Triumph T160 Trident

By Roland Brown
Published on July 18, 2007
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There's no denying the Trident's good looks: A T160 is a visual treat.
There's no denying the Trident's good looks: A T160 is a visual treat.
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The large, scripted badge on the Trident's tank leaves no question as to its origins.
The large, scripted badge on the Trident's tank leaves no question as to its origins.
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The X-75 Hurricane
The X-75 Hurricane
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Although not up to modern standards, the Trident is a willing and capable performer, especially at home on long, fast runs.
Although not up to modern standards, the Trident is a willing and capable performer, especially at home on long, fast runs.
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Norton Villiers Triumph 1975 ads touted both motorcycle lines, with Norton supplying the traditional twin against Triumph's uprated and decidely forward-looking Trident.
Norton Villiers Triumph 1975 ads touted both motorcycle lines, with Norton supplying the traditional twin against Triumph's uprated and decidely forward-looking Trident.

Triumph T160 Trident (1975)

Years produced: 1975-76
Total production: 7,000 (est.)
Claimed power: 58bhp @ 7,250rpm
Top speed: 109mph
Engine type: Air-cooled, in-line three-cylinder
Weight: (dry) 228kg (502lb)
Price then: $2,870
Price now: $6,600-$11,000
MPG: 35-50

The sun was shining, the Triumph T160 Trident was running perfectly and I was slightly late taking it back to its owner — the perfect excuse for a last, fast ride. When a gap appeared in the traffic, I glanced over my shoulder, flicked down a gear and accelerated into the fast lane of the highway.

This was the final opportunity for the big Triumph to show its class, and it did not disappoint. With the throttle wound back the Trident pulled hard, its engine feeling stronger and stronger as the revs rose. I changed into top gear at an indicated 100mph and the tachometer needle dropped back to 6000rpm, the bike still accelerating gently as I crouched over the broad gas tank.

When I backed-off the throttle for a series of sweeping curves the Triumph remained effortlessly stable, banking to left and right with confidence-inspiring solidity. On the following straight it held an indicated 90mph with ease, exhaust note lost to the wind, plenty of power in hand, the unfaired machine’s narrow, almost flat handlebars giving a good riding position for high-speed cruising. This was genuine superbike performance from the machine that, until the resurrection of Triumph in 1990, represented the pinnacle of mass-produced British motorcycling.

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