any motorcycle clubs in Britain? As a totally unrelated question, I live in the US. I love many things about Britain. I've had to go on disability pension due to some health issues. I'd love to live in Britain. Do you happen to know anyone that's made that move or if it's something very difficult to do? I hope you don't mind me asking this auestion which I know doesn't have anything to do with the topic of your channel.

[@automotriztechnica]

Stuart, you do excellent videos, I like to see them a lot, your reviews are true and cover both pros and cons. Respect you for your honest reviews. Yogesh from India 🇮🇳

[@arizmo]

Apparently Triumph's business model at the moment is 'push as many bikes as possible out of the showroom'. And customer service and brand loyalty is not part of it. Now I'm starting to wonder about the rough sound I'm getting from my 2018 Tiger XCx at 9k kms going from 1st to 2nd gear, vice versa.

[@cp4512]

Sorry to hear you’ve had bad luck and bad service. Triumph have been brilliant to me over many years of bikes with excellent service, whereas KTM and Yamaha not so much.

[@stuartfillingham]

Good to hear

[@JockBiker]

Nice video. Like other comments, really changed my opinion of buying the new trident. When buying anything the product is hugely important, but customer service and quality is massive.

[@iRDaBrit]

I'm so glad I bought a RE. I was going to go Triumph until I saw your videos on this subject.

[@RhodieRowley]

I have another year left on the lease on my T120!! Looks like I won't be riding much then.

[@laikatravels]

I wouldn’t buy another Triumph. When I take it out it’s always in the back of my mind, probably a good time to change.

[@karlosh9286]

Hi Stuart, thanks for keeping us all updated :) I remember you saying before that the Speed Twin isn't affected. Have you had any reports on them since ? My one can sometime be clunky, especially going from 1st to 2nd. It felt almost like the clutch wasn't fully open. Maybe it's my riding, although the gearbox hasn't fully stuck yet ! The Triumph triples I've had, and I've still got one, have seemed a lot less clunky and sweeter gear changes as compared to the twins. My triples have so far been fine.

[@g.g.6362]

My Speed Twin gearbox has failed at 11,400 miles,4 months out of warranty and having had 3 oil and filter changes in that time. Triumph not interested......Quoted 24 hours of labour at £96 per hour to rectify,not including replacement parts! Last Triumph for me. Totally sub standard.

[@karlosh9286]

@@g.g.6362 ☹ Guess I'll have to keep an eye on mine. I'm over a year out of warranty. On about 4500 miles. I was wondering about the difference between Speed Twin and T120 gearbox. I'd be very surprised if they aren't almost identical.

[@g.g.6362]

@@karlosh9286 From what I can see they are the same,bar the ratios. Have to question the quality of the materials and assembly,as are clearly sub standard. Will not be purchasing another Thai built motorcycle. Do hope yours remains trouble free....

[@karlosh9286]

@@g.g.6362 thanks , if mine does go wrong , well yes, I will not be getting another triumph.

[@g.g.6362]

@@karlosh9286 It has been a huge disappointment, and a costly one,as loved the styling,handling (once suspension was upgraded.....another disappointment for a £11k motorcycle),torque etc. But needing a full engine strip down at 11,000 miles is diabolical and pathetic at best.

[@malcolmmcleod9784]

Never heard of gearbox problem still riding my 1970 TR6R and it's fine been through a couple of barrels and pistons along the way apart from that it's great

[@johnhall4851]

Was going to buy a 2020 t100 this weekend but after watching this ill stick with my Japanese bikes. Thank you.

[@davidhoward7382]

I've been thinking about a Speed Twin next Spring as a replacement for my Goldwing (900 pounds getting to be too much weight for me). Now I am wondering if I should eliminate Triumph totally from my thinking. I formerly owned an America (no problems at all) and a Thunderbird (oddly I did have an issue with the gearbox, i.e., trouble downshifting from 3rd or 4th once the bike was fully warmed up).

[@Schuey_M]

Am I right in saying this issue is on the 6 speed gearbox of the 1200 Bonneville models and doesn't effect the 900cc 5 Speed Bonneville models?

[@stuartfillingham]

No your wrong I'm afraid.

[@robcig]

WOW, I wonder if Triumph HO reads the comments on sites like these. If not, they should as they’ll be out of business (again)

[@philipgregg]

I wonder how many Triumph employees are subscribers? They should bring this to the attention of senior management straight away. This video should be played at the next Triumph board meeting and those present should also be made to read the video comments too. Then if no action results from that I'm afraid there is no hope for the brand. If they had put this right years ago it would have cost less to fix than they are going to lose through loss of goodwill impacting future sales.

