Triumph Unveils Trophy SE

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Triumph has finally announced what RIDE-CT.com readers learned a month ago – that the company will re-enter the touring segment with a 2013 model called the Trophy SE.

U.S. dealers will begin receiving the bike in January. A more downscale version, lacking the SE designation, will be sold elsewhere but not stateside.

The Trophy SE will use the same shaft-driven, 1,215cc triple engine that the new Tiger Explorer uses. Besides the obvious styling differences, the Trophy will have a larger gas tank than the Explorer.

Triumph won’t release pricing on the bike until September.

The Trophy will be available in Pacific Blue or Lunar Silver. It uses ride-by-wire throttle, has ABS, traction control and cruise control, and a Bluetooth-equipped stereo.

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Harley-Davidson’s annual summer dealer meeting is still two months away, but details are beginning to leak on the what the company plans to offer for the 2013 model year. It’s a no-brainer that Harley will have numerous 110th anniversary models with a special color scheme and badging to mark another milestone. Models for the 100th anniversary were black and silver, while models for the 105h anniversary were black and copper.

There are rumors circulating on the Internet that Harley might introduce a small, entry-level bike using the 500cc single motor that powered the Buell Blast. There are some good reasons to think the rumors make sense: Harley needs an easy-to-operate bike to use in its Rider’s Edge program and  it could us a starter bike to attract new riders before convincing them to trade up.

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The third annual Indian Day staged by the Springfield Museums is set for Sunday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It honors the motorcycles that were produced in the Massachusetts city from 1901 to 1953.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children 3-17 and will provide access to all four Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in downtown Springfield.