So we're here today at Hinckley Triumph, which is the headquarters of Triumph Motorcycles. We're
going to check out the exhibition centre as well as the new additions to the factory visitor tour.
The guys at Triumph as well are going to roll out one of their special bikes for
us to look at which is the five times gold winning bike that was ridden by Roy Peplow
in the 1960s in the international six day trials. We've also been invited to have
a go on two of the latest 2021 Triumph Bonnevilles, which we'll test ride later.
Before we do that though, let's check out the exhibition centre.
So here on the ground floor of the visitor experience centre you've got the full story of
Triumph, including this fine selection of classic bikes. So we're going to pick through some of our
highlights, you can expect to see here and some of the bikes that are truly unique to visiting
the Triumph Centre here in Hinckley. First bike is this one. So this is the prototype Bonneville.
Designed by Edward Turner, and this one actually lived in Edward Turner's office for a number
of years. It was in a colour scheme that didn't go into full production, so it's the precursor of the
one that we all know as the original Bonneville. The Tangerine Dream which was launched in 1959.
Next up we want to pick out the Trident P1 prototype from 1965. So this is the first
three cylinder Triumph. The forerunner to the production Tridents and Rockets from BSA that
all had the three cylinder configuration. So this then went on to become the T150, T160 and even
the X75 Hurricane Trident. So we have a fantastic history of collaborations with films
for Triumph Motorcycles from the 1950s right through to the latest Bond film that's due out.
This is probably the most iconic motorcycle in film history. It is the actual bike from The
Great Escape that was ridden by Steve McQueen, and completed the jump, which was Bud Ekins
in the film back in the day. So this is the actual one. Probably one of the most valuable
bikes on the planet as well. I believe it's insured for around one and a half million pounds. We have
some race bikes here as well. This particular one was used by Percy Tate who is a famous
development test rider and race rider for Triumph. What's interesting here is one of his boots here. You
can see the effort he went to, and the extremes he went to when racing. The wear on that is incredible.
So, Triumph isn't all about the past. It's got a great history but, here in the first
floor the visitor centre you can see the design, development, and production processes that go into
making the current and future motorcycle range here at Triumph. So here we have the
current T120 Bonneville engine. You can get up close and see the interesting details on it.
One of the most interesting is the exhaust pipe appears to be a continuous line straight through
to the silencer, like on a traditional 50s or 60s Bonneville. But actually, for emissions requirements,
there's a catalytic converter under here. So the pipe actually comes in here, siphons off into the
catalyst, and then back out again there. So this chrome section of pipe here is actually false.
So it's just there for cosmetics. But it gives the appearance of a continuous pipe into the silencer.
So here we see how crankcases on the modern Triumphs are turned from solid alloys,
die cast, going through different stages of production, coatings, the machines start to be
machined and faced, ready for the production line. Okay so even when you're sat in the 1902 cafe
enjoying a nice coffee, peer over your shoulder and there's something special in the corner. This is
a 1961 Thruxton Bonneville as ridden by Percy Tate in the Thruxton races. And there's not only this
one here, there's one over the far side there that was ridden by John 'Mooneyes' Cooper as well. So
there's treats everywhere. So I'm here with Miles who is the head brand guy here at Triumph and
Miles, I just want to ask you the question as a classic bike enthusiast and fan,
why do I need to come to the Triumph exhibition? [Miles] Well I think it's a...
if you like Triumph motorcycles, and the history of Triumph, I think what we've got here
for you to see is arguably maybe one of the most significant collections of classic Triumphs.
Both from the perspective of having originals from the days, as well as of course a trusty Triumph
speed twins, Thunderbirds. We've got the very first assembled T120 from 1958.
So that's in original bikes. I think another thing you could see here is some of the most
important racing Triumphs of history. So we've got a clutch of probably the most desirable
barn finds you could ever find, which is the Grand Prix. So purpose made, first bike to carry the name
Grand Prix. [John] So you mentioned the race bikes there Miles, in particular there's a really special one
with a supercharger on it that I spotted earlier. [Miles] That's right, that's right! That's a speed twin
that was supercharged, and actually still holds the lap record at Brooklands. We've also got a Daytona
200 winning Tiger, which gave the name Daytona to all our motorcycles. [John] Fantastic! And of course,
the stars of the show almost are some of the amazing movie bikes that you've got on display.
[Miles] Yes, I think we're very proud to have a partnership with Dick Shepherd who's, I would
say, arguably one of the most experienced and knowledgeable Triumph collectors in history.
