HISTORY OF A MOTORCYCLE LEGEND

From the early start Triumph gained popularity quick. They proved on many occasions that their machines could be ridden long distance reliably. In 1915 Triumph produces the 550 cc Model "H" Roadster. The bike was nicknamed "The Trusty Triumph" because 30,000 of them rolled off the assembly line to supply allied forces during world war 1. The bikes no longer had pedals and they were fitted with a kick start lever and solid footrests.

In 1905 Triumph rolls out a motorcycle 100% manufactured in house. It didn't take long before their 4 1/2 hp motorcycle gained popularity. By 1907 they were producing 100 motorcycles a year. In 1908 Jack Marshall wins the TT race on a Triumph. A lot of changes were made in the early years of motorcycles in general. In 1910 Triumph offered 2 models, adding this 499 cc TT model and a man by the name of Albert Catt put 2000 miles in just 6 days. Triumph was quickly becoming known for their reliability and sold 3000 bikes in this year.

In 1885 the founder of Triumph, Siegfried Bettmann started the company using his own name. Mostly an importer of sewing machines and bicycles-in 1886 he changed the name to Triumph because it was a name more people could identify with in many languages. In 1889 Bettman began producing his own bicycles in Coventry, England. It wasn't until 1898 that Triumph considered manufacturing their own motorcycles. In 1901 both Ariel and Royal Enfield made their first motorcycles.

Struggles of power lead Triumph through ground breaking advancements and devastating failures. Over the next 12 years Triumph had improved on many things such as gearboxes, drum brakes and self driven oil pumps. Production numbers were growing and they had an impressive model line of 8 bikes in 1927. In 1924 Triumph introduced the 500 cc side valved Model P which was such a sensation because of its inexpensive price compared to the competition at that time.