1923 Triumph Junior

Lot details
Registration No: BF 5238
Frame No: 611109
Engine No: 6148
cc: 225
MOT Expiry Date: Aug 2010

Triumph announced a new model for 1914, called the "Junior" by the company and known as the "Baby" by everyone else. The new model was powered by a simple 225cc two stroke single cylinder engine with the drive being taken to the rear wheel by a belt. Interestingly, although the model featured a remotely operated two speed gearbox, it would not benefit from a clutch until 1923 when it also gained an extra 25cc's. The cycle parts followed contemporary practice with a belt rim rear brake and calliper front, a rocking fork, valanced front mudguard and an attractive cylindrical fuel/oil tank. The end of hostilities in 1918 was followed by a surge in demand for personal transport fuelled by returning servicemen with gratuities to spend and a new found knowledge of the benefits of mechanised transport. Triumphs were well placed to meet the demand, partly with the redoubtable Model H which, like the returning servicemen, had been demobilised into civilian life and with the Junior, which entered a period of popularity. Production of the little two stroke finally ceased in 1925.

This example was restored around 1980 by a previous owner to a very high standard. It is a testament to the quality of that restoration that the bike remains in truly excellent condition to this day, some 30 years later. It has won awards at the 1982 Classic Bike Show, the 1987 Northern Classic Show, and 'Best Vintage' award at Peel in the Isle of Man during TT week. It is fitted with an acetylene lighting set and a Bonniksen speedometer. It has a current MOT certificate and road tax, and recently had the magneto refurbished in April 2010. An original Spare Parts book for the model is included with the machine as is a Swansea V5C.