History
This machine was acquired by my late father around 1996. At the time it was a particularly nice example of a 1956 Thunderbird.
In 1956 Triumph experimented with SU carburettors and they proved to be popular with customers but were probably too expensive as at the end of 56 Triumph returned to Amal carbs - on a promise from Amal they would lift their game.
When Dad was a teenager he, and most of his mates, rode single-cylinder machines. One day, one of his mates rode into town on a Thunderbird twin and promptly became the official champion of an unofficial race series that was made up of the roads around out small town. Dad was frustrated his 500 Ariel couldn’t keep pace with the 650 and vowed to one day move up to the big twin. It took 40 years but he eventually realised that dream.
The bike was handed to me about ten years ago and presented me with a few frustrations. It leaked copious amounts of oil, the magneto needed work and I wasn't all that happy with the colour combination. In late 2017 the bike came off the road for a total restoration. It proved to be a good idea as the sludge trap (a device that pre-dates oil filters and hides in the crankshaft) was chock full of gunk. Had I run the engine much longer that gunk would have eventually found its way through the engine.
The restored bike hit the road in April 2018 with all new bearings, pistons, gaskets, magneto and a belt drive conversion. She runs beautifully, I just wish Dad could take it for a ride.
Modifications
Primary belt drive.
BTH Components magneto.
Memories
This machine was acquired by my Dad around 1996. At the time it was a particularly nice example of a 1956 machine.
In 1956 Triumph experimented with SU carburettors and they proved to be popular with customers but were probably too expensive as at the end of 56 Triumph returned to Amal carbs.
When Dad was a teenager he, and most of his mates, rode single-cylinder machines. One day, one of his mates rode into town on a Thunderbird twin and promptly became the official champion of an unofficial race series that was made up of the roads around out small town. Dad was frustrated his 500 Ariel couldn’t keep pace with the 650 and vowed to one day move up to the big twin.
It took 40 years but he eventually realised that dream.
