Triumph TR6 Trophy
Encyclopedia
The TR6 Trophy is a motorcycle
that was made by Triumph, in Meriden
, from 1956 to 1973, when it was replaced by the 750 cc Tiger Trail TR7
. During this time it was a successful model, particularly in the US. The competition variant, popularly known as the "desert sled", won numerous competitions throughout the late 1950s and 1960s. The bike's appearance in The Great Escape
and Steve McQueen
's fondness for the model are well known.
in 1950. This was released to meet the demand for higher capacity motorcycles, particularly from the United States, Triumph's largest export market. In 1954 the T110 model was introduced, a higher performance version of the Thunderbird. The success of these models and the 500 cc TR5 Trophy
led to the creation of a 650 cc TR6 Trophy model. The TR6 was developed and produced specifically for the US market, in particular, California desert racing.
For 1957 the front brake was enlarged to 8 inches. The TR6 was now fitted with a Lucas Red Label Competition Magneto as standard.
This was the first year of the "Harmonica" tank Badge. For the 1959 model year the Trophy was offered in two variants the TR6/A and TR6/B. The TR6/A was the roadster model with low pipes and the TR6/B was the high-piped street-scrambler.
After Edward Turner
, the fabled Triumph designer, witnessed the death of a young rider on a TR6, at the 1960 Big Bear Run, due to frame failure it immediately received a stronger steering head. For 1961 the "Trophy-Bird" name was replaced with simply "Trophy". The home model was named the TR6 whereas the US export models were named TR6C for the competition model and TR6R for the road model. Ruby Red and Silver was used for all models. For 1962 the models the US models were renamed TR6SR and TR6SC. Introduced in 1962 and offered through 1966 was the TR6SS model which sported a two-into-one exhaust, but was otherwise similar to the road going model. The TR6SS used the cheaper K2F magneto rather than the competition K2FC used previously.
In 1966 the tank badge style changed for the "Harmonica" style to the "Eyebrow". Confusingly the model designators for the US now reverted to TR6R and TR6C. The electrics changed to 12 volt and a bigger 6-pint oil tank added. The front brake drum was redesigned to allow a larger braking surface. TR6C models had a smaller teardrop 2.5 gallons (11.4 l) tank without the parcel grid.
For 1967 the TR6 received some engine changes. Compression was raised to 9:1. and Bonneville
exhaust valve and camshaft were adopted, resulting in a 5 bhp increase. This year was the beginning of the shift to unified threads. The TR6C got twin high pipes on the left side.
The twin leading shoe brake was adopted in 1968. This is often retro fitted to earlier bikes as shown in the bike pictured above which is a 1964 model. It provides superb braking and when set up correctly, performs as well as 70s era disc brakes. This year saw the introduction of the Amal Concentric Carburettor
. The TR6R was the "Sport" version with low pipes, and the TR6C was the "Trophy Special" with high pipes and folding footpegs. The TR6C Trophy Special was built at the request of Triumph's sole US distributor at the time, Johnson Motors in southern California, as a way to target the growing number of desert riders. It was fitted with Dunlop Trials Universal block-tread tires and was the model referred to as the "Desert Sled".
The TR6 and TR6R were renamed Tiger for 1969, leaving the TR6C model with the Trophy name. The front brake used a modified actuating lever to avoid snagging of the cable on the front mudguard. Other changes included the larger RM21 alternator and twin Windtone horns. The signature parcel grid was finally dropped for all models.
1970 was the last year before the 'oil in frame' was adopted. The exhausts on the TR6C received the "barbecue grill" heat shields.
The main improvement over the previous models was the handling, helped by the stronger frame and improved front forks. However, there were many problems with these new models. The oil capacity was reduced causing the engine to run hot and the new 'conical' hub front brake required frequent adjustment to avoid fade. The new electrics proved unreliable. Mid-year changes attempted to correct these problems. For 1972 five-speed was offered as an option thus creating the TR6RV and TR6CV models. The TR6 model ended in 1973 when it was replaced by the 750 cc TR7 model.
These had a special petrol tank which typically accommodated a PYE
radio telephone. It had panniers, a fairing or leg shields. These were sold between 1967 and 1973. The factory varied the specification slightly according to the needs of the individual police force.
A rare TR6SS model was produced for the US police. It is not known if these were ever used for police duties.
In 1967, Triumph marketed the Saint model to the US public as a replacement for the beloved but discontinued Thunderbird model.
team, including the Ekins brothers and Steve McQueen travelled to East Germany. Brand new TR6SC and T100SC models were collected from Meriden for the competition. Cliff Coleman achieved third place in the up to 750 cc class and Dave Ekins
gained fifth place in the 500 cc. Bud Ekins
and Steve McQueen both crashed out on the third day, Ekins with a broken ankle. The Steve McQueen bike has been rediscovered and is now owned by Sean and Catherine Kelly of Johnson Motors.
motorcycles. The star of the movie, Steve McQueen did much of the riding for the film himself although Bud Ekins performed the famous jump scene as McQueen's stunt double. Pin-striper and artist Von Dutch
converted the motorcycles for the movie while working at Ekins' shop.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
that was made by Triumph, in Meriden
Meriden, West Midlands
-External links:*****...
