never, never brands

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

As to the anything from China sentiment, I've seen one of our local multi-brand dealers go heavy on CF Moto. If you visit Delamo Motorsports in Tustin, you have to pass a phalanx of CF Moto bikes to get to Honda, Kawi, Yamaha and everything else. I've looked at them, and have to say that the quality doesn't look bad, but I'm not ready, even though I've got an Indian Enfield and a Malaysian Triumph. Also means that I've seen a growing number of those new CF bikes on the road from that dealer. When I can catch an owner, the first comment is always "Yeah, I know, right? Never thought I'd buy a Chinese bike. But I gotta say for the price, it's pretty nice".

You get the feeling that those owners figure another rider's first comment is going to be about the bike's origin, and having bought one, they're ready to defend it.

I'm fairly certain all Triumphs are built in Thailand now. Never heard of them making any in Malaysia.

Interesting article...

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/ne...cycle-made

I spent a summer in Thailand many years ago and those folks LOVE MOTORCYCLES!

Since the average Thai person is physically much smaller than the average Brit or American, they tend to lean towards the smaller displacement bikes, but Triumph has been making serious inroads into Thailand's premium market.

Many of Honda's newer small to midsize models are made in Thailand as well. For example, the CB500. I am not afraid of Thai manufacturing as long as it's manufacturing motorcycles!

Sorry for the brief hijack!

I'm fairly certain all Triumphs are built in Thailand now. Never heard of them making any in Malaysia.

Interesting article...

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/ne...cycle-made

I spent a summer in Thailand many years ago and those folks LOVE MOTORCYCLES!

Since the average Thai person is physically much smaller than the average Brit or American, they tend to lean towards the smaller displacement bikes, but Triumph has been making serious inroads into Thailand's premium market.

Many of Honda's newer small to midsize models are made in Thailand as well. For example, the CB500. I am not afraid of Thai manufacturing as long as it's manufacturing motorcycles!

Sorry for the brief hijack!

Wait, you’re right, it is Thailand. I think it was my CB300R that was made in Malaysia. As far as Triumphs, I think the new 400 singles come from India. Really look well put together. A dealer near my weekend gig offered me a test ride next time I swing by. Definitely going to take them up on it.

I'm fairly certain all Triumphs are built in Thailand now. Never heard of them making any in Malaysia.

Interesting article...

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/ne...cycle-made

I spent a summer in Thailand many years ago and those folks LOVE MOTORCYCLES!

This is near and dear to me. I started riding in 1969, in Thailand. Stationed on an army Large Tug, based in Sattahip at the Deep Water Port, a bud and I discovered we could rent Honda 350s just up the coast road at Pattaya. The vendor provided a helmet (mandatory for G.I.s) The vendor also told us DO NOT GO TO BANGKOK! We had no desire to go to that crowded bustling city since swe saw a lot of when our tug towed a barge to it. Between the 'Kok and Sattahip, there was a plethora of lightly traveled back roads. I got a speeding ticket in the port from an MP who chased me all the way from the gate to our vessel, about 3 miles. I based my first novel, "The Bangkok Blues" on my time there.





Since the average Thai person is physically much smaller than the average Brit or American, they tend to lean towards the smaller displacement bikes, but Triumph has been making serious inroads into Thailand's premium market.

Many of Honda's newer small to midsize models are made in Thailand as well. For example, the CB500. I am not afraid of Thai manufacturing as long as it's manufacturing motorcycles!

Sorry for the brief hijack!

Wait, you’re right, it is Thailand. I think it was my CB300R that was made in Malaysia. As far as Triumphs, I think the new 400 singles come from India. Really look well put together. A dealer near my weekend gig offered me a test ride next time I swing by. Definitely going to take them up on it.