Triumph Motorcycles - a Brief History

by: Michael O'Brien

“Thou shalt tremble as the mighty 650cc cometh” – a 1970’s tee shirt slogan that cleverly described the image of the signature motorcycle of the era – the Triumph. The 650 cubic centimeter engine was the basis for 2 successful bikes, the Thunderbird and the Wonderbird and became smash hits in the U.S. especially the motorcycle-crazy Southern California market.

Like so many manufacturing companies riding the crest of the Industrial Revolution, Triumph has its roots the bicycle business. One of the oldest motorcycle brand names in the world, Triumph introduced their first production motorcycle in 1902. Sells were brisk and expansion was not fair behind. Today, with offices worldwide and nearly 1,000 workers, Triumph has survived world wars, fires, financial challenges and intense competition. The Triumph motorcycle brand name remains a constant in the minds of motorcycle fans and riders the world over.

During both world wars, Triumph supplied 1,000’s of bikes and other equipment for military use. The plant in Coventry, England along with most of the town was destroyed by the German Luftwaffe early in World War II. Midway through the war, production resumed in a different location using equipment salvaged from the wreckage of the Conventry plant. The post-war years were a period of expansion and by the mid 1960’s Triumph had the lion’s share of the big engine displacement motorcycle market in the United States, anchored by sales of the 650 cubic centimeter bikes.

Today, models designed and built around the retro-classic Bonneville and new-designed cruisers and urban sport bikes. Though no longer manufactured solely in the United Kingdom, Triumph’s Hinkely plant in England has produced over 100,000 of these legendary machines since opening in the 1980’s. From road racing to street touring, the mighty Triumph lives on as one of the worlds premier and most respected motorcycle brand names.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is Staff Writer for Motorcycle Sales & Service