, from 1956 to 1973, when it was replaced by the 750 cc Tiger Trail TR7
Triumph Tiger Trail
The Triumph Tiger Trail was a motorcycle model manufactured by Triumph Motorcycles at the Meriden factory. The Tiger Trail was made from 1981 to 1982 in both 750 cc and 650 cc capacities, and under 180 models were built...
. During this time it was a successful model, particularly in the US. The competition variant, popularly known as the "desert sled", won numerous competitions throughout the late 1950s and 1960s. The bike's appearance in The Great Escape
The Great Escape (film)
The Great Escape is a 1963 American film about an escape by Allied prisoners of war from a German POW camp during World War II, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough...
and Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen
Terrence Steven "Steve" McQueen was an American movie actor. He was nicknamed "The King of Cool." His "anti-hero" persona, which he developed at the height of the Vietnam counterculture, made him one of the top box-office draws of the 1960s and 1970s. McQueen received an Academy Award nomination...
's fondness for the model are well known.
Background
The genesis of the model came with the introduction of the 650 cc Thunderbird ModelTriumph Thunderbird
The Triumph Thunderbird is a British motorcycle that was introduced by Triumph in 1949 and produced in its original form until 1966. The name was used three more times for new and distinct Triumph models.-Original model:...
in 1950. This was released to meet the demand for higher capacity motorcycles, particularly from the United States, Triumph's largest export market. In 1954 the T110 model was introduced, a higher performance version of the Thunderbird. The success of these models and the 500 cc TR5 Trophy
Triumph TR5 Trophy
The TR5 Trophy is a motorcycle that was made by Triumph at the Meriden factory.Based on the Triumph Speed Twin, the TR5 was a trials machine designed for off road use with a high level two into one exhaust and good handling on public roads....
led to the creation of a 650 cc TR6 Trophy model. The TR6 was developed and produced specifically for the US market, in particular, California desert racing.
Pre-unit models
The model was introduced in 1956 and named the TR6 Trophy-bird, borrowing its name from the Thunderbird model. The model used the same engine as the T110 but with the new "Delta" alloy cylinder head. The cast iron barrel was retained but painted silver. The engine used 8.5:1 compression ratio and developed 42 bhp. The power delivery made the mount ideal for off-road competition, for which the model is well known. The bike sported a siamezed exhaust system and a 7-inch front brake. Another feature taken from the TR5 was the quick detachable headlamp, which was ideal for bikes ridden to competitive events and back again. This used a multipin connector which plugged into the bottom of the headlamp shell.For 1957 the front brake was enlarged to 8 inches. The TR6 was now fitted with a Lucas Red Label Competition Magneto as standard.
This was the first year of the "Harmonica" tank Badge. For the 1959 model year the Trophy was offered in two variants the TR6/A and TR6/B. The TR6/A was the roadster model with low pipes and the TR6/B was the high-piped street-scrambler.
After Edward Turner
Edward Turner
Edward Turner was a British motorcycle designer. He was born in Camberwell in the London Borough of Southwark, on the day King Edward VII was proclaimed King....
, the fabled Triumph designer, witnessed the death of a young rider on a TR6, at the 1960 Big Bear Run, due to frame failure it immediately received a stronger steering head. For 1961 the "Trophy-Bird" name was replaced with simply "Trophy". The home model was named the TR6 whereas the US export models were named TR6C for the competition model and TR6R for the road model. Ruby Red and Silver was used for all models. For 1962 the models the US models were renamed TR6SR and TR6SC. Introduced in 1962 and offered through 1966 was the TR6SS model which sported a two-into-one exhaust, but was otherwise similar to the road going model. The TR6SS used the cheaper K2F magneto rather than the competition K2FC used previously.
Unit construction, pre-oil in frame models
Like the other 650 cc models, the Trophy gained unit construction in 1963. This traded some smoothness for performance as a few pounds were lost. Coil ignition replaced the magneto. For 1964 the bike received stronger front forks, which improved handling. The Smiths Chronometric instruments were replaced by the magnetic type. In 1965 a locating pin for finding TDC was added to allow timing without the use of a dial gauge.In 1966 the tank badge style changed for the "Harmonica" style to the "Eyebrow". Confusingly the model designators for the US now reverted to TR6R and TR6C. The electrics changed to 12 volt and a bigger 6-pint oil tank added. The front brake drum was redesigned to allow a larger braking surface. TR6C models had a smaller teardrop 2.5 gallons (11.4 l) tank without the parcel grid.
