The History of Triumph

Find out more about the history of Triumph and why the brand's motorbikes are so popular all over the world.

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Triumph, the iconic British motorbike brand, was founded in 1885 by visionaries Siegfried Bettmann and Moritz Schulte. A lesser-known aspect of its history is that, initially, the company was dedicated to the production of bicycles, before expanding into the manufacture of motorbikes in 1902.

The brand's inaugural motorbike, called Number 1, was developed on the basis of a project licensed from the French manufacturer Peugeot.

The brand's role during the First World War was crucial, with tens of thousands of motorbikes supplied to the Allied forces, consolidating its position as one of the largest motorbike manufacturers in the world.

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In a post-war scenario, in 1923 the company reached a significant milestone with the launch of the Model H, marking its successful foray into four-cylinder engines. The Model J, launched in 1926, is notable for being the first mass-produced motorbike with overhead valves, highlighting the brand's innovative spirit.

The 1930s brought with it the merger of Triumph with another British motorbike giant, BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company).

This strategy not only enabled the company to withstand the economic challenges of the Great Depression, but also to emerge as one of the leading global motorbike manufacturers.

The merger strengthened Triumph's position in the competitive landscape, demonstrating its ability to adapt and resilience over the years.

If you want to learn more about this renowned brand, read on to find out about the most famous models and some interesting facts about Triumph.

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Triumph: the most famous models

In the context of the Second World War, Triumph played a significant role in supplying motorbikes to the Allied forces. At a crucial milestone in 1944, the company introduced to the market what would become its most iconic model, the Bonneville.

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Discover some of the brand's most famous models:

Bonneville

The Bonneville gained immense popularity during the 1960s, driven in part by the visibility provided by celebrities such as Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando, who were often photographed riding this iconic motorbike.

The success continues to this day, as the Bonneville is still in production and is revered as a true icon on the British motorcycling scene.

Tiger 100

Another renowned model is the Tiger 100, which made its debut in 1939 and quickly gained a prominent position in the Triumph motorbike range.

Initially offered in two variants, the standard version and the more powerful "Sports", the Tiger 100 not only achieved commercial success, but also shone in competitions, racking up numerous championships throughout its remarkable career.

Trident

The Trident, an iconic motorbike of the 1960s and 1970s, was introduced in 1968 to compete with the Honda CB750. Equipped with an in-line three-cylinder engine, the Trident offered 750cc and 900cc versions.

In addition to its performance specifications, the Trident stood out for its distinctive design, featuring a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. Although it was discontinued in 1976, Triumph resurrected the model in 2020, presenting a completely new version with a powerful 1200cc triple engine.

Daytona

The Daytona, a sports bike launched by Triumph in 1991, featured a four-cylinder engine and was available in 600cc and 750cc variants.

Standing out as one of the most successful models, the Daytona won numerous championships in road races, as well as attracting the attention of motorcyclists looking for a fast and powerful machine for street use.

Although it was discontinued in 2005, Triumph brought the model back in 2013 with a completely new version, powered by a 1050cc triple engine.

Thunderbird

The Thunderbird, introduced as a "heavy" cruiser in 1950, was powered by a 650cc twin-cylinder engine and offered standard and "police" variants. The version intended for police forces gained popularity in various agencies around the world.

In 1955, the Thunderbird underwent a significant upgrade, receiving an engine enlarged to 700cc, being recognised as the "Thunderbird 7".

Although it was discontinued in 1966, Triumph revived the model in 2009 with a completely new version, now equipped with a 1600cc twin-cylinder engine.

Rocket III

The Rocket III, a muscle bike launched in 2004, stands out for its huge 3-cylinder engine, reaching 2300cc, making it the largest motorbike in production in terms of engine capacity.

Its unique, muscular aesthetic sets it apart from other motorbikes on the road, attracting not only enthusiasts but also custom bike builders, who use it as the basis for exclusive creations at shows.

In 2020, Triumph unveiled an all-new version of the Rocket III, powered by a 2500cc triple engine, further elevating the power and style of this iconic bike.

Triumph in Brazil

Triumph's presence in Brazil dates back to the early 1950s, when the first motorbikes were imported into the country by the "Motovelo" company.

Initially, the Trident models were the pioneers in this import, followed by the Tiger 100 and then the Bonneville.

The brand's expansion in Brazil gained further momentum in 1965, when Triumph established its own factory in São Paulo. This initiative allowed the company to produce motorbikes specifically adapted to the Brazilian market, marking an important chapter in Triumph's history in the country.

Triumph: maintenance in Brazil

Maintaining a Triumph motorbike in Brazil can be costly, but finding parts is generally not a challenge.

The country has several dealerships spread across different regions, as well as several independent service workshops specialising in the brand's motorbikes.

Another option is the possibility of ordering parts online from dealers and workshops in other countries.

Although it offers the advantage of finding more competitive prices, the downside is that the process can take a considerable time to deliver the parts.

Parts in Brazil

Spare parts for Triumph motorbikes are widely available in Brazil, with several suppliers available, including official options and parallel parts.

In general, it's not a difficult task to locate the part you need, although the cost may be higher compared to buying the same item in other countries.

Conclusion

In summary, the assessment of Triumph motorbikes can vary according to individual preferences, but in general they are recognised as excellent motorbikes, with a consistent record of reliability and fun to ride.

The brand offers a comprehensive range of models, catering for both beginners and experienced motorcyclists. Owning a Triumph motorbike is generally considered advantageous due to the quality of the ride, mechanical reliability and favourable resale value.

If you're a motorbike lover and want to find out more about this brand's models, visit the official Triumph website and find out more about the models and their launches.

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