It’s been too long since I’ve showcased a featherbed-framed bike. To rectify this, I’m featuring another beauty – a Triton from my collection that I recently posted about, where I lamented the extended hiatus between posts of this style of classic motorcycle. I find it amusing that this happens, but honestly, I’m not one to grumble.
This exact moment’s Triton is a genuine UK-built 1960s cafe racer crafted by Melbourne-based Pete Ingram. Pete’s inheritance of his late father’s Triton brought him back from retirement, reigniting a passion he thought he’d left behind, as if drawn by an unseen force. It’s little wonder, given its allure.
By 1984, the iconic Triton had been transported from England and discreetly warehoused for future consideration. For over a decade, the bicycle remained stationary until 1996 when Pete’s father purchased it. At this stage, the Triton had deteriorated to a mere shell of its former self, prompting the decision to completely disassemble the motorcycle, including the engine. The bicycle underwent a meticulous rebuild and restoration process, incorporating meticulously sourced overhauled components from its original incarnation alongside a select few modern replacements personally curated by his father from the UK’s renowned bike shops.We didn’t have the internet or online marketplaces like eBay back then!“).
The Triton’s engine, meticulously crafted from a 1965 Pre-unit Triumph Bonneville, combines the power of 3134 cams with the precision of a 9-stud/2-plug head, the reliability of B.T.H magneto, and the responsiveness of Mark 1 30mm Amal carbs, all seamlessly integrated with an AMC Norton gearbox. The custom motorcycle features a meticulously restored 1956 Norton Wide-Line Featherbed frame, seamlessly mated to a modern Triumph twin powertrain.One of the best ways to deal with a cafe racer’s body is to keep it simple and focused on functionality.“.
The iconic Triumph Triton cruises effortlessly on its distinctive 19-inch Borrani alloy wheels, supported by the reassuring bite of Commando T.L.S. brakes and guided by the classic Roadholder forks up front. The 5-Gallon tank, a true classic from the sixties, boasts a sleek design featuring basic silver paintwork complemented by intricate purple-black pinstriping and a meticulously hand-painted Triton emblem. A twin-downturned system manages the exhaust gases, featuring Smith’s reliable Chronomatic gauges.
After a nasty crash involving his R1 and a wayward tree, Pete feared his driving days were behind him. Pete couldn’t resist the allure of having the Triton parked in his driveway; it seemed a shame to leave it idle, prompting another road trip for him, with every moment savored. Despite his claims of negligible progress on the bike, he’s actually accomplished a fair amount, having meticulously polished and cleared it, with the added feat of showcasing it in not one, but three exhibits, garnering an impressive three trophies as testament to its striking appearance?
