Triumph Daytona 1200

Many agree that Triumph, one of Britain’s oldest and most successful motorcycle makers, made their last stand against competition from Japan with their 3 cylinder 750, the Trident. When released in 1969 the Trident was arguably the world’s finest roadster. A few months later Honda’s CB 750 signalled the end of Triumph. The new Trident, despite a loyal following and good sales, was simply not as sophisticated and too expensive. When production of this machine ceased in 1977 Britain really had nothing to offer the motorcycling world.

The Triumph company was dissolved in 1983 but the name was purchased by John Bloor, a building entrepreneur, who spent the next 8 years secretly developing a new machine. A new factory in Hinckley was rapidly equipped with the latest equipment and in 1991 a range of 6 modern roadsters was released. All used DOHC 3 or 4 cylinder engines. The Trident was re-invented as a 750 or 900 triple capable of around 130 mph. A new Trophy featured a four cylinder engine of the same bore and stroke that run up to 150 mph. Triumph were back!

In 1993 the range was enlarged to include the Daytona, another nostalgic name from the old Meriden Company. The new Daytona was a mould breaking machine. Its 1200 cc four cylinder engine was rated at 146 bhp giving a top speed of around 170 mph. The new Triumph was at least as good as many Japanese performance bikes and better than most.

Triumph now have a good following in Britain and in Europe with annual production figures in excess of 10000 machines.

Donated to the GTM by Lesley Brodie, Aberdeen