Thursday, May 17, 2012
Text Size
Last Updated on Sunday, 19 February 2012 21:57
Echo Cycle Steps Up Triumph Presence At Edmonton Show
By Liane Langlois
Walking in to the Edmonton Motorcycle Show over the past years I have been used to Echo Cycle splitting a small space between five brands of motorcycles – Huskavarna, Motto Guzzi, Aprilia, Norton and finally Triumph. This year, their space nearly doubled allowing them to really show off the new line of Triumph motorcycles with a few added bonuses included. Of the 42 motorcycles that Echo hauled down themselves, 22 of them were Triumph and that isn’t including the custom Triumphs that Triumph North America sent.
Coming in to this year’s Triumph booth you were treated to one of the two motorcycles ridden by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 3. This custom twin looked quite simple but had a few modifications including knobby tires, a custom seat, a rear fender rack and a front fender that would hold a traditional license plate in Europe. The only thing disappointing about this bike is that it is a Bonneville being passed off as a Scrambler. Having an actual Scrambler for demo sitting right beside, you can see the differences in the bikes from side covers to chain placement to headlights to controls. Regardless, the bike is still famous!
There was also a custom bike created by OCC. A full vintage feel was brought to this modern classic twin complete with kick start. Everything about this bike was kept so clean that I almost didn’t believe it was built by OCC save for one small logo placed on the spring seat which was the only evidence one was given. We have become so accustom to OCC overdoing things that it was such a pleasant surprise they kept this bike so simple. Absolutely stunning!
For me personally, I took one look at SuckerPunch Sallys Thunderbird and asked promptly for the keys. This bike was created as a throwback to Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones.
Again this is a modern Thunderbird done up to look old school complete with a distressed black paint job. This bike had a few custom parts such as the exhaust, seat and tank. The frame was converted to a rigid frame and spoked wheels were put on to finish the look.
Sitting beside the Thunderbird was a matching Les Paul Ephiphone guitar which is being given away by Juno Award winning country music recording artist Clayton Bellamy. Born and raised in Bonnyville, Alberta, Clayton has been enjoying many successes throughout his music career and now calls Nashville home. As a fellow Triumph rider, owning a beautiful and modified Speed Triple, Clayton’s relationship with Echo began back in 2006 when Echo sponsored part of a Dwight Yoakam tour. They have managed to keep in touch throughout the years and with an upcoming release of a new album in March 2012, Triumph and Clayton decided to work together in an effort to cross promote. A small stage was set up near the SuckerPunch Sally Thunderbird where Clayton performed three songs twice a day including his new single “Everyone’s a Dreamer” which has recently been enjoying the title of the #1 downloaded single on iTunes. After each performance, Clayton stuck around to autograph posters for all the fans. A purchase of Clayton’s new album in March will enter you to the draw for the custom Epiphone guitar. If “Everyone’s a Dreamer” is any indication of what the rest of the album sounds like, it will not disappoint!
There were a few of the 2012 Triumphs that garnered a lot of attention. Many people still come to see the Rocket III of which there were two versions; the Roadster and the Touring. It is still hard to imagine there is the equivalent of a car engine in this two-wheeled monster. Most comments related around how light it felt and coming in just under 900 pounds, people really got a feel for Triumph technology which keeps the weight low allowing for a better center of gravity. Sticking in the cruiser class, the Thruxton was the most sat on of the classic twins while the Speedmaster got a lot of attention as well. It may have to do with the fact they were both red and shiny making them stand out just a little more! Missing from the show was the highly anticipated limited edition Steve McQueen
Bonneville. This matte khaki classic twin that comes complete with McQueen’s autograph and a collector edition numbered card will show its face in June but for anyone interested, the only one Echo was getting in for sale was sold before the price was even determined!
The new Tiger Explorer was the hot bike to see for quite a few fans. This dual adventure bike was also part of a giveaway where the winner will ride one from Spain to Morocco. Unfortunately they don’t get to bring the bike home with them when they are done but what an adventure that would be! The winner of this draw is yet to be determined.
Although Echo managed a few sales at the show, there was one lucky man who took home a new bike free of charge. Echo Cycle in conjunction with the Edmonton Sun and K97 put up a 2012 Triumph America. All weekend people were entering the draw for a chance to win this beautiful 900cc inline twin. 23 people were drawn from the hat and brought on stage Sunday afternoon. The goal was to find a Joker in the playing cards that were laid out. Kevin Baker was the fifth person to try his luck, picked his wife’s favorite number which also happened to be 5 and there it was! I guarantee that Kevin will very much enjoy his new America!
All in all, the bike show as a whole was a huge success but my props will lie with Echo Cycle for stepping up the Triumph presence. In all the years I have volunteered to help in this booth, this year topped it all. The booth was a constant flow of people, sometimes just too much to keep up with and frankly, I don’t see that as a problem! What is more exciting is when I spoke to the sales department a few days after the show and I am happy to report, there are several new Triumph owners with more surely to come in the very near future. Now, if only it could be spring…
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Busted Knuckle News Stories - 4th Edition January 26th, 2012
BC Dealer Classifieds
AB Dealer Classifieds
YT Dealer Classifieds
ON Dealer Classifieds
BDB Media Media©
