DarthRider
01-16-2011, 05:59 PM
This is a scan of an old pic of a really cool little Triumph.
It's a 1959 Triumph Trophy 650cc, single carb engine, pre-unit (engine & tranny are separate...like a new Harley!). It belongs to photog friend of the Cafe', Paul Valentine. He's owned it since the early/mid 80s.
It is a mild "period custom" with non-factory paint, exhaust, seat, shocks, front fender & fork boots The forks look in this pic like they've been extended but they haven't.
An unusual thing about it is the "automatic" clutch. See the thingy atop the tranny in the 11:00 o'clock position to the peg rubber? It's a clever & simple device that disengages & reengages the clutch when you shift gears as normal with the foot shift. It was an option that had a poor reputation & limited acceptance, most were removed. Apparently they required a lot of adjustments and a slow, deliberate shift. Ironically, they were also popular with some drag racers who banged hell out of them, but accepted the maintenance & frequent parts replacements. I've ridden the bike a few times and played with the auto-shift. OK I guess but it really feels odd, and you just have to *make* yourself not pull the clutch lever.
They were called the "Quick Shift" or "Slick Shift" or something like that...anyone remember?
No, it is not for sale! I have asked several times and am at the top of the "first refusal" list, but I'm not counting on anything. Just hopeful!
To me, this bike just looks so...right. I'd have to change the mufflers, fork rubbers & shocks to something more "correct", but I'd love to have it.
Now Si, don't you think this little Trumpet would just be delightful with a nice hard-tail?
NOT!!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4018042114_aa47e4bca3_z.jpg
It's a 1959 Triumph Trophy 650cc, single carb engine, pre-unit (engine & tranny are separate...like a new Harley!). It belongs to photog friend of the Cafe', Paul Valentine. He's owned it since the early/mid 80s.
It is a mild "period custom" with non-factory paint, exhaust, seat, shocks, front fender & fork boots The forks look in this pic like they've been extended but they haven't.
An unusual thing about it is the "automatic" clutch. See the thingy atop the tranny in the 11:00 o'clock position to the peg rubber? It's a clever & simple device that disengages & reengages the clutch when you shift gears as normal with the foot shift. It was an option that had a poor reputation & limited acceptance, most were removed. Apparently they required a lot of adjustments and a slow, deliberate shift. Ironically, they were also popular with some drag racers who banged hell out of them, but accepted the maintenance & frequent parts replacements. I've ridden the bike a few times and played with the auto-shift. OK I guess but it really feels odd, and you just have to *make* yourself not pull the clutch lever.
They were called the "Quick Shift" or "Slick Shift" or something like that...anyone remember?
No, it is not for sale! I have asked several times and am at the top of the "first refusal" list, but I'm not counting on anything. Just hopeful!
To me, this bike just looks so...right. I'd have to change the mufflers, fork rubbers & shocks to something more "correct", but I'd love to have it.
Now Si, don't you think this little Trumpet would just be delightful with a nice hard-tail?
NOT!!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4018042114_aa47e4bca3_z.jpg