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Triumph Classic Motorcycles

Like many of the Coventry makes, Triumph hadtheir roots in the bicycle industry, beginning motorcycle production in 1902. In 1908, they won the single-cylinder class in the TT races, the machine being powered by a 500cc engine designed by one of the German founders of the firm, Maurice Schulte. After the First World War, Triumph were also involved with car production, but once this interest was relinquished when separate companies were established in 1936 the marque became truly succesful. This was due to the first of the famous Speed Twins, launched in 1937 with a vertical ohv engine. This was the ancestor of many great machines produced after the Second World War, notably the Thunderbirds and Bonnevilles.

Triumph were the dominant manufacturer in production racing throughout the sixties utilising tuned versions of their already potent Bonneville model to good affect. A "Thruxton" Bonneville had been marketed between 1964 and 1965 incorporating a large number of the optional performance parts as standard. In theory these parts were available to anyone wishing to uprate their machine to "Thruxton" specification; however, the availability was often disputed. Original "Thruxton" Bonneville's are now highly prized collectors items but the components required to convert a standard "Bonnie" to Thruxton specification are arguably more easily acquired today than they were in the sixties.

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Bike Image Description
1910 Triumph Hubclutch, 500cc 1910 Triumph Hubclutch, 500cc This 499cc 1910 model is in good condition and has a replica Mabon clutch on the crankshaft. The rear wheel is driven by V belt, rear brake is of the block-in-pulley type. Tyre size is 26 x 2½, ignition by the ultra-reliable Bosch magneto.
1912 Triumph TT Roadster, 499cc 1912 Triumph TT Roadster, 499cc More Triumph 3 1/2 hp information
1913 Triumph 3 1/2 hp 1913 Triumph  
1913 Triumph Triumph Veteran 497cc Veteran
1919 Triumph Junior (Baby) 1919 Triumph Junior (Baby) 225 cc
  • Production - 1921-1928
  • Engine - 2stroke single
  • Engine size - 225 cc
  • Starting - Pusd/Paddle
  • Front brake is like a bicycle stirrup type. Rear brake has a block that rubs against the belt rim. Drive is by belt.
  • Transmission - 2 (hand) clutchless
  • Top Speed - 35mph
  • 1919 Triumph Junior (baby) 225cc 2-stroke vintage TRIUMPH JUNIOR (BABY) 225cc 2-stroke 1919 vintage Introduced in 1913 the 'Baby' as it was to become affectionately known offered a small capacity lightweight two-stroke machine made to Triumph's exacting standards.
    1920 Triumph Model H & Sidecar 1920 Triumph & Sidecar The 4hp (550cc) Triumph Model H was designed in 1914. With a 3 speed gear box and belt final drive it soon became a favourite motorcycle of army despatch-riders in WW1. This example is fitteed with a period wickerwork sidecar and gas lighting. (Owned by Joe Fryer VMCC, Cheltenham.)
    1920 Triumph Junior Baby, 250cc 1920 Triumph Junior Baby, 250c
    Triumph Ricardo Model R - 1921 Triumph Ricardo
  • Production - 1921-1928
  • Engine - single-cylinder four-valve ohv four-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke - 80.5 x 98 mm
  • Carburettor - Triumph twin barrel
  • Transmission - Triumph three-speed gearbox
  • Capacity - 499cc
  • Power - 20 bhp @ 4600rpm
  • Weight - 250lb
  • Top Speed - 70mph
  • More Triumph Ricardo information.

