I find myself increasingly puzzled by what “premium” truly signifies in the motorcycle world today. Back in the early 2000s, my definition was clear: a premium bike was reliable, rust-resistant, fast, comfortable, affordable to run, and boasted impressive aesthetics and sound. My 2003 Yamaha R6 with its Delta Box III frame perfectly embodied this ideal, and I considered models like the 600rr/f in the same category.
However, answering that question now feels far more complex. What has changed? Firstly, I’m older, and perspective shifts with time. Secondly, motorcycle prices have skyrocketed relative to wages. The price gap between different brands seems to have narrowed, while the increasing complexity of technology translates to higher repair costs. Importantly, a more expensive bike no longer automatically guarantees superior reliability. Aesthetic trends have also evolved, with many modern bikes appearing less visually appealing to my taste. The surge in popularity of adventure bikes, a style that personally doesn’t resonate with me, further influences my perception of the market.
In the current landscape, “premium” for me boils down to the quality of the braking system and suspension components. If I had to choose any bike today, the BMW S1000RR comes to mind, a model I recently considered. It undeniably carries a premium price tag, but its “premium-ness” is questionable. Concerns about reliability, such as carbon wheel cracking, coupled with high running costs, and the performance restrictions imposed by the latest EU emission standards, give me pause. While it’s visually striking, reasonably comfortable, and handles exceptionally well, the exhaust note is underwhelming.
The BMW S1000RR should be premium, but based on my experiences and research, it seems to be more of a premium name and price than a truly premium motorcycle in holistic terms.
This brings me to Triumph. Is Triumph Bike Company genuinely premium? Historically, Triumph prided itself on incorporating high-quality, premium components into their motorcycles. Having owned a Triumph myself, I can attest that while the bike is generally well-priced, aesthetically pleasing, and handles competently, my experience has been marred by Triumph part failures leading to more serious issues. Interestingly, servicing costs are comparable to bikes with significantly larger engines, and reliability has been a recurring concern. On the positive side, genuine aftermarket Triumph parts are of high quality, and the bikes sound fantastic.
Despite the reliability issues I’ve faced, Triumph, in my experience, feels more premium overall than BMW. I lack recent experience with newer Yamaha models, so I can’t definitively say if my perception of Yamaha as a premium brand has diminished.
Ultimately, the internet significantly shapes our perception of what constitutes “premium” today. Online reviews, forums, and social media amplify both positive and negative aspects of brands and models, creating a complex and often subjective understanding of the term “premium” in the modern motorcycle market, especially when considering brands like Triumph bike company.
