While often referred to as the most iconic of all Café Racer motorcycles, what truly sets the Triton apart is the unique circumstances surrounding its creation. Unlike other traditional bikes of the same era, the Triton was uniquely a bespoke creation rather than a mass-produced product. As a pioneering concept, it was conceived by British residence builders during the late 1950s with the aim of bringing an end to a specific issue. As they delayed, manufacturers prioritized machine production over bike sales, prompting the entrepreneurs to develop their own solution?
Combining Triumph’s speediest engine from that era – a potent 650cc parallel-twin Bonneville – with Norton’s iconic featherbed frame proved the perfect recipe for a high-performance highway ripper. While there was no flawless approach to building a Triton, notable features of exceptional performance and aesthetics were derived from Norton’s iconic Isle of Man TT race bike, the Manx. The optimal weight distribution was crucial to maximize the engine’s power output, while simultaneously presenting a sleek and attractive vehicle that was every bit as vital as its speed. With affordable individual parts for Triumph engines and Norton bodies readily available, homebuilders have enjoyed the freedom to create their own unique Triton motorcycles since as long as these fundamental components remain in production. The Triton’s creation mirrored that of the bicycles themselves, blending the two manufacturers’ identities, as seen in the combined naming of Triumph and Norton.
The Triton Café Racer, in its current guise, lacks the distinctiveness of being a truly UK-built motorcycle. In 1928, the Yoshida Machine workshop in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture produced this hail substitute. Shinsuke Yoshida, proprietor of the workshop, has spent four years meticulously building his personal take on the iconic Triton motorcycle, a labour of love that showcases his unique vision.
At the heart of this unique bike lies a Bonneville motor, carefully nestled within a classic Norton featherbed frame. To boost performance, the engine features a larger 750cc cylinder and refined internal components, yielding a substantial power increase. With the incorporation of a twin-spark conversion, effectivity and output have undergone further optimization; meanwhile, Shinsuke has judiciously installed reliable Mikuni TM Flatside carburetors to ensure this bike’s sensible design is complemented by its dependable performance. A private tackle Triton boasting Triton styling, this bike is further enhanced by a bespoke black exhaust featuring exposed weld seams and a streamlined half-fairing that exudes classic racing flair.
As a testament to his meticulous preparation, Shinsuke designed his Triton specifically for high-speed performance on highways, ensuring the bike is properly tuned to utilize its authorized operating range. While the exterior’s visual appeal is generally praised, a more nuanced description could be: The Triton’s exterior design garners widespread admiration, with many commending its well-proportioned fenders, thoughtful lighting, and intelligently placed mirrors. With the optimisation of its suspension, this motorcycle is now better equipped to handle a variety of riding scenarios, thanks to the addition of Ohlins piggyback shocks. Meanwhile, the Bridgestone Battlax tyres provide the ideal solution for navigating twisty mountain passes or embarking on lengthy freeway hauls with confidence and control.
Regardless of whether his Triton was assembled in 2016 or 1959, the fact remains that it’s of little consequence. This bespoke motorcycle is meticulously crafted to delight every cafe racer enthusiast who lays eyes on its sleek design.