    1922 Triumph SD Combination, 550cc 1922 Triumph SD Combination, 550cc The SD (Spring Drive) was in fact a somewhat modernised version of the famous model H, which had grown out of the Trusty veteran Triumph. By the mid-twenties belt drive was losing its appeal to many motorcyclists, so Triumph designed a model with chain secondary drive. The primary chain is protected by a well-engineered aluminium case and runs in an oil bath to minimize maintenance of chain and clutch. The powerful 550 cc engine (bore x stroke =85x97) has lots of torque. The machine is equipped with three speed Sturmey Archer gearbox, 26x3 beaded edge tyres and Bosch magneto. There are a full acetylene lighting set and a rear view mirror board. The stylish sidecar is equipped with a windscreen.
    1923 Triumph Junior Baby 250cc 1923 Triumph Junior Baby 250cc

    In 1913, a two-stroke, two speed, two-stroke 225cc 'Junior' model specifically for women is announced. It has a top speed of 35 mph. It becomes known as the 'Baby Triumph.' This is the first new Triumph engine since 1910.

    In 1915, the Cleveland Motorcycle Company (USA) built a two-stroke Lightweight which was almost an exact copy of Triumph's Junior model, and continued production of it until 1924. In 1916, Excelsior (USA, owned by Schwinn) built its own Junior clone under license, the L18, upgrading the engine to 269cc.

    A 269cc version of the Junior was added by Triumph in 1920, and built under license in Germany as well as in USA.

    In 1923, the Junior increased to 249cc and received a clutch and a kickstart. (That's the model shown here).

    1924 Triumph Ricardo, 500cc 1924 Triumph Ricardo, 500cc The Triumph "Riccy" began to make its appearance in the 1920s as a TT racer, designed by Harry Ricardo. It appeared in the standard production range in 1922. The engine features a 4-valve head, cast iron cylinder, aluminium piston and two exhaustports. Fitted with an internal expanding front brake and Druid forks, the Triumph "R" was the Top-of-the-range model and is a very sought after superbike.
    1925 Triumph SD, 550cc 1925 Triumph SD, 550cc
    1925 Triumph Model P 1925 Triumph Model P 499cc. This is an example of Triumph's famous Model P 494cc side valve single that created a sensation when it was introduced in 1925 at £42.16.6d, thereby undercutting every other 500cc model on the market. Despite its low price, the model was equipped with a 3-speed, hand-operated gearbox and all chain drive, as well as a carrier and toolbox.
    1926 Triumph Model P 1926 Triumph Model P Image provided by www.BuyVintage.co.uk.
    1926 Triumph Model P Triumph Model P The difficult trading conditions of the mid twenties prompted Triumph to produce a machine that could under cut its rivals on price whilst retaining the excellent finish that had become associated with the firm. Introduced in 1925, the Model P succeeded in achieving Triumph's aims, selling for £42 17s 6d, a figure that only BSA could approach with their 493cc "3 ¢" at £44. The new machine was entirely conventional with a side valve engine, three speeds and chain drive, although the early contracting band front brake was unusual and somewhat marginal in performance, it was replaced when the second batch of machines was produced, the first 20,000 having been built at the rate of a 1000 a week during 1925.
    1926 Triumph SD 550cc Flat Tank 1926 Triumph SD 550cc Flat Tank Image provided by www.BuyVintage.co.uk.
    1927 Triumph Model W
    Triumph Model W

    Triumph introduced a number of new models for the 1927 season, including a two valve sports machine to replace the 'Ricardo' and a sporting version of the model P, typed the 'Q', for those seeking less glamorous transport there was a new single cylinder side valve lightweight, the W. This machine is most notable for its unusual displacement of 277cc, adopted to maximise the engine size whilst remaining in the sub 220lbs tax bracket.

    Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.

