Triumph – a venerated name in the world of motorcycles. With a legacy of more than a hundred years, it embodies British engineering and craftsmanship. The journey of Triumph Motorcycles – from its humble origins to its contemporary reputation as a symbol of industrial excellence – is a tale worth exploring.
Inception and early days (1902 – 1937)
Triumph’s journey of building motorcycles began in 1902. Before that, it was established as S. Bettmann & Co. Import Export Agency in 1885, the company primarily traded imported sewing machines and manufactured bicycles.
The first-ever Triumph motorcycle was powered by a 2.2 horsepower single-cylinder Belgian Minerva engine affixed to a bicycle frame. Clocking 500 units annually, Triumph became a popular name in the motor industry universe by 1903. The year 1905 marked a significant milestone as Triumph introduced the first motorcycle built completely in-house.
Triumph entered the world of competitive racing in 1907 and instantly tasted success, finishing second in the first-ever Isle of Man TT race. The same year, the company’s production soared to 1,000 motorcycles per year, setting the stage for future success.
Triumph’s contribution to World War I (1915 – 1918)
Triumph’s production focus shifted from churning out units for the buying public to supplying motorcycles to the Allied forces. This vital contribution showcased the brand’s commitment to supporting the war effort and solidified its reputation.
Triumph began supplying its 499cc type H ‘Trusty’ motorcycles to Allied Forces in the Great War. By 1918, 30,000 of the air-cooled single-cylinder bikes were in military service.
The split (1936)
Triumph’s car and motorcycle businesses were split; the latter being bought by Jack Sangster. He recruited Edward Turner as the company’s chief designer.
A game-changer: The speed twin (1937 – 1950)
Triumph made a significant breakthrough in 1937 when it introduced the 498cc Speed Twin model. This elegant and powerful motorcycle produced 27 horsepower and could reach speeds of up to 90 mph.
The vertical twin engine, a lightweight frame, a comfortable springer seat, and a four-speed transmission made the Speed Twin truly stand out. The impressive specifications and performance set it apart and captured the imagination of riders worldwide.
Contributing to the graceful silhouette, the parallel-twin engine flaunting an Amal carburettor, the beautiful teardrop shape of the fuel tank adorned with rubber knee pads, and the company’s logo became definitive elements in Triumph’s designs for years to come.
World War 2 (1942)
In 1942, a significant chapter in Triumph’s history began with the opening of their new factory in Meriden. This marked the initiation of motorcycle production at this facility. During this period, Triumph played a crucial role in supporting the military, selling over 50,000 motorcycles to serve various needs. Triumph’s contribution during this era set the stage for a lasting legacy in the world of motorcycles.
Performance era (1955)
In 1955, Triumph’s legacy took an exhilarating turn when Johnny Allen achieved a remarkable milestone that would kickstart an extraordinary 15-year run of performance excellence. Behind the handlebars of ‘The Devil’s Arrow,’ a streamliner meticulously crafted by a trio of Texan enthusiasts, and powered by a finely-tuned 650cc Thunderbird engine, Allen accomplished the incredible feat of reaching a top speed of 193 mph on the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. This record-breaking moment marked the beginning of a thrilling period in Triumph’s history, solidifying their reputation as pioneers in the world of high-performance motorcycles.
Triumph’s American odyssey (1950s – 1960s)
The early 1950s marked the ascent of Triumph in the United States, with more Triumph motorcycles sold there than in any other country. These motorcycles began to attract a unique following among World War II veterans who transitioned from military service to civilian life with a newfound love for motorcycles.
The 1960s witnessed a surge in the popularity of Triumph motorcycles. Notably, actor Steve McQueen’s iconic ride on a TR6 650 Trophy in the 1963 film “The Great Escape” caused immense public interest towards the Triumph brand.
The rise of customization (1960s – 1970s)
Triumph motorcycles, along with Harley-Davidsons, became the preferred choice for customization. Their distinct size, unique sound, thrilling performance, and rebellious image made them ideal canvases for custom chopper and bobber-style motorcycles. Enthusiasts embraced the opportunity to transform Triumph motorcycles into unique works of art.
