1921 Triumph Junior

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Normal 0 Normal 0 Normal 0 It is ironic that the most British of all the motorcycle makers in England was actually started by two Germans, Mauritz Schulte and Siegfried Bettmann. They both emigrated to England from their home town of Nuremberg, Germany, ending up in Coventry in 1897. They originally joined forces to make bicycles; but, within five years they were making motorized Triumph cycles. They first used Belgian-made Minerva engines, 239cc (14.6 cu in) and 2.25 horsepower. Transmission was by direct belt-drive, so to start it, it was necessary to pedal up to speed until the engine fired. Once running, it would top about 40km/h (25 mph). Other bought-in engines were used including JAP and Fafnir before Schulte produced Triumph’s first in-house design, an unremarkable single of 3.5 hp. It was a 499cc single, later developed into a 547cc that won the TT in its class in 1908, ridden by Jack Marshall. During WWI, dispatch riders loved their “Trusty Triumphs”. As early as 1913, Triumph produced their first vertical twin. Perhaps most famous of their singles, however, was the “Riccy”, a four-valve, 499cc single designed by Harry Ricardo which lasted until 1926. There were close links between the British and German Triumph factories in the early days, with Coventry supplying many parts to Nuremburg until 1929. Triumph nearly died in the 1930s. They sold off their bicycle side to Raleigh. There is much more rich history of Triumph to be read elsewhere. This bike is a 1921 model Junior, 270cc, belt-drive with two gears automatic – it has no clutch. It is in excellent condition and runs well. Note: we reserve the right to end the auction early as it is also being offered locally. On Jan-28-12 at 06:35:28 PST, seller added the following information: Don't let the name "Junior" throw you off. It is a normal full-sized motorcycle! Even so, it would never occur to me to ride it because it is a beautiful 91 year old work of art. Very nice to have in a collection.