THE TR6 WAS born for the USA and enjoyed its moment of glory in an American movie.
It was the Americans who pressed Triumph for a bigger capacity machine than the 500 twins and the Meriden factory was happy to supply the 650 Thunderbird in 1949.
Enjoy more Classic Bike Guide reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.
The Thunderbird was a Harley-beater in terms of performance, but its all-iron engine was really designed for the street.
In competition, everything from scrambles to the Clubman’s TT in the Isle of Man, Triumph riders relied on the all-alloy 500s which were light and fast.
However, the 500s were underpowered for the West Coast, particularly for desert racing.
So in 1956 the pre-unit Trophy arrived, equipped with the alloy cylinder head from the Tiger 110, a high-comp piston, small petrol tank, chunky rear tyre and QD headlamp.
Read more in February’s edition of CBG
Advert
Enjoy more Classic Bike Guide reading in the monthly magazine. Click here to subscribe.