1969 Triumph 649cc TR6C Trophy

International Six Days Trial successes in the late 1940s prompted Triumph to adopt the ‘Trophy’ name for their off-road-styled twins, at first for the 500cc TR5 and then for the 650cc TR6, introduced for 1956. The bigger Trophy retained its sporting character but became more of a roadster as time passed, ending up, in effect, as a single-carburetor T120 Bonneville. More tractable than the Bonnie and more economical too, the Trophy gave little away in terms of outright performance.

Continually developed, with unitary engine/gearbox configuration in 1962, frame design to compete with the fine-handling Norton and innumerable small tweaks that by the decade’s end the 650 Triumphs had arrived at what most enthusiasts agree is the models’ ultimate incarnation, and today these late, pre-‘oil-in-frame’ 650s are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors and vintage riders all over the world.

The motorbike offered

The 1969 Triumph 649cc TR6C Trophy on offer here comes from a long-time Southwestern collector of European bikes and a few cars, who cut his teeth working at Bud Ekins’ Triumph dealership back in the day. He purchased the bike a few years ago from a San Diego collector, who acquired it fresh from a Jim Hiddleston ground-up restoration. Jim is an ex-pat Brit who moved to the Netherlands and became one of, if not THE leading restorer of Triumphs. Each bike is meticulously dismantled and rebuilt to the very highest standards of fit and correct finish. Engines are rebuilt from the sludge traps up and all cycle parts are refurbished to work as fantastically well as their presentation suggests.

Re-commissioned to ready the bike for sale included a flush of the fuel system and check over of the spark system to bring the bike back to a wonderful riding experience, matched by the cosmetics. This is a fabulous example of one of Triumph’s greats, ready to ride or show with conviction.