Triumph (motos) — wikipedia

Triumph is an English brand of motorcycles founded by the German Siegfried Bettman. Since 1983, it has belonged to the British company Triumph Motorcycles LTD, based in Hinckley. Triumph is one of the only brands of motorcycles to have been active without interruption since the beginning of XX ^{It is} century, with more than a million motorcycles produced to the present day.

The first Moto Triumph was produced in Coventry in 1902. The brand developed rapidly before the First World War, experienced difficulties during the interwar period and found growth after the Second World War. In the 1950s, Triumph again became a leading brand in its field. In the 1960s, the Triumph were exported to several countries and in particular in North America, a market which then represents three quarters of the brand’s sales ^{[ first ]} .

Triumph again faces difficulties in 1970s , consequences in particular of Japanese competition. Resuming in 1983, the brand specializes in the production of high-cost and all-terrain-vocation models with two or three cylinders, such as its flagship models, Bonneville and Tiger.

Debut [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

And 1883, Siegfried Bettmann (in) , born in Germany, emigrated to Great Britain. After having occupied various small jobs, he created in 1885 an activity of manufacturing bicycles ^{[ 2 ]} . From 1886, he realized that his name, under which he distributed his bicycles, could be a brake on their diffusion. He therefore seeks a name that sounds as well in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, whose languages ​​he speaks. This is how the Triumph brand was born ^{[ 3 ]} .

In 1886, Bettmann joined Moritz Schulte, a mechanical engineer from Nuremberg. The two partners ^{[ first ]} Lise funds from their respective families and settle in Coventry, in the region then the most industrialized of Great Britain, where we are already starting to speak of engines that can equip planes, cars and motorcycles ^{[ n 1 ]} . They open their first factory, then dedicated to the manufacture of bicycles. In 1896, they created a subsidiary in Nuremberg, the Triumph Werk Nûrnberg (TWN) and in 1897 the English parent company took the name of Triumph Cycle Company.

First motorcycles (1902-1914) [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Bettmann and Schulte are quickly interested in the innovation they see in the motorcycle sector. In 1897, they imported a Hildebrand and Wolfmüller, and developed a prototype bicycle with motorized assistance around 1901 ^{[ 4 ]} .

The following year, they launched the very first Triumph motorcycle model ^{[ 2 ]} : It has a four -stroke monocylinder engine from the Belgian brand Minerva ^{[ first ]} 240 cm ³ installed in a setting similar to that of Triumph bikes ^{[ 5 ]} . The announced power is 2 ch And the final transmission is by belt. This model will be produced with JAP motors from 2.5 ch From 1903 to 1905 ^{[ n 2 ]} .

In 1905, Triumph launched its own engine: a monocylinder of 3 ch ^{[ first ]} Mechanically controlled side valves ^{[ n 3 ]} . The displacement of this engine is gradually increased until reaching 550 cm ³ In 1914, the power announced going from 3 to 4 ch . The models thus motorized have a rear brake ordered by pedal with a right foot and a front brake ordered on the handlebars ^{[ n 4 ]} . They quickly acquire a reputation for reliability ^{[ n 5 ]} and ensure strong growth in Triumph: production goes from 500 machines in 1905 to 3,000 in 1909.

The relatively modest power of the Triumph does not prevent them from shining in competition, with in particular a second place of the Tourist Trophy of 1907 and the victory the following year, at a speed of 68 km/h ^{[ first ] , [ 3 ]} . Siegfried Bettmann, the founder, is naturalized English ^{[ first ]} .

Until the First World War, Triumph introduced significant innovations in its range: shock absorber fork (1906) ^{[ n 6 ]} , carburetor developed by the brand (1908) ^{[ n 7 ]} , controls on the handlebars (1908), double training pulley (1908) ^{[ n 8 ]} , ranging the rear wheel (1911) ^{[ n 9 ]} , three -speed system (1913) ^{[ n 10 ]} , etc.

In a 1914 Triumph catalog, made up of 44 pages and common to bikes and brand motorcycles, two pages briefly present seven models in the range ^{[ 6 ]} : Roadster A, B et c; TT Roadster D, e it g; TT RACER F, £ 7 PRIX ALWAYS THE 54 AM 6 £ ^{[ n 11 ]} . These are monocylinders equipped with engines of 499 cm ³ / 3.5 ch or 550 cm ³ / 4 ch . They differentiate in particular by their transmission: three -speed system (C and G models), an engine in constant socket ^{[ n 12 ]} (B, D and F models) or disengageable ^{[ n 9 ]} (models A and E).

The range also includes, from 1913, another model: the junior. With a two -stroke monocylinder of 223 cm ³ , the ” Baby As it will be nicknamed, is successful, especially thanks to its lightness (59 kg ), its low saddle, and its value for money: for 42 £ , it notably offers a two -speed transmission and the triumph amortized fork ^{[ n 13 ]} . The junior will be produced until 1926 ^{[ n 14 ]} .

• Models before the First World War
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  292 JAP motor triumph cm ³ / 2.5 ch tilted forward (1903).

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  Triumph A (1913). Note the control rod of free engine By order at the foot, the fork rocking and the exhaust fish tail .

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  Triumph C (1913) with command of the “derailleur” three speeds, by lever on the right side of the tank.

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  Triumph Junior (1920). Note the hoof rear brake ordered by a straight heel lever.

The fame of Triumph and its local involvement led Siegfried Bettmann to become Centry Municipal Councilor in 1907, then mayor in 1913-1914 ^{[ n 15 ]} .

First World War and 1920s: the development [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The United Kingdom enters war on August 4, 1914 And decides to massively use motorcycles to ensure communications on the battlefields. After requisitioning civil motorcycles and ordered a hundred models A, the British army passes an important contract concerning the supply from 1915 of a model just launched by Triumph: the H model, which will be produced at more than 30 000 copies during the conflict ^{[ 7 ]} . The H model is always a 550 side valve monocylinder cm ³ / 4 ch and final transmission by belt ^{[ first ]} , but it innovates in two important areas: the start is done by Kick-Starter, and above all it has a real three-speed gearbox, a clutch and a primary transmission per chain. Its reliability will be worth the mark to be nicknamed ” Trusty Triumph » ^{[ 7 ]} , and will have positive repercussions on after-war periods: it was sold until 1923 with 57,000 copies sold ^{[ first ]}

The 1920s saw an exceptional boom in Triumph, whose annual production goes from 4,000 before war machines to 30,000 in 1925 ^{[ n 16 ]} .

Two important events mark the organization of society just after the end of the war:

• Moritz Schulte, one of the two co -founders, left Triumph in 1919 and was replaced by Italian Harry Ricardo ^{[ first ] , [ n 17 ]} ;
• Triumph decides to embark on the production of cars. This will lead to the acquisition of the English company Dawson and the creation of the Triumph Motor Company in 1921, then at the exit of the first models in 1923.

Just after the war, Triumph, which employs three thousand people, faces strong inflation, important competition and an intense price war. The company reacts by introducing several models and innovations on the market, including:

• SD, a 550 side valve monocylinder cm ³ . With a three -speed gearbox designed by Triumph ^{[ n 18 ]} , this is the first Triumph model with final transmission by chain, with front brake in drum ^{[ n 19 ]} and Druid fork ^{[ n 20 ]} . The SD is also equipped with a transmission shock shock absorber system, known as “Spring Drive”, which gives it its name. In 1925, she was the first triumph to receive a rear brake on drum;
• The R or Riccy, a monocylinder of 499 cm ³ sporting ^{[ first ]} Equipped with the first valve engine at the head ^{[ n 21 ]} of the brand, developed by engineer Harry Ricardo. R models will be nicknamed “Riccy” ^{[ 5 ]} ;
• the CTT, “The flagship of the range” , a four -valor monocylinder of 500 cm ³ also with a sports vocation ^{[ first ]} , which replaced the R from 1927;
• The ST, a monocylor derived from TT for less sporting use.

Triumph also offers, in addition to the junior, several entry or mid -range models, in particular:

• LS: a monocylinder of 350 cm ³ side valves with three -speed gearbox fully integrated into the engine and automatic lubrication. It is a commercial failure and the LS will only be produced from 1924 to 1927 ^{[ 8 ]} ;
• The P: launched in 1924 at the price of 42 £ only ^{[ 9 ]} . It is a stripped model of 500 cm ³ whose production quickly rises to a thousand units per week. But the P suffers from major design and quality problems ^{[ n 22 ]} generating customer dissatisfaction and numerous repairs under warranty ^{[ n 23 ]} . It will remain in the catalog until the end of 1920s .

