Globebusters switch to Triumph

[MondoRich]

I have long been a fan of Kevin and Julia Sanders who run Globebusters motorcycle expeditions.

Over several years, after having set a world record, they have been very much part of the GS scene. I believe they were linked to the BMW Rider training school and always seemed a very positive part of the PR for BMW.

They have produced several DVDs and on previous long-distance adventures it seemed as if 99.9% of the bikes taken were GS's.

From this year they are taking the Triumph Explorer and the smaller 800 XC, Triumph successfully even have a limited edition Globebuster model with lots of extra bits on it. Just 50 of these being produced.

Their last trip to China took them through the highest passes, in deep ice and snow, really appalling conditions. After reading of difficulties with the frame on the Explorer and Triumph claiming that it wasn't suitable for off roading - i'm wondering if this was the wisest choice?
I wonder what led their relationship with BMW to end?

 

[autogs]

money perhaps?

 

[Straydog]

falling out with BMW or money no doubt

 

[Lord Snooty]

All these things boil down to filthy lucre in the end.

 

[wispyone]

How good is the triumph back up and parts supply going to be whilst they travel?

 

[Engineer]

They will be at my local BMW dealer in a couple of weeks promoting their trips, so they can't have fallen out with BMW, maybe they just got a better deal with Triumph but realise that most of their customers are still likely to be riding BMWs.

Triumph have shot themselves in the foot by explicitly stating that they do not endorse off-road riding on their machines - how can they call them true 'adventure' bikes?

 

[Paul S]

They will be at my local BMW dealer in a couple of weeks promoting their trips, so they can't have fallen out with BMW, maybe they just got a better deal with Triumph but realise that most of their customers are still likely to be riding BMWs.

Triumph have shot themselves in the foot by explicitly stating that they do not endorse off-road riding on their machines - how can they call them true 'adventure' bikes?

They did of course retract that statement and said it was made in error


...........there again we all know that there is only one true off road bike in the Triumph line up

 

[mrsroynie]

How good is the triumph back up and parts supply going to be whilst they travel?

We wondered about this too. Roynie is a loyal Triumph devotee and put in a sponsorship bid for a couple of 800XCs for our China trip. We didn't get them, but there were initial signs that our business plan had received some serious consideration. In turning us down, one of their rationales was that they didn't have enough dealer representation along our route, so it would be extremely difficult for them to support us ...

Being realistic, of course, we would have been very unlikely to succeed in our bid anyway. Charity rides are two-a-penny, wherever they take you. All the manufacturers are interested in at the end of the day is publicity and, these days, unless you're Ewan and Charley, that's more likely to be an established social media following than any other sort of newsworthy 'hook'. On the other hand, Globebusters have clout and Triumph have tested the water to some extent by sponsoring Sanders' son, Rhys Lawrey, on his RTW trip.

 

[WindyChuffer]

I heard BMW cut their sponsorship of Globebusters. Resulting in getting a better deal from Triumph.

Something to do with having to pay for bikes and new management at BMW.

Bit of a result for Triumph.

Mistake by BMW.

 

[roundincircles]

When Kevin and Julia started their Globebusting exploits BMW did not have global backup. Both parties flourished.

Triumph will develop as they gain experience working with K&J........what a massive amount of know how Triumph will gain!

it takes two to Tango.

 

[david a hall]

I rode the 800 xc off road, it was a pig..... Good luck with that...

 

[Number 6]

Maybe Globebusters paid good money to take over the World of BMW tours?

Maybe they were later somewhat disgruntled when World of BMW set up their own touring business?

 

[roadrider]

Maybe Globebusters paid good money to take over the World of BMW tours?

Maybe they were later somewhat disgruntled when World of BMW set up their own touring business?

FWIW, BMW started their tours long before Globebusters got started, still got one of their original tour brochures somewhere, they were just up the road from me.

 

[Number 6]

FWIW, BMW started their tours long before Globebusters got started, still got one of their original tour brochures somewhere, they were just up the road from me.

Did BMW ever actually run their own tours or was it always outsourced to other people?

 

[Loiq]

erm.... yeah... good point who actually cares...?


as long as they they've got insurance and a back up van what difference does it really make?