1958 Triumph

6T 016273

Clear

Here is a rare opportunity to own an impressive example of what many believe is the quintessential cafe racer, the pre-unit Triton. The combination of the Triumph vertical twin, housed in the Norton featherbed frame is the perfect blend of vintage performance and handling. The result is a bike that is thrilling to ride, and commands the admiration of both the motorcycling and non-motorcycling public. Tritons were first built in England in the 1950s, and this bike is built to a true early-60s spec: a 650 pre-unit Triumph engine, mated to a Triumph gearbox and primary is housed in a slimline featherbed frame. What you see here isn't one of the recent builds that are popping up everywhere - with their modern upgrades that are out of place and their unit Triumph engines (Nortons were always pre-unit construction, and only a pre-unit Triumph drive train balances the bike out correctly). This bike was built by Mike Benolken, one of the best known pre-unit Triumph builders and restorers in the United States, and this was his personal bike for many years. If you pick up most of the best Triumph books, such as Triumph in America by Lindsay Brooke and Dave Gaylin, you will find many pictures of Benolken's bikes. The care and quality found in the construction of this machine is second to none. The Drive-train At the heart of any bike is it's engine, and this one is no exception. A pair of 1958 650cc Thunderbird cases house a big bearing crank, with high compression pistons, and hot cams. A very rare, vintage Wellworthy alloy barrel is featured, along with a 1961-1962 Bonneville twin carb head. A pair of Amal monoblocs provide the fuel, and a manual advance Lucas K2FC competition mag gives the spark. The gearbox is a pre-1958 Triumph swingarm type, with positive stop shifting, and four gears, in a one up, four down configuration. Connecting the engine and the gearbox is a Renold chain and four spring pre-unit clutch assembly. The primary cases themselves are factory Triumph pre-unit swingarm units, setup for alternator charging. The Chassis The frame is an excellent example of an early slimline featherbed frame, and is a genuine Norton item from 1964, not a reproduction. The front end is set of Norton Roadholder forks, which feature British racing green on the upper covers to match the paint of the frame. Both wheels are laced to alloy rims, with the rear featuring a conical hub, and the front a monstrous, GT750 4-leading-shoe affair. The front and fear fenders, as well as the oil tank and gas tank are aluminum construction. Additional Features The finishing touches always seem to make or break a bike, and they really make this one. Mounted to the top of the forks is a panel featuring both a chronometric speedometer, as well as a chronometric tachometer powered by a factory tach drive assembly. Between the clocks, you will find a pre-war Triumph mechanical oil pressure gauge, as found on the 1939 and 1940 T100 bikes. A set of clip-ons steer the bike, while a rearset shift and brake arrangement provide the foot controls. Recent Activity The Triton was built and owned by Mike Benolken for about ten years in Pennsylvania where it was ridden for around a total of 1500 miles. It was sold and moved to Maryland 3 years ago and ridden for about 300 miles. It was taken to Crossroads Cycle in Falls Church, Virginia, the Washington D.C. area's premier pre-unit Triumph service shop where the bike has been gone through for a full service, and the magneto removed, rebuilt and reinstalled. The magneto rebuilding was performed by Doug Wood of Pennsylvania, who is known to be the best that you can get when it comes to vintage mags. In addition, a brand-new, hand built 5 gallon aluminum Manx gas tank from Waldridge Motors has been fitted. Other Details An aluminum cast yoke from Clubman Racing Accessories, clip-ons, and longer rear shocks were added since the build. The top yoke, fork ears, and shocks used by Mike Benolken will be included in the sale. Also included are photos of the build, period Amal, Dunlop "Tyre", Lucas Electric Lighting and Ignition Equipment, "Safe Motorcycling with Triumph", and Triumph Instruction Manual. There is also a pouch of Triumph stamped tools that fit nicely under the seat bump. These items really complete the beauty and experience of this bike. There are very few blemishes that are easily overlooked but there are some to note. On a ride, a horn which has since been taken off, fell causing a ding and some scratches to the front fender close to the frame as well as a small scratch at the front. There is also some paint that was chipped on the downtubes due to the horn falling. Additionally, there is a thin crack in the left exhaust pipe at the head. Closeups of the blemishes can be seen in the photos. The bike can be viewed upon request. Sale is final. Shipping is sole responsibility of Buyer. The bike is titled as a 1964 Norton. VIN 107981 Thanks for bidding, and good luck!