At the end of the 1920s, Triumph had a range of seven four -stroke single -cylinder models ranging from the Modeste W (278 cm ³ / 2.8 ch ) to modern and sporty ST (500 cm ³ OHV/ 5 ch ). Several models, including the CN mid -range of 500 cm ³ , have for the first time at Triumph in a recirculation lubrication circuit ^{[ ten ]} . And all benefit from modern frames and tanks with more rounded forms ^{[ n 24 ]} .

In 1929, Triumph, whose models were sold worldwide, was the first English manufacturer and one of the very first worldwide manufacturers of motorcycles ^{[ 7 ] [ n 25 ]} . It was then that the great depression occurs which strikes the whole world economy.

• Triumph from 1915 to the late 1920s
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  SD with Drum rear brake (1925).

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1930s: changes and first twin -cylinder [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

In 1929, the Lloyd’s Bank, the main creditor of Triumph, decides that the company had to change its strategy and release funds to deal with the crisis. With the support of the board of directors of Triumph, the bank takes the operational direction of the company. The founder, Siegfried Bettmann, then aged 71, becomes vice-president without operational responsibilities and Ch. Holbrook is promoted Deputy Managing Director ^{[ n 26 ]} . As early as 1929, Triumph separated from its German subsidiary Twn, then, in 1932, from its bicycle activity, which later joined the Raleigh group.

In 1932, Triumph recruited a renowned engineer, Val Page (in) , who spent fifteen years with the competitor Ariel ^{[ first ]} . Page will be at the origin of the full revival of the range of engines of Triumph, and in particular the first twin -cylinder of the brand ^{[ first ]} : an online twin -cylinder ^{[ n 27 ]} . This inaugurates a long family of engines of this type which will become characteristic of the brand ^{[ 11 ]} . The first model he equips is announced August 1933 : It’s 6-1 ^{[ first ]} , a fairly heavy motorcycle (187 kg ) with a four -speed gearbox, a primary helical transmission and two lubrication circuits. Because it aims at the Side-Car user market, the 6-1 is also equipped with a front and rear brake coupling system, as well as a parking brake. The 6-1 is expensive to produce because it shares few parts with the other models in the range. Its price is high and, despite success in competition and great robustness, the 6-1 will not meet during its marketing period (1933-1936) only a limited success with less than 600 copies products ^{[ twelfth ]} .

The 1934 Triumph range has 18 models ranging from the XV of 150 cm ^{3 [ n 28 ]} at 6/1 of 650 cm ³ , for catalog prices from 25 to 70 £ ^{[ 13 ]} . The four -stroke models of low displacement (150 and 175 cm ³ ) are gathered in the XO family. The cylinder of their engine is tilted forward, a provision which earns them the name ” scrapper ».
The heart of the offer is made up of four four -stroke monocylinder families ^{[ n 29 ]} : the 2, 3, b/scout and 5 which offer displacements from 250 to 550 cm ^{3 [ n 30 ]} .

But the company continues to experience financial difficulties due to the lack of yield of the automotive subsidiary as well as management problem ^{[ first ]} . The management of Triumph decides to focus the company on the automobile and give in motorcycles, which was acquired in 1936 by Jack Sangster (in) , an English industrialist already owned the Ariel firm ^{[ twelfth ]} . A new company is created, the Triumph Engineering (in) , with Edward Turner manager (in) , until then Ariel Technical Director ^{[ first ]} .
Only five models in the previous range are kept and the Val Page twin is abandoned ^{[ 14 ]} .

In 1936, Triumph announced three new models creating a new family: the Tiger 70, 80 and 90, which are changes in previous models, in more sporty versions with a new gearbox. In 1937, Triumph launched a brand new twin -cylinder of a cylindrée of 500 cm ³ , practically as space -saving as a monocylinder ^{[ 15 ]} . The first motorcycle equipped with this engine, the “speed twin” ^{[ first ]} , appears in the 1938 catalog ^{[ n 31 ]} . Speed ​​Twin is meeting success ^{[ first ]} both with private customers and the London police who order 24 from the first year ^{[ n 32 ] , [ 16 ]} . This enthusiasm leads Triumph to launch the following year another twin -cylinder model: the Tiger 100, which inaugurates a very long line of Tiger Bicylinders ^{[ 17 ]} .

At the beginning of 1939, the Triumph catalog included eleven models presented in three families ^{[ 18 ]} : Deluxe (seven monocylinders from 250 to 600 cm ³ ), Tiger (two monocylinders called “70” of 250 cm ³ and “80” of 350 cm ³ , and the Tiger 100 of 500 bicycle cm ³ / 33 ch ), and the Speed ​​Twin (Bicylinder of 500 cm ³ / 28.5 ch ) ^{[ n 33 ]} .

All models are equipped with a four -speed gearbox with foot selector, primary and secondary chain transmission, a kick starter, an adjustable hardness fork, a solo saddle , drum brakes as well as before lighting and an electric warning. Serial instrumentation is on the tank ^{[ n 34 ]} .

On the eve of the Second World War, Triumph is in good position and sales of recent years are flourishing ^{[ first ]} : again profitable since 1935, the company exports to 25 pays , including in the United States and Canada. The notoriety of the brand is nourished by speed records and competition victories won by its machines ^{[ 15 ]} .

• Triumph from the 1930s
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  Triumph XO 150  cm ³ (1934).

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  Triumph 6-1 Bicylinder (around 1935).

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  Triumph 5-2 500  cm ³ OHV (1935).

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  Speed ​​Twin in competition version (1939).

Second World War and 1940s [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The United Kingdom entered the war on September 3, 1939. The military authorities requisitioned the motorcycles available ^{[ n 35 ]} and impose on British industry to focus on the war effort ^{[ n 36 ]} . The Triumph project concerning the launch of a 350 twin -cylinder cm ³ is frozen. The city of Coventry is the target, in November 1940 , a massive air attack that makes more than 500 dead And 900 injured and destroy a large part of the buildings, including the historic triumph factory ^{[ first ]} . The company managed to save part of its machines and technical plans, which allows it to restart production first in a provisional installation in Warwick, then, in 1942, in a new factory built in Meriden, which will be the main establishment of the brand until 1983 ^{[ n 1 ]} .

During the war period, Triumph provides nearly 50,000 machines to the British and allied armed forces ^{[ 19 ] [ n 37 ]} . They are first of all 350 and 500 cm ³ with side valves, then, from 1942, of the 3hw which will be produced in 40,000 copies ^{[ n 38 ]} . The Meriden factory also produces parts and equipment for vehicles and military aircraft during this period, including a portable electrical generator equipped with an engine derived from that of the Speed ​​Twin ^{[ 20 ]} .

J. Sangster wants to be ready for the post-war market: he decides to focus on the Triumph brand and convinces BSA to buy him the brands and assets of Ariel and New Imperial ^{[ n 39 ]} . Triumph announced in 1945 a new range of civil models for the 1946 model year. It only includes four models (Tiger 100, Speed ​​Twin, Tiger 85 and Deluxe 3T) but all are equipped with bicycle motors from 350 to 500 cm ³ , a telescopic fork and a separate magneto and dynamo electrical system ^{[ 21 ]} .

The Triumph offer hardly evolves until the fall of 1949, the range is even reduced to three models with the disappearance of the T85 in 1948. For 1947, Triumph introduced, as an option, an elastic suspension system of the rear hub, called “” Jump hub »Or« Spring Wheel » ^{[ n 40 ] , [ 22 ]} . Other developments in 1949 ^{[ 23 ]} : All models receive a new headlight nacelle incorporating instrumentation. Customers can also, as an option, equip their motorcycle with a side crutch and the tank of a package door ^{[ 24 ]} .

At the end of 1948, the production rate reached 250 machines per week, two thirds of which were exported, and profits were multiplied by eight compared to those of 1946 ^{[ 25 ]} .

The war has not only had negative effects for Triumph: many young American soldiers have discovered and appreciated its light and efficient motorcycles, and the Meriden factory is modern. In addition, the British government decided in 1949 to devalue the Sterling book by 30% compared to the US dollar ^{[ 26 ]} . Triumph, then a leading actor as a motorcycle brand ^{[ 2 ]} , will be able to take advantage of it to win on the North American market.

• Triumph from the 1940s
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  Triumph 3HW (early 1940s).

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  Tiger 100 with hydraulic fork (1946).

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  Speed ​​Twin with the new headlight nacelle, the packet on the tank and the hub suspension (1949).

