1968 Triumph Trophy

TR6CDU69741

Clear

By the time Triumph introduced unitary construction of the engine/transmission assembly on its 650 twins for 1963, the TR6 Trophy had long been established as the single-carburetor companion to the twin-carb Bonneville, whose specification in all other respects it closely followed. However, although the pair possessed an impeccable engine, Triumph’s larger models were widely recognized as lacking in the handling department, especially when compared to rivals Norton. Following the wholesale changes of frame layout in the late pre-unit era, a single down-tube design was introduced on the 650cc ‘unit’ twins, although even this would undergo several detail alterations over the next eight years. The most important ‘tweak’ to the Trophy/Bonneville frame was made for the 1967 model year, when a shallower steering head angle was adopted in the interests of better high-speed stability, and road testers duly reported a marked improvement in that respect. By this time Triumph’s two 650 sportsters had been updated with 12-volt electrics and a full-width 8” front brake, while other significant improvements for 1967 included a new oil pump and an increase in the Trophy’s compression ratio to 9.0:1, same as the Bonneville’s. There were further mechanical updates for ’68, the most obvious of which was the adoption of an 8” twin-leading-shoe front brake, one of the best around. The engine got independently adjustable ignition points and Amal Concentric carburetors, while the suspension was improved courtesy of a new shuttle-valve front fork. This 1968 TR6C Trophy is in largely un-restored condition with matching numbers, showing an incorrect 483 miles on its odometer. The original high pipes have been replaced with low versions, and a tach has been added, but it is not hooked up. The original bars have been replaced with a street version without the crossbar. The seat has been reupholstered and the tank has been repainted. There is also an earlier tank that comes with the bike. This is one of a three bike collection owned for many years by a friend who passed away last year. Prior to becoming ill, he regularly rode and maintained these bikes. They come with clear Washington state titles in the names of our friend and his wife. She has also provided a copy of his death certificate, in case whatever DMV that will be transferring title requires it. In order to facilitate the sale, all three bikes were shipped from Washington to Paso Robles on California's central coast. With fresh gas, all three were started and ridden briefly to verify that nothing serious had occurred during the last 2 years that they have been in storage.