Triumph 3 1/2 hp
Triumph's pioneering 3 1/2 hp (500cc)
models did more than any othe machine to influence
the mass acceptance of the motorcycle. Certainly Triumph
were one of the first to undertake mass production
on a really major scale and the reliability of their
early models led to their later bikes becoming known
as Trusty Triumphs.
By 1907, Triumph's solidly engineered 3hp singles
had gained the company a good reputation as makers
of reliable bikes with a fair turn of speed. Part
of tha treliability came from the Triumph's intergrated
design and in keeping with their principle of controlling
all elements of the design, Triumph developed their
own twi-barrel carburettor and a magneto system which
they fitted for the 1908 season.
It was also around this time that the Trusty Triumph
nicknam first appeared. Although belt drive was still
used, Triumph also offered a new transmission system
using a Sturmey-Archer three-speed rear hub similar
to that used on pedal cycles. It was fitted with a
clutch incorporated into the hub. More models joined
the range, including the 225cc two-stroke 'Baby' and
sporting variants aimed at the large number of riders
who wanted to take part in motorcycle competitions.
Triumph's own efforts had paid off with a win for
Marshall in the second TT of 1908 and places in 1909
and 1910. Although Triumph bikes failed to place in
1911, the marque's endurance had been proved by en
epic Land's End to John O'Groats run undertaken by
Ivan Hart-Davies, who rode 886 miles i njust over
29 hours, the last time such a record run was permitted.
By 1911, the flagship of the range was the 3 1/2
hp model. Developed from the earlier 3hp bike, it
carried many detail improvements, while the capacity
had been increased by some 163cc. More new models
followed, until the range embraced a direct belt-drive
Roadster, a de-luxe version with a pedal-operated
clutch, a sporting TT Roadster and a full TT racing
model.
Such bikes were capable of high sustained speeds
- a TT racing Triumph could top 75mph - while Alfred
Catt proved the 3 1/2hp bikes reliability with a phoenomenal
ride of over 2500 miles in six days, on roads that
in the main were little better than cart tracks. His
own health was permanently affected but the Triumph
earned a place in motorcycle history.
Another development would soon ear the company an
even bigger place in history, with a larger 4hp (550cc)
version called the Model H, just before World War
I. The motorcycle mainstay of the war effort, some
30,000 of Triumph's Model H were built, staying in
use for many post-war years.
Triumph 3 1/2hp (1913)
- Years in production - 1906-14
- Engine - single-cylinder side-valve four-stroke
- Bore and Stroke - 85 x 88mm
- Capacity - 499cc
- Carburettor - Triumph twin-barral
- Tyres - 2.25in x 26in
- Top speed - approx 55mph
|
