I was talking to a chap just the other day, and he commented that he’d seen Sean and I out on our bikes, but didn’t wave because he thought I was on a Jap bike, and it was only when he saw Sean’s Street Triple that he realised who it was. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted. Not that The Beloved could be mistaken for a Jap bike, but that there are still people who don’t wave at other bikers because of where their machine was built. I know they’re out there (usually the guys who don’t wave back), but I have never understood how someone can or can’t be acceptable to talk to/wave to just because of the writing on their tank. To me the caliber of the person holding onto the bars is more important in determining whether or not to say hello than where their bike was made, and I like to think that anyone on a bike is a good bastard and worth a wave until I am proven wrong.

But having said that, I am immensely proud of the writing on the Beloved’s tank, and love selling Triumphs – hell, I’d even go as far as saying they make some of the best bikes in the world. There is something very cool about owning a bike made by probably the last fully privately owned motor vehicle company in the world – John Bloor is the 100% owner of Triumph. And Triumph motorcycles are also different from any other bikes – in a world filled with four cylinder and V Twin bikes, Triumph build triples and parallel twins.

Something that makes me proud to sell Triumphs is the combination of legacy and vision. Triumphs have been a part of motorcycling since people first realised that sticking an engine in a bicycle was a better idea than riding a horse, and they’re very much part of New Zealand. I think all of us have had a Triumph in our lives at some stage – either through owning one personally or having a family member with one. I can still remember the awe I felt when my big brother turned up on his Daytona T100 – 500cc - what a monster!

While there is great pride in the brand’s legacy, Triumph is not resting on their heritage. As an example, the 2009 Daytona 675 is amongst the world’s most technologically advanced motorcycles, and is getting rave reviews from motorcycling journalists worldwide. And the Street Triple has become one of the most respected and sought after bikes in the world -just ask Sean. Triumph have invested heavily in state-of-the-art design and production facilities and I believe that their bikes are designed and built to be ridden in the real world, not designed with looks or race track performance as the primary design criteria.

There’s a lot of pride in riding a Triumph – you’re riding a bike that is as good as any bike on the road, you’re riding a brand with a great legacy and you’re riding something a little different - the Triumph byline of “go your own way” puts it perfectly.

Mods and Rockers: Momentum is building up and I’m regularly getting calls and emails from all over the country, so something tells me there’ll be a fair few of us. I’m looking forward to riding through the Lyttleton tunnel surrounded by dozens of bikes and scooters – the sound will be deafening, and I think we’ll turn a few heads. I’m charging $20.00 for pre-registering and going to donate the money to the NZ Spinal Trust – they’re a great organisation who help a lot of us out, and they don’t get a lot of money so we can really make a difference. If you register before the 15th of August you’ll get a fabric patch and go in the draw to win a KBC VR2 helmet valued at over $500.00. After the 15th the registration increases to $30, you won’t get a free patch and won’t go in the draw – I want as many people to pre-register as possible so I have a clear idea of numbers. There is a registration form on our website www.streetandsport.co.nz or you can register in person at the shop.

New bikes in stock. We were lucky enough to get our hands on a black Speedmaster that is unallocated and one of our customers was unable to go ahead with the America he ordered due to medical problems, so it’s now for sale. We also have an absolutely pristine 09 Daytona 675 with tons of extras and just 1600 kms on the clock, so if you have a hankering for the best sports bike on the road, now’s your chance. Check out our website for more info on these bikes. We also have a 2009 Bonneville A1 Demonstrator on the floor, so come and have a play with this lovely bike.
Phil is on holiday for 2 weeks, so don’t come looking for him because he’ll be on a beach in Rarotonga. Bastard.