1950s: Conquest of America [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

It was in 1937 that Triumph began to export machines to Canada and the United States. Two Canadian distributors will import approximately 200 before the war ^{[ 27 ]} . In the United States, Bill Johnson, a business relationship and a friend of Turner, created a company based on the west coast, the Johnson Motors or “Jomo”, which will also sell about 200 machines pre-war. After the interruption due to war, exports resume.

Triumph leaders are convinced that the American market is a great opportunity: the rate of equipment in motorcycles is six times less than in Britain, and local competition (Harley and Indian) produces heavier models And less efficient than those designed in Europe.

After a tour carried out on site by Ed Turner in 1945, Triumph decided to launch new models, then, in 1951, to create its own distribution network based on the east coast, the Triumph Corporation, or “Tricor” ^{[ n 41 ]} . The American market will quickly become the largest and most profitable of those sent by Triumph, who will make up to 75% of its sales ^{[ 28 ]} .

In 1951, J. Sangster concluded an agreement with BSA, who bought Triumph Engineering and the brand ^{[ first ]} for 2.5 M£ ^{[ n 42 ]} . The transfer agreement includes several other clauses: Sangster becomes a member of the BSA board of directors ^{[ n 43 ]} , Triumph remains a brand of full exercise with large autonomy and Ed Turner in keeping the direction ^{[ 28 ]} .

Two models released during the year 1949 will be the basis of the success of Triumph on the market during the 1950s : The Thunderbird 6T and the TR5 Trophy.
The Thunderbird is a 650 twin -cylinder cm ³ Developed on the basis of a T100, with a larger displacement engine, with stronger compression and a larger carburetor. Doped by victories won by prototypes from 1948 and credited with a point speed exceeding 170 km/h , it was a commercial success, especially in the United States where distributors wanted to be able to offer a more powerful model than speed and Tiger 500 cm ^{3 [ n 44 ]} . For a decade, it will be the model of large series receiving the brand’s technical improvements in priority, including a ventilated front brake (1954), a rear suspension (1955), or even aluminum cylinders (1956). The Thunderbird acquired global notoriety after the film’s release in 1953 The Wild One in which Marlon Brando pilot one.

The 500 TR5 Trophy cm ³ is a different model that was produced until 1959, inaugurating a line of TR and Trophy models. It is the first triumph intended for a mixed road and all-terrain use. Derived from machines hired by Triumph in Trail competition since 1946, it is agile and light (134 kg For 25 ch ) and attracts a sports clientele. His notoriety will be supported by the success in competition, but also by his appearances in the American sitcom “Happy Days” and by the interest that the actor James Dean will bear him ^{[ 29 ]} .

The decade is marked by the launch of a wide variety of models.
Thus, in 1953, Triumph revealed, in a short time intervals, two models which mark the return of the brand to the monocylinder and small displacements ^{[ first ]} : La Terrier T15 ^{[ 30 ]} 150 cm ³ and the Cub T20 ^{[ thirty first ]} 200 cm ³ . The two models have their four -stroke OHV engine tilted forward and a “plunger” rear suspension. Well finished and not very noisy, they benefit from a rewarding aesthetic, close to that of the largest models in the range ^{[ 32 ]} . La Terrier will be produced from 1953 to 1957. The CUB will be marketed, under multiple civil and military variants, in 113,000 copies in 140 pays Between 1953 and 1969. Its reputation will be such that it was nicknamed the “Baby Bonnie” ^{[ 32 ]} .

For 1954, Triumph markets the Tiger T110 (in) ^{[ 33 ]} : sports model developed from the Thunderbird; It was, at that time, the fastest of the motorcycles ever produced by the brand, and the first with a rear suspension with an oscillating arm ^{[ 32 ] [ n 45 ]} . A modified T110 establishes a speed record in Bonneville Salt Flats in September 1956 ^{[ first ]} , which will inspire the design of the future T120 (in) and its baptismal name: “Bonneville” ^{[ 34 ]} . The T110 was offered from 1954 to 1961.

In 1956, Sangster became president of BSA. He appoints Turner Director General of the Automotive Branch, which brings together BSA’s activities in the automobile (Daimler, Carbodies) and motorcycles (Ariel, BSA, Triumph) ^{[ 28 ]} .

The range of models for mixed road/all-terrain use was enriched in 1956 with the arrival of the TR6 Trophy. Designed for the American market, the TR6 has a 650 twin -cylinder engine cm ³ And 42 ch with a exhaust 2 in 1 ^{[ n 46 ]} . She will win even in 1960s Victories in competition, especially in races in the desert and will be used by actor Steve McQueen. Several variants will be produced until 1973, including TR6A (low exhaust roadster) and TR6B (high exhaust scrambler) ^{[ 35 ]} .

In 1957, out of the Twenty One 3TA (in) , first triumph with integrated gearbox: it is a 350 twin -cylinder cm ^{3 [ n 47 ]} delivering 18.5 ch Positioned at the entry-level to attract beginners and customers pilots looking for an economical and easy to pilot model, in particular thanks to its lower saddle, its 17 “wheels and its rear bolden bake ^{[ n 48 ] [ 36 ]} . The 3TA was joined in 1959 by the Speed ​​Twin 5TA 500 cm ³ . 3TA and 5TA will be produced until 1966.

Triumph concluded the 1950s by launching a model that will become emblematic of the brand ^{[ 37 ]} : La Bonneville T120. La Bonneville takes up many elements of the T110 sportswoman, including the 650 engine cm ³ and the high performance intake camshaft, but also standard with a double Amal carburetor which carries the power available to forty six ch , with a weight contained at 190 kg . Announced as being able to do without modifications a top speed of 185 km/h , it becomes the fastest of the Triumph and the advertising of the brand presents it as ” Best Motorcycle in the World » ^{[ n 49 ]} . She will be successful in several parts of the world and notably in the United States where 28,000 copies will be sold alone in year 1967 . The Bonneville T120 will be manufactured until 1975 and will benefit, during its marketing period, from several developments. She will literally embody the domination of English vertical bicycles, especially Triumph, for almost a decade.

• Triumph from the 1950s
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  Thunderbird 6T (late 1949), with side crutch, still added to the other two.

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  Thunderbird 6T (1955), with rear suspension.

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  TR6A (1959), with 2 in 1 low exhaust.

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  Bonneville T120 engine (1958), with two Amal carburetors.

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1960s: apogee [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The 1960s will be exceptional for Triumph: the global market is growing strongly and the American market, so important for the brand, will go from 60,000 to 750,000 machines/an . Since the bankruptcy of Indian in 1953, Harley certainly holds about half of the motorcycle market of more than 500 cm ³ , but English industrialists BSA and Norton share the essentials of the other half ^{[ 38 ]} .

Changes at BSA intervene: Jack Sangster retired in 1961 and 1963, under pressure from the new president, Ed Turner had to abandon his operational responsibilities. BSA now imposes its management and decision methods in Triumph which will prove to be not very favorable to innovation and the quality of the brand ^{[ 39 ]} .

In the early 1960s, Triumph sales continued on their dynamics.
The Monocylinder Tiger Cub T20 continued until 1969 its commercial success with multiple variations: Scrambler (TS20), all-terrain (TR20), or Military (T20WD). During the 1960s, the TR6 evolved. The model, appreciated by sports customers, is available in several versions, notably TR6C Special with two high exhaust pots, TR6R Sport with two low pots, TR6P for the English police, or a specially designed version at the request of the distributor American Johnson and nicknamed “Desert Sled” ^{[ n 50 ]} .

The Bonneville T120 is continuously improved, especially with an integrated box engine (1963), ignition 12 IN , and a double cam brake (1968). The T100 of 500 cm ³ becomes the T100A by receiving an integrated gearbox (1960) then is available in several versions: T100SS, T100R, T100C or the very sporty T100T Daytona.

Triumph’s commercial performance cannot compete with those made by Japanese competition, especially those of Honda. After penetrating the western market with four -stroke single -cylinder monocylinders, including the Super Cub (50 to 125 cm ³ ), Honda offers increasingly powerful models during the decade with the CB 77 bickyliters of 305 cm ³ (1961) and CB 450 (1965), then the legendary CB 750 Quadricylinder (1969) ^{[ 40 ]} , which ensure exceptional growth in Europe as in the United States ^{[ n 51 ]} .

