Rob North Triumph.

[Sir Limpsalot]

For the youngsters (and those with memory loss..) back in 1970 the failing BSA/Triumph group threw the dice one last time and entered a team in the new F750 class of racing.
Masterminded by the great Doug Hele for a glorious couple of years they swept all before them and won in places as diverse as Rouen (France), Daytona, the Isle of Man and everywhere in between.
Coventry frame builder Rob North designed and hand built the frames. Note how the frame sweeps down from the headstock and includes the swinging arm pivot.
Commonplace now it was heady stuff in it's day.
This bike belongs to a friend of mine. One day I'll tell the whole story, suffice it to say that it is one of the most successful of it's type. It's just as he last raced it, not restored or pimped up in any way.
I just wish you could hear it..
Running on "Castrol R", I wish you could smell it too..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth001.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth002.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth003.jpg

The original spark plug holes are blanked off, it runs centre plugs now.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth004.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth005.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth006.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth007.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth008.jpg

I invested a large amount of time in this machine, seeing, hearing (and smelling) it again gave me a smile that lasted days..

Cheers!
Si.

[Griffon]

Thanks Si!

It's pretty amazing the bike is in such great shape after all these years! Someone must love it very much!

[Wild Will]

Thanks you Si; you always shed a welcome light into the dim recesses of my "reared on Triumphs" mind. ps. I drank a very nice bottle of Napa appellation in your honor last night (with a little help). Keep 'em coming, Si.

[BobFV1]

That thing is beastly - and I mean that in a good way.

[Deans BMW]

I seem to remember that Rob North had something to do with our early racing BMW frames.

[jamming]

Si,
I've been trying to come up with words worthy enough for that bike. I can't. Its beautiful, and even more it's a piece of history. I've become rather enamored with Triumphs as of late. Thought I knew something of them, turns out I knew little of the true history, but I'm researching and learning. Very interesting history.

[Sir Limpsalot]

I seem to remember that Rob North had something to do with our early racing BMW frames.

It wouldn't surprise me for one second Dean. Shortly after his success with the BSA/Triumph team, Rob emigrated to the US. California to be precise. This would have been about 1973. I know that he continued to work in the frame/racing business.

His frames had a sort of "trademark". Looping down from the steering head at about 45 degrees and round the swinging arm pivot.

If this isn't a "Rob North", then it's from someone who was reading his mail..

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/86516247_3b2b7e8753.jpg?v=0

Of course, those were the days when a talented chap with a firm grasp of what was needed and some fabrication skills could better full factory efforts. It's still possible (in some areas) but it's getting bloody difficult.
Three cheers for SJ then with their engine tuning program for the Boxers..:eusa_clap:

Rog, on the subject of old Triumphs, here's another pic you might like. It's an original "Thruxton" T120 Bonneville that was raced all over the European Endurance Racing circuits by my old friend Ken Buckmaster. I came accross it at Brands Hatch a few years back. You can tell it's an old photo, I still have hair..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/Oldfriends005.jpg

You can (sort of) see where Triumph got the inspiration for their current Thruxton.

Cheers,
Si.

[Wild Will]

Si, with a bike like that, who needs hair!

[AntonLargiader]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/RobNorth003.jpg

What adorable little rotors!!

[Gord]

There is certainly something timeless about the appearance of that Triumph! Sweet machine which I am sure would give my Triumph owning, ugly twin brother some wood if he would ever bother to visit the Cafe!