Overview of Triumph Motorcycle Company
Triumph Motorcycles was founded in 1902 by Siegfried Bettmann as the S. Bettmann & Co. Bettmann was a German businessman who had immigrated to England and established a cycling business, selling bicycles and parts. His business was not doing well, however, so he decided to try his hand at manufacturing motorcycles. Bettmann’s first motorcycles were powered by engines manufactured by the German company E. und W. Herter. Bettmann’s motorcycles were not a huge commercial success, but he was able to establish a name for his company in the industry. In 1908, he partnered with a man named Morris Spindall, a wealthy businessman who provided the company with additional funding. Bettmann and Spindall then renamed the company S. Bettmann & Co. (Triumph Cycle Company).
History of Triumph Motorcycle Company
The Triumph brand was first used in 1911 when the company started producing motorcycles with vertical engines. When World War I broke out in 1914, motorcycle production was put on hold, as the British government took control of the industry. Once the war ended in 1918, production resumed, with Triumph focusing primarily on producing bicycles. In 1921, Triumph began producing motorcycles again, and in 1924, they released the Model 6 Standard, which was the first Triumph to be sold in the United States. The 1920s and 1930s were good years for Triumph, but in the 1940s, the company suffered during World War II, as they were required to produce munitions. After the war, Triumph was in serious financial trouble, and in 1951, the company was purchased by the Associated British Oil Engine Company (ABO). ABO was a company that specialized in making industrial engines, and they had no experience in the motorcycle industry, so they let Triumph operate autonomously.
Iconic Models Produced by Triumph
Over the past 100 years, Triumph has produced many famous models, but some stand out above the rest. The Triumph Bonneville was released in 1959 and has become one of the most iconic motorcycles in the world. The Bonneville has been produced in many different forms over the years, but its basic design has remained the same. The Bonneville is a classic British motorcycle that is a modern expression of the brand. Other iconic Triumph models include the Tiger, Thruxton, Speed Twin, and Speedmaster.
Innovations and Performance of Triumph Motorcycles
Throughout its history, Triumph has been known for leading the charge in innovation, both in the design of its motorcycles and in the manufacturing process. In the early 1900s, Triumph was one of the first companies to produce engines with overhead valves, which are now standard in most modern motorcycles. In the 1950s, Triumph was also one of the first companies to use aluminum as a frame material, which has become common in modern motorcycles. In the 1960s, Triumph was the first motorcycle manufacturer to produce a liquid-cooled engine, which is now standard in many modern motorcycles. In the 1970s, Triumph developed the first motorcycle fuel injection system, which allowed for more precise fuel delivery. In the 2000s, Triumph developed a proprietary engine that was designed to be lightweight and efficient.
Triumph’s Role in Motorcycling Culture
As one of the most famous motorcycle companies in the world, Triumph has played an important role in shaping the culture around motorcycling. The original Triumph Bonneville has become a symbol of British motorcycling and of the sport of motorcycling in general. Triumph has also had an impact on culture through its marketing campaigns. In the 1970s, Triumph produced a series of advertisements that featured photographer and artist David Hockney. These ads are now considered some of the most significant works of art in the history of advertising.
Triumph’s Legacy and Future
Since its inception, Triumph has been one of the most well-known motorcycle companies in the world. This will continue into the future, as Triumph is well-positioned to become a leader in the electric motorcycle industry. In 2018, Triumph announced that they would be entering the electric motorcycle market, and they have already delivered the first batch of their new models. The future is bright for Triumph, and they will continue to be a shining example of excellence in the world of motorcycling.
Famous Riders of Triumph Motorcycles
Since its inception, Triumph motorcycles have been ridden by some of the most famous riders in the world. Some of the most notable riders of Triumph include Steve McQueen, James Dean, Evel Knievel, and George Harrison. McQueen rode a Triumph TR6 Trophy in the 1971 film The Great Escape, starring alongside other famous Triumph riders such as James Coburn (who rode a Triumph TR6 Trophy) and Charles Bronson (who rode a Triumph TR6 Trophy). Dean rode a Triumph Thunderbird in the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause. Knievel jumped a rocket-powered Triumph X-75 in many of his famous stunts. Harrison owned several models of Triumph throughout his life, and he frequently rode a Triumph TR6 Trophy.
Triumph Motorcycle Clubs and Communities
If you are a fan of Triumph motorcycles, there are several clubs and communities where you can find other people with similar interests. You can find a list of Triumph clubs on the Triumph Motorcycles website. You can also share your interest in Triumphs with others by joining one of the many online communities available. You can also find other Triumph enthusiasts on various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Triumph Motorcycle Racing
Triumph has a long history of racing and has had many notable riders compete on their bikes. In the 1970s, Evel Knievel competed on Triumphs in many of his races, and in the 1980s, Steve McQueen raced a Triumph-powered Can-Am car. In the 1990s, Triumph sponsored the British Superbike Championship and hired riders such as John Reynolds, Mark Phillipe, and Brian Clancy, who all competed on Triumph motorcycles. In the 2000s, Triumph was the primary sponsor of the British Superstock Championship, and they hired future MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez to compete on their bikes.
Custom Triumph Motorcycles
If you are a fan of Triumph motorcycles but would like to have a unique bike that no one else has, you can have a custom motorcycle built for you. Many shops specialize in building custom Triumphs, and you can have a bike built to your exact specifications. Having a custom Triumph built is a great way to express your individuality, and it is also a great way to customize your bike with features that are important to you, such as the type of engine, the type of exhaust, etc. If you are interested in having a custom Triumph built, you can search online to find a shop in your area. You can also contact the Triumph Motorcycles dealer in your area to see if they offer custom motorcycle building services.
