The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Triumph is one of the most famous motorcycle manufacturers in the world and a central figure in the history of British motorcycling. Founded in 1902 in Coventry, England, Triumph quickly became known for producing motorcycles that combined performance, reliability, and distinctive engineering.
During the twentieth century Triumph produced a wide range of motorcycles including lightweight commuter machines, powerful twin-cylinder touring motorcycles, racing machines, and iconic sport motorcycles. Many Triumph models became internationally famous and helped define the image of the classic British motorcycle.
Today vintage Triumph motorcycles remain extremely popular among collectors and enthusiasts. Machines such as the Speed Twin, Bonneville, Tiger, and Thunderbird are considered some of the most influential motorcycles ever produced.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph Model H | 1915-1923 | Single-cylinder | 550cc | Military / Road |
| Triumph Tiger Series | 1937-1970s | Parallel twin | 350cc - 650cc | Sport / Touring |
| Triumph Speed Twin | 1938-1966 | Parallel twin OHV | 500cc | Sport |
| Triumph Thunderbird | 1949-1966 | Parallel twin | 650cc | Touring |
| Triumph Bonneville | 1959-present | Parallel twin | 650cc | Sport |
| Triumph Trident | 1968-1975 | Three-cylinder | 750cc | Performance |
The Triumph company began producing motorcycles in the early twentieth century after initially manufacturing bicycles. By 1905 Triumph motorcycles were already gaining popularity across Britain and Europe.
During the First World War Triumph produced large numbers of motorcycles for military use. The Triumph Model H became one of the most widely used military motorcycles of the war and helped establish the company's reputation for durability and reliability.
Production Years: 1915-1923
Engine: single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 550cc
The Model H was one of the most important motorcycles produced by Triumph during the early twentieth century. It was widely used by military dispatch riders during the First World War and became known as the "Trusty Triumph".
The motorcycle's robust construction and dependable engine made it extremely effective for military communication duties.
Production Years: 1938-1966
Engine: parallel twin overhead valve
Displacement: 500cc
The Speed Twin is widely regarded as one of the most influential motorcycles ever produced. Introduced in 1938, it featured a lightweight parallel twin engine that delivered excellent performance while maintaining manageable weight.
This design revolutionized motorcycle engineering and influenced many other manufacturers around the world.
Production Years: 1937-1970s
Engine: parallel twin
Displacement: 350cc - 650cc
The Tiger series became one of the longest-running Triumph motorcycle lines. These motorcycles were designed as versatile sport and touring machines capable of both daily riding and long-distance travel.
Various versions of the Tiger were produced over several decades and they became widely exported to international markets.
Production Years: 1949-1966
Engine: parallel twin
Displacement: 650cc
The Triumph Thunderbird became famous after appearing in the 1953 film "The Wild One", ridden by Marlon Brando. This exposure helped cement the motorcycle's reputation as an iconic symbol of motorcycling culture.
The Thunderbird offered strong performance and comfortable touring capability, making it popular among riders throughout the 1950s.
Production Years: 1959-present
Engine: parallel twin
Displacement: 650cc
The Bonneville is perhaps the most famous motorcycle ever produced by Triumph. Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the model was inspired by Triumph's success in land speed record attempts.
The Bonneville combined strong performance with elegant styling and quickly became one of the most desirable motorcycles of the 1960s.
Production Years: 1968-1975
Engine: three-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 750cc
The Triumph Trident represented one of the company's attempts to compete with increasingly advanced motorcycles from Japan during the late 1960s.
Its triple-cylinder engine provided strong performance and distinctive sound, making it one of the most recognizable British motorcycles of the era.
Triumph motorcycles played a major role in shaping the global motorcycle industry. Their parallel twin engine designs influenced many other manufacturers and helped establish the classic British motorcycle style.
Today vintage Triumph motorcycles are highly collectible and remain a major part of motorcycle culture around the world. Models such as the Speed Twin and Bonneville are considered icons of motorcycling history.
Triumph is a historic British motorcycle manufacturer and is featured in our guides to British vintage motorcycle brands as well as our complete overview of vintage motorcycle manufacturers by country, covering major global motorcycle industries from 1900 to 1980.
AJS, Ariel, BSA, Royal Enfield, Coventry Eagle, Douglas, Excelsior, Matchless, New Map, Norton, Rudge, Sunbeam, and Vincent, all of which played a major role in British motorcycle racing and engineering development.
Explore our vintage motorcycles for sale to discover iconic and collectible motorcycles from the 1900s to 1980s, perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors.
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