c1926 Triumph Model P 500cc Motorcycle

Description

Launched at the 1924 London Motor Cycle Show, the Model P became Triumph’s entry-level 500cc model; priced at a little over 42 pounds it was the cheapest bike of this capacity on sale in Britain at the time.  Powered by a single-cylinder side-valve engine with a capacity of 494cc and a rated at 4.8 horsepower, the Model P also used chain drive and a three-speed transmission, while optional equipment included a Lucas mag-dyno and full lighting equipment.  The front suspension consisted of a twin-sprung druid-style fork while rear suspension was essentially non-existent; the original bicycle-type contracting band front brake proved ineffective and was soon replaced with the more usual drum and shoe arrangement, leaving the twin shoe rear drum brake to do most of the work.  Early models were plagued with issues but once teething troubles had been sorted out production ultimately lasted for a decade; the Model P also spawned a number of offshoots, including the Models N, Q and QA.  Made in substantial numbers (Triumph were turning out over 1,000 per week at the height of production), the Model P is still a relatively rare bike in Australia, with few survivors still on the road.