Bert Hopwood  (in) , at the head of Triumph since the beginning of the decade, was aware that the range of Triumph, although still meeting success, was aging. He had launched the design of a brand new tricylinder engine, and a prototype was ready in 1965. But the decision to produce this innovative model is delayed by the central services of BSA, which give their green light by learning the Imminent arrival of the Honda CB 750 ^{[ 39 ]} . Triumph’s only really new model is therefore announced in 1968. It is the Trident T150 ^{[ first ]} Equipped with a delirious tricylinder engine 58 ch , one of the fastest motorcycles of his time ^{[ 41 ] , [ n 52 ]} . She will win victories at the Bol d’Or and Daytona. It will be produced until 1974 but will only have a limited success, especially due to reliability concerns ^{[ 41 ]} and competition from CB 750 . The HONDA offers a global equipment and quality higher than those of the initial versions of the T150.

At the end of the decade the production of Triumph, however passed to 900 machines per week, is not enough to meet the demand ^{[ 38 ]} , and exports to 90 % ^{[ 17 ]} . The reversal will be brutal, mainly because of Japanese competition ^{[ 2 ] , [ 37 ]} .

• Triumph, 1960s
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  Bonneville T120 (1968). Integrated box and double -cam brake.

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  Trident T150 (1969). Front brake on drum and exhaust 3 in 2.

1970s: the fall [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Triumph begins the year 1970 with a tight catalog of six models: the 250 Tr25w monocylinder Trophyller 250W cm ³ , the Daytona Super Sports T100T and Tiger T100S 500s cm ³ , Trophy Sports TR5 and Bonneville T120 of 650 cm ³ and the T150 trident of 750 cm ³ . All are equipped with a four -speed gearbox, Amal carburetor (doubles on Daytona and Bonneville, triple on the trident), drum brakes (ventilated at the front), a hydraulic front suspension and rear to oscillating arms, of an electrical system 12 IN , and a double saddle (articulated on certain models) with metal handle for rear support ^{[ 42 ]} . In addition, the twin-cylinders are equipped with tachometer. But all models must still be started at the kick.

The demand is such that Triumph, in the middle of the year, warns its customers and distributors of difficulty delivering ^{[ 38 ]} .

In 1971 developments, imagined and developed in the common design and engineering center created by BSA Motorcycles Ltd in 1968 in Umberslade Hall, affect the 650 and 750 cm ³ . Some are well received ^{[ 43 ]} like the indicators or the five -speed gearbox ^{[ n 53 ]} , modern frame including the oil tank. Others are criticized ^{[ 43 ]} , in particular the increase in the height of the saddle, the transfer of the ignition contactor on the left side to the right side ^{[ n 54 ]} , or the replacement of the front drums by more powerful drums instead of records ^{[ n 55 ]} . The development of the new framework has also delayed the manufacture of models several months before being equipped with it, and the first deliveries are of poor quality.

Even if, after various corrections, the new models, and in particular Bonneville, are recognized by the press as a good level, the gap with the Japanese competition is widening ^{[ 44 ]} . And it is the brutal commercial reversal: in 1971, Triumph only sold 30,000 machines in the United States, against 50,000 planned and, at the end of the year, there are 11,000 Triumph and BSA invented in stocks American ^{[ 45 ]} . BSA also spent more than 2 M£ To develop a trike of 50 cm ³ which is a total failure ^{[ forty six ]} , launched costly advertising campaigns, and maintained an important competition program: the group ended the year 1971 with 8.5 M£ losses, and the value of its share on the stock market collapses ^{[ 45 ]} . Bsa falls, causing triumph with her ^{[ first ]} .

The BSA management team is sent back ^{[ 45 ]} . The new director general decides to dismiss several thousand employees, to negotiate with Barclay’s Bank a loan of 11 M£ and bring Bert Hopwood back ^{[ n 56 ]} . The manufacture of BSA models was stopped in 1972, ending an old brand of 66 years ^{[ n 57 ]} .

Bert Hopwood endeavors to correct the main defects alleged against the Triumph, in particular by lowering the height of the frame and the saddle and relieving the five -speed gearbox ^{[ 45 ]} . The range is simplified with the stop of the Trophy 500. In 1973, Triumph launched all new versions of Bonneville and Tiger ^{[ n 58 ]} .

BSA, still in great difficulty, requests financial support from the British government. He agrees but demands in exchange that car and motorcycle activities will be backed by an industrial group. Manganese bronze , which already has Norton-Villiers (in) , acquire these activities, closes the BSA brand and, in July 1973 , merges motorcycle activities in Norton-Villiers-Trumph (in) (NVT).

Triumph sales have already started to go up, but NVT decides to keep only two factories (one from Norton to Wolverhampton, the other from BSA to Birmingham) and close the Triumph factory in Meriden ^{[ 47 ]} . This decision triggers a long strike in Meriden with blockade manufacturing of motorcycles and spare parts ^{[ first ]} . NVT succeeded in resuming the manufacturing of Trident in 1974, but it was not until 1975 that Bonneville and Tiger was again produced by a workers’ cooperative, the “co-op”, which buys the Meriden factory ^{[ 47 ]} And takes up the manufacturing of these two models, whose marketing is ensured by NVT. But in doubt of the profitability of the factory ^{[ 47 ]} . During this troubled period a number of resellers, especially American, are almost deprived of models to offer and turn away from the brand ^{[ 48 ]} .

The trident is modernized and renamed T160 in 1974 ^{[ n 59 ]} . It now has a five -speed gearbox, a left foot selector, and disc brakes at the front and back, then, from 1975, an electric starter ^{[ 44 ]} .

Les Bonneville and Tiger are also gradually modernized, notably welcoming an electric starter and sticks ^{[ n 60 ]} from 1980. The co-op produced them in small quantities ^{[ n 61 ]} with several special series, such as the jubilee celebrating the 25 years Queen’s reign Elizabeth 2 (1977) or the Royal Wedding in honor of the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer (1981). An all-terrain model, the Tiger Trail TR7T, appeared in 1981, and several other variants of Bonneville (Special, Executive, Super Sport ^{[ 49 ]} , etc. ) are offered during this period.

NVT, in great financial difficulties, stops making Norton Commando in 1976 and went bankrupt in 1977. The co-op continues production until 1983 ^{[ first ]} , the year she has to stop her activities ^{[ 2 ]} : This is the end of the presence of Triumph in Meriden ^{[ n 62 ]} .

• Triumph, 1970s
• 
• 

  Bonneville T120 with the new executive (1971).

• 

  Bonneville T140 (1973). Front disc brake, rear brake still drum and selector always on the right.

• 

  Trident T160 (1975). Inclined engine, electric starter and kick, front and rear disc brakes, left selector.

• 

  Bonneville Jubilee (1977). Facing and rear disc brakes, left selector, starting again at Kick.

• 
• 

  Royal Wedding (1981) before a TSX (1983).

Renaissance: the Hinckley era [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

1980s and 1990s [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

John Bloor  (in) , an English forty entrepreneur who has made a fortune in real estate, buys ^{[ 50 ]} The brand for 200,000 $ ^{[ 51 ]} in 1983 ^{[ n 63 ]} . The acquired technology is then obsolete and it must start from scratch ^{[ 2 ]} .

To maintain the brand alive, he concedes a Bonneville manufacturing license in Lee Harris, including the company Racing Spares , based in Devon, manufactures parts to Triumph since the 1960s ^{[ 52 ]} . The conditions for this agreement prohibit Harris from substantially modifying the machine, which notably prevents selling in the United States. Lee Harris, using many parts of European suppliers ^{[ n 64 ]} , will produce around 2,000 Bonneville until 1988, the year of the end of the agreement.

John Bloor creates a new company, the Triumph Motocycles Ltd. He recruits a new technical team, including some former engineers and technicians from Meriden, which he takes to visit the factories of Japanese manufacturers ^{[ 51 ]} . He asks them to draw inspiration from the methods and success of Japanese competition, then to have a modular approach allowing to create several models with common parts, particularly for the engine ^{[ 51 ]} . He installs in Hinckley, at the dawn of 1990s , a new and modern factory, inspired by the automotive industry as well as Japanese motorcycle manufacturers ^{[ 51 ]} .

At the 1990 Cologne Salon ^{[ 37 ]} , Triumph presents a whole new range of trident ^{[ 41 ]} , Trophy et daytona ^{[ first ]} . The machines have three or four -cylinder engines which, for the first time at Triumph , are with liquid cooling ^{[ 53 ] , [ n 65 ]} .

Trident is an entry -level model offered in two versions ^{[ 41 ]} . After reshaping in 1993, the tridents were marketed until 1998 ^{[ 41 ]} . An additional version 900 Sprint With small fork head fairing is offered from 1994 ^{[ 54 ]} .

