Description
1975 TRIUMPH TRIDENT T160
ESTIMATE: AUD $27, 000 - $30, 000
Offered by Donington Auctions - Collector Motorcycle & Car Auction - Featuring the Private Museum of Racing Driver Bryan Thomson - Sydney NSW June 20th 2pm AEST.
The final 1970s Triumph triple
Frame No.: T160 CK2676
Engine No.: T160 CK2676
The Honda CB 750 and Triumph T150 Trident were both introduced in 1969 but the Honda was much more successful. Triumph was eventually forced to modify the Trident to appeal more to the American market. Basically, this meant incorporating an electric start, left side gearshift, and quieter mufflers. The result was the 1975 T160, this including more than 200 updates over the previous T150.
The three-cylinder engine pushrod was much as before, with a 67x70mm bore and stroke displacing 740 cc, a 9. 5:1 compression ratio, and a bank of three 27 mm Amal concentric carburettors. With the inclined cylinder block of the BSA Rocket 3 the Lucas starter motor sat comfortably above the five-speed gearbox. A larger moulded airbox with paper filter element ensured the intake roar was more subdued, and the new quieter exhaust system included Norton Commando annular-discharge silencers. The exhaust header pipes were also quite different, a central Y-manifold splaying the front downtube to look like four pipes. The quieter intake and exhaust didn’t hurt the T160 and the maximum power was 58 horsepower at 7, 250rpm.
New for the T160 was a left-side gearshift using a crossover shaft, while a duplex primary drive chain replaced the previous triplex unit. Not so new was the ignition, which was still by a trio of contact breakers and three six-volt coils powered by a ballast resistor. Derived from the production racing “Slippery Sam,” the frame’s lower frame tubes were raised to improve ground clearance. Handling was improved with a shorter front fork pivoting in tapered roller steering head bearings, and a longer swingarm. The engine was moved higher and forward, the weight distribution improved, with the wheelbase still a moderate 1470 mm.
Other modern updates saw a rear 250mm disc brake, the same size as the front and with an identical Lockheed calliper, a more modern warning light panel between the Smiths instruments, and a traditional teardrop fuel tank. There was no denying the T160 was a handsome beast, with performance and handling to match. Still rolling on vintage style 19-inch wheels the T160 may have been a little heavy at 229 kg dry but it was surprisingly good handling and nimble. It also had a fair turn of speed; topping out around 200 km/ h. Cycle World also praised the handling, saying, “It’s nothing short of fantastic.” Motorcyclist agreed that the handling was superb, but found, “It’s not a lightweight, nor does it feel like one. But in the Triumph’s favour, the weight is low, and on a bending road it inspires confidence above and beyond.”
This US-specification Triumph T160 is near new and in totally original condition. It starts, runs and idles perfectly and comes with import documents, new owners’ manual and an original sales brochure. The Smiths odometer reads only 1, 700 miles miles at cataloguing time.
After years on static display the bike has been mechanically checked and upgraded for regular use and more enjoyable riding with clutch overhaul, carburettor overhaul, new coils and generally revitalised.
An extremely attractive example of the most desirable of all Trident models.
This motorcycle is sold unregistered.
