1955 Triton
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Highlights
∙Fully rebuilt
∙20 miles
∙650 cc
∙No expense spared
The Background
This Triumph/Norton hybrid motorcycle gives you the Triton. Constructed from a Norton Wideline Featherbed frame that is often regarded as one of the best handling frames made, the aim was to have the best frame with the best engine. Even though Norton has their own 650cc and 750cc engine available, they did have reliability issues.
A few different engines were tried and tested over the years, but it was a popular choice to use the Triumph parallel-twin engine due to its reliability, performance and tunability. Lots of motorcycle dealers made parts for Triton conversions, or you could have the conversion done for you or buy a completely fresh built Triton. Either way, you would end up with a hybrid cafe racer that was a joy to ride.
The History
This stunning 1955 Triton has been owned by the seller since 2017. He purchased the bike from the previous keeper who had owned the bike for approximately 14 years. The owner at that time had spent a considerable amount of money on the bike making it go faster, which included engine work such as high lift cams, high compression pistons, and an 8 stud reworked head. The work carried out made the bike quite appealing and so it was purchased. Once the bike was home and used a few times, he soon realised that the additional work carried out to the Triton had made it quite unreliable, difficult to start and ran lumpy. This was a problem as the idea of having an unreliable bike isn't that appealing to anyone, so the decision was made to make the bike as reliable as possible with a few tweaks here and there.
The vision was to build a 1950's style Manx racer, and so it began! Absolutely nothing on the Triton has been left untouched, everything has either been replaced with new or custom made parts, reworked or refurbished. Some of the most experienced people in the business have worked on or checked over parts on the bike to ensure it has been built to an exceptional standard.
The project has taken the seller around 5 years to complete, which he has loved every step of the way. Since getting the bike finished it has covered just 20 miles! But the seller has decided to part with it in favour of his love of the slightly more modern Japanese bikes.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 7 previous keepers. The last MOT carried out on the bike was on 30th January 2021, and as mentioned, it had only covered just 20 miles.
There are some old MOT certificates with the paperwork along with a substantial amount of receipts for parts or work carried out to the Triton, enough to keep the new owner entertained reading through them.
The Exterior
This 1955 Triton Wideline Featherbed frame has been completely stripped back. It was then sent off to Rob North Triples, who checked all the welds and rigidity of the frame before rewelding in certain areas as a precaution. This has then been re-painted in gloss black.
Starting at the front of the bike, the wheel is made by Black Cat and constructed of stainless steel spokes and flanged alloy rims, and has been covered with a modern but period looking tyre. The front hub has had new bearings and been fitted with new old stock Grimeca four leading shoe brakes. Attached to the rebuilt Norton Roadholder forks is the handmade aluminium mudguard, there are also a number of other handmade brackets around the bike. Further up and you will notice the bike has no headlight or indicators. It does not require a headlight to be road legal, so a Manx style replica fairing has been used. Just behind the fairing is the speedometer and the rev counter. These are the original Smiths clocks that have been professionally refurbished with Triton faces. The handlebars have new Disco Volante clip-ons, and every cable has been replaced for new, even as far down as using the same yellow and black HT cables.
Around to the side of the bike, the engine has been polished, plated or painted depending on the material. The exhaust is a total one off and the downpipes have been made in one piece and then chromed with the silencers bolted on afterwards to give a smooth free flowing exhaust. Also changed is the position of the exhausts. They come down and tuck under the frame for a more cleaner look. There is a Rob North Triple side stand keeping the bike safe. The fuel tank is held on with a quick release strap, like the ones used to race with, to enable quicker refills. This is the original short circuit polished tank with a quick release fuel cap. There are a couple of small dents showing former battle scars. Just behind the tank, there is a polished oil tank which again uses a matching quick release cap. A hand made single Manx style seat has been used and trimmed in a brown suede material and the rear is finished off with a hand made aluminium cover. Rob North Triple rear sets have been used and mounted slightly further back, for more comfort and a more racing feel when perched on the bike. There are some aluminium plates to put a number on each side that are in keeping with the style of the build.
Onto the rear, and again a Black Cat wheel has been used with a period looking tyre. New bearings to the hub and the brakes are all taken care of. There has been a bright LED brake light switch fitted just above the number plate.
Also included with the sale of the Triton is a custom made paddock stand that lifts and stores the bike easily and safely.
The Mechanics
As you probably know, there have been many engine configurations tried in the Norton Wideline Featherbed frame, and this one has been fitted with a 1957 Triumph T110 650cc. First up with the engine, it was sent off to Ian Downs who stripped and removed the cams and pistons and these were replaced with standard specification parts, new barrels, pistons, bearings and push rods. Also fitted, which is quite rare as most have now been modified, is the original T110 side cover with the unmodified rev counter takeoff. The seller searched and searched for a 9 stud cylinder head which was eventually found in the USA. Shipped from there it somehow ended up getting lost and went to Australia but after four months, to the seller's relief it arrived back in the UK. A new Amel single carburettor was sourced direct from Amel. The magneto has been replaced with a Lucas racing coil, but uses standard inners for reliability.
Ian Downs also carried out the rebuild for the gearbox with new old stock parts. This has been fitted with a Bob Newby Racing dry clutch and belt drive kit, and covered over with a machined side casing. On the handling side of things, the Triton has had the original Norton Roadholder forks re-sprung and resealed. The rear shocks are Hagan Manx Norton spec. Ther seller reports that the bike now kicks up with great ease, even able to start it in a pair of trainers. It is now a lovely enjoyable bike to ride, which handles superbly. It pulls strong and goes through the gears nice and smoothly.
The Appeal
1950's Manx style cafe racer, which has been rebuilt from the beginning. Built over 5 years to an original spec engine, the Triton is now as reliable as it should be. Now finished, it has only covered 20 miles, you could say it is new, even though it's 1955. This has been a labour of love to build for the seller, who wanted everything just right with a high level of attention to detail, and so no expense has been spared throughout.
Summer is coming and with the popularity of the cafe racer style of motorcycles in full flow and still growing, this is the time to buy that perfect style bike, and one that's not even run in yet. It is an amazing opportunity and not one to be missed!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1955
- Make Triton
- Model Triumph Norton Hybrid
- Colour Silver/Black
- Odometer 20 Miles
- Engine size 650
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Staffordshire
- Country United Kingdom
39
bids
- Mi•••• £15,000 16/06/21
- sc•••• £12,550 12/06/21
- la•••• £12,300 12/06/21
- sc•••• £12,050 12/06/21
- co•••• £11,250 11/06/21
- sc•••• £11,000 11/06/21
- co•••• £10,700 11/06/21
- sc•••• £10,450 10/06/21
- Ru•••• £9,999 10/06/21
- Ru•••• £9,000 10/06/21
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