Trophy is a fair road model offered in two external identical versions, reshaped in 1993. Trophy , renowned Trophy 900 And Trophy 1200 , are deeply modified in 1996. The Trophy 900 is produced until 2001, the Trophy 1200 ^{[ 55 ]} Until 2003 ^{[ 56 ]} .
Daytona is a very keen sports model. The 1992 versions are very successful. They were replaced in 1993 by two versions well received by the market: the Daytona 900 and 1200. The range widens in 1994 with the arrival of an even more sporty version. Daytona will be marketed until the middle of 1990s ^{[ 57 ]} .

Range Triumph is then completed and renewed during the 1990s .
The Tiger 900 T400 sign the return, in 1994, of Triumph On the all-terrain model market. Equipped with the brand’s tricylinder engine in a less powerful version, it is a machine that competes with BMW GS, Cagiva Elefant or Yamaha Super Ténéré. It was marketed until 1998. In 1999, the Tiger 900 T430 is replaced by a modified version, the Tiger 900 T501 , which will be marketed only two years.

A new family, which will meet success, is launched in 1993: the sprint, which will be declined in several versions, all of 900 cm ³ With a light fairing. The sprint, renown ” Sprint ST », Was changed in 1999.

In 1994, launch of the Speed Triple 900 T301 , a “coffee racer” type model based on a Daytona 900 stripped of all its fairing elements ^{[ n 66 ]} . The Speed Adopting in 1997 a characteristic double optics ^{[ first ]} . This motorcycle, under its different versions, becomes a flagship model for the English brand ^{[ first ]} .

In 1995, it was the rebirth of Thunderbird 900 or “T-Bird”. It’s a roadster “Neo-retro”, inspired by models of 1960s With a rounded and dug tank to press the knees, “sausage” pots and shelves. It was joined in 1998 by the T-Bird Sport, with a more powerful engine, reinforced front brakes and two exhausts on the right side recalling those of its distant ancestor, the Hurricane X-75 ^{[ n 67 ]} .

Two other new models complete the range: the Adventurer , and custom on the basis of T-Bird, in 1996 and the Legend Tt, entry -level model that replaces the Trident 750 in 1998.

The catalog for 1999 includes nine models ^{[ 58 ]} : Legend TT, Adventurer, T-Bird Sport, Tiger, Sprint ST, Speed Triple, Trophy 900 and 1200 ^{[ n 68 ]} , Daytona.

At the end of the decade, the return of Triumph on the market turns out to be a success ^{[ 51 ]} : production increased from 5,000 machines in 1992 to 12,000 in 1995 and, in the middle of 1999, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd Announcement that you have produced 100,000 motorcycles since its creation ^{[ 59 ]} .

• Triumph, 1990s
• 

  Trophy 900 in British Racing Green (1992).

• 

  Trident 900 in British Racing Green/Cream (1994).

• 
• 

  Daytona 1200 in Racing Yellow (1995).

• 
• 

  Tiger 900 in Diablo Black (1995).

• 
• 

  Sprint Executive in Pacific Blue (1998).

• 
• 

2000s [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Triumph begins the new century with a positive dynamic. The results of the year 2000/2001 are excellent ^{[ n 69 ]} : after having accumulated more than 30 M£ losses since its creation, Triumph Motocycles Ltd has released more than 10 M£ profits; Sales are increasing annual by almost 20% ^{[ 60 ]} . The brand, which then employs around 1,400 people, is again present in several countries of the world ^{[ 2 ]} , including in North America and South, Asia, Australia or South Africa.

The year 2000 is that of two returns: those of La Bonneville ^{[ 51 ]} and emblematic vertical twin -cylinder of the brand since the 1960s: Triumph thus marks having “Renoured with his past” ^{[ 53 ]} . This 790 engine cm ³ is modern ^{[ first ]} , but Triumph wanted to give La Bonneville a “vintage” aspect, explicitly marking historical filiation with the versions of the late 1960s through the abundance of chrome, the “sausage” pots, the shelves, and Rear spring shock absorbers. La Bonneville 800, receives a good welcome, in particular thanks to its aesthetics, its maneuverability, its weight (205 kg ) and its saddle height (775 mm ) reasonable. She was joined in 2001 by La Bonneville America with a wider fork, with a lower saddle (720 mm ) and a more important reservoir giving it a “cruiser” oriented appearance ^{[ 51 ]} , then in 2003 by the Bonneville Speedmaster, a more sporty version of the America with a front double disc, a front wheel with sticks and a full rear wheel. And in 2005, Triumph resuscitates the Bonneville T100, with a twin -cylinder of 865 cm ³ , a tachometer and a two-color tank.

The Sprint line is enriched in 2000 with the Sprint ST, a semi -fair, lightened and more sporty version of the Sprint RS which will be marketed until 2003. The ST received a new engine in 2005 and benefits from a new aesthetic in 2007.

Still in 2000, a new four -cylinder sportsman, the TT600, competes with the 600 Japanese (Honda CBR, Yamaha Yzf). It was joined in 2002 by the Speed ​​Four, a roadster version of the TT, lightened and without fairing. The Daytona 600 replaces the TT600 in 2004 and then evolves deep in 2006 to become the Daytona 675 , abandoning the four -cylinder engine for a tricylinder engine ^{[ 53 ]} .

In 2001, the Tiger T709 became Tiger 955i. It was reviewed in 2006/2007, adopting the engine of 1,050 cm ^{3 [ sixty one ]} brought to 115 ch , new suspension and an inverted fork, moving away from its previous all-terrain vocation. It becomes Tiger 1050, and a version is equipped with rigid suitcases is offered from 2009. The 900 Trophy, Legend TT and Adventureur disappeared at the end of 2001. Still in 2001, the brand resuscitates its entry -level model, heritage of the original 1968 model ^{[ 41 ]} .

In 2002, for the centenary of the brand, a fire destroyed a large part of the main factory in Hinckley ^{[ 62 ]} . Collection models are destroyed. Triumph can however present special versions, called Centenial Edition, Daytona, TT600 and Bonneville. The brand makes the decision to make a large part of its models in Thailand ^{[ n 70 ]} . Between 2002 and 2007, three factories were located in Chonburi, south east of Bangkok ^{[ 63 ]} .

2003 is the last year of marketing RS Sprint and 1,200 Trophy.

In 2004, two new features: Thruxton, back after more than thirty years, and the Rocket III ^{[ n 71 ]} . The Thruxton is a Racer Coffee on the basis of Bonneville, with a more powerful engine, raised pots, a saddle cover and a bracelet handlebar.

The Rocket III is a custom with an entirely new engine: a tricylinder ^{[ 53 ]} of 2 300 cm ^{3 [ first ]} online arranged longitudinally, delivering 142 ch and a couple from 199 N m , available from 2 500 tr/min ^{[ sixty four ]} . The final transmission, for the first time at Triumph, is in Cardan, the five -speed gearbox, the double disc brake is that of Daytona, and the tires are large. Its performance and aesthetics are praised by the specialized press ^{[ 65 ]} . From 2008, the Rocket III is joined by the Rocket III Touring , a variant aimed at the GT road market with a new cycle part (frame, suspensions, wheels), a slightly less powerful engine as well as suitcases and a detachable windshield ^{[ 66 ]} .

In 2004, the T-Bird disappeared, after having made several appearances and outings of the catalog, in standard or sport version, during previous years ^{[ sixty seven ] , [ 68 ]} .

In 2005, after version 675 cm ^{3 [ 69 ]} , the Speed ​​Triple is also equipped with the 1,050 engine cm ³ , winner ten ch for an unchanged weight.

The following year appeared the scrambled 900, distant heir to the TR6, using the same engine as that of the speedmaster, but equipped to do all-chemine with raised pots, mixed road/trail tires, a large handlebar and a increased ground clearance.

The Roadster Street Triple is presented in dealerships in 2007: with a 675 engine cm ³ tricylinder, it offers a power of 108 ch For a weight of 167 kg only.

The 2009 catalog has 21 models ^{[ n 72 ]} : Three sports (Daytona 675 and 675 SE, special series Bonneville Hyde Harrier), two trails (Tiger and Tiger SE), three customs ( Rocket III }, Bonneville America and Speedmaster), a GT sport (Sprint St), a GT road ( Rocket III Touring ) and eleven roadsters, including special versions available only that year: Speed ​​triple 1050 ” 15 ^{It is} anniversary ” ^{[ n 73 ]} , Bonneville «  50 ^{It is} anniversary ” ^{[ n 74 ]} , Bonnevillle 865 Tag Heuer ^{[ 70 ]} .