[@JoeyShip]

This is pretty awful. They need to just own the issue and invite everybody with this issue into a certified shop or dealer to at least find out what’s going on. This looks pretty bad on triumph and when I’m looking at another bike, I’ll probably look at Honda or maybe R.E. This also makes me a little weary in recommending a triumph to friends. Usually I rave about It. But I ride a 2014 t100..

[@stephenabbott904]

Great video Stuart and I think I’ll stick with Royal Enfield.

[@ronaldscholtens103]

Wow, this ia a shocking honest video. I don't even own a Triumph motorcycle! Well done Stuart and the Triumph company should be ashamed of themselves!

[@ianmills669]

Good for you Stu, I applaud your honesty and courage and your dedication to your viewers and to fellow Triumph owners! (The only one I ever owned was built in 1969 I think, and it gave miles and miles of trouble free pleasure!)

[@1stMrSceptical]

This year I was going to teat myself to yet another a new Motorcycle. The Suzuki V-Strom XT purchased in 2015 is very uncomfortbale on rides ove 200miles hence I have only clocked up 5,000miles on the beast in five yeras. I have nothing but praise for Suzuki, apart from the seat the bike was faultless, there was a recall for the stator. I took the bike in and the job was completed while I waited no hassle or phone calls back & forth. Being a keen 'Triumph Man' since the '60, (I still own a 1965 650cc TR6). I thought my last new bike before my sell-by date is up would be a Triumph, now however, after listening to your horror story of woe I shall give this Company a wide berth, Just checked them out: They purport to be 'Made in England' by british engineers, however they are made somwhere in the far east, doing a Dyson? What Motorcycle shall buy now. Mmmm

[@manny6584]

I was thinking about buying one, but I hate horrible customer service and that's definitely A deal breaker for me.

[@johnpaul3806]

I reported this sue to the Department of Transport (UK) they contacted Triumph and apparently investigated. Declined to uphold my complaint as not a safety issue.

[@colinmartin2921]

Triumph have miscalculated; they decided to milk wealthy older riders, and so produced bigger and bigger engines, with more and more complexity in the electronics department, which cost more and more money, but older riders do not want a big engine, and Royal Enfield produced a bike that fitted the bill perfectly, simple, light and of six-fifty cc capacity.

[@5ebra1]

Well that’s put me off buying a Triumph. Thanks for the video and sorry that you have experienced this appalling service. Triumph will lose out in the long run from this.

[@mauricejacobs6804]

Thanks for the video Stuart, hoping I don’t have gearbox issues with my Speedmaster. Incidentally, where did you obtain the chequered face mask?

[@guyfuller1369]

Well that’s a kick in the pills. Sounds a lot like the early days of a certain pandemic: “Virus? What virus?” I appreciate your attempts to be the thin edge of the wedge.

[@DH-tp9ns]

Guy Fuller, you made me laugh right out loud!!

[@dmaxcustom]

I never have any brand to call me for bike updates when in services, not Triumph, nor KTM, Kawasaki or any other, it has been always me calling them. I am not a guy with a lot of money, but I have seen my local Triumph give courtesy bike to the millionaires, of course when I ask, they evade the questions and its pretty clear how things works. I wish they didnt give these marketing BS to people. Is all lies. So, lesson here? Buy a bike and take them for anything you can for the lowest possible price. They are not your friends, never will be.

[@Butterfly07949]

I really like the face mask you use Stuart. Where did you buy it from?

[@marklloyd4153]

I don’t blame u at all in regards to your actions on patroon . Time and info is money and to b sneaky and cancel your membership in a attempt not to pay is shady for people to do that. I didn’t know that you had a Patreon channel . I’ll b looking it up .

[@JQPublic]

Looks like Harley will be my choice. Thanks for the warning

[@quadtraxxx]

So... Royal Enfield it is then! Ha! What a story, doesn’t show Triumph in a good light does it..! Well done for another superb video, and your efforts with it all! 👍

[@volt7cooltangs701]

if you’re happy with 47 bhp

[@eyl64uk]

Another awesome video Stuart its always a pleasure to watch and listen to a straight talking man who always makes sense on proven facts and not fiction. My friend over the road from me has just brought the new Triumph scrambler and it has been outside covered up and used for a about 2 weeks and already its going really rusty all over, it looks like a cheap and nasty Chinese rusting rip off, He is absolutely steaming and has already complained about the rusting issue and hes still waiting to hear about the outcome. How typical of triumph is that. I would never buy a Triumph they are absolutely awful I think my choice would definitely be Royal Enfield, Thanks again Stuart, stay safe mate and always keep it sunny side up :)

[@janzienkiewicz5295]

Luckily I own a Triumph t120 and it’s brilliant. Although strangely it was made In 1967🤔🤔😂

[@nicnak4475]

Me too, I have had mine for 44 yrs and prefer the Meriden Triumph's

[@whatsstefon]

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.

