Triumph Motorcycles From 1883 to 1999
Triumph is a private British motorcycle company that has a history of producing many classic bikes. In 1885, the original company began in Coventry and got its universal name the Triumph Cycle Company in the year 1886. In 1983, a new company, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, resurrected the brand name after the collapse of the original company. Two Germans, Siegfried Bettman and Mauritz Shulte, founded the original Triumph motorcycles. Later, after the collapse, John Bloor, a British industrialist took over the brand name.
1883 – 1918: The Early Years
In 1883, Siegfried Bettman moves from Nuremberg, Germany to Coventry, England.
In 1884, Bettman begins an import-export agency. He imports German-made sewing machines and exports bicycles with the label Bettman on it.
In 1886, he replaces Bettman as Triumph, and he names his company as The Triumph Cycle Company.
In 1887, he registers his company as New Triumph Co. Ltd. His primary investor is John Dunlop, who helps in commercializing the product. A German trained engineer, Mauritz Schulte joins his company and convinces Bettman that Triumph should design and create its own products.
In 1888, Triumph acquires an old ribbon-weaving factory in Coventry to produce motorcycles.
In 1895, Schulte imports one of the Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycles to study and test the machine. Triumph considers producing Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycles under license.
In 1902, with the repealed Locomotive Act, first Triumph motorcycle is manufactured with single cylinder of 2.25-hp Belgian Minerva Engine. Schulte designs the first motorcycle.
In 1903, a new branch, Orial Twin, opens in Germany to produce motorcycles there. Soon, the JAP engines replace Minerva engines.
In 1905, Triumph successfully produces its first in-house motorcycle with a 3-hp engine and a top speed of 40-50 mph.
In 1907, annual motorcycle production crosses 1000 units with new 3.5-hp engine.
In 1908, new motorcycle is produced with variable pulleys. Also, Triumph moves the engine controls to the handle bars.
In 1911, Triumph introduces the first practical clutch that helps users to start the motorcycles on its stand. The foot pegs replace pedaling gear in most of the models and the overall annual sale reached 3000 units.
In 1913, Schulte makes a new model with 600cc vertical twin engine.
In 1914, the sale reaches 4000 units and Hathaway becomes chief motorcycle designer.
In the period 1915-1918, the new model H roadster is introduced, which is the first modern motorcycle. Triumph sells some 30,000 motorcycles to Allied forces in WWI.
1919 – 1945: The Classic Years
In 1919, Schulte leaves the company with a generous package and he is replaced with Col. Holbrook.
In 1920, Triumph produces 550cc Spring Drive model with a feature of chain-driven rear wheel.
In 1921, the rim brakes are replaced with drum brakes. A new Model R with a nick name Riccy earned from its designer Harry Ricardo is introduced.
In 1923, first 350cc model LS with oil-pump driven motor is introduced.
In 1925, first affordable 500cc P model is introduced. The sale of this model crosses 1000, but later due to the poor quality of this model, the owners became disappointed and the company’s name is harmed. Triumph improves the quality of this model at the end of the year.
In 1927, the production of motorcycles crosses 30,000 units.
In 1929, the German subsidiary is sold due to the Wall Street crash.
In 1930, due to the pressure from creditors, Bettman is demoted. A new model X with a small two stroke is introduced.
In 1932, Val Page, an engine designer joins the company. He creates many new engines such as 150cc two stroke, and 250, 350, and 500cc four stroke engines.
In 1933, Page designs a 650cc Twin, which is a commercial failure.
In 1934, the name changes to Triumph Co. Ltd.
In 1935, foot-change gearshift is added to the 650cc Twins.
In 1936, Triumph separates its car and motorcycle business. Jack Sangster buys the motorcycle division, makes Edward Turner as chief designer, and makes Bettman as the company chairman.
In 1937, Turner introduces the 500cc motorcycle with a top speed of 90 mph. This establishes a definite pattern for all, the Triumph motorcycles.
In 1938, Bill Johnson buys motorcycle shop in Pasadena.
In 1940, the bike production gear towards the war front and the Triumph production company is destroyed in Coventry.
In 1942, a new industrial plant is established in Meridian, England.
In 1945, Triumph sells 50,000 bikes to the military.
1946 – 1962: Recovery and Growth
In 1946, civilian motorcycle production resumes. Triumph announces production of 350cc 3T Deluxe, 500cc Speed Twin, and 500cc Tiger 100.
