Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 This really bothers me...

I've been reading through all the M3W posts, especially those where "suspension" is mentioned.

First, let me be clear: I don't own a M3W, but a Roadster. I've driven/ridden a lot of bikes and a couple of 3 wheelers, one a Guzzi based replica and the other, briefly, a M3W.

I feel the key issue here is expectation versus reality. I'd be interested to know the previous ownership background of all those that are not happy with the M3W or are concerned as past experience colours expectation.

When buying a Morgan I was moving from a modern motorcycle and a Mercedes SLK. I wanted an open car that gave me the same vintage bike experience as the New Triumph Bonneville, introduced in 2001, has given bike riders. It is a vintage ride using utterly reliable modern mechanical components. I sold the last Bonnie in 2005 as the ride was making my neck/arm painful, now I realize the first signs of a disc problem that has slowly got worse.
The SLK was a great, but soulless car with an appallingly hard ride. So my expectation of the Morgan's capabilities was coloured by my past and my desires.

Yes, I've modified the Morgan to make it ride and handle the way I like it, not because there is anything wrong with the basics. Morgan offer a finished product that cannot suit everyone and there are a raft of after market providers to help owners make the changes they want.

It is interesting that exactly the same happened with the New Triumph Bonneville. By 2004 there were a large number of after market suppliers offering upgrades: I was one of them (Jenks Bolts, now under different ownership). There are a number of very active Forums for New Bonneville Owners and there are a small minority who are really unhappy with ride and brakes. Almost all came from a modern sports bike ride and their expectation was not met by what was delivered.

Morgan is unique: they make vehicles that aim to provide a vintage experience but without the need to endure vintage electro-mechanical service levels. The "prince of darkness" has been banished from Morgans (Lucas Electrics for those who aren't old enough to know) and the cars are 1000% better for it.

Morgan also has a very limited R&D capability, they make what they make according to their plans and try very hard to please customers. It must never be forgotten that, unlike a large part of the Auto Industry they are profitable and not saddled by layers of debt. Possibly uniquely they have traded since 1909 without a break. Even Triumph Motorcycles didn't manage that, there was a break between the end of the "Cooperative" and John Bloor taking over.

Bottom line: Morgan cannot ever meet all potential and actual owners expectations and for those disappointed by their purchase and unable to change it to match their expectations the only solution is to move on. Sorry.