For 1967 the TR6 received some engine changes. Compression was raised to 9:1. and Bonneville
Triumph Bonneville
The Bonneville is a range of British motorcycles, made in three different production runs from 1959 to 1983, and 1985 to 1988, by the now-defunct Triumph Engineering in Meriden; and since 2001, by Triumph Motorcycles in Hinckley. It is named after the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, where Triumph and...
exhaust valve and camshaft were adopted, resulting in a 5 bhp increase. This year was the beginning of the shift to unified threads. The TR6C got twin high pipes on the left side.
The twin leading shoe brake was adopted in 1968. This is often retro fitted to earlier bikes as shown in the bike pictured above which is a 1964 model. It provides superb braking and when set up correctly, performs as well as 70s era disc brakes. This year saw the introduction of the Amal Concentric Carburettor
Amal (motorcycle)
AMAL is a British carburettor trademark. AMAL were the suppliers of carburettors to the British motorcycle industry and their products were present on the products of the largest British motorcycle manufacturers such as BSA and AMC...
. The TR6R was the "Sport" version with low pipes, and the TR6C was the "Trophy Special" with high pipes and folding footpegs. The TR6C Trophy Special was built at the request of Triumph's sole US distributor at the time, Johnson Motors in southern California, as a way to target the growing number of desert riders. It was fitted with Dunlop Trials Universal block-tread tires and was the model referred to as the "Desert Sled".
The TR6 and TR6R were renamed Tiger for 1969, leaving the TR6C model with the Trophy name. The front brake used a modified actuating lever to avoid snagging of the cable on the front mudguard. Other changes included the larger RM21 alternator and twin Windtone horns. The signature parcel grid was finally dropped for all models.
1970 was the last year before the 'oil in frame' was adopted. The exhausts on the TR6C received the "barbecue grill" heat shields.
Oil in frame models
In 1971 the TR6R Tiger and TR6C Trophy adopted the P39 frame like the other 650 models. The twin high pipes were retained on the left side.The main improvement over the previous models was the handling, helped by the stronger frame and improved front forks. However, there were many problems with these new models. The oil capacity was reduced causing the engine to run hot and the new 'conical' hub front brake required frequent adjustment to avoid fade. The new electrics proved unreliable. Mid-year changes attempted to correct these problems. For 1972 five-speed was offered as an option thus creating the TR6RV and TR6CV models. The TR6 model ended in 1973 when it was replaced by the 750 cc TR7 model.
Police models
Before using the Trophy, UK police forces successfully deployed Speed Twin and Thunderbird models. The Trophy version, codenamed the TR6P, carried the model name "Saint".These had a special petrol tank which typically accommodated a PYE
Pye
Pye Ltd. was an electronics company founded in Cambridge, England and is currently wholly owned by Philips.- Early growth :W.G. Pye & Co. Ltd. was founded in 1896 in Cambridge by William George Pye, an employee of the Cavendish Laboratory, as a part time business making scientific instruments...
radio telephone. It had panniers, a fairing or leg shields. These were sold between 1967 and 1973. The factory varied the specification slightly according to the needs of the individual police force.
A rare TR6SS model was produced for the US police. It is not known if these were ever used for police duties.
In 1967, Triumph marketed the Saint model to the US public as a replacement for the beloved but discontinued Thunderbird model.
