The History of Triumph Motorcycles
Even if you don’t know motorcycles, you probably know Triumph. The British motorcycle manufacturer has produced some of the most legendary motorcycles in history in this country and their own. Some of the most famous motorcycles from television and movies were Triumph bikes, and there’s a good reason the company continues to produce bikes of note. When you think of a classic motorcycle, you’re probably picturing a Triumph.
But how did this company become the image of the classic cruising bike that people know it as today? Read on to learn the fascinating history of Triumph motorcycles and stop by Cycles of Jacksonville when you want to look at some of their top models in person. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, we proudly serve the areas of St. Augustine and Orlando, Florida as well.
Founding & Early Years
Before Triumph was Triumph, it was primarily an importing company in Great Britain run by a German immigrant named Siegfried Bettmann. The company was primarily involved in importing sewing machines and bicycles up until 1902, when Bettmann began importing a model of bicycle fitted with a Minerva engine that started with pedal power. After the motor-powered bicycle garnered some initial demand, Bettmann sold 500 additional units in 1903. By 1905, Bettmann was making Triumph motorcycles with 100% Triumph parts. This early Triumph bike used a 300cc engine and topped out at 40-50 mph. Their designs evolved and then in 1915, the company released the Model H roadster, a bike that’s now considered to be the first truly modern roadster. This bike used a 550cc side-valve, four-stroke engine and a three-speed gearbox with a belt transmission.
Mass Production
As with many other motorcycle manufacturers around the world, Triumph was called up to commit motorcycles to the war effort. The upshot of this was that Triumph developed a mass production infrastructure that would help them to turn out massive numbers of motorcycles once peacetime returned. Triumph’s efficient factories made the Model P the least expensive 500cc motorcycle produced until that point. By 1938, Triumph was ready to release their bikes in the United States, and with the help of a Pasadena, California dealership, they did just that.
Later successes included the introduction of the T100 motorcycle in 1939 which set the British track speed record at 118 mph. This bike would go on to serve a prominent position in World War II and the British government ordered some 1,400 bikes. In 1950, Triumph released a sort of proto-superbike known as the Thunderbird. With its affordable price tag and 100 mph top speed, it quickly spread across multiple continents.
Triumph Bikes in Culture
Hollywood got their first taste of Triumph when actor Marlon Brando rode his Thunderbird on The Wild One movie set. Actor James Dean also owned a Triumph, a TR5 Trophy. Bob Dylan once crashed a T100, while Elvis Presley was more successful riding his Triumph Bonneville in the movie Stay Away Joe. Perhaps the most well-known appearance of Triumph occurred when Steve McQueen rode a TR6 in the 1961 hit The Great Escape.
Modern Day
Today, Triumph continues to produce many top-notch bikes that draw from the company’s racing heritage. Twenty bikes span four families that include Modern Classics, Cruisers, Adventure & Touring, and Roadsters & Supersports. Oh yeah, they’re also gunning for a land speed record on the back of a literal rocket, the 274 mph, jet-propelled, Triumph-Infor Rocket Streamliner.
When you’re looking for a bike that blends classic looks with modern, racing-inspired performance, you can’t do much better than a Triumph. These bikes are the image of the independent and adventurous spirit of motorcycling. Stop by Cycles of Jacksonville if you want to take one for a test ride. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, we proudly serve the areas of St. Augustine and Orlando.