    1928 Triumph NSD, 550cc 1928 Triumph NSD, 550cc This 550cc side valve Triumph is a real classic in the Triumph range. Bore and Stroke are 84x99mm, 548,5cc. The specification including: the well known Triumph quality, 3-speed gearbox with tankside quadrant, all-chain drive, diamond type frame, shock absorber on the engine shaft, high tension magneto, dynamo and girder forks with central tension spring and steering damper. Tyres are 26x3,25 wired on.
    1927 Triumph N 1927 Triumph N The 500 4-stroke single-cylinder Model H was produced by the Coventry firm in large numbers before during and after WW1. The Model R, with its 4-valve cylinder head layout designed by Harry Ricardo, was extremely innovative, Honda perfecting the concept 40 years later. By the 1920s, the Midland firm was co-operating with the German Triumph factory at Nuremburg and producing a variety of machines.
    1929 Triumph 350 WL Triumph 350 WL
    1929 Triumph Model N 500cc TRIUMPH MODEL N 500cc 1929
    1930 Triumph CTT 1930 Triumph CTT
    1930 Triumph 500 NT 1930 Triumph 500 NT very rare motorcycle indeed, a Triumph 500cc NT from 1930 or Jan '31, at the time it was made, the NT was the fastest bike in the Triumph range, having a twin port over head valve engine 494cc and 3 speed hand change.
    1931 Triumph Junior Model X, 174cc 1931 Triumph Junior Model X, 174cc
    1931 Triumph WL 350cc SV TRIUMPH WL 350cc SV 1931
       

    In 1933 Triumph introduced the XO in the 150cc class that attracted a favourable duty rating at the time. It featured an inclined, overhead-valve engine and a three-speed gearbox.
    House in a conventional duplex-loop frame it was lightwieght, economcal with a top speed of 47 mph.

    1933 Triumph NT 1933 Triumph NT
    1934 Triumph 2-1 Triumph 2-1
    1934 Triumph 2/5 Twin Port 1934 Triumph 2/5 Twin Port Twin Exhaust model.
    1935 Triumph Model 5-2, 493cc 1935 Triumph Model 5-2, 493cc
    1936 Triumph L, 250cc 1936 Triumph L, 250cc Designer Val Page came to Triumph from Ariel in 1932. He designed an excellent range of motorcycles, of which the 250 cc model was the lightest. Many parts of this model were interchangeable with those of the 350 and 500 cc models; Page was a sincere believer in rationalization in the production process of motorcycles. The new range was introduced for the 1934 season. The 250 was a very good motorcycle, but too expensive to make and consequently unprofitable. It was said that the company lost five pounds on every two-fifty produced… The machine had a unique integrally forged flywheel and main shaft set up, which made the engine very powerful and reliable: the L 2/1 became a popular competition machine. Bore and stroke dimensions were 63x80 mm, identical to the later Speed Twin model: one could say that a Speed Twin was more or less a double Light 250. Modern features of the bike were dry sump lubrication and a four-speed gearbox. Lighting is by Lucas magdyno system.
    1937 Triumph 3H 350cc TRIUMPH 3H 350cc 1937 Triumph 3H Gallery
    Triumph 6S de-luxe 1937 Triumph 6S de-luxe 1937
    1938 Triumph Speed Twin 5T Triumph Speed Twin 5T
  • Production - 1938-1940
  • Engine - 498cc, 180 degree parallel twin ohv four-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke - 63 x 80 mm
  • Compression Ratio - 7.2:1
  • Carburettor - 1in Amal
  • Power - 27 bhp @ 6300rpm
  • Wheelbase - 55in
  • Top Speed - 95mph
  • Triumph Speed Twin gallery

    Triumph Tiger 80 350cc Jan 1938
    Triumph Tiger 80

    Overhead valve single, 70 x 89mm, 7.5:1 compression, 20bhp at 5700rpm.

