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Triumph
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14 October 2025

An iconic piece of design and style – and a gold standard in motorcycle engineering – the Triumph has roved through the twentieth century, making its mark in hearts and minds.
Founded in Coventry in 1885, Triumph Engineering had humble beginnings, importing bicycles and sewing machines. Little did anyone know that in the coming years the company would birth a historic series of motorcycles that have lit up the arenas of racing, popular culture, and even warfare for well over a century.
To this day, the iconic model names – from the Bonneville to the Daytona – evoke excitement and admiration all over the world. But as brilliant as the bikes are, the stories behind them are even better: Triumph has blazed a trail across the silver screen, being ridden by stars like Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando in classic movies. They have sped around the world’s most famous racetracks and scorched to numerous land speed records. And, of course, Triumph motorcycles, including the ‘Trusty Triumph,’ were used in both the First and Second World Wars by the Allies – forging their legend forever as the bikes that truly can do it all.
In this enthralling book, esteemed motorcycle journalist, editor of Bike magazine, and lifelong rider Mike Armitage reveals the story of a true heritage brand, told in all its high-octane glory.
Introduction: What Is it Mate – a Triumph? 9
Chapter 1: The Start of Something Epic 11
Chapter 2: Trusty Triumph 37
Chapter 3: Setting the Standard 59
Chapter 4: The Captain of Industry 81
Chapter 5: Triumph over Adversity 99
Chapter 6: Taking on the World 111
Chapter 7: The Bike to Be on 141
Chapter 8: Never Giving In 169
Chapter 9: Brave New Beginnings 191
Chapter 10: Anyone Who’s Anyone 221
Chapter 11: World Class 235
Chapter 12: To the Future 263
Select Bibliography 276
Acknowledgements 277
Picture Credits 278
Index 280