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Bob Wolf of Wolf Cycles in Arbutus.
Arbutus, Md. (Map, News) - Bob Wolf has no problem telling his customers that the rumors about Triumphs are true.
The English motorcycles, which have not been manufactured for almost two decades, are a tinkerer’s dream, Wolf said.
“Triumphs are not for everyone,” he said.
“If you are not mechanically inclined or you don’t want to see a lot of me, buy a Honda. I am always honest with people because otherwise they might hate the bike in six months.”
His love for the British bike developed when he was in high school and took a ride on a friend’s bike. The easy steering of the Triumph reeled him in, and he’s never looked back.
“A friend of mine had a Triumph, which was called the world’s finest-handling motorcycle,” he said. “I fell in love with it.”
On thing lead to another, and Wolf found himself buying original Triumphs and restoring them. Now, his dealership, which he bought in 1987, specializes in such restorations.
The cycles have grown rarer each year since the early 1980s, when Triumph went bankrupt and the name was bought by another company.
But the affection for the vintage cycles hasn’t waned for Wolf and many others.
At the recent MountainFest Motorcycle Rally in Morgantown, W.Va., John Mozuke of Hutchinson, W.Va. told The Times of West Virginia that although he rides a Honda VTX 1300 retro, he prefers older motorcycles.
“These days, it’s Harley, Harley, Harley, but back in the day, it was BSA and Triumph,” Mozuke told The Times. “I think Triumph was as big as Harley” is now.
Perhaps that’s why a large portion of Wolf’s business is selling parts for vintage Triumphs to customers throughout the world including some places that are rather difficult to find on any but the most detailed maps.
“People who own Triumphs are from all walks of life,” he said. “College students, older guys who always wanted one when they were younger or who owned one once and want them again, are the customers. Everyone from professional business people to young people want these cycles. They are from all walks of life.”
More information
Wolf Cycles
5413 East Drive, Arbutus
(410) 247-7420
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Comments from Examiner Readers
12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"
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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"
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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"
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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"
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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"
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Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk
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IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor
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Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast
43 agree | 31 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!
28 agree | 31 disagree
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Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....
38 agree | 39 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.
54 agree | 29 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA
88 agree | 90 disagree
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