    Triumph Tiger gallery

    Triumph GP Triumph GP
  • Production - 1948-1950
  • Engine - 180 degree parallel twin, ohv four-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke - 63 x 80 mm
  • Capacity - 498cc
  • Power - 40bhp @ 6000rpm
  • Wheelbase - 53in
  • Weight - 295lb
  • Top Speed - 85mph
  • More Triumph GP information

    Picture kindly provided by www.vintagebike.co.uk

    1949 650cc 6T Triumph Thunderbird 1949 650cc 6T Triumph Thunderbird Triumph Thunderbird gallery
    1949 Triumph BDG 250 1949 Triumph BDG 250 250cc.
    1950 Triumph 3T 350cc TRIUMPH 3T 350cc 1950 Triumph 3T gallery
    1951 Triumph Grand Prix, 498cc 1951 Triumph Grand Prix, 498cc

    The 1946 Senior Amateur Manx Grand Prix race was won by Irish farmer Ernie Lyons. He rode a hybrid Triumph of which the engine had a Tiger 100 bottom-end assembly topped by the square-finned silicon-light-alloy cylinder block and head of a wartime RAF Triumph generator plant. The rear wheel incorporated a prototype Triumph sprung hub. The Manx Grand Prix success led to pressure upon Triumph to produce an over-the-counter racing model based on the Ernie Lyons machine. After further racing development in the hands of David Whitworth, the production Triumph Grand Prix was announced in February 1948. It remained in the programme for a few years, in which time some 250 machines were made.

    More Triumph Grand Prix info

    1952 Triumph Terrier Triumph Terrier Triumph Terrier gallery
    1953 Triumph BDG 250H 1953 Triumph BDG 250H
    1954 Triumph 6T Triumph 6T 650cc.
    1955 Triumph TRW 1955 Triumph TRW
    1955 Triumph TRW Military 1955 Triumph TRW Military
    1957 Triumph TRW 1957 Triumph TRW
    1958 Triumph T100 1958 Triumph T100
    1959 Triumph T21 1959 Triumph T21
    1959 Triumph TR6 650cc TRIUMPH TR6 650cc 1959 Much has been written on most aspects of the Triumph motorcycle and the designs of Edward Turner over the years, and the TR6 is just one development of the original twin cylinder concept in the form of a 650 sporting twin in a moderate state of tune.
    Triumph TR6
    Triumph TR6
    1959 Triumph 6T 1959 Triumph 6T
    1960 Triumph Tigress T51 Triumph Tigress T51 175cc, 2-stroke.
    1960 Triumph Twenty One, 350cc 1960 Triumph Twenty One, 350cc
    1962 Triumph Blue Pearl 1962 Triumph 650 SS

    Blue Pearl is Yellow Peril's big brother and was the last of three bikes built by Bill Bragg in the early sixties. It followed the same basic layout as the earlier bikes except that it had rear suspension to cope with problems of bumpy tracks and a super-charger to improve the power output.

    Even the innovator, Bragg, was among the first to super-charge Triumph twin engines, and the Allard Car Company helped him to sort out the blower set-up. The bike went on to record 11.19 seconds for the quarter mile, very much on the pace for 1962.

    Once again a 650cc Triumph engine is used, driving through a Norton gearbox and clutch. This super-charger is a Shorrocks unit and the methane fuel is fed through a hugh SU carb.

    1962 Triumph 650 SS 1962 Triumph 650 SS
    1962 Triumph T20S Sports Cub Triumph 1962 T20S Sports Cub
    Triumph T120 Bonneville Triumph 120 Bonneville
  • Engine - air-cooled 649cc parallel twin
  • Horsepower - 46bhp @ 6500rpm (later 51bhp @ 7100rpm)
  • Top Speed - 110mph
  • Frame - tubular twin cradle
  • Transmission - 4 speed (later 120V: 5 speed)
  • Launched - 1963-1972
  • Brakes - drum/drum

    Picture kindly provided by www.vintagebike.co.uk

    Triumph Bonneville T120 Gallery

  • 1973 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750 1973 Triumph Bonneville 750 Triumph Bonneville T140 Gallery
    1963 Triumph TR6 Trophy 1963 Triumph TR6 Trophy Triumph Trophy Gallery
    1963 Triumph Thruxton Evocation
    Triumph Thruxton

    The example offered started life as a 1963 Police specification 6T. It was rebuilt using 1968 specification forks with all new components and damping as used on the 1968 to 1971 works machines, a 1968 rear subframe and swinging arm and Falcon shock absorbers. 19" wheel rims are fitted, the rear being laced to a quickly detachable BSA Spitfire rear hub which enables a choice of sprockets. The tool box, which compliments the works type oil tank with cutaway, has been made oil tight with breathers and now performs the role of "catch tank". A works replica alloy seat and tank are fitted as is the correct style of Avon fairing with a detachable nose to accommodate the headlight. Original new matched speedometer and tachometer provide information for the rider.

