The Triton name comes from a marriage of Triumph ‘Tri’ & Norton ‘Ton’ which for many decades has produced the quintessential ‘Café Racer’ style motorcycle known for quality and looks, firstly emerging in the early 1950’s and still producing motorcycles today.

Built independently by various motorcycle builders across the Uk, each one comes with its own design flares and ideas, giving each bike a unique feel. This particular bike, we were informed was built in the north west UK.

The vendor has owned the bike for some 4-5 years and has used the bike very little in this time, keeping it stored in a well ventilated and dry garage along with other classic automobiles . In their ownership the bike has undergone routine maintenance considered normal for older machines. 

We were informed this particular bike was constructed in around 1990 and has almost never seen a wet or salty road since.

Everything you want to see is present, including plenty of receipts for typical maintenance and and bigger ones for Dunlop TT100 tyres, Amal premier carburettors and a Lucas Competition magneto rebuild.. The V5 is present and up to date informing us of 8 previous owners.

Beautifully finished with a recently re-trimmed leather seat, the cockpit of the bike is a simplistic but delightful place to be. 

Although not ultimately designed for long haul rides, the seat is nonetheless comfortable, the drop down handlebars are easily reached over the wonderfully patina covered aluminium fuel tank and the dials are crips and clear and definitely don’t look their age. 

The handlebar grips are relatively unworn and are a softer rubber and very grippy.

Overall, everything is nicely presented, clean, polished but not overly so which could take away the original and loved feel this bike certainly oozes.

A very similar story to the riders position, the overall aesthetics of the bike are extremely well presented. We loved how classy this bike felt with no new ‘Bling’ parts detracting from the classic café racer style.

All the painted parts, although few and far between, were in great condition. The framework honestly looked almost new but the vendor was unaware of any restoration work carried out. This particular frame is the Norton ‘featherbed wideline’ & is believed to be a competition model allowing the engine to sit forward and lower for handling purposes.

The aluminium Akront wheels were in fabulous shape….and yes they were round, well polished with no pitting or damage that we could see.

For us the Lyta aluminium fuel tank was the star of the show….showing all the love and stories that went along with the bike. A few dings, a couple of abrasions, but honest and ultimately in good order, tied down with a rubber backed strap, clamped near the seat with a simple but effective quick release.

Due to circumstances at the time we did not get to hear the bike run, but the vendor assured us that when under more regular use that it starts easily and runs perfectly. 

The engine (T120 pre-unit Bonneville rebuilt by Ken Baxter in the early 90’s) with primary chain casings (Sourced from a Norton Commando). The fresh Amal carburettors were immaculate too with perfectly clean gauze filters.

Brand new tyres shod the wheels and the brakes were free allowing the bike to be moved in and out of storage easily. 

All 4 shock absorbers were in lovely nick, no evidence of oil weeping or damage to be seen and these operated as expected.

Owning a café racer is all about style, and this particular Triton lacks not. Loads of patina, polished aluminium and black paintwork, its simple but effective. even on the dull day we saw this bike and with a light dusting of rain drops, it still shone from every angle and no doubt would look fabulous too under a private showroom lights or whisking along on a crisp, sunny, spring day.

So why buy a Norton or a Triumph when you can have both in one? As well as being one of the rarer sights on the road!