Triumph Trident T150

The Ogle styling made the T150’s looks unpopular at launch in 1968, especially in the hugely important USA market where they longed for a faster Bonneville look-alike.  The problem was resolved by supplying US dealers with the so called “beauty kit” that made the bike much more recognisable as a Triumph.  Styling aside, its breathtaking performance and taut handling drew many admirers.  A road test by Motor Cycle News timed the bike at 130mph on a one-way run.  Prophetically, the rider said that the triple’s distinctive exhaust note would go down in history.  Today, classic owners look upon the “breadbin” tank and raygun silencers with much more affection and so the T150 has become a very popular machine.

Triumph Trident T150 750 68
Triumph Trident T150 1968

Engine

OHV air cooled transverse 3 cylinder

Bore and stroke 67 x 70mm

Capacity 741cc

Compression ratio 9.5:1

Claimed output 58bhp @ 7250rpm

Carburation 3 x Amal 27mm concentric

Raygun silencers

T150 beauty
A T150 fitted with the US “Beauty Kit”

Transmission

Endless triplex chain primary drive

Borg & Beck single plate dry clutch

Four speed constant mesh gearbox

Frame

Single front down tube

Suspension

Triumph type telescopic front forks

Girling rear shock absorber struts

Wheels and Tyres

Front rim WM2 x 19”

Rear rim WM3 x 19”

Front tyre 3.25 x 19” Dunlop K70

Rear tyre 4.10 x 19” Dunlop K81

Brakes

Front 8” dia. Twin leading shoe drum

Rear 7” single leading shoe drum

Tank capacities

Fuel 4.25 gallons

Oil 5 pints

Electrical

12V 8Ah battery

Lucas 120W alternator

Lucas rectifier and zener diode regulator

Dry weight

468lb

Colour Schemes

Black frame, Aquamarine

 

1970 changes

4.10 x 19” Dunlop TT100 front tyre

Revised gearbox ratio – 3rd gear lowered slightly

Colour scheme, Olympic flame/Silver.

In the USA, “beauty kits” were supplied to create the “N American variant 1970 Trident”

1971 changes

Optional 5-speed gearbox

Conical hub front and rear brakes

No front fork gaiters, Girling exposed spring rear units

Direction indicators

Colour scheme, Spring Gold & Black

1972 changes

5-speed gearbox is standard on T150V from July 1972.

10” front disc brake

Colour scheme, Regal Purple

1973 changes 

“Cigar” silencers

Colour scheme, Jet Black with Red side panels on petrol tank

1974 changes

Colour scheme, Black with Sundance Yellow side panels on petrol tank