1922 Triumph 225cc Model LW 'Junior'

Triumph's first motorcycle, built in 1902, relied on a Belgian Minerva engine, but the Coventry company - originally a bicycle maker founded by German immigrants Siegfried Bettman and Maurice Schulte - soon developed its own engines. The first, a 298cc single-cylinder sidevalve introduced in 1904, suffered early problems with rapid wear and a fragile tandem down-tube frame. These issues were quickly resolved, and within a few years Triumph earned a reputation for reliability.

The renowned 3½hp model debuted in 1907 with a 453cc engine, later enlarged to 476cc in 1908 and 499cc in 1910, before being replaced by the 550cc (4hp) model in 1914. Initially offered with a single gear, the 4hp gained a three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox later that year, becoming the Model H. Also launched in 1914 was the Junior, a lightweight 225cc two-stroke. Weighing just 129lb, it featured chain-and-belt drive and a two-speed gearbox—unusual for the class—though it lacked a clutch and was push-started. Nicknamed the "Baby" Triumph, the Junior returned after the Great War and remained in the catalogue until 1922.

This attractive LW Junior was acquired by the current private vendor at auction in June 2019 and has seen only light use since. Sold by Brian Verrall in 1982 to a Mr Marsh of Chedworth - supported by a 1982 receipt - the machine then carried the registration NMW 15, with an MOT certificate from the same year on file. Correspondence indicates it was re-registered as DFH 685A in 1988. An older restoration, the motorcycle remains well presented and should require light recommissioning and standard safety checks before returning to the road, hence is sold strictly as seen.


Offered with:

• V5C Registration Certificate
• 1982 Brian Verrall sales receipt
• 1988 vehicle registration correspondence
• 2019 auction purchase receipt
• Photocopy of a 1920 Triumph Junior brochure
• Triumph "Hints and Tips" booklet for 2.49hp two-strokes
• 1962 green logbook for registration NMW 15 (recording first registration as 1 November 1962 and subsequent owners)
• 1973 Motor Taxation Department correspondence relating to an age-related registration number
• Circa 1982 D. Earnshaw and VMCC correspondence concerning Triumph

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