    The engine was rebuilt by Andy Alexander and utilises a new drive side crankcase, new bearings throughout, stronger connecting rods, and 10:1 compression ratio pistons with modified skirts. The head has new valve guides with modern valve springs and has been "nicely flowed" whilst "R" type Thruxton camshafts with 3 inch radius followers look after the timing. The transmission features a close ratio four speed gearbox and an alloy clutch drum.

    Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.

    Triumph Cub 1964 Triumph Cub 1964
    1964 Triumph Tina 1964 Triumph Tina

    Triumph Tina T10 Gallery

    1964 Triumph TRW 2B S.V. Twin Triumph TRW One of the last one's made Oct 1964 for the WD it's still a s.v engine (flat head) and pre unit gear box.
    1964 Triumph TRW 500cc side valve PRE-UNIT Twin ex Military 1964 Triumph TRW 500cc side valve PRE-UNIT Twin ex Military Decommisioned and first civilian registration 1983.
    1965 Triumph 6T 650cc TRIUMPH 6T 650cc 1965
    1966 Triumph Mountain Cub 1966 Triumph Mountain Cub
    1966 Triumph T 35 WD, 350cc 1966 Triumph T 35 WD, 350cc
    1967 Triumph TR6R Triumph TR6R
    1967 Triumph TR6C 1967 Triumph TR6C
    1967 Triumph Flattracker, 750cc 1967 Triumph Flattracker, 750cc
    1967 Triumph TT Trackmaster 1967 Triumph TT Trackmaster 650cc. Flattrack Racer, set up for the " mile". Race ready, ARD MAG , Ceriani RR forks, quick change RR hub, Mikuni carbs, polished SS spokes, hi-compression pistons, original bates equipment, Delong # 14 cam, Trackmaster frame.
    1967 Triumph 750cc Trackmaster Special 1967 Triumph 750cc Trackmaster  Special Carbon fiber tank and fenders, nickel frame. A no expense spared custom street racer. Picture kindly provided by www.batorinternational.com
    1967 Triumph Super Bantam Cub 200cc TRIUMPH SUPER BANTAM CUB 200cc 1967
    1967 Triumph T20B Super Cub Triumph T20B Super Cub
    1967 Triumph 500 Daytona T100T 1967 Triumph 500cc Daytona T100T Triumph Daytona T100 gallery
    1968 Triumph TR6 Triumph TR6
    1968 Triumph 250 TR25W 1968 Triumph 250 TR25W
    1968 Triumph 6T 1968 Triumph 6T

    Built at Meriden Works in 1966 and in original colour and chrome. Genuine mileage as per photograph. Although intended for police use this machine was never commissioned and remained in it's dispatch state until it's first registration in 1968. It is the original "Saint" as the police changed over to triumph trophy machines during that period in time, which they also nicknamed "Saint" .

    1969 Triumph Cheney Triumph Cheney 650cc. Built specifically by Eric Cheney for use in the I.S.D.T. and similar events the Cheney Triumphs featured tuned engines usually of Triumph manufacture installed in lightweight frames.
    1969 Triumph TR25 Triumph TR25 250cc.
    1969 Triumph Trackmaster 1969 Triumph Trackmaster

    1969 750cc Triumph T120R Bonneville motorcycle engine with a 1967 Trackmaster nickel plated frame.

    This bike is a genuine vintage race bike that raced at Ascot and other area circuits in Southern California during the late 1960's, early 1970's.