And through his efforts and restoration ambitions, we've got some stunners here. [John] So as
well as the classic bikes then, another key reason to visit here is to experience the factory tour
which has some new additions to it. [Miles] Absolutely, so as of August the 11th the factory tour,
if the government rules stay the way they are at the moment, will open again and they'll open with
new features. So not only will you get to look around the facility, see the design facility, and
some of the key manufacturing parts, you'll be able to see the paint shop which is a really advanced
facility with a wall to wall spray extractions. Quite an interesting looking setup.
Hand gold lining. We have our Centre of Excellence, which is basically where all our rapid prototyping,
digital printing, and also fabrication is done for our test and development prototypes. And also
our UK assembly facilities which is a new facility set up to help with global
manufacturing. Focus mainly on the UK and European, or focused on the UK and European bikes
for effectively increasing, where needed, capacity to develop. So we build bikes here in the UK.
[engine roars]
[John] Right, so just come back from a quick spin out on the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, and I have to say
I'd already sort of made my mind up that this was a bike that I probably, or perhaps wasn't going to
like too much. But because it's sort of the least classic in terms of what it's trying to do,
with its custom bobber look and it's monoshock rear end. But the riding position is very familiar.
It's very comfortable. It's very easy to ride and there's a lot to like about this bike.
It really impressed me, and yeah, it's nice. Okay so as a special treat the guys here at Triumph have just
brought this bike out for us, and this is one of the super special ones here. This
is the most decorated motorcycle, competition motorcycle, of all time. It's won no less than
five international gold medals in the international six day trial championships
between '62 and '65. Most of those won by the legend that's Roy Peplow.
It's a very, very special machine. So you can see some of the features on this bike. So it started life as
a 3TA. It was converted to Tiger 90 specification in '64. But it's made specifically for
six day trials. Some unique features. So you got the spare cables there.
Spare lever in case you get damage along the way. Inflation for your tyres when you need to take them up
and down. Huge oil breather coming over the back. Lightweight tank. All specifically produced so that it
could perform to its maximum capability during those really tough six day trials championships.
[engine roars]
Oh, it's nice! Gearbox is just slick and easy.
The engine's got a nice burble to it.
Not as loud as the 57 Tiger 110, or a 60s Bonnie, but all the same sounds pretty good.
Plenty of power for sure. So we've got 80 brake horsepower. Single overhead cam.
1200cc. It's a 400 pounds heavier than an original
60s Bonneville, but
it doesn't feel much heavier. It carries the weight well.
And the torque, that's fantastic. Comes in maximum torque at three and a half thousand
revs. So you're not working the engine hard. You're not having to flick through the gears all the time.
It'll just pick up from 2000 revs in any gear you want. Right, so I've just got back from a
test ride on this bike which is the T120 for 2021 from Triumph. So what do I think
from a classic bike enthusiast point of view? What's my verdict on this brand new bike? Well,
start with the aesthetics or the looks I think it ticks all the boxes. So it's got polished rims
nice chrome exhaust which replicate those on the original 60s Bonnevilles. Nice touches
like the chrome, indicate stalks, and indicators themselves. The alloy on the engine cases as well
is fantastic, so I think that all looks spot on. The detail on these as well is superb so
it's a fuel injected bike this, but they've got these replica, if you like, carburetor bodies on
there that look like the genuine monoblocks from the 60s with the air filters on the back that
create that classic Bonneville silhouette. And they really do carry it off well, with some modern
touches with the black paint finish on the engine as well. Two-tone paint on the tank is all 60s
Bonneville. These new three-bar badges as well replicate the earlier bikes from the 50s almost. So
I think it really does look the part and I'm really pleased with that. But
riding it, I mean having ridden classic bikes all my biking life, and never owned a modern bike,
I was a bit concerned. I thought well it's a lot heavier than the classic. Is it going to feel a
bit unwieldy? Is it going to have too much power? Is it going to be a bit jerky on the throttle?
And none of those things really. I felt right at home on this bike straight away. The riding
position was familiar, the power was smooth and gentle, you didn't have to feel like you were
racing everywhere. It was also very smooth in the way it was delivered. So the fueling was excellent,
the gearbox was super smooth and really easy to get on with, and yeah as a classic bike rider and
enthusiast I felt right at home on this bike. So in summary, would I have one of these in my garage?
Absolutely! I'd love one of these alongside my classic bikes to give me that that genuine
feel of best of the modern bike with its reliability and its safety and its comfort,
with the classic look and the classic sound that this bike can offer. So to sum up, we've
had a great day here down at Triumph and the exhibition is open now. So that's Wednesday to
Sundays you can go in there. It's free to enter. Cafe's there as well. It's well worth a visit.
The factory tours start again in August so get yourself booked on one of those and you get extra
chance to view what goes on behind the scenes here and in the production side and development
and design side of things at Triumph. So it's well worth a visit and well worth a look. And
thanks to Triumph for inviting us down here today. We've really enjoyed it.