Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

My new (to me) Triumph Model H (1919)

6K views 15 replies 11 participants last post by  henryanthony 
#1 · (Edited)
#7 · (Edited)
Is that the one that's been in your signature forever?
No. The one on my signature is a Model D which is 1913/14. The model D was a single speed with pedals and no clutch. Really just a bicycle with an engine bolted into the frame.
The Model H is the motorcycle that really made Triumph. Three spoeed gearbox, clutch and no pedals, a true motorcycle and as iconic in vintage circles as the Speed Twin or Bonneville. It was the worlds first mass production motorcycle with 30,000 built for war servuce and many tens of thousands more in the early 20's.

I posted it because ir is not the kind of Triumph that appears here very often and we should see more Coventry built machines more often. Triumph built bikes at Coventry for almost as long as Merriden and far longer than at Hinckley
 
#13 · (Edited)
Will try to answer a few questions:

Photos. The only other one I have is


and the bike is now packed away for the winter.

Top Speed Probably around 50 mph but as Dave M points out you would need to be brave as the brakes, especially the front, are feeble. A more practicle speed is around 35 mph.

Does it run Most definitely and is likely to be very reliable. The Triumoh Model H was christened the "Trusty Triumph" by the British Dispatch Riders in the First World War.

Lights Yes, Acetylene. Told it give a brilliant white light but needs a 2hr clean after use as the reside solidifies and corrodes unless removed.
.
 
#14 ·
50 mph is pretty impressive especially given the feeble brake. Does not even seem to be one on the front :confused:

It is a beauty and a wonderful piece of history to be sure. I am confident that it will be well cared for and preserved for future generations.

I look forward to more pictures in the spring time.

Thanks,
Henry
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top