ICON’S REVIVAL IS A REAL TRIUMPH
Certain makes hold a special place in the collective heart of motorcyclists the world over, and one such name is undoubtedly Triumph.
The first motorbike was produced in 1902 by the company which had been founded in 1893 in Coventry – originally as a bicycle manufacturer.
The firm went from strength to strength, with particular success and many iconic models during the post-war years and into the 1960s, following a merger with BSA in 1951.
During the 70s, however, British bike firms were unable to compete with technically advanced competition from Japanese rivals such as Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. Triumph sales declined rapidly and, by 1983, despite assistance from the Labour Government, the company went out of business.
The name, meanwhile, was bought by businessman John Bloor and a new factory was built at Hinckley, Leics, where the first bikes were produced in 1991. Triumph is now the UK’s biggest manufacturer of motorcycles and, in 2017, had global revenues of just under £500million. The record 9,400 machines the firm sold in the UK represented just 15% of its 63,000 worldwide sales.
In recent years, Triumph has had particular success with its retro-themed models, but the firm also prides itself on its innovation.
Last week the manufacturer announced a two-year project focused on developing electric motorbikes. Project Triumph TE-1 is a collaboration which includes Williams Advanced Engineering (battery design), Integral Powertrain Ltd (electric motors), the University of Warwick (electrification expertise) and Innovate UK (Government agency).
Triumph boss Nick Bloor – John’s son – told Mirror Biking: “This new collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Triumph and its partners to be leaders in the technology that will enable the electrification of motorcycles.
“It is driven by customers striving to reduce their environmental impact, combined with the desire for more economical transportation, and changing legislation.
“Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what riders want and expect from their Triumph, which is the perfect balance of handling, performance and usability.”
The firm may be looking to the future, but it still appreciates the popularity of bikes which hark back to the golden era of British motorcycles.
Triumph’s new Bonneville T120 Ace edition celebrates the original café racers and the famous London venue of the same name. It is being made with a run limited to 1,400 worldwide, and each bike will be individually numbered with a certificate signed by Nick Bloor and Ace Cafe founder Mark Wilsmore.
The blacked-out 1200cc Ace has a unique matt Storm Grey paint job with a contrasting Ace Café stripe, dedicated Ace Café and
Bonneville graphics, and a host of features.
Price is £11,100.