Triumph Motorcycles recently celebrated its 110th Anniversary, by coming
out with a 110th Anniversary Bonneville, special paint and special price,
thanks. For a company that seemed to have gone away for a few years, they never
went out of business, but just ceased to do business, it is quite a feat. And
looking back at their history and legacy, you might wonder how they managed to
make it so far. And you would be right, for numerous bad decisions, engine
philosophies, engineering mishaps, and labor disputes almost did the company
in. And when England almost succombed to liberal taxing, over bearing unions,
and old product that needed serious updating, they were right in the middle of
it. I worked with some Englishmen in the 70’s, who used to joke, “would the
last person out of London please turn out the lights.” And finally someone did
in Meriden, but thankfully John Bloor came along, and today Triumph is building
World Class, and class leading motorcycles. All in the space of a generation,
they have been reborn, reinventing themselves. And although the lights are out
in Meriden, they are shining bright in Hinckley, Leicestire. And so 2012 came
and went, with 2013 the 110th Anniversary of the Motor Company. Who almost died
their own death before being bought out and taken over by motorcyclists in the
early 80’s. Just one generation ago a 110 celebration would have ben a dream,
and even the 100 year celebration only a wish and a hope, but this year the
loyal can go and pay way too much for paint jobs, badges, more chrome, and
adding thousands for Screaming Eagle performance that should have been
standard. And they continue to thrive and grow. They know their market.
Back around 1982 a man whose family was steeped in Harley tradition, his
father, grandfather, and great grandfather all rode them, was anxious to get his
first Glide, he spent his money and was in for a big disappointment. It spent
more time in the shop than on the road, or in his own garage. Jokingly he
chided he was going to change the registration to the dealer’s address. And
finally sold it, blasphemy to his family, and bought another brand, and rode
happily ever after. But longed for a Harley, and then one day he made the
plunge, and the new Motor Company’s product didn’t disappoint him. And asked at
the 100th anniversary about Harley and the history of them, this man made some
interesting statements. Ones to consider. His insight via his motorcycling
career gave him industry insight, as well as seat time, and knowing those inside
the factories. He claimed that Harley survived by improving their bikes, in
part. He also claimed they never really made any bad decisions, or dumb ones.
Over the years they never rushed a new model to market, unlike their age old
competitor Indian, and they didn’t follow any trends, stylish or foolish. “They
were fortunate in that they always seemed to have people in charge who knew a
bad idea when they saw one.”And so we see two survivors of over 100 years of
making motorcycles, fulfilling dreams, and providing memories for countless
millions. And they still do today, not losing their focus on who they are, or
where they want to go.
Maybe that is why an other V-twin just doesn’t make it, or any other
vertical twin isn’t a Triumph. It goes deeper than leather, logos, or
stickers. it is more than a pride of ownership, but goes deep into the heart.
I learned to enjoy riding with Harley riders again because now I ride my slower
bikes at their pace, grimacing when their floorboards grind in curves. And I
enjoy when in a group of the loyal, how our Bonnevilles attract attention, from
all. Perhaps Spud at Biggs HD says it best, “ we have a common disease, and it
is motorcycles.” Amen to that.
Being out as much as I am, I meet may who would like to try riding, but are
afraid. Or looking to get back into it. Or what should I buy? I have advised
them to take the MSF course first to see if they even want to ride. No posers.
And have advised people to purchase Bonnevilles, 883’s, the new Honda 500’s, and
other brands. I know what I like, but need to advise people what is best for
them. A walk with Jesus requires the same mindset, or spiritual set. We find
no denominational borders, or brand specifics in heaven. I have Catholic
friends, Lutheran friends, and Presbyterian friends who all love Jesus. Want to
bash a Catholic? I was life flighted from a Catholic hospital in Durango, whose
motto is to minister to the body of Christ Jesus, and landed at Presbyterian
Hospital where my life was saved. Many prayers were asked, and God heard them
all, He isn’t denomination specific. He is LOVE specific, and wishes none to
die and go to hell. Scripture tells us “all things work together,” what part of
all are you? Or do you consider yourself better than all? I have seen
denominational barriers broken when all come together in the spirit. Not just
of unity, but under the spirit of God, following Jesus. It is Jesus that makes
the difference, and it s His fruit we should bear, not what suits us. We are
but one family in Christ, just as we are one brotherhood in motorcycling. It is
the insecure or those in the pride of sin who consider themselves better, when
really we are to consider ourselves as lesser. I once rented from a Catholic
lady who used to be a nun, got saved, and married a widower, raising his nine
children in the Lord. I have been blessed by Baptist brothers, Pentacostals who
get excited about Jesus, and Calvary Chapel where I love the line by line
teaching-of all the Bible. Grow where planted, you may be the only Bible, the
only Jesus some ever see. And God may use you in a situation to grow you, as
well as others. ALL...it is always about Jesus.
So don’t be the stupid one, stupid hurts. Bad choices are not the legacy
to leave behind. Know a bad idea when you hear it, and cling to the good ones.
Know and trust God, and when in doubt, fall back on what you know, not what you
don’t know. Triumph and Harley have both been around a long time, taking
different paths to get here. Don’t get off the path, stay on the straight and
narrow, stay with Jesus. But as all riders know straight and narrow may be the
best way to live, but the curves are where the excitement is. Be like the Motor
Company, don’t follow religious trends, stick with Jesus. Jesus is more than
stylish, and will not only give you the desires of your heart, but fulfill them
too. The road of life is rough, that is why we have shocks and forks. It also
has curves, to add excitement. How you ride may tell us about how you live,
either way never ride or live without Jesus. Focus on Jesus, for as any rider
knows, where your eyes go, the bike will follow. And life, like riding should
be a celebration of more than colors and brands.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com