A very different Triumph

[Coro Kid]

This story goes back some 44 years back when I was actually slim and had a bit more hair  

Way back, Triumph twins like the ones I had when I was a young fella weren't noted for their handling (an understatement). Some people shoved Triumph engines into Norton featherbed frames to make sublime-handling Tritons. These of course are still hugely popular with the cafe racer set. However, who has ever come across a Tricati? A Triumph engine in a lightweight Ducati frame.

All that time ago, I read an article about what was arguably the world's first Tricati in the mid-1960's and just a few days ago, had an email out of the blue from the guy who built it - absolutely incredible! Have a look at this link: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2011/11/past-catches-up.html . I can only salute what Mick Snaith did all way back then. Innovation at its absolute best and something which is perhaps lacking today with so many bits available over the counter.

Cheers,

Geoff

[Flyer]

Tres cool.  
"Drilled out for lightness"; What a period concept!  
I wonder if that machine still exists somewhere?

[bomber]

How cool! Thanks for posting!

"Drilled out for lightness"; What a period concept!  

There's nothing as light as a hole! ;-}

[Coro Kid]

Thanks guys!  

Mick was one smart cookie.  I'd love to think there's one still around.  I'm pretty certain that my drag motor which was going in my Tricati is still gathering dust in a shed on the property of the now-retired Technical Director of Cosworth Engineering, the F1 and Indycar engine people.  We grew up together and he provided a lot of ummmm... unofficial support when I was drag racing  

[stromgal]

"When in doubt, drill it out."  How many times did I hear that?  

[Coro Kid]

"When in doubt, drill it out."  How many times did I hear that?  

Wise advice.  Some of the modern hyperbikes weigh a ton which is a bit tough on people like me who were at the back of the queue when long legs were handed out!