Triumph is no exception to the consequences of the economic crisis at the end of the decade, triggered in 2007 by that of subprimes in the United States. The 2008-2009 exercise ended in a loss of more than 5 M£ , and barely over 46,000 motorcycles sold against nearly 49,000 the previous year ^{[ 59 ]} .

• Triumph, 2000s
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

  Rocket III Touring (2008).

• 

  Street Triple 675 (2008).

2010 [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Triumph begins the decade with the launch of a new Thunderbird, different from all the previous models that have borne this name: the Thunderbird 1600, with a twin -cylinder of 1,600 cm ³ And, for the first time at Triumph, a final transmission by notched belt. It is a custom aimed at competing with the Harley-Davidson and Indian, which will be available in several versions and two engine disputes (1,600 cm ³ / eighty six ch and 1,700 cm ³ / 97 ch ). A Grand Tourism version LT 1700 is offered from 2014 with windshields, suitcases, passenger backrest and rear luggage rack.

In 2012, the Tiger range was completed by the Tiger Explorer with a tricylinder engine of 1,200 cm ³ / 137 ch and a final transmission by Cardan. An Explorer XC version with shelving wheels is added to the range in 2013, and in 2015 the Tiger Sport 1050 with a monobras suspension and a more powerful engine replaces the previous version of the same displacement.

For 2013, Triumph deeply reviews Daytona and Street Triple. The new 675 Daytona is more powerful and lighter than the previous version, and its exhaust pots are now positioned low. Street triple is experiencing similar developments.

2013 is also the year of return, after ten years of absence, of the 1200 Trophy, now propelled by a tricylinder engine of 1,200 cm ³ / 134 ch And with a final transmission by Cardan. In 2014 she became Trophy SE during even more complete equipment, and will be marketed until 2016.

For the 2016 model year, Triumph reveals five new models ^{[ 71 ]} including a new twin -cylinder engine of 1,200 cm ³ liquid cooling and four cylinder valves that equips a new version of La Bonneville ^{[ 72 ]} , the T120, with a double cradle frame, a double front disc, improved suspensions, ABS and heated handles. The same engine, in a high power version favoring power compared to low -speed torque, also equips the new Thruuxton 1200 ^{[ seventy three ]} . The entry -level is ensured by Street Twin with a 900 twin -cylinder cm ³ / 55 ch , with a five -speed gearbox. That year, the brand sells 63,400 motorcycles ^{[ 74 ]} and its profits increase significantly ^{[ 71 ]} ; The Tiger is then its best sale in its country of origin ^{[ 71 ]} .

The year 2017 sees a deep reshuffle of the range: the Daytona, Thunderbird and Rocket disappear, as well as the Bonneville 865. The triple speed goes to 800 cm ³ in three versions (S/R/RS) and four new “Classic” models appear: Street Cup 900, Bonneville T100 and T100 Black of 900 cm ³ , as well as the Bobber 1200 ^{[ 75 ]} . This last model is equipped with the Biks of Bonneville T120 in a high torque version favoring the low -speed torque, a suspended solo saddle and a rigid appearance frame concealing a unique shock absorber under the saddle. Its outing was followed the following year of that of a two -seater model with the same engine, the Triumph Speedmaster ^{[ 76 ]} .

The 2019 model year range has more than thirty models, including three special series ^{[ 77 ]} : the sportsman Thruxton TFX 1200, and the Bonneville T120 ACE and Diamond. The Bonneville family also includes two T100 models of 900 cm ³ , two T120s of 1,200 cm ³ , Speedmaster 1200 and two versions of the Bobber 1200. The other twin -cylinders are 900 cm ³ Street (Cup, Scrambler and Twin), and the 1,200 cm ³ Thruxton (classic and R), speed Twin and Scrambler (XC and Xe). There Rocket III , missing since 2015, is back in TFC version ^{[ 78 ]} . La Tiger offers six trail variants: the tiger Sport 1050 and five Tiger 800 . Finally, the Street Triple line is made up of six models: 1,050 cm ³ (S / RS) and 765 cm ³ (S/R/RS), as well as a 660 version cm ³ Compatible with the A2 license.

This large offer is not enough to ensure the profitability of Triumph: sales are gradually going back from 2010 but, after reaching the figure of 60,600 machines sold in 2017, the brand only sells 56,600 on the ‘2018-2019 exercise and accumulates more than 34 M£ losses in two years ^{[ 59 ]} .

• Triumph, years 2010
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

2020s [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The year 2019-2020 is difficult for Triumph: already weakened by two heavily in deficit exercises, the company directly undergoes the consequences of the measures taken in Europe, its main market, to combat the covid-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. The sales fall within 49,000 motorcycles, and the losses of the exercise exceed 40 M£ ^{[ 59 ]} . The company is forced to make a capital increase of 50 M£ ^{[ n 75 ]} , and make the decision to transfer all of its manufacturing in Asia and Brazil, activity in England focusing on the design, development and production of certain special series ^{[ 79 ]} . The following year, production dates back 75,000 copies ^{[ 37 ]} .

MI-2020, Triumph announces its return to the bicycle market, with the GT trekker, an electric bike developed with the Japanese group Shimano, offered in France at 3,250s € € ^{[ 80 ]} .

After symbolically producing its millionth motorcycle in 2021, a Tiger 900 ^{[ 37 ]} , Triumph continues its strategy to offer a wide range and in 2022, for the 120 ^{It is} anniversary of the first Triumph, offers 46 models , including fourteen special series ^{[ 81 ]} .

The Tiger range includes thirteen trails: the 660 sport, introduced in 2022 and using a engine of 81 ch /65 N m Derived from that of the Trident, the 850 Sport, replacing since 2021 the 900 and bridble for the A2 license, the 900 GT/GT Pro/Rally Pro and two special series including a “Bond” named ^{[ n 76 ]} , and finally the 1200 GT/GT Pro/GT Explorer/Rally Pro/Rally Explorer. The 1200 are brand new, more powerful and lighter than the previous models and with a engine of 150 ch /130 N m .

The Custom line has two Bobber 1200, including a special Gold Line series, two Speedmaster 1200, with a special Gold series, and four Rocket III 2500 : R and GT, registered in the catalog since 2020, each with a special edition for 2022.

The range also has seven Bonneville, including four special editions, two Thruxton, two speed Twin 1200, including one in a limited edition Breitling, two Street Twin 900, including a special EC1 edition, three Sreet Triple, Speed ​​Triple 1200 RR and RS, Four Scrambler 1200, including two special Gold editions, two Street Scrambler 900 and the Trident 660, which has since 2021 the brand’s entry -level model.

• Triumph, 2020s
• 
• 

  Bobber Special TFC series (2020).

• 
• 

Triumph in 2022 [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The exercise ending the June 30, 2022 recorded a strong rebound after that already recorded during the previous exercise. At 722 M£ ^{[ n 77 ]} , sales are increasing by 41% and the company has become profitable again. More than 89,000 machines have been sold, through more than 700 distributors . Europe, the United Kingdom included, generates a little more than half of sales and North America a fifth. Triumph employs approximately two thousand people worldwide and has technical capacities in the United Kingdom, Thailand, India and Brazil ^{[ 59 ]} .

In its annual report for 2021-2022, the brand describes its offer as divided into three segments (Classic Icon, Adventure and Urban), and announces new Cross and Enduro models for exercise 2023 ^{[ 59 ]} .

In June 2022 , Triumph has acquired the English company OSET BIKES, specialized in all-terrain electric bikes and motorcycles for children and adults ^{[ 82 ] , [ 83 ]} .

Triumph is involved in competition in the 1900s: its monocylinders were many successes in the United Kingdom, especially with a victory at the Tourist Trophy of the island of Man ^{[ n 78 ]} And on the Brooklands circuit in 1908, at Scottish 6 Days Trials in 1909, and a record of the hour in 1911 in Brooklands. The brand also shines abroad, with victories in Italy (Targa Florio, 1912) and in Japan (12 miles from Kobe, 1913).

The Rypes R, with the Ricardo OHV engine, raised many places of honor in the 1920s.
During the long era Turner (1936-1963), Triumph’s participation in competition is more variable: Ed Turner is not interested in it, or even considers that this distracted activity that would be more useful elsewhere ^{[ 17 ]} .