Model production quantities
Listed here are the production quantities for the various models for each year.| Model | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR6 | 1 | 1678 | 1691 | 1691 | 1254 | 1221 | 1220 | 637 | 262 | 357 | 377 | 682 | |||||||
| TR6B | 402 | ||||||||||||||||||
| TR6C | 310 | 192 | 543 | 2042 | 1573 | 2772 | 1880 | 3056 | 1150 | ||||||||||
| TR6CV | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| TR6P | 570 | 977 | 852 | 1323 | 154 | 752 | 25 | ||||||||||||
| TR6R | 1108 | 963 | 1529 | 4706 | 2673 | 4900 | 6246 | 7527 | 3607 | ||||||||||
| TR6RV | 1 | 2047 | 122 | ||||||||||||||||
| TR6SR | 478 | 922 | 1631 | ||||||||||||||||
| TR6SS | 1266 | 1685 | 447 | 182 | 83 | ||||||||||||||
| TR6SC | 60 | 346 | 260 | ||||||||||||||||
| Totals | 1 | 1678 | 1691 | 1691 | 1254 | 1623 | 1418 | 1266 | 1685 | 2140 | 2670 | 4683 | 7580 | 5580 | 8091 | 10131 | 10468 | 7558 | 147 |
Competition
Listed here are all the known competition wins by the TR6 Trophy.| Year | Event | Winner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Big Bear Run (Open Class) | Bill Postel (1st), Bud Ekins, Alvin Cox |
| 1956 | ISDT (750cc Class) | John Giles |
| 1956 | Catalina Grand Prix (Open Class) | Bill Postel |
| 1957 | Big Bear Run (Open Class) | Bud Ekins |
| 1957 | Catalina Grand Prix (Open Class) | Bob Sandgren |
| 1957 | Greenhorn Enduro | Eddie Day |
| 1957 | California State TT Championship | Ed Kretz Jr. |
| 1957 | California State Scrambles Championship | Dick Dorrestyne |
| 1957 | AMA Scrambles National Championship | Bud Ekins |
| 1957 | AMA National Hare and Hound Championship | Buck Smith |
| 1958 | ISDT (750cc Class) | John Giles |
| 1958 | Big Bear Run (Open Class) | Roger White |
| 1958 | Catalina Grand Prix (Open Class) | Bob Sandgren |
| 1958 | Peoria TT (80cu.in. Class) | Dick Dorrestyne |
| 1958 | California State Hare and Hound Championship | Bud Ekins |
| 1958 | AMA National Hare and Hound Championship | Buck Smith |
| 1959 | Big Bear Run | Bud Ekins |
| 1959 | Greenhorn Enduro | Buck Smith |
| 1959 | East Coast Scrambles Championship | Jim Hayes |
| 1960 | Southern 500 | Jim Hayes |
| 1962 | ISDT (750cc Class) | Bud Ekins |
| 1962 | Hi-Mountain 200 miles (321.9 km) Enduro | Al Rodgers |
| 1963 | Greenhorn Enduro | Mike Konie |
| 1963 | AMA Cross Country Championship | Eddie Mulder |
| 1964 | ISDT (750cc Class) | John Giles |
| 1964 | Greenhorn Enduro | Buck Smith |
| 1964 | Corriganville Grand Prix | Eddie Mulder |
| 1965 | Hi-Mountain Enduro | Eddie Day |
| 1965 | AMA Cross Country Championship | Ron Nelson |
| 1965 | Corriganville Grand Prix | Eddie Mulder |
| 1965 | Stone Mountain Enduro | Leroy Taylor |
| 1965 | Greenhorn Enduro | Jim Burnson |
| 1966 | Hare Scrambles National Championship | Dick Vick |
| 1967 | Barstow to Vegas 150 miles (241.4 km) desert race | Dusty Coppage |
| 1970 | Barstow to Vegas 150 miles (241.4 km) desert race | Mike Burke |
| 1970 | World Championship Hare and Hound | Bob Ferro |
Steve McQueen and the 1964 International Six Day Trials
In 1964, the US ISDTInternational Six Days Enduro
The International Six Days Enduro is the oldest 'off road' motorcycle event on the FIM Calendar.The ISDE was first held in 1913 at Carlisle, England. It has occurred annually, apart from interruptions due to World War I and World War II, at various locations throughout the world. The early...
team, including the Ekins brothers and Steve McQueen travelled to East Germany. Brand new TR6SC and T100SC models were collected from Meriden for the competition. Cliff Coleman achieved third place in the up to 750 cc class and Dave Ekins
Dave Ekins
Dave Ekins is an American off-road racing pioneer having set the first Tijuana to La Paz timed run in under 40 hours aboard a Honda CL72 Scrambler in 1962....
gained fifth place in the 500 cc. Bud Ekins
Bud Ekins
Bud Ekins was one of the foremost stuntmen of his generation. Born James Sherwin Ekins in Hollywood, California, he is known to most as the actor who jumped the fence on a disguised Triumph TR6 Trophy 650cc motorcycle in The Great Escape, and who drove the Ford Mustang 390 GT in Bullitt...
and Steve McQueen both crashed out on the third day, Ekins with a broken ankle. The Steve McQueen bike has been rediscovered and is now owned by Sean and Catherine Kelly of Johnson Motors.
Appearance in The Great Escape
The motorcycles used during chase scene in film The Great Escape were 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy models disguised as German BMW R75BMW R75
The BMW R75 is a World War II-era motorcycle and sidecar combination produced by the German company BMW.In the 1930s BMW were producing a number of popular and highly effective motorcycles...
motorcycles. The star of the movie, Steve McQueen did much of the riding for the film himself although Bud Ekins performed the famous jump scene as McQueen's stunt double. Pin-striper and artist Von Dutch
Kenny Howard
Kenneth Robert Howard , also known as Dutch, Von Dutch, or J. L. Bachs , was a motorcycle mechanic, artist, pinstriper, metal fabricator, knifemaker and gunsmith...
converted the motorcycles for the movie while working at Ekins' shop.