In 1947, spring rear hub is introduced.
In 1949, big bore 649cc Thunderbird and off-road 500ccTR5 Trophy are introduced. These motorcycles are powered by the aircraft motorcycle.
In 1950, Triumph sells more motorcycles in US markets than other countries.
In 1951, Jack Sangster sells Triumph to BSA for 2.5 million pounds.
In 1953, a new model 149cc OHV Terrier is introduced.
In 1954, a new Tiger 110 is introduced, which is an improved version of the Thunderbird, with a feature of rear swing arm.
In 1955, the TR6 Trophy, the first motorcycle exclusively for the US market is introduced.
In 1957, 350cc Twenty One 3TA is released and it is a commercial failure.
In 1958, Tiger cub is released with a swing arm.
In 1959, a new model 650cc T120 Bonneville Twin is introduced in the US market.
In 1961, Bert Hopwood moves to Triumph and conceives to make a three-cylinder motorcycle.
In 1962, Doug Hele joins the Triumph design group and finalizes the design of three-cylinder bike.
1963-1973: The Glory Years
In 1963, the 650cc bikes are produced with new engine box. Tiger 90, 350 3TA, and Tina T10 are introduced. The TR6SC, a desert bike is introduced in the US market.
In 1964, Edward Turner resigns from the automotive section.
In 1965, Tiger Cubs are produced for the French Army.
In 1966, Elmore wins Daytona road race.
In 1967, 500cc Tiger 100 Daytona with twin carburetor is released to mark the 1966 victory. Harry Sturgeon replaces Edward Turner in the BSA board.
In 1968, the 750cc Triple is introduced, which has the power of both the BSA Rocket III and the Triumph Trident.
In 1969, Malcolm Uphill wins the Production TT, riding on a Bonneville. Twin electric horns, a new feature is introduced in Bonneville.
In 1970, Uphill wins the Production TT repeatedly, riding on a Trident.
In 1971, a new body for Bonneville is introduced.
In 1972, BSA workforce is reduced from 3000 to 1000 employees.
1974-1983: The Fight to Survive
In 1973, the BSA group suffered huge financial loss. A new model, Triumph X75 Hurricane is produced, based on the American hotrod design.
In 1975, the final model of the Trident is released. The workers form the co-operative group to carry on the production of Bonneville in the Meridian factory.
In 1977, NVT becomes bankrupt. Bonneville jubilee special is introduced to honor the Queen’s 50th birthday.
In 1980, the Meridian debt closes to 2 million pounds.
In 1982, TSS model are produced, which has features such as eight-valve engine, TSX custom, rubber-mounted frame, alloy wheels, and high bars.
In 1983, after some lean period, the Meridian firm closes its door. Later that year, an English builder, John Bloor licensed the brand name.
1983-Now: Triumph Resurgent
In 1984, Meridian firm is demolished and the land took over for a housing estate.
In 1985, Bloor continues to develop the new firm with new experimental tools in Hinckley.
In 1987, the first new Triumph machine with a 1200cc four cylinders made a test run.
In 1989, Bloor ventures his own money on the new production plant in Hinckley.
In 1990, Triumph introduces six new bikes at the Cologne Show in September: the touring Trophy 900 Triple, 1400 Triple with four cylinders, unfaired Trident 750 and 900 Triples, Daytona 750 Triple and Daytona 1000 Triple.
In 1992, sale crosses 5000 motorcycles.
In 1993, Daytona 1200 is introduced to the European market.
In 1994, Triumph is introduced in Canada. Triumph Motorcycles of America is founded, which marked the return of Triumph in the larger markets.
In 1997, 50,000 new Triumph motorcycles are produced.
In 1999, new Sprint ST sports-touring motorcycles are released.
In 2000, new Bonneville 800cc is launched.
In 2002, Triumph enters the cruiser market with the celebration of 100th Triumph motorcycles Anniversary.
In 2003, the Speedmaster is introduced in America.
In 2004, Rocket III is introduced and made new trends in the motorcycle world.
In 2006, Triumph releases the Daytona 675 with 123-hp power.
In 2007, Triumph became the bestselling brand in Australia.
In 2008, all parallel twin motors are changed into fuel injectors.
In 2009, Triumph marks the 50th anniversary of Bonneville with a release of special model. Latest version of Thunder bird with 1600cc is released.
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