But, in the 1940s, Tigers, often widely modified compared to serial models, bear the colors of Triumph high: thus Bruce Pearson won 32 of 36 courses Half-Mile de Dirt-Track in the United States in 1940 and, in 1946, Ernie Lyons won the Manx Grand Prix on a prototype based on Tiger 100 , prototype that will be developed to become the Triumph Grand Prix, produced about 200 copies ^{[ 84 ]} .

The years 1960-1970 were particularly rich in success for the brand with three victories in the American Dirt-Track championship (1967, 1968, 1970) ^{[ 85 ]} , three victories in Daytona 200 (1962, 1966, 1967) ^{[ eighty six ]} , also three in the Bol d’Or (1958, 1970, 1971), and five in a row at the Tourist Trophy of the island of Man (1971 to 1975).

Many victories [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

In 1970, Triumph hired several motorcycles with a golden bowl. One of them will also win the race. But it is another which, arrived only fifth, will start by receiving a mocking nickname before shining in competition: a trident specially prepared by the factory for the occasion. Piloted by Percy Tait and Steve Jolly, she puts herself, during the race, to lose a lot of oil, to the point of spraying her pilots and the track, which earned her the nickname ” Slippery Sam  (in) » ^{[ n 79 ]} . These difficult beginnings will not prevent Slippey Sam from winning the Tourist Trophy from Man of Man five times in a row. The original machine was equipped with a tricylinder engine of 750 cm ³ Double Tow Cams Delivery Delivering 84 ch To 8 250 tr/min ^{[ n 80 ]} , a five -speed box and disc brakes. Destroyed in 2003 during the fire which ravaged part of the National Motorcycle Museum where it was preserved, it has since been rebuilt identically.

• Triumph, competition models
• 

  Triumph Ricardo 1922, pilote Frank Halford.

• 

  Speed Twin racing (1939).

• 
• 

Motors [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The quality of its engines is the characteristic which founds the historical reputation of the brand ^{[ 53 ]} . The evolution of Triumph in this area between the 1900s and the early 1980s can be analyzed in three periods, which are partially overlapping:

The era of monocylinders (1902-1945) [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

It is with its robust monocylinders that Triumph becomes one of the world’s largest manufacturers and has been successful in competition. It is with them too that the brand succeeds in benefiting from the two world wars of XX ^{It is} century. More than 30,000 monocylinders Model H are produced during the First World War, worth in Triumph the nickname, commercially positive, of “Trusty Triumph” ^{[ 7 ]} . This reputation is strengthened during the Second World War, with more than 40,000 3HW monocylinders delivered ^{[ 19 ]} . It is these light, reliable and handy monocylinders that the young American soldiers deployed in Europe discover: they open the way to Triumph to then succeed, with mono and twin -cylinders, on the American market, which will represent up to 75% brand sales. Over more than forty years, the triumph monocylinders evolve a lot: their displacement goes from 240 cm ³ (1902) at 600 cm ³ (1939) and their power of 2 To 23 ch . They also experience major technical developments, in particular the arrival of clutch gearboxes (from 1915), the transition from side valves to OHV valves (from 1922), or the introduction of lubrication to recirculation (late 1920s) ^{[ n 81 ]} . In the 1950s, Triumph even revived monocylinder models, La Terrier (150 cm ³ ) and especially the CUB (200 cm ³ ), which will be sold more than a decade. But the race for power will bring the reign of the twin -cylinders.

The era of the bicycles (1936-1983) [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

If the V-bicycle is intimately linked to the history of American manufacturers Harley-Davidson and Indian, the online twin-cylinder is the most obvious symbol of Triumph innovation and successes from the second half of 1930s.

The very first engine of this type, that of the 6-1, met with a limited success, but as early as 1938 the twin-cylinder of 500 cm ³ Designed by Ed Turner, compact and efficient, team the Speed ​​Twin then the Tiger 100 which inaugurate the long and complete family of twin -cylinder models which will ensure most of the triumph commercial and sporting results until the start of 1980s . Interrupted by the Second World War, the development of twin -cylinders then resumed. In 1946, four 350 or 500 twin cylinders cm ³ are in the catalog, and the following three decades will see the appearance of models, such as Thunderbird, Tr Trophy, Twenty One and the legendary Bonneville, available in multiple variants with displacements ranging from 350 to 750 cm ³ , powers reaching 60 ch and equipped with one or two carburetors ^{[ n 82 ]} . These engines are installed vertically and wedged at 360 °: the two cylinders go up and descend at the same time. They benefit from many improvements over the years: aluminum cylinder heads (1956), integrated gearbox (1957), increase in compression rate, etc. They produced the best volumes of sales of the brand until 1983 and strongly inspired the other European brands of the time.

The first era of the tricylinders (1968-1977) [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The arrival of the Japanese competition rewards the race for power. The Honda CB 750, for example, offers a modern four -cylinder engine of 750 cm ³ delivering sixty seven ch . Triumph’s response is a tricylinder engine ^{[ 53 ]} , launched at the end of 1968 on a new family of models: the Trident. The development and development of this engine arrive at an agitated period for Triumph which has lost a lot of autonomy compared to the central teams of BSA. If the 750 engine cm ³ And 58 ch Displays good performances, especially in competition, it is fragile and does not offer the latest technical advances of the time, such as the camshaft in mind. The Trident T160 also suffers from other equipment deficits compared to the Honda ^{[ n 83 ]} : She will have a lot of success in competition but a limited commercial success compared to that of the Honda. This first Trident line disappeared in 1977 with the bankruptcy of NVT.

At the time of the reminder of the brand, in 1990, Triumph resumed a lot of names of historical models and even the aesthetics of some of them, but the technologies are entirely new, in particular the range of engines with a tricylinder, as well as The brand’s first four -cylinder four -cylinder, but no twin -cylinder. It was not until the year 2000 that a twin -cylinder will be again in the catalog with the return of La Bonneville ^{[ 53 ]} .

• Motors
• 

  Side valve monocylinder 550 cm ³ (1916).

• 

  Monocylinder Ricardo 500 cm ³ , first OHV engine in Triumph (1922).

• 

  Monocylinder OHV 500 cm ³ With engine in the inclined position (1933).

• 

  Speed ​​Twin Speed ​​engine (1938).

• 

  Twin Tiger 100 engine (1939) with the 360 ​​° cylinder setting on the crankshaft.

• 

  Triumph Twenty One (1960). First integrated gear triumph engine.

• 

  Trident T 160 (1975). One of the last versions of Trident, with front disc brake and 3 in 2 exhaust.

Orders and instrumentation [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

In the 1910s, piloting a triumph, like that of one of its competitors, was a much more complex exercise than today ^{[ 3 ]} . On a junior/baby, for example, there are six orders on the handlebars: lifting valves ^{[ n 84 ]} , change of speeds, front brake, advance ignition, fuel intake and air intake to the carburetor. The models with clutch are also equipped with one or two commands to activate it ^{[ n 85 ]} . The pilot must also think of regularly activating the manual oil pump ^{[ n 86 ]} .

The simplification of these commands is done gradually with technical advances: automatic oil pump (first half of the 1930s), end of the need to raise the valves, unique clutch clutch order, touring handle right side .

During the second half of the 1930s, the instrumentation of the Triumph is enriched and a part was installed on the tank: ampèremeter, oil pressure indicator, lighting and ignition switch. From the early 1950s, the instrumentation of the Triumph left the tank to be fixed on the handlebars, fork or the nacelle of the front optics. The arrangement of the handlebars is similar to that of motorcycles of XXI ^{It is} Century: alertness and engine cutting buttons, clutch lever on the left, front brake lever on the right, acceleration handle on the right. The commands at the foot are those of a modern motorcycle, but the lever of gear change is on the right and that of rear brake on the left: it was not until the mid -1970s that Triumph will inverse them, if aligning on what has then become the international standard ^{[ 48 ]} . It was at the same time that the Triumph began to be equipped with an electric starter ^{[ 44 ]} .

Aesthetic [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The Triumph have, over the years, adopted an aesthetic often characteristic of the brand at the time: “sausage” exhaust pots, which appeared in the early 1930s and resumed until XXI ^{It is} century ; exhaust pots “3 in 1” or “3 in 2” on one side, inaugurated on the Hurricane X-75, then regularly taken up by the brand until the Rocket III Include; enveloping rear bump, known as “Bathtub”; integrated optical nacelle, etc.

