Trials without the tribulations
American Thom Search downsized to build this project Triumph Cub – and enjoyed every minute of it
This is my latest build – a 1967 Triumph Cub trials machine. I bought it as a basket case from a guy in Atlanta, Georgia, who had bitten off more than he could chew. It was almost complete, but the only thing he’d done was to have the motor rebuilt from the bottom up by Beno Rodi of American Historic Racing fame – a big time-saver.
I added an Electrex World STK-200 CDI unit, which made a world of difference – you just set it and forget it! The old ET ignition was a pain to keep running. Having fitted new clutch plates, set the valve clearances and rebuilt the old Amal 376, I just had to dial-in the jetting and now it runs and idles like clockwork.
I had the frame powder-coated, because it always looks great and holds up very well. The tank was painted in
‘TERRY WEEDY SUPPLIED THE HIGH PIPE AND COOL TRIALS SILENCER’
two-tone Ford Vermillion Red/ford Wimbledon White. The forks were rebuilt using all new or refurbished parts, while the Sammy Miller trials-bend handlebars are complimented by Magura levers, a trials slow-throttle and kill switch. Both wheel rims are new and I laced them with new stainless spokes and nipples. I’ve also fitted new aluminium mudguards along with a Sammy Miller fork brace.
Terry Weedy supplied the high pipe, cool trials silencer and kickstart lever. Notice the really cool oil feed by Webco – these suckers are really hard to find, and if you do find one the seller wants your firstborn for it. I got this one from a fellow flat-tracker on the cheap! A Webco points cover finishes off the polished covers.
I love the position of the Sammy Miller footpegs, and the Wassell seat is a quality item. The tyres are 2.75 x 21 front and 350 x 18 rear, while the rear shocks are standard Triumph Cub units. I’d like to thank Terry Weedy, Sammy Miller Products, Matt Hilgenberg at Speed and Sport, and Chris Meriden Off Road for so many quality parts. Thanks also to George at Triple R Restorations in Dahlonega for the paintwork, and Ty Kim Photography for the great shots.
I had no problems building this bike – it was fun and a different direction for me. Being a dirt-track racer for so many years, I’ve got a lot to learn about trials, but I’m starting to get the hang of slowing down! THOM SEARCH, DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA, USA