Triumph Motorcycle
Triumph Motorcycle, a name synonymous with innovation, speed, and timeless design, has etched an indelible mark in the annals of motorcycle history. From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its present-day stature as a global icon, Triumph has continuously redefined the boundaries of motorcycling. This comprehensive article delves into the rich history, significant milestones, and legendary models that have made Triumph a revered name among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
Triumph’s Early Innovations: The Birth of a Legend
Originally formed as a bicycle manufacturing company by Siegfried Bettmann in Coventry in 1887, Triumph quickly adapted to the changing transportation landscape. With the explosion of motorized transport, Triumph shifted focus and produced its first motorized cycle, the Triumph 1, in 1902. Designed by engineer Mauritz Schulte, it was equipped with a Belgian-made 2.2hp Minerva engine. This pioneering model marked the birth of what would become a legendary brand, setting the stage for Triumph’s journey through the decades.
World War II and the Meriden Factory
Establishing the new Meriden factory in 1942 was a significant milestone for Triumph. Over 50,000 motorcycles were produced for the military during this period, cementing Triumph’s reputation for reliability and performance in challenging conditions. The Meriden factory became the heart of Triumph’s operations, crucial in its wartime efforts and post-war resurgence.
Post-War Triumph: A Focus on Iconic Models
In 1946, Triumph focused on three iconic models: the Tiger 100, the Speed Twin, and the more petite touring 349cc 3T. The Tiger 100, ridden to victory at the 1946 Manx Grand Prix by Ernie Lyons, showcased Triumph’s racing prowess. With its innovative design, the Speed Twin became a benchmark for twin-cylinder motorcycles, while the 3T catered to the growing demand for versatile touring bikes.
Triumph in Popular Culture: The Wild One Era
Marlon Brando’s portrayal of a rebellious biker in the 1953 film “The Wild One” featured a 650cc 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T. This cinematic appearance catapulted Triumph motorcycles into popular culture, symbolizing freedom and rebellion. The Thunderbird’s iconic design and powerful performance captured the imagination of a generation, further solidifying Triumph’s legendary status.
Speed Records and the Bonneville Salt Flats
1955 marked the beginning of Triumph’s extraordinary 15-year performance era. Johnny Allen recorded 193mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, piloting “The Devil’s Arrow,” a streamliner powered by a tuned 650cc Thunderbird motor. This achievement not only set a new speed record but also laid the groundwork for the development of the famous Bonneville series.
The Iconic T120 Bonneville 650
The introduction of the T120 Bonneville 650 in 1959 was a game-changer for Triumph. Named in honour of the Bonneville Salt Flats, this model quickly became the highest-selling British twin ever. Its speed, style, and reliability blend made it a favourite among motorcyclists, earning a place in the pantheon of classic motorcycles.
Hollywood Fame: The Great Escape
The 1962 TR6 650 Trophy gained legendary status through its appearance in the 1963 film The Great Escape. Bud Ekins and Steve McQueen rode, jumped and crashed this motorcycle, which became a symbol of daring and adventure. The TR6’s performance and rugged build made it an ideal choice for the film’s thrilling stunts, further enhancing Triumph’s reputation for engineering excellence.
Triumph’s Renaissance: The Return to Prominence
Triumph’s high-profile return at the Cologne Show marked a new era for the brand. Unveiling models such as the unfaired Trident 750cc and 900cc Triples, the touring Trophy 900cc Triple and 1200cc Four, and the sporty Daytona 750cc Triple and 1000cc Four, Triumph showcased its innovative spirit and commitment to excellence. These models reintroduced Triumph to a new generation of riders, blending modern technology with classic design.
Adventure and Racing: Speed Triple and Tiger 900
1994 Triumph entered the adventure sector with the Tiger 900 and revived its racing heritage with the 885cc Speed Triple. The Speed Triple, competing in the Speed Triple Challenge race series at Donington Park, demonstrated Triumph’s commitment to performance and competition. Triumph Motorcycles America was also formed, expanding the brand’s presence across the Atlantic.
The Arrival of Daytona T595
The launch of the Daytona T595 in 1996 was a significant milestone for Triumph. Its striking styling and advanced engineering attracted lengthy deposit lists, with one order becoming the 50,000th motorcycle manufactured at Hinckley. The Daytona T595 set new standards for sports motorcycles, combining power, agility, and aesthetic appeal.
The Resurgence of the Bonneville
A decade after Triumph’s rebirth, the iconic Bonneville returned to the lineup in 2000. This modern iteration captivated traditionalists and younger riders with its classic styling, superb handling, and functionality. The Bonneville’s return symbolized Triumph’s enduring legacy and ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Triumph’s Century: A Celebration of Innovation
Triumph celebrated its centenary in 2002 amidst challenges and triumphs. A massive fire gutted the main Factory 1 assembly plant, but Triumph’s resilience shone through with the opening of Factory 3 in Thailand. The launch of the four-cylinder Daytona 600 supersports bike underscored Triumph’s commitment to innovation and performance.
Triumph’s Return to the Podium
Bruce Anstey’s victory in the Junior 600 on the Valmoto Daytona 600 marked Triumph’s first TT win in 27 years. This achievement highlighted Triumph’s return to competitive racing, showcasing the brand’s engineering prowess and dedication to excellence. The Daytona 600’s success on the track reinforced Triumph’s reputation for producing high-performance motorcycles.
The Dominance of Daytona 675
The introduction of the all-new 675cc Daytona in 2006 set a new benchmark for supersport motorcycles. With its Triple engine, the Daytona 675 won multiple awards and accolades, solidifying Triumph’s position as a leader in the supersport segment. Its power, agility, and cutting-edge technology made it a favourite among riders and critics.
