The term ‘patina’ is often misapplied in the customisation sphere, typically implying a layer of wear and tear on a product’s surface rather than its original intended meaning: a subtle, nuanced beauty that develops over time through use and exposure to the elements. Today, the term seems largely relegated to describing any dilapidated vehicle, often an old and abandoned one, left to decay in a state of disrepair. It’s likely that the entirety of the rat bike scene was to blame for this phenomenon. Not stating that a bike had patina was a criticism. A nod to a motorcycle showcasing the patina of devotion, its worn exterior a testament to countless miles and adventures shared with its loyal rider. Forgetting is one thing that stands alone in being earned and never lost through mere neglect. As an unusual departure from my typical approach, I find myself drawn to this era’s exceptional qualities.
Recently, we published a feature article detailing the exciting project of Japanese workshop Berry Unhealthy Bikes as they transformed a BMW R NineT into a stunning cafe racer. When workshop owner Kyohei Sugimoto sent out tantalizing glimpses of his latest project via that iconic bike, we were left craving more than just a few fleeting snapshots of its sleek design. The bicycle boasted a rich history predating the 20th-century Bavarian model. A battered British-born bicycle with a rich patina that tells the tale of years of intense racing and innovative refinement. The bike in question was a Berry Unhealthy Bikes ‘Nourish’ Triton Cafe Racer.
Sugimoto-san devoted 12 months to designing and building a custom bicycle for a discerning client with a singular objective: to dominate Japan’s revered traditional racing circuit. While it may seem an effortless declaration to make, achieving it proves to be a challenging task. Luckily, he rode the bike to the correct repair shop. Sugimoto-san is renowned for his exceptional expertise in restoring and reviving vintage British motorcycles. With a lifelong passion for traditional racing, he has also explored innovative methods for optimising the performance of vintage engines.
The extensive customisation options for a Featherbed-framed, pre-unit Triumph Triton motorcycle are nearly impossible to comprehend in their entirety. The bicycle, with its rich history, had undergone over six decades of meticulous maintenance and customizations by previous owners before Sugimoto-san even touched it. Before becoming intrigued by ways to build one, he first needed to become acquainted with the bike itself? The most striking innovation on the Triumph twin was the introduction of an eight-valve cylinder head and a 750cc engine, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Nourish Engineering Restricted is a UK-based company specializing in high-performance efficiency and racing components. This immediately alerted Sugimoto-san to the fact that he was dealing with a critical machine.
To optimize the Nourish configuration and enable the parallel-twin engine to rev higher, the Triton is utilizing a high-performance Megacycle camshaft in conjunction with a robust Puma crankcase design. With a Bob Newby clutch and belt drive handling laborious gear changes and temperature fluctuations, the advanced oil cooling system ensures accurate readings are stored in verification. Sugimoto-san has incorporated Twenty-first century efficiency into the engine’s design while preserving its classic essence by installing a BTH Elements K2F Lucas Duplicate Flange Magneto. The engine leverages its connection to British cycling enthusiasts, incorporating a Gamble Race crank sourced from Japan, while a pair of Keihin CR 35mm carbs efficiently manage fuel intake. The exhaust appears to have been in use on this bike for some time now. Sugimoto-san leaves the well-worn hand bent system untouched, preserving its battle-scarred appearance, replete with the authentic patina that comes from years of faithful service.
Sugimoto-san’s winning formula rested squarely on his ability to harness elevated energy, which comprised only one half of his successful strategy. The text focused squarely on addressing the opposite half. A legendary Chromoly Featherbed frame, reinvigorated by the marriage of Cerani GP35RD racing forks and YSS RZ362 twin shocks, creating a formidable machine that’s ready to take on the open road. Cerani forks are meticulously designed to accommodate disc brakes, seamlessly integrating a twin-disc setup featuring high-quality components from Sunstar and Brembo. Shouldered Excel alloy rims help to minimize unsprung weight by design.
There is scant to none of the trendy, high-end features typically found in modern electronics on Berry Unhealthy’s Triton. In reality, you’re most likely to find it inside the cockpit itself. Underneath the windscreen, a solitary Scitsu tacho is flanked by a duo of modern digital gauges. The Yoshimura Professional-Gress 2 display prominently displays critical engine temperature data, while the Solo 2 serves as a dedicated GPS lap timer.
The Triton’s aerodynamic design prioritizes racing performance, relegating all exterior lighting to its rear end. The fairing, tail, and bellypan of the bike are crafted from lightweight composite materials, while its gasoline tank is a repurposed Norton Wideline component secured by a strap and squeezed into place through a Monza cap. The outcome of Sugimoto-san’s weight-saving method yields a motorcycle that tips the scales at a modest 150 kilograms. Despite having no experience in a full race, he estimates the highest velocity to be around 230km/h; however, the Triton has already demonstrated its capabilities by posting impressive numbers at native velocity trials.
Sugimoto-san indicates that the final components needed to complete the Triton are a high-performance gearbox with a closely spaced gear ratio, specialized Avon racing tires, and minor adjustments to the camshaft profile for optimal performance. As racing resumes, we’ll eagerly await updates on the bike’s performance. I’m willing to bet that nothing will fall short of achieving a podium finish.
BERRY BAD MOTORCYCLES
Pictures by Rustless Hiro
