Hey everyone, my name is Jim. I don't actually own a Triumph (yet). Right now I have a 99 Buell M2 but I'm looking to upgrade to a cruiser, and I'm not a fan of HD since they shut Buell down. My grandfather had a Triumph years ago. I actually found the forum while I was trying to figure out what model and year his bike was. All I have to go by is a couple pictures from the late 50s and I joined the site hoping someone could give me some info on it. I'd like to get one like his and fix it up., or maybe even get a newer version of what he had. I attached two pics of the bike, any help is appreciated.
Welcome to the forum! Your grand father had good taste in motorcycles. I'm sure that I'll be corrected by more knowledgeable members, but I think that this tank badge didn't start until 1957, and I don't think there were any two tone paint jobs prior to 1957. I tried to match it up to some old photos, but there seem to be some modifications which make it difficult (e.g. all chrome rear shock cover and chromed lower fork tubes). The photo makes the side cover look like it's chromed (doesn't match old photos), but that could just be the photo. The mods may be stock (special edition?), but they don't match the photos I have available. You'll also note the 'odd' bulge on the front of the left engine case. I believe that went away in 1960 - actually larger and not out as far. This all would narrow it to a '57, '58, or '59. I can't tell you what model, but as you dig deeper, look at the bend in the pipe just before the silencer. Some models had that, and some didn't. If you have other photos (more clear) of the carburetors, it might help some of the others to tell you more. Also, do you have any of his old paperwork on the bike (e.g. old registration card, etc.) that he may have kept? That would tell you a lot more. Good luck tracking it down!
Hello unclejimbo and welcome to the forum Looking at the pictures on my ickle iPad, it looks like the old Trumph has been modified with possibly alloy head and twin carbs ???
First of all, thanks for all the welcomes, this seems like a friendly place. I didn't expect this much attention either. Unfortunately, I don't know of any other pictures of the bike, and I don't know of any paperwork for it. He was stationed in the UK back then and moved back to the US a year or two after this picture was taken. Thanks for all the info and help. It makes sense that his bike would be modified, that addiction runs in the family.