Not content with invading the US music scene in the 1960s with the likes of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Yardbirds, the Brits also sold a great number of motorcycles during that time. No foreign manufacturer sold more machines stateside than Triumph.
Although Triumph motorcycles were mostly powered by a parallel-twin motor, the company also developed an engine with an extra cylinder for additional power and smoothness. The result was this 1969 Triumph Trident recently for sale on eBay.
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Solid Foundation
When launching a new motorcycle, it often helps if the manufacturer has an established record in competition. At the time of the Trident’s launch, Triumph had been winning just about everywhere. From Daytona to the Isle of Man and everywhere in between, on-road or off-road, Triumph bikes were familiar with the winners circle.
Light yet strong frames and engines were key to this success. Dubbed by some as the small-block Chevrolet of the motorcycle world, there isn’t much the old parallel-twin cylinder engine didn’t win, with its reputation for power and its ability to take a beating. However, with two cylinders and a 180 degree crankshaft, it most certainly was not smooth. The addition of an extra cylinder in the Trident brought around 60 horsepower. But the headline was the 120 degree crank, with its three-pot crackle and super-smooth power delivery.
Was the Triumph Trident the First Superbike?
Although it was produced between 1968 and 1975, the Trident could have been released at least a couple of years earlier. But to appeal to the American market, Triumph insisted that the Trident be redesigned with more contemporary features like a square tank and “ray gun” exhaust silencers.
Engineers Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele are on record saying that the Trident could potentially have been available as early as 1965. This is relevant because Japanese companies were developing new machines at a great pace. Honda launched the legendary CB750—widely accepted as the first superbike—at about the same time as the Triumph Trident.
Had the Trident been on sale three years (heck, two years or even one) before the CB750, it’s entirely possible that Triumph would be known today as the builder of the world’s first superbike.
A Warm Reception
A quick scan of road tests by reviewers at the time reveals a motorcycle that was universally highly-rated. Cycle magazine referred to it as cornering “as if it was on rails” whilst Cycle Guide was convinced that the Triumph Trident was the fastest street machine it had ever tested, “bar none.”
To illustrate the point, in 1968 Cycle World magazine recorded a top speed of 117 mph and a zero-to-60 time of a dizzying 5.6 seconds. At that time hardly anything on the street—on two wheels or four—could get to 60 quicker.
Sensible, Tasteful Mods
The seller describes this 1969 Triumph Trident as a tastefully-altered and well-sorted machine. Crucially, the original ignition has been replaced with an electronic Tri-Spark setup, an expensive upgrade which improves reliability. Further, the front drum brake has been replaced with a disc brake from a later model.
These mods ensure minimal embarrassment and no prolonged kickstarting sessions, and the confidence that the Trident will scrub off speed at a much greater rate than standard.
In addition, there are new wheels and uprated rear spring/damper units. The Trump Trident’s seat has been reupholstered and the tank finished in tasteful British Racing Green.
As a last hurrah to the original British motorcycle invasion, this classic superbike is well worth a look.
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