Showing Tag: " british motorcycles" (Show all posts)

Norton Commando Interstate MKIII 850 ES

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

Norton was on the verge of bankruptcy by 1975 when this motorcycle, the final version of the Commando was produced. Based on 1973's MKI 850, the MKIII was fitted with an electric starter in addition to the kick-starter. It had tuned silencers, lockheed disc brakes front and rear, left hand gearchange, halogen lightening, and a full compliment of accessories. Nothing could conceal the age of the design and compared to the increasingly sophisticated Japanese opposition it was very dated, though...
Continue reading ...

BSA Rocket 3

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

The three cylinder Rocket 3 or A75 was launched in Britain in 1969. The BSA/Triumph group had to act quickly to catch up with Honda, which was known to be developing a four. The Rocket 3 and Triumph Trident were similar, though BSA's engine design had its cylinder block tilted forward where the Triumph's was vertical. This bike is from 1970, BSA ceased production the following year.

Matchless G45

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, January 24, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

Developed by the AJS race shop for the 1952 season, the G45 was based on the 500cc parallel-twin that came fourth in the 1951 Manx Grand Prix. Twin Amol Grand Prix carburettors, a Lucas racing magneto, and a rev-counter drive were standard along with the Burman racing gearbox. The engine included a one piece forged steel crank, alloy barrels, and triple valve springs. Seventeen G45's entered the 1955 Senior race and only 10 finished. Although the G45 was not successful compared to other model...
Continue reading ...

Triumph T595 Daytona

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

Six years after Triumph's 1991 re-launch, the company entered the lucrative supersports market with the T595, built to compete with the market leading Honda Fireblade and charistmatic Ducati 916. The motorcycle used Triumph's trademark three-cylinder set up and the Daytona name from the earlier models, but almost everything else was new. Though lighter, more powerful, and better looking than its predecessor, the T595's reputation suffered when some early motorcycles were recalled because of a...
Continue reading ...

Royal Enfield Desert Storm

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 16, 2013, In : British Motorcycles

Thousands of Royal Enfield Bullets were painted olive drab green, and desert beige during the Second World War, and saw action on all fronts. The Indian Army used them from 1949, and that paved the way for them still being around today.
I still look on the Royal Enfield as being a British Motorcycle even though its now made in India. Hence I've put this blog in the British Motorcycle category. As for the Desert Storm, far from being cheesy retro lash-ups, this Desert Storm ( and its Battle Gre...
Continue reading ...

Triumph Speed Triple R

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, September 1, 2013, In : British Motorcycles

The Triumph Speed Triple is Hinckley's best selling model, with over 50,000 shifted since its launch in 1994, the naked bike is an icon, instantly recognisable and a machine that encapsulates the fresh spirit within Triumph. And now the spirit has gained even more sporting ability.

Specification
Price : £11,299 (£11,899 with ABS)
Engine : 1050cc 12v dohc inline triple
Power : 133bhp@9400rpm
Torque : 82lb.ft@7750rpm
Transmission : 6 speed, chain drive
Tyres : 120/70-17; 190/5-17
Kerb Weight : 212kg
F...
Continue reading ...