classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Identify these bikes! => Topic started by: rbwilliams2 on December 30, 2009, 11:47:43 PM

Title: Identify this bike ?
Post by: rbwilliams2 on December 30, 2009, 11:47:43 PM

Here's a photo of my father on his bike, probably taken in 1939 - 1941. He lived in North Wales at the time. You can see the blackout cover on the headlight. I'm trying to add some info to the family history and would like to identify the bike. I've been having a difficult time finding a bike with the high exhaust. Thanks much.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/rbwilliams2/GwynMotorcycle.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/rbwilliams2/GwynMotorcycle2.jpg)

Title: Re: Identify this bike ?
Post by: L.A.B. on December 31, 2009, 12:50:00 AM

I think it's probably a Triumph twin port single from around 1934, and the actual model could be either a 250cc 2/1, a 350cc 3/2, or a 500cc 5/2 model?

High level exhausts were popular around that period, so could have been an option or a 'sports' accessory?

'UN' is an Exeter registration code.

http://www.fedrotriple.it/triumph_story_1931_1940/1934_catalogo_6.jpg
http://www.fedrotriple.it/triumph_story_1931_1940/1934_catalogo_8.jpg
http://www.fedrotriple.it/triumph_story_1931_1940/1934_catalogo_9.jpg

Title: Re: Identify this bike ?
Post by: RichP on January 03, 2010, 07:45:44 PM

I think that 'UN' is listed as a Denbigh County Council series. It was a long-runner, from 1927 - 1936 which doesn't tie down the age of the bike very much.

You might just find something out from Clwyd Record Office if I'm reading the Kithead Trust site correctly.

http://www.kitheadtrust.org.uk/england_wales2_11.html

The silencers look 'after market' to me and the high pipe 'competition' look was very much favoured at the time. I don't know about Triumph but Norton offerred 'Trials' specification with high pipe(s) on all their models for £5 extra to special order.

Title: Re: Identify this bike ?
Post by: rbwilliams2 on January 14, 2010, 07:13:59 PM

Thank you for the identification. I contacted a relative in Wales, and he managed to find the original registration documents from the the Motor Vehicle Department. The bike is a 1934 Triumph 493cc.

thanks,

Rich