[@paulfitzpatrick9231]

Excellent!😀

[@PNWShawn]

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.“

[@paulfitzpatrick9231]

@@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)..!

[@jjnewman65]

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.

[@stevebluesbury6206]

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.

[@memsybabe]

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...

[@stevebluesbury6206]

@@memsybabe Occasionally it’s cheaper in the long run to just ‘suck it up’ rather than sacrifice company reputation.

[@memsybabe]

@@stevebluesbury6206 ..definitely agreed 👍🏼

[@PhilipBeresford]

Millyard would fix the gearbox and then add two extra cylinders to turn it into a V4 just because he was in there lol

[@ianhead4740]

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.

[@sandygoodall123]

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.

[@raveydave4001]

Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this on our behalf, Stuart.

[@martink9270]

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.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

Wiring harness problem?

[@Trevor_Austin]

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.

[@walterpfannschmidt8449]

I was hesitating between a Triumph or a Kawasaki W800, this video made my mind up...

[@christian55943]

Thank you for this video! Makes me think twice about buying a Triumph as my first bike.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

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.

[@robbikebob]

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......

[@thomasmusso1147]

That is it in a Nutshell .. Well said 👍👍👍.

[@daviddurrant5951]

@@thomasmusso1147 spot on my friend,that’s why British leyland,Rover are no longer with us

[@garmit61]

They can’t even plead with us to buy them because they’re made in England now either.

[@wongfeihung9724]

Also reliability of Land Rover products and Land Rover customer service. Both appalling. WFH

[@davidwl3654]

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.

[@stuartfillingham]

Ah.. now that is a good point I think a huge proportion of these bikes will be PCP deals!

[@MOFTV]

@@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.

[@MOFTV]

And that would apply on either a new or used bike purchased from a dealer.

[@pikebobstar2033]

Perhaps if the law was changed from Civil to Criminal they might have a bit more urgency too👍

[@BillCairns]

Another superb video...I thought it was just KTM that acted like this with total disregard for Customers

[@chrisbeynon2878]

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

[@andresalaskeno2710]

Same here... Guzzi here I Come...

[@arfreeman11]

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.

[@chrisbeynon2878]

@@frankiepitt9135 I ended up with a V7 - less power but still happy with it!

[@danb9048]

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

[@JimmerofOz]

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)

[@MrEvilmitch]

Never had a problem with Triumph to be honest customer service has always been great

[@danielpalmberg3371]

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.

[@1990-t1j]

Dampens my interest in the Trident 660.

[@MotoVikz]

Same thoughts here exactly!

[@johndennington5136]

Yep. Me too.

[@Shinysideup]

Me too

[@elhorus]

Me too !

[@gosoku2771]

Buy a Yamaha XSR700 or XSR900 instead. I have an XSR900 and it's amazing!

[@stevenhill6214]

Excellent Stuff! This fiasco could be a TV drama series starring JR Ewing and Delboy Trotter. Don't let them off the hook Stuart.

[@Perkelenaattori]

This is an indication of terrible corporate culture in Triumph.

[@thomasmusso1147]

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.

[@tonychallinor6721]

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

[@JamesWilson-ve9zi]

Hello, there is only one real motorcycle manufacturer in my opinion, R E! I will never buy an overpriced triumph!

[@paulfitzpatrick9231]

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!!

[@highPSIsled]

Nothing says reliable like an Enfield

[@themechanic2036]

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.

[@fasthracing]

100% agree.

[@boomerguy9935]

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........

[@leslieaustin151]

@@boomerguy9935 The main thing to be learned from history is that most people learn nothing from history... Les

[@boomerguy9935]

@@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.

[@leslieaustin151]

@@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

[@MrSjeupie]

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 :(

[@MatthewOliphant]

"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.

[@daveinwla6360]

*"gliding along based on inertia"* . Sounds like an American company with the initials "HD". It also sounds like every corporation that employs attorneys.

[@techElephant]

Complacency and arrogance … the same old story that caused the demise of much British manufacturing - particularly the motorcycle and motor industries.

[@stewartmaxwell550]

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...🙄

[@karlfonner7589]

It’s your Bonneville still running strong?

[@bbumble4117]

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!

[@admiralbeez8143]

The message to me is even clearer: no one has a problem-free Triumph, instead you have a ticking bomb.

[@davidjones-vx9ju]

@@admiralbeez8143 i have one 2001 bonneville....

[@chrisvidler5358]

Mmmmm very interesting and also worrying as i own a 2019 Bonnevillle. Thanks for all your efforts, Stuart.