The tanks also have an impact on the brand’s visual signature, evolving from an angular historical form to that, more round with “grips” for the knees, which has become recurrent in the brand ^{[ eighty seven ] [ 88 ]} . From the middle of 1930s , the tanks of certain models carry part of the instrumentation. In the 1950s, they were surmounted by a package door. They always wear the brand’s signature, in its successive variants. Most of the aesthetics of the triumph roadsters of 1960s will continue until 1983, then be taken up from the start of the Hinckley period, with the Trident (1991) then La Thunderbird (1995), L’Adventure (1995), La Legend (1996), La Bonneville (2000), etc.

• Some examples
• 

  Triumph Twenty One with “Bathtub” rear bum, integrated optical nacelle, “sausage” pots, grips for the knees and flag holder on the tank (1961).

• 

  Bonneville T120 of 1961, with the brand two -color tank of the brand.

• 
• 

  Tank of a 6-1 with the Triumph signature used since the mid-1930s.

Police provider [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Triumph addresses the police market at least since the 1930s by offering them specially equipped versions. These motorcycles had their moment of glory by parading in London the June 8, 1946 Before King George VI, during commemorations of the 1945 victory ^{[ 89 ]} .

In the 1960s, Triumph provided Speed ​​Twin, TR, 3TA or Thunderbird to more than 250 police services in different countries ^{[ 90 ]} . In the United Kingdom these models are nicknamed “saint”, for “stop anything in no time” ^{[ n 87 ]} . The Holy Versions are generally white and equipped with various specific equipment such as solo saddle, luggage rack supporting a radio and a fire extinguisher, side suitcases, radiotelephone on the tank, flashing blue fire, fairing and windshield, etc. ^{[ 91 ]} .

• Police
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  Police parade on Triumph in London (June 1946).

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  Tiger 110, Swedish police (1954).

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  Advertising for Triumph Saint (1967).

Triumph Allemandes: TWN (1903-1956) [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The Triumph works Nuremberg (Twn) was created in 1896 as a subsidiary of Triumph. It has a double objective: on the one hand import and distribute the products of the English parent company, and on the other hand make some models locally. Initially focused on bicycles, its activity widen from 1903 to motorcycles and, in 1909, to typewriters ^{[ 92 ]} . Until 1913, the models of English and German motorcycles were similar. The range then diverge but Twn keeps strong links with Triumph. Cooperation with Coventry ceased in the late 1920s: TWN became autonomous, developed its own products and created partnerships, in particular with the Swiss manufacturer Motosacoche.

The range marketed by TWN uses, depending on the models, the markets and the times, the Triumph, Orial or Twn brands with around fifty models between 1919 and 1956 ^{[ 93 ] [ ninety four ]} .

The vast majority of models specific to Twn are two times of displacement ranging from 50 to 350 cm ³ . On some of these models, such as the BDG 250 (1946), Boss (1953) or Cornet (1954), Twn uses a Split-Single Engine (in) ^{[ n 88 ]} .

The few four -stroke models of TWN marketed between 1930 and 1937 have Mag engines from 350 to 500 cm ^{3 [ n 89 ]} . There are in particular the SSK 350 (1930), TM and STM 500 (1932) or the S 500 (1937).

Twn was acquired in 1956 by the German industrialist Max Grundig, already owner of the Adler brand. TWN’s activities are merged into the Triumph-Adler company. This is the end of the German triumph ^{[ n 90 ]} .

• Triumph TWN Allemandes
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  Triumph TWN K III 250 cm ³ two times (1926).

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  Twn Triumph Boss two -stroke twin -cylinder 350 cm ³ .

Side-cars et trikes [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Even if Triumph catalogs do not mention the existence of trikes provided by the manufacturer, adaptations of Triumph in Trikes have been made at least since 1919 and until XXI ^{It is} century ^{[ 95 ] , [ 96 ]} .
Side-cars have however officially offered by the brand since at least the 1920s, as well as by specialized manufacturers. Thus, for example, the 1939 Triumph catalog offers five side-cars models from 20 £ ^{[ n 91 ]} .

Over the years, side-cars harnessed to triumph have experienced a wide variety of configurations, from braided wicker nacelles to bulky closed models, which have a heaven, passing by single or even biplaces, closed or closed models No.

• Triumph with sidecar and trike
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  Model H with side car (second half of the 1910s).

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  Side-car towards the late 1940s.

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  Two-seater sidecar on Rocket 3 (2000s).

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  Triumph with Side-Car Corbillard (2007).

Rare prototypes and models [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The first Triumph bicycle could have appeared in the mid -1910s [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Inspired by a Belgian brand model Bercley ^{[ 97 ]} , Moritz Schulte designs a twin -cylinder engine with side valves that starts her technical tests in the factory at Spring 1913 . With a displacement of 600 cm ³ , he delivers a power of 4.25 ch , or 20% more than the monocylinders then in production. It is planned to appear at a three -speed gearbox. The entry into war of the United Kingdom and the massive military demand for proven monocylinders prevent this project from reaching the production stage. It was not until 1933 to see a twin-cylinder triumph: 6-1.

3TW, victim of war [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

In 1940, on the eve of Coventry’s bombing by the Luftwaffe, Triumph had developed and produced fifty copies of the 3TW, a modern twin -cylinder of 350 cm ³ With an integrated box and an alternator, and intended for British military forces ^{[ 19 ]} . They were destroyed by bombing, and when production resumed, they are other models than the army commanded.

The first four -cylinder triumph engine [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

In 1973, Triumph’s technical services developed the brand’s first four -cylinder four -cylinder, called “Quadrant”. The engineers reused a maximum of parts from the Bi- and tricyginders of production, coupled an additional cylinder to a trident engine. The result is a machine of 1,000 cm ³ capable of exceeding 200 km/h . Given the brand’s difficulties, the quadrant remained at the unique prototype stage ^{[ 48 ]} .

Hurricane’s aesthetics [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

The Hurricane X-75 was initially developed at the request of American BSA distributors on a basis of Rocket 3 To make it a more attractive version. Its aesthetics are different from that of other models of the brand. It is a low motorcycle, with a fluid line, a fiberglass cover and a visible exhaust on the right side. It will be marketed under Triumph brand in 1972 and 1973 and produced at around 1,200 copies. Its aesthetics will influence that of subsequent models ^{[ 48 ]} .

Scooters and mopeds [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

From the late 1950s, Triumph made some forays in the scooter market ^{[ 98 ]} . The first two models are the Tigress, made from the end of 1959 ^{[ n 92 ]} : TS1, a two -stroke monocylinder from 175 cm ³ / 7.5 ch ^{[ n 93 ]} , marketed until 1965 and TS2, a four -stroke twin -cylinder of 250 cm ³ / ten ch that can exceed 100 km/h , proposed until 1964. Another model was introduced in 1962: Tina (in) , renamed T10 in 1965. It is a less powerful two times which will be offered until the late 1960s.

Twn also produces scooters bearing the Triumph brand: the CONTASSA from 1955, then the Tessy from 1956 ^{[ 99 ]} . The Contenta is animated by a two -stroke twin -cylinder engine single split ^{[ n 88 ]} 200 cm ³ / 10.4 ch , an electric starter and a four -speed gearbox ordered at the foot.
Tessy are two -stroke monocylinders in two versions: Tessy luxury With 125 engine cm ³ / 6 ch and two stools, and Tessy Super With 145 engine cm ³ / 8 ch , electric starter and double saddle.

In the second half of the 1950s, Twn also produced two models of mopeds under Triumph brand: Knirps and Fips ^{[ 100 ] , [ 101 ]} . Both are two -stroke monocylinders, the FIPS engine being provided by the German company Sachs.

• Scooters
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  Triumph twn tessy luxus (1956).

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  Triumph TWN Contessa (1955).

Movie theater [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Television [ modifier | Modifier and code ]

Happy Days , American series created by Gary Marshall, broadcast from 1974 to 1984 on the ABC channel (Trophy Tr5 1949, Moto de Fonzie).

• (in) Lindsay Brooke, Triumph Motorcycles: a century of passion and power , St Paul, MN, United States, Mbi Publishing, 2002 , 200 p. (ISBN  0-7603-0456-4 , read online ) .
• (in) Ivor Davies, It’s a Triumph , Somerset, Angleterre, Haynes Publishing, 1980 , 248 p. (ISBN  0-85429-182-2-2 , read online ) .
• (in) Hugo Wilson, The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle , New York, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 1995 , 326 p. (ISBN  0-7894-0150-9 , read online ) .
• (in) Peter Henshaw, The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle , Herts, Regency House, 2004 , 451 p. (ISBN  1-85361-485-8 , read online ) .

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external links [ modifier | Modifier and code ]