Changes to the Trophy over the model years.

[flynvtwn]

I have finally made up my mind out of the 4 bikes I have been looking at to go with the Trophy.  Can someone explain any differences between the model years?  I'm in the US so from my understanding the SE was the only bike shipped over.  That said what changed as the models developed between 2012-2017?  Many of the bikes that I'm looking at are 2013s, but there are a few newer year models around.  It looks like early on there were more of the bikes made and shipped over than the later models if you look at the used market inventory. 

I have read the "what to look for when buying a used trophy" post and have a pretty good handle on what to look at mechanically on a used bike.  I do have a few other questions/comments that hopefully the more experienced group can chime in on when I'm making my search/decision on what to buy.

I'm looking for one with under 20K miles on it.  I plan on riding the bike for many years and putting on a bunch of miles on it so I would like it to have a lot of life left.  I'm also wanting it to have a factory top box if at all possible.  From what I can tell you can't get a factory top box from Triumph anymore.  I don't plan on riding with it on most of the time, but if I go 2up with my kids on the back I would want it on there just as a piece of mind.  Just buying one that already has the box seems like the easiest way to make that happen. 

Is there a way to tell if the bike has the heated grips and seats other than starting it and seeing if it works?  I know that they all have the button, but I think not all of the bikes had them actually installed.  I could be wrong on this to please correct me if I am.

The main purpose of this post is really to try and get an answer to the question of...do I want an older model or one of the newer year models?  Was there anything changed over the years that make a 2016 a much better choice over a 2013 for example?  Obviously, if both bikes had the same mileage and features I would take the 2016, but what if the 13 had 10K less miles?

[Coconut]

This taken from another similar enquiry .....

Originally Posted by Coconut

I had one of the first "Launch" Models, and now have a 2017.

I've hed zero problems with the engine / Cylinder head etc,
and have the benefit of the improved Cruise control switch buttons
which are longer and easier to reach.

I don't have any details of when some of the updates were implemented,
but there was also the rear fender extender included as standard,
a new style of Clutch Cover - with the triangular Triumph logo,
an updated Gear Selector Drum and Selector Forks,
and an updated Gear Position Sensor with an additional wire.

There may be others that are not so obvious !

The only real problem I've had was with the Ignition Switch,
that ALL Models could potentially suffer from, but this has been
addressed by the Worldwide Safety Recall Inspection.

Cheers 

With regards Heated Grips and Seats, the Switch for the Grips is fitted as standard,
but to tell if the grips are fitted you can carefully peel back the rubber on the inner
end of it and see the Heater element wires, or not - if they're not fitted !

The Switches for the Heated Seats were NOT fitted as standard,
so there my be blanking covers over their positions. 

The Heated Seats themselves have a little tag sewn onto them,
visible with the seat in place, that says, "Triumph Heated".

Cheers and happy hunting ! 

[flynvtwn]

Thank you for that.  That is the information I was looking for.  Based on reading that some minor details were changed, but not enough to scare a person away from an older model if the miles where low and it was taken care of.

[2slowTrophy]

The Trophy is a great Machine.
If you’re going to travel long distance, it will do it without you even realizing it.

What I have found is it almost seems like a waste of time not to at least put 100 miles on it every time you throw your leg over the saddle!
It has been said that blue Trophies are faster than the Silver Trophies.

After owning both, I can truly say that the blue Trophies are faster. 

[janfmiller]

I had a '13 so this applies mostly to that.

Some had extremely noisy heads. Triumph replaced them at no charge if the owner complained.  Mine had one, and it made a HUGE reduction in noise level.  something to ask about if looking at a '13.
There was a EMU recall to replace them as it was thought radio interference might affect their operation.
There were many firmware upgrades.

There was a firmware upgrade to the radio on many years as it would drain the battery. You can do this yourself.

Some had ( I did ) front brake disks that would warp.  Triumph was not prone to honor the warranty.  You can feel it easily when you brake.

I live up north, and my bike would almost always throw a 'low voltage-radio off' message on cold start.  A bug.
Occasionally if below 50 degrees, the TES would fault if you tried to adjust ride height, after about 10 miles to warm things up, it would operate normally.  Never addressed by Triumph as it would never fault at a dealership.

All these things are discussed on this forum.

All US Trophies are SE models with, as I recall, low driver seats.

Not a perfect machine, has it's quirks as they all do, drove mine 102,000 miles and it was running like a top when I let it go.  Enjoyed every ride.
Good Luck!!!

[flynvtwn]

Thanks for the feedback. I actually purchased a 2017 a few weeks ago with about 6k on the odometer. So far I’m really happy with it. I’ll know for sure once I can ride it with some new rubber. The set of tires were the stock ones that have some cupping issues. Looked like it was ridden with the pressures a little too low for too long.

[trophied]

6000 miles on the original tires is a lot for that rubber, and the original's as well as some others are prone to cupping it seems.  I've always run 38 in front since it seems the Trophy is heavy up front and haven't had any serious issues with cupping with multiple brands of tires.  My next set will be Road 6's if there are good results from other members.

[flynvtwn]

I think I'm going to go with the Dunlop Road Smart 3s.  It seems like people have decent luck with them on here and they don't break the bank.  My local shop can get them installed for $315+tax installed for the set.