Introduced in 1968, the BSA B25/Triumph TR25 was another ‘badge engineered’ entry from the brain trust at BSA/Triumph. The two models were mechanically the same with only trim and badging to differentiate between the two. The B25 Starfire was essentially a C15 wrapped in handsome new trim. Somewhat underpowered, somewhat ‘fiddly’ it was the quintessential English 250 CC single. Very …
1969 Triumph Trident
Post Sale Update: This Trident sold for $12,000 after 28 bids on eBay. I wrote up a Trident earlier this month, and under ordinary circumstances wouldn’t even consider doing another so soon. The compelling reasons for doing this one are: 1: It is the very rare early 1969 model, one of the first 200. 2: I know the collection this …
1955 AJS Model 20
When Triumph announced the ‘Speed Twin’ in 1938 AMC (Associated Motor Cycles) knew they needed a twin for their AJS and Matchless lines. Though development started almost immediately, WWII pushed the introduction to 1948 for the AJS Model 20 and the Matchless G9. AMC improved on the Triumph design in several ways, not the least of which was a third …
1951 TWN Triumph BDG 250
In 1886 Siegfried Bettmann founded Triumph Bicycle factory in Coventry, England. They would go on to make more than a few motorcycles, part of the fabric of motorcycle history. In 1896 Herr Bettmann founded another bicycle factory in his native Nuerenberg, Germany and it was also Triumph Bicycle. By 1902 Triumph (England) started making motorcycles and Triumph (Germany) started in …
1971 Norton Hi Rider
Post Sale Update: This Norton sold for $3,749 after 18 bids on eBay. I’m going way out on a limb here by calling this one of the weirdest looking motorcycles ever produced for sale to the general public. What makes this one especially bad is the fact that there is a venerable Norton Commando hiding under all that. What were …
A Rare Bird – 1974 John Player Norton
The 1974 John Player Norton is among the most widely recognized collector bikes since WWII. A one year only (1974) model the fairing and trim are settled on an a stock Norton 850 Commando. Only around 200 were made, and 120 of those came to the US. Understand, the John Player Norton is NOT a race bike. I simply looks …
The Worst Bonneville? 1971 Triumph T120R
1971 was not a premium year for the Triumph Bonneville. It started with great promise, with the biggest redesign since the motor and transmission were made into one unit. The really large news was the new frame which carried the motors oil. Problems started almost immediately for the ‘71. A brand new computer system led to parts shortages and very …
Owned by George Wills – 1953 Triumph Flat Track Racer
George Willis is a 14 time national dirt track champion. This is one of his personal bikes (and he’s recently raced), but now it’s time for a new owner who will hopefully continue to ride it aggressively.
1966 BSA 441 Victor
BSA poured a lot of money and time and talent into the 500 CC class motocross program in the early 1960s that paid off in spades. The B 40 (introduced in 1962) sported a 343 CC single that competed and sold well. It was the English Army’s standard motorcycle until 1970.
Restored – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C
The Black Shadow might just be the most famous motorcycle ever built, with an iconic history thanks to moments like Rollie Free’s bathing suit speed run on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Black Shadows were handmade, and less than 1,700 were built in total. In the words of Hunter S. Thompson, “If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for …
Custom Paint – 1973 Norton Commando 750
After the debacle of the Combat engine, Norton was glad to move on into the MkV forms of the Roadster, Interstate, and Hi-Rider. In the process, they got rid of the Fastback. Commando fans will note that this paint livery is similar to what was on the 850 bikes – that’s because this roadster was recently repainted with the iconic …
1973 Triumph Trident T150V
Introduced in 1968 as a ‘69 model the BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident brought an entirely new concept to market with a three cylinder motor that was smooth and fast. The model was ‘badge engineered’ to allow both marquees to sell bikes to their loyal customers. Overall sales were good, not great with 27,480 produced in the seven year run.
Ariel Powered – 1959 Norton “Esquire”
2-27-17 Update: Nearly 2 years later, Tom W notes that this bike is back up for sale. Find it still in Bend, Oregon with bidding up to $6,000 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $15,000 (down from the original ask of $18,500) here on eBay. You’re probably familiar with the Triton, the pairing of a Triumph …
1965 BSA Bantam
It’s a well known story. The BSA Bantam, the Harley Davidson Hummer, the Russian Moskva and the Yamaha YA 1 were all copies of the German DKW given out as war reparations. I would really like to know how Japan (Yamaha) qualified for reparation from Germany, but that is a question for another time.
1956 Norton Manx 350
To say that Norton dominated the 350 and 500 class at Isle of Man TT for the 10 years immediately following WWII would be putting it mildly. Norton Manx singles had their way with the field time after time.