Triumph’s dominance in racing (1960s – 1970s)
During the early to mid-1960s, Triumph motorcycles asserted their dominance in the world of motorcycle racing. These legendary machines set numerous performance records and left an indelible mark on the sport. The triumphs at Daytona in 1966 led to the introduction of the 500cc Tiger 100 Daytona model in 1967.
Gary Nixon repeated Elmore’s 1966 feat with victory in the Daytona 200 on a Tiger 100, and John Hartle helped bring Triumph more racing success in the Isle of Man Production TT.
A notable entry in 1968 was the three-cylinder Triumph Trident T150, a joint effort by Triumph and BSA. It offered 58 horsepower and could reach a top speed of 125 mph. This period also witnessed the famous motorcycle stunt rider Evel Knievel’s attempt to jump over a Las Vegas casino’s large outdoor fountain while riding a Triumph Bonneville.
Triumph’s triumph over adversity (1983 – Present)
The early 1980s posed a significant challenge as the Triumph factory in Meriden faced closure. However, the determined factory workers formed a cooperative to keep the brand alive. In 1983, the new owner of the Triumph brand licensed a manufacturer to produce a limited number of Bonnevilles, keeping the legacy alive.
The 1990s marked Triumph’s resurgence, with the introduction of six new models. In 1994, the powerful Speed Triple model was unveiled, followed by the completion of the new factory in Hinckley.
In 1996, the iconic Daytona T595 roared onto the motorcycle scene, immediately capturing the attention of enthusiasts with its striking and innovative design. The demand for this exceptional motorcycle was so remarkable that the numerous pre-orders led to a significant milestone in the company’s history. The 50,000th motorcycle to roll off the assembly line at the Hinckley plant was for the highly coveted Daytona T595. This event marked a memorable moment in Triumph’s legacy, showcasing the brand’s ability to blend cutting-edge style with precision engineering.
A significant setback occurred in 2002 when a large fire caused extensive damage at the Hinckley assembly plant. Remarkably, the factory was rebuilt in just a few months.
The modern era of Triumph (2000s – Present)
The 2000s brought a fresh lineup of dynamic Triumph models, including the Rocket III, the Triple Daytona, Street Triple, Tiger 800, Speedmaster, and Thunderbird Storm. These modern iterations closely resembled their iconic predecessors, ensuring that the spirit of classic Triumph design lived on.
In 2007, Triumph introduced the remarkable Street Triple, making a significant impact on the motorcycle world. This dynamic model offered riders a thrilling combination of the iconic Speed Triple’s distinctive styling and entertainment, seamlessly paired with the remarkable performance and exceptional handling of the Daytona 675.
The Street Triple’s arrival marked a new era of excitement for motorcycle enthusiasts. Additionally, in the same year, Triumph expanded its global footprint by inaugurating Factory 5 in Thailand, reinforcing its commitment to the global motorcycling community.
In 2015, Triumph made history by launching a series of iconic motorcycles that redefined the brand for the 21st century. This remarkable year saw the introduction of an all-new Speed Triple, setting a new standard for thrilling performance on two wheels. Additionally, the transcontinental adventure bike, the Tiger Explorer, was unveiled, addressing the calls of off-road motorcycling enthusiasts.
Triumph also breathed new life into the legendary Bonneville family by introducing a range of modern classics. This family included the 900cc Street Twin, offering a perfect blend of classic style and contemporary performance, the 1200cc Bonneville T120 and T120 Black, and the exceptional 1200cc Thruxton and Thruxton R, which combined classic aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering.
Triumph motorcycles continue to be produced in England, maintaining their tradition of blending British engineering, performance, and style. As they stand the test of time, Triumph remains a symbol of timeless adventure and exploration on two wheels.
Triumph motorcycles have carved their place in history through a century of innovation, success, and resilience. From the early days of a modest 2.2 horsepower engine to the modern era of powerful and iconic machines, Triumph’s journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of British motorcycling excellence. As Triumph motorcycles continue to inspire riders worldwide, their legacy lives on, echoing the spirit of exploration and adventure on the open road.