Triumph #1 in UK sales!

Triumph Motorcycles has become Britain's top-selling over 500cc manufacturer; overtaking foreign rivals Honda, Suzuki and BMW to take pole position for the first time since its 1960s heyday.

It comes after the firm reported a rise in the number of bikes it sold in the UK last year, while its three competitors suffered sharp falls. Triumph's success is simply down down to the quality and range of its bikes against the higher cost of the euro and Japanese yen, along with a loyal following of fans to the marque.

Guy Masters, Triumph's general manager, said: "We're absolutely delighted with the news that we're now number one in the UK. It's testament to the hard work and passion we have put into creating bikes that people love to ride and to our dealers for delivering great service."

Triumph sold 7,562 bikes in the UK in 2010, an increase of 1.5 per cent, compared to an 18 per cent fall in the rest of the market. This resulted in the firm's share of the 500cc and above market rising from 13 per cent to 16 per cent, taking it from the UK's fourth-largest big bike brand to the number one spot. Globally, Triumph sold 45,501 bikes in the year to June 30, 2010, giving it a market share of 4.7 per cent in the 500cc and above sector.

Andrew Rogers, national franchise director of motorcycles at motor dealership Stratstone, which runs a Triumph showroom in Northgate Street, Leicester, said: "We have seen sales rocket, particularly in the last few months. We have had to take on another salesman to cope with demand.

"People want a bike that's made in Britain. They like to be part of a British success story."

Of the 17 current models, the Street Triple roadster was the biggest seller in the UK last year, making up almost a quarter of UK sales. We're looking forward to seeing the sales figures for the eagerly-anticipated Tiger 800, formally launched next week.

Posted: 14 Jan 2011