The iconic bike-maker is finally in the Philippines.
As far as motorcycles go, Triumph has quite a bit of history to it. The Triumph Motorcycle Company can trace its roots back to 1902, when German entrepreneurs Siegfried Bettman and Mauritz Schulte slapped a 2.2 hp Minerva engine on a reinforced Triumph bicycle and gave it a go.
And while that sounds a bit experimental, just think of this: the Wright Brothers flew their third glider on the same year, then built another one and slapped an engine on it in the next, giving birth to the first airplane. It really was the time to be doing things like these. But it was this age of mechanical experimentation that brought us the icons of today.
Photo: Triumph Motorcycles Philippines
Now, Triumph’s motorcycles are easily recognizable on the streets and on the screen, with riders that are just as famous. Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Steve McQueen have all gripped the handlebars across the years, and they’re not the only ones on the list, either. McQueen’s fence-jumping stunt in The Great Escape, though, stillremains one of the most iconic motorcycle scenes in cinema.
It is this history that Triumph Motorcycles Philippines is bringing to the country. The first Triumph showroom has just opened its doors in Greenhills, San Juan, hosting a digital celebration a few days ago.
Right now, 10 motorcycles are already available, including the Scrambler 1200 XC, the Tiger 900 GT, the Rocket 3 R, the Street Twin, and the Bonneville T120. Of all these, the Bonneville should likely be familiar, as it’s considered one of the greatest motorcycles of all time. Official merchandise, apparel, and accessories have also been made available, for people who want to get into the lifestyle side of things.
Photo: Triumph Motorcycles Philippines
And to mark its entrance to the local scene, Triumph Motorcycles is holding a special auction as well. Going under the hammer is the limited edition Triumph Bobber TFC—a minimalist, carbon fiber beast of a bike that’s been specially manufactured by the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) program. Only 750 of these will ever be made, and number 667 is going to the one who wins the auction. Part of the proceeds will be given to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. and this will go toward helping Philippine frontliners as they face the pandemic head on.
That’s some way to make an entrance, but seeing that this is Triumph, it’s likely only the beginning.
Watch the virtual launch below:
