1975 Triumph 749cc T160 Trident

Of BSA-Triumph's two flagship three-cylinder models, only the Triumph Trident survived the Group's collapse in 1972, continuing as the five-speed T150V and later the heavily revised and restyled T160 (using the inclined engine of the deleted BSA Rocket III, suitably altered to appear more Triumph-like). The important production race victories achieved (most notably by the works Triumph 'Slippery Sam') testify eloquently to how effective a high-speed road-burner a well-fettled triple can be; indeed, the T160's improved cycle parts reflected lessons learned from production racing. Other important advances included an electric starter, rear disc brake and left-side gear change. Fewer than 7,500 T160s were made between March 1975 and December 1976 when the Small Heath factory closed, and this last-of-the-line triple can only become increasingly collectible. Today the BSA-Triumph triples enjoy an enthusiastic following worldwide and are supported by a first rate owners' club - the T&R3OC - and numerous recognised specialists.

This well-presented T160 was acquired by the current private vendor in January 2023 for £9,000, (purchase receipt on file). Having long admired the model, he acted quickly to secure this particular example when the opportunity arose.

The V5C indicates that the motorcycle was previously registered and used overseas before returning to the UK around 2012. It records the date of first registration as 1 May 1975, with its first UK registration on 1 October 2014. One previous UK keeper is noted.

The vendor, who is the second UK owner, advises that the machine was originally registered in the USA and is believed to have undergone restoration around 2014–2015. According to the previous owner, this work was largely cosmetic and intended to return the bike to near showroom condition (a photograph of the machine also appears in the April 2016 Triumph Calendar, which is included in the file). The only change made during the current ownership has been the fitment of lower handlebars.

The online MoT history from gov.uk records the following results:

• 31 July 2014 – Pass at 8,685 miles
• 31 July 2015 – Pass at 8,984 miles
• 23 September 2016 – Pass at 9,591 miles
• 15 September 2017 – Pass at 9,695 miles

The last MoT expired on 22 September 2018 and the Triumph is now MoT exempt. The odometer currently displays 12,107 miles, which may well be genuine but not warranted.

The machine is offered with a dating letter from the Triumph Owners' Club, a US Certificate of Title dated 4 April 1997 recording an odometer reading of 8,683 miles, 2014/15 parts invoices from L P Williams, the 2023 purchase receipt, and a V5C registration document. Last run in February 2026, the machine will require the usual safety checks before returning to the road.
Offered with key