From what I've been able to determine, if The Man (Bloor) wants it, it happens. If he doesn't, it is a goner. It's his company. For all we know, the 1300 was developing so much power, it may have exhibited some old Triumphness, i.e., ecologically unpleasant behavior (oil leaks). And we can't be having that nowadays, now can we?
I agree Triumph needs to keep its focus, but look how they have done with the 600. Supposedly they were going to use the 1300 in a different tune in a new touring bike, which may still happen.
As far as American input to what Triumph does, I haven't figured out what all the people in Newnan do, other than distribute the bikes they take out of the containers. Fer chrissakes, we usually know more sooner than the "Customer Relations" folks there (at least as far as they'll let on). At the Toy Truck show (in Atlanta), they just stand around and spew brochure-ese. It must be a drag being a dealer. I know I've had to wait on technical questions because Newnan has to query the guys in UK because, seemingly, nobody at the GA office knows squat about the bikes.
And is Triumph USA EVER going to get with the program on accessories, like a decent selection of T-shirts?
Forgive my rant. I feel much better. 'Soon as the rain stops, I'm gonna get on my ST and ride. Which, I guess, is the only thing that really matters. I do love that bike!