I don’t think there is any argument that Triumph have made a success and done well out of their modern era range. The Rocket III is very much a flagship and niche model so whether many have sold and whether money was made on that particular model is probably moot. However there was not so long between sales of the Les Harris Bonnevilles ending and the marketing of the all new models – all in line with Bloor’s plan I presume. And he chose to go head to head with the Japanese in terms of models at the outset at least. Interesting though just how popular the later introduced retro models have proven to be.
Looking at other successful retros, we can consider both Guzzi and Enfield or Harley of course, who actually have an unbroken line of production, and an outdated range of machines that then naturally fit into a retro theme now.
Of the others, and I’m not sure how well Kawasaki’s W650 and W800 range actually did - you don’t actually see many of them about at all, so it may be that has been no great success story at all. Maybe the Chinese tiddlers, and that may be more due to being competitive on price.
If you want to use one of the old brands now, whether it be BSA or Norman, Francis Barnett or any of the others you’re not going to get fat on sales to old duffers like us. If you are looking to the hipster market then for sure you want a lot of cool branded old school looking accessories and apparel.
