Beschreibung:

Triumph’s early output was confined to sidevalve machines, but in 1921 the appearance of the Coventry firm’s first overhead-valve model caused a sensation. Based on the existing SD (‘spring drive’) model, whose frame and engine bottom end it inherited, the 3½hp (500cc) newcomer sported a four-valve cylinder head designed by automotive engineering consultant, Harry Ricardo. Although the ‘Riccy’ was unsuccessful at the Isle of Man TT races, a works bike ridden by Frank Halford broke the world flying mile record in 1921 with a speed of 83.91mph. The first production models arrived in 1922 equipped with a cast-iron rather than the racer’s steel cylinder barrel, but otherwise were much the same, featuring paired parallel valves set at 90 degrees in a pent-roof combustion chamber, bifurcated inlet port and separate exhausts. Druid girder forks were fitted until Triumph’s own design was ready. Economy rather than outright performance was the road-going Riccy’s strongest suit, in excess of 100 miles per gallon being within reach at moderate cruising speeds. Although Rudge went on to make a success of their four-valve designs, Triumph’s did not last into the 1930s, being dropped at the end of 1927. Accompanying old-style Swansea V5 and current V5C documents record this Ricardo’s previous owner as one Anthony H Kirby, of Preston, who acquired it in 1992, and that prior to him it belonged to Richard J Lancaster, also of Preston. Previously registered ‘FM 4576’, the machine was purchased by the current owner in February 2006 and last used on the VMCC’s Banbury Run in 2007. Little else is known of its history other than the fact that it was restored circa 10-15 years ago, while we are advised that the engine and transmission are in need of re-commissioning and that the electrical system, although fitted, is not working. The machine is offered with the aforementioned registration documents, current road fund licence and MoT to June 2008.