Description
Triumph 1952 Thunderbird 650cc Frame # 25722 Engine # 6T25722
1952 Triumph Thunderbird 650cc
Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin.
Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph’s response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike.
A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the banked Montlhéry circuit in France at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were ridden back to the Meriden factory, a quite outstanding achievement.
One of the most significant subsequent developments was the introduction of a swinging-arm frame for 1955 but prior to that time Triumph twins could be ordered with the here offered, optional ‘sprung hub’, which offered a limited amount of rear suspension movement.
This example is fitted with aforementioned sprung hub and is very complete and original.
This very well running and very well presented example of the sprung hub Thunderbird is ready to turn its head to the horizon…