Triumph TR6 Trophy
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| Manufacturer | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Also called | 'Desert Sled' |
| Production | 1956–1973 |
| Predecessor | T110 |
| Successor | TR7 Tiger |
| Engine | 649 cc (39.6 cu in) four-stroke, parallel-twin |
| Compression ratio | 8.5/9:1 |
| Power | 34–46 bhp (25–34 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Transmission | 4-speed (5-TR6RV) |
| Wheelbase | 55 in (140 cm) |
| Dimensions |
L: 84 in (214 cm) W: 27½ in (70 cm) |
| Seat height | 32.5 in (82.5 cm) |
| Weight | 365 lb (166 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3 gal / 4 gal |
| Related | T120 Triumph Bonneville |
The TR6 Trophy is a motorcycle that was made by Triumph, in Meriden, from 1956 to 1973, when it was replaced by the five-speed 750-cc Triumph Tiger TR7V. 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.
The genesis of the model came with the introduction of the 650-cc Thunderbird 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 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.
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 'siamese' (two-into-one) 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, 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 were used for all models. For 1962, 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 model. The TR6SS used the cheaper K2F magneto rather than the competition K2FC used previously.
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