    1969 Triumph Rickman Kirby Metisse Triumph Rickman Kirby Metisse

    This Rickman was first registered in Sweden 1974. The frame is registered as a 1969. The engine is a Triumph 1977 750cc five-speed engine.

    The frame is originally made for racing with an Matchless G50 engine fitted. The first owner didn´t like the finish of nickel-plating so he chromed it.

    The front end is the original Rickman 41mm fork with original hub with lockheed caliper. The hub is laced to an Borrani 19” VM 2 rim. Backwheel is Yamaha TR2B.

    1970 Triumph 750cc Works Racer 1970 Triumph 750cc Works Racer
    1970 Triumph Works 750 1970 Works Triumph 750
    1970 Triumph T100C 1970 Triumph T100C The T100c is a much rarer machine than the other 500s ie Daytonas & road going Trophies, this is not an adapted Daytona it is a genuine T100c, engine bash plate,folding footrests,small headlight, alloy guards , twin leading shoe front brake etc.This model was intended for the US market only hence they are seldom seen in this country.
    1971 Triumph T25SS Triumph T25SS Single cylinder 4-stroke lightweight bike.
    1971 Triumph Trailblazer SS Triumph Trailblazer 250cc.
    1971 Triumph Flat Tracker, 250cc 1971 Triumph Flat Tracker, 250cc
    1971 Triumph Blazer SS Triumph Blazer SS 250cc
    1972 Triumph T25SS Blaser Triumph T25SS Blaser 250cc.
    1972 Triumph Hurricane X75 Triumph Hurricane X75

    American import, 750cc.

    Triumph TRX 75 Hurricane Gallery

    1972 Triumph ISDT Racer 1972 Triumph ISDT Racer Cheney frame.
    1972 Triumph EML Race Outfit 1972 Triumph EML Race Outfit
    1973 Triumph 500 Racer 1973 Triumph 500 Racer  
    1973 Triumph Rickman 1973 Triumph Rickman
    1973 Triumph TR5 T Triumph TR5 T ,"Trophy Trail". As far as I can tell this is a pretty acurate restoration, (has won an AHRMA concours). Triumph also painted these red and sold them as the "Adventurer".
    1974 Triumph B50 MX 1974 Triumph B50 MX
    1974 Triumph TR5 MX, 500cc 1974 Triumph TR5 MX, 500cc
    1975 Triumph 1000cc Prototype 1975 Triumph 1000cc Prototype
    1975 Triumph 1000cc Prototype 1975 Triumph 1000cc Prototype
    1975 Triumph Slippery Sam Replica Triumph Slippery Sam Created by Les Williams the legendary figure behind the most celebrated "Triumph Racer of All". The only machine ever to win five TT races in the 'Isle of Man' in five consecutive years. More Triumph Slippery Sam info
    1977 Triumph TR7RV 750cc
    Triumph TR7RV
    1978 Triumph Wasco Flat Track, 650 1978 Triumph Wasco Flat Track, 650
    1982 Triumph TSX750 Triumph TSX750 Air cooled, four stroke, parallel twin, four valves per cylinder.
    1982 Triumph TSX750 1982 Triumph TSX750  
    1982 Triumph TSS 750 Triumph TSS750 Air cooled, four stroke, parallel twin, four valves per cylinder.
    1983 Triumph TSS 750W 1983 Triumph TSS750W One of the last Triumphs Made at Meriden Factory in 1982.
    Triumph Trident 750 Triumph Trident
  • Engine - air-cooled 740cc OHV transverse triple
  • Horsepower - 58bhp @ 7500rpm
  • Top Speed - 120 mph
  • Brakes - 2LS drum/drum (1972-on; disc/drum)
  • Frame - tubular twin cradle with single front downtube
  • Transmission - 5 speed

    Picture kindly provided by www.vintagebike.co.uk

    Triumph Trident gallery

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