“Customs with parallel twin engines, a tradition still cherished by the Toraamp family” – including a rare, ultra-retro engine with a separate gearbox | Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2025

What is Triumph, the world-renowned British motorcycle manufacturer?

Triumph, a prestigious British motorcycle manufacturer, was founded in 1885. Initially, the company mainly produced motorcycles with single-cylinder engines, but in 1938 they made a spectacular debut with the famous “Speed ​​Twin,” which featured a parallel twin-cylinder 500cc engine.

In 1949, the 6T Thunderbird was released, which was based on the Speed ​​Twin engine and had an increased displacement of 650cc. Although the engine displacement was smaller than that of Harley-Davidson or Indian, its light weight and agility attracted attention and it was a huge hit not only in Europe but also in the United States.

In 1959, Triumph released the flagship model “T120 Bonneville,” equipped with an ultra-powerful 46ps parallel twin 650cc engine. Until Honda’s CB750Four, released in 1969, became a huge hit, the Bonneville reigned as one of the fastest sports bikes in the world. The traditional parallel twin engine is still used today.

British brand Triumph revives the legendary “Speed ​​Twin”! Could this be the real star of the revival boom? | Motor-Fan Bikes

“TRIUMPH NIGHT,” a launch party to commemorate the release of Triumph’s new model, the Speed ​​Twin, in Japan, was held on February 13th at the club “WONB” in Shibuya, Tokyo. Amidst a new style of presentation that transcends industry boundaries with the concept of “bikes x art x music,” the modern Speed ​​Twin, which has been revived and named after a timeless classic, shone brightly. REPORT: Kenny Sagawa (SAGAWA Kentaro) PHOTO: YAMADA Shunsuke

https://car.motor-fan.jp/article/10008238

Triumph Bonneville Bud Ekins | 900cc water-cooled twin-cylinder, this is a great engine for adults to enjoy. | Motor-Fan Bikes

Let’s start with an old story: until Honda’s CB750Four, released in 1969, became a huge hit, British bikes undoubtedly reigned as the world’s fastest “sports bikes.” The most representative example of this was the Triumph Bonneville. This time, we test rode the T100 Bud Ekins. The standard riding feel of a sports bike brought back memories of nostalgia and freshness, and we were once again impressed by many things. REPORT⚫️Chikata Shigeru PHOTO⚫️Tokunaga Shigeru Interview cooperation●Triumph Motorcycle Japan

https://car.motor-fan.jp/article/10015157

Model: GOLDEN HOUR Base vehicle: Triumph (1951 model) Source: NEEFS BROTHERS

Based on a 1951 vintage model, it has been restyled into a flashy chopper style with large upturned handlebars, springer front forks, a rigid swingarm, a peanut-shaped gas tank, a thin single seat, a large rear fender, and a pair of exhaust pipes with a dramatic, raised tail section that are a result of meticulous attention to design.

The bike is equipped with a retro air-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin engine with many beautiful cooling fins. Generally, a type in which the engine and gearbox (transmission) are installed separately is called a “pre-unit,” while the more modern type in which the engine and gearbox are integrated is called a “unit.”

Triumph used the “separate body” until 1956. After releasing the 3TA-21, which introduced the first “unit” in 1957, production of the “separate body” ended in 1962.

The three custom bikes below are all equipped with the nostalgic and precious “separate gearbox” engine. The customization menu brings out the artistic presence of the air-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin engine to the fullest.

Model: THE POLLYWOG Base vehicle: Triumph (1950 model) Exhibitor: MIKE DAVIS

It is equipped with a nostalgic and precious parallel twin engine with a “pre-unit” gearbox, where the engine and transmission are installed separately. The countless engraved cooling fins highlight the beauty of the old-fashioned design, while creating a low-down, long-wheelbase chopper style.

The front and rear wheels are 21 inches in diameter and 19 inches in the rear, creating a hot rod style. The rear wheel is not a spoke type, but a cast type with a stylish spoke design.

The bike is well-coordinated with carefully selected items such as extra-long upright front forks with retro-inspired fork boots, a stepped seat, sissy bars, a peanut-shaped gas tank, and flat handlebars. The exhaust is a short, down-type with two exhaust pipes.

Model: ULTOR Base vehicle: Triumph (1952 model) Exhibitor: JARED WEEMS

It is equipped with a highly prized vintage parallel twin engine with a “pre-unit” gearbox, meaning the engine and transmission are installed separately.

Buffing and plating has been applied to various parts of the engine, including the cylinder head cover, cylinder head, covers, and air funnels, greatly improving the level of customization.

The plated muffler combines two exhaust pipes into one on the right side of the engine. The front forks and front and rear spoke wheels, with their carefully designed design, create a luxurious look for the suspension.

The frame, rigid swingarm, large rear fender, peanut-shaped gas tank, and grips attached to the semi-raised handlebars are all painted the same color. It also matches beautifully with the clean white single seat!