Author(s): Peter Henshaw

Automotive & Transport

The 3-cylinder Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 were developed to compete with Honda's forthcoming 750cc motorcycle. Initially they did not compare well although very fast, they lacked sophistication and their quirky styling was offputting and the decision was made to suspend production. This was not the most auspicious start, but a fightback was initiated and in 1971 the factory race team had a triumphant year including placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the Daytona 200. With over 250 photographs, the full rollercoaster-ride history of these bikes is described, including: how the bikes came to be, including a timeline of significant events; A year-by-year account of the evolution of the bikes, through the T150, T160 and Rocket 3; the story of the Hurricane; the full racing history and, finally, the Triumph 3-cylinder bikes today. AUTHOR: Peter Henshaw has had an enthusiasm for anything with wheels from bicycles to 500bhp tractors from an early age. He was editor of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure for five years before going freelance, and now contributes to a range of transport magazines and websites including The Vintagent, Bike Social, Tractor & Machinery and A to B. He has also written over sixty books and is an all-year-round motorcyclist who does not own a car. 255 colour photographs