A Triumph engine mounted on a Norton frame, this is the ultimate cafe racer.
This time, we will introduce you to this legendary classic motorcycle, the "TRITON," which has been customized into a body that can still be driven well in modern times!
1961 TRITON
What is TRITON?
The era is the 1950s and 1960s. Rockers would gather at the Ace Cafe in the UK and race on public roads. As you all know, the vehicles they customized for racing are called cafe racers.
The two main elements to win a race are the engine and the frame, but it was difficult to find a machine that had both. Meanwhile, a custom shop at the time combined the best-revving Triumph engine with the Norton frame (Featherbed frame), which was said to be the best in terms of lightness and rigidity, to create the Triton. It was truly the strongest cafe racer of its time.
A cafe racer with a Triumph engine mounted on a Norton frame.
The Triton is designed not just for looks, but also for driving!
The owner of Triton we will introduce this time is Toshi, who runs a beauty salon in Tokyo.
Apart from the Triton, he also owns a KAWASAKI Z1, a BSA-SR and a HONDA C125 (Cub), and he likes leather jackets and alcohol...he's a very fashionable rider.
This time, we interviewed TOSHI about his beloved Triton, so please read until the end!
Instagram「TOSHI」
https://www.instagram.com/toshi.c125cub
Click here for TOSHI's BSA-SR article!
The stylish TOSHI and his beloved Triton!
What prompted you to purchase it?
"It's been nine years since I got off my bike, and now it's 2022...
My passion for motorcycles was rekindled when I bought a Cub to use for commuting to work.
Oh? Toshi, there was a period when you didn't ride a motorcycle!
"Yes, that's right. Even before I got off my bike, I loved the British cafe racer style and admired Norton, Triumph, AJS, Matchless, etc. At the time, I just looked at those vintage bikes without any intention of owning one myself... But when I went to visit a friend's garage who likes antiques and vintage items, I discovered a Triton sitting quietly there! I was instantly moved..."
I once gave up on getting the Triton, but...
"I asked him seriously, "Please give this to me," but he said no.
I had given up on the Triton, but later that friend contacted me and said he would give it to me!
Ohhh! If you wish, it will come true!
"However, I had already purchased a BSA-SR a few days before. I thought that if I missed this opportunity, I would never be able to get another one, so I bought it without any hesitation (actually, I was a little hesitant)!"
When it comes to vintage items, it's all about timing. If you miss the chance, you'll likely never come across it again! I think it was a good choice!
A bike that all vintage car and cafe racer enthusiasts aspire to own.
What's the point of customization?
"When customizing these kinds of vintage cars, the emphasis is on atmosphere rather than comfort or convenience. The theory is to cherish the original and the originals. However, I believe that vintage cars are only worth it when they can be driven, so I want to customize them so that they can run, turn, and stop properly while retaining the overall atmosphere.
I asked a reliable shop to customize and service it using current parts.
In particular, the original Triton no longer exists, so there's no need to be too hung up on the original parts!
Who did you ask to customize it?
"The builds are by Eccentric Motorcycles, and all maintenance is done by Belly Butts Motorcycles!"
Although it is an old car, it has been made into a vehicle that can run well!
Custom Details
(Engine Area)
・Engine: TRIUMPH T120 Pre-Unit650
・Megacycle Camshaft
・Bob Newby Dry Clutch
・5-speed Cross Transmission
・PUMA Crankcase
・Chrome molybdenum H-section connecting rod
・Oil cooler
・CR carburetor
・Bypass processing
・Pressure reducing valve
・New engine mount
・Exhaust pipe one-off
・Motorlock STD megaphone middle silencer
etc…
The engine is a TRIUMPH T120 Pre-Unit650
Equipped with dry clutch belt drive kit made by Bob Newby in the UK
A beautiful one-off exhaust pipe and Motorlock silencer are chosen!
(Around the Body)
・Frame: Norton feather Bed Wide Line
・Norton Manx Cowl
・Norton Manx Tank
・Norton Manx Seat
・Lucas Headlights
・Front Aluminum Fender
・Rear FRP Fender
- TZ250 Front Fork
- Heigon Rear Suspension
・SRX650 Swingarm
・Front/Rear Wheels: EXCEL H Aluminum Rims
・Stainless Steel Spokes
・SR400 Hub/Brake Diversion
・Aluminum Footpeg
・Magura Pipe Handlebar
・Nissin Master Cylinder,
・XS650 Clutch Levers
・Motorlock Mirrors
etc…
The frame is Norton feather bed wide line
Norton Manx cowl for a racy look
Norton Manx tank with "TRITON" engraved on it
The seats are of course Norton Manx! The rear suspension is made by Hagon!
The front forks are taken from the TZ250 and reinforced!
The swingarm was taken from the SRX650 and balanced.
(Around the meter)
- Vintage Smith Chronometric Tachometer
・Motogadget Motoscope Mini
etc…
Beautiful handlebars and meter area
What are you struggling with?
"I didn't use any parts from that time, I just used readily available parts, so there wasn't any special ingenuity or difficulty. It spins quite a bit though, haha.
That being said, even though there are various troubles, the important thing is to enjoy them! I tell myself that, and I'm having fun!
The riding position of the long tank is quite uncomfortable, but I'm not going to complain!
I can't wait to race with a real cafe racer!
I often meet Toshi at the hair salon (where I also go), drinking parties, and meetings. However, I have yet to ride with him on the Triton.
There were many motorcycles customized as cafe racers, but this was one of the few genuine cafe racers racing in London at the time!
I want to ride with you soon! Let's go to Daisan Keihin for now.
Instagram "Everyone's Single Cylinder"
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito
One of the few genuine cafe racers that raced in London in the 1960s!