Street Triple: A New Era of Excitement
The launch of the Street Triple in 2007 brought a new level of excitement to the Triumph lineup. Combining the styling and entertainment of the Speed Triple with the performance and handling of the Daytona 675, the Street Triple quickly became a best-seller. Its versatility and appeal to many riders underscored Triumph’s ability to innovate and adapt to market trends.
Triumph’s British Supersport Victory
Glen Richards’ victory in the British Supersport Championship on the MAP Embassy Triumph Daytona 675 was a historic moment for Triumph. This win marked Triumph’s first British Championship of the Hinckley era, highlighting the brand’s competitive spirit and engineering excellence. The Daytona 675’s success on the track affirmed Triumph’s status as a formidable force in motorcycle racing.
Elevating Standards: The Street Triple R
Triumph’s foray into the ‘R’ sector with the launch of the Street Triple R in 2009 elevated the class-leading package to new heights. Featuring higher specification braking and suspension, the Street Triple R offered an unparalleled riding experience. This model showcased Triumph’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Thunderbird 1600: Cruiser of the Year
The Thunderbird 1600cc parallel twin, Triumph Hinckley’s first belt-driven motorcycle, was significantly impacted in 2010. Impressing US magazine Cycle World enough to be voted ‘Cruiser of the Year,‘ Thunderbird’s blend of power, style, and comfort set new standards in the cruiser segment. This recognition underscored Triumph’s versatility and ability to excel in diverse motorcycle categories.
A Global Celebration: Triumph’s 110th Anniversary
Triumph celebrated its 110th Anniversary in style, opening a new facility in Brazil and reaching annual sales of 50,000 motorcycles worldwide for the first time. The launch of the 1215cc Tiger Explorer and Trophy models and major updates to the Street Triple and Daytona showcased Triumph’s commitment to innovation and excellence. These developments highlighted Triumph’s global reach and continued relevance in the motorcycle industry.
Back on Top: Triumph’s Racing Triumphs
Gary Johnson’s thrilling victory on the Isle of Man Supersport TT, riding a Smiths Triumph Daytona 675R, marked Triumph’s return to the podium’s top step. Billy McConnell’s British Supersport Championship win, and Danny Eslick’s Daytona 200 victory further underscored Triumph’s racing credentials. These successes reaffirmed Triumph’s reputation for producing high-performance, race-winning motorcycles.
Modern Classics: The Rebirth of the Bonneville Family
The launch of the all-new Bonneville family in 2015 marked a significant evolution for Triumph. With models like the 900cc Street Twin, 1200cc Bonneville T120, and the 1200cc Thruxton, Triumph blended classic design with modern engineering. The introduction of the Speed Triple and Tiger Explorer further expanded Triumph’s lineup, catering to diverse rider preferences and solidifying its position as a leader in the motorcycle industry.
Peerless Style: The Bonneville Bobber
The launch of the Bonneville Bobber in 2016, with its peerless authenticity and handcrafted custom style, set a new standard for modern classics. Triumph’s Modern Classics range reached new heights along with the new Street Cup, Street Scrambler, Bonneville T100, and T100 Black. This range showcased Triumph’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, offering motorcycles that appealed to both classic enthusiasts and contemporary riders.
The Game-Changing 765cc Engine
Triumph’s introduction of the all-new 765cc engine in the Street Triple range in 2017 was a game-changer. This engine formed the basis for a new partnership with Dorna, supplying a race-tuned version for the Moto2™ World Championship from 2019 onwards. This development highlighted Triumph’s engineering excellence and commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance.
Return of the Speed Twin and Scrambler 1200
The return of the Speed Twin and the launch of the Scrambler 1200 in 2018 brought two iconic names back to the Triumph lineup. Each model offered a class-busting level of specification and capability, reaffirming Triumph’s position as a leader in the motorcycle industry. These models combined modern technology with classic design, appealing to many riders.
Triumph’s Record-Breaking Year
Triumph’s return to top-tier racing as the official FIM Moto2™ World Championship 2019 engine supplier resulted in remarkable achievements. With a race-tuned version of the acclaimed Street Triple 765cc engine, Triumph set 16 lap records and achieved the first-ever 300KPH top speed. Alex Marquez’s championship win further cemented Triumph’s legacy in competitive racing.
Trident 660: The Triple Advantage
Introducing the Trident 660 in 2020 added a new dimension to Triumph’s award-winning Roadster lineup. With its triple engine performance advantage, class-leading technology, agile handling, and low cost of ownership, the Trident 660 was the perfect combination for new riders entering the Triumph world. This model highlighted Triumph’s ability to innovate and cater to evolving market demands.
New Horizons: Expanding Triumph’s Motorcycle Range
Triumph’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is evident in its diverse range of new motorcycle versions:
Adventure: Triumph’s adventure motorcycles, such as the Tiger series, offer exceptional performance, comfort, and versatility for long-distance touring and off-road adventures.
Classic: The Modern Classics range, including the Bonneville family, blends timeless design with modern engineering, appealing to traditionalists and contemporary riders alike.
Roadsters: Triumph’s Roadster lineup, including the Speed Triple and Street Triple, delivers thrilling performance, agile handling, and cutting-edge technology for an exhilarating riding experience.
Rocket-3: The Rocket 3, with its massive engine and unparalleled power, redefines the boundaries of performance cruisers, offering an unmatched blend of power, comfort, and style.
Sport: Triumph’s sport motorcycles, such as the Daytona series, showcase the brand’s racing heritage and engineering excellence, delivering top-tier performance on the track and the road.
Triumph Motorcycle‘s journey from its inception to its current status as a global icon is a testament to its enduring legacy of innovation, performance, and design. Each milestone and model in Triumph’s history reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. As Triumph continues to innovate and expand its lineup, it remains a symbol of engineering prowess and motorcycling heritage.
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