Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1535551
"I t looks," wrote Cycle News' editor Jack Mangus of the 1975 Triumph Trident, "like a mo - torcycle should." Puzzling. Didn't every motorcycle in 1975 have two wheels, an engine, forks, shocks and a fuel tank? Why did this Triumph triple- cylinder machine stand out? Are good looks enough of a foundation to build a serious relationship? Pour a spot (or even a full cup) of tea and travel back to 1975 for an in-depth look at the original Triumph company's last effort to maintain relevancy in the world of street motor - cycles. Cycle News begins its June 17, 1975, feature on the new Trident with glowing praise for what the motorcycle did not do, which is to leak oil. It may have been an unfair stereotype, but it is a fact that some British machines were indeed slightly incontinent when it came to retaining their fluids. A visit to a well-known Mecca of Machines from Me - riden will reveal as much, with each of the vintage British bikes in their collection sporting its own bedpan underneath its belly. It's a dribble here and a dribble there, but the sight is enough to lead visitors to believe that oil leaks were inherent problems in Triumphs and BSA motorcycles, so right out of the chute, this Tri - umph is a winner even if it is only because it doesn't have a problem that it shouldn't have had anyway. It seems to have been love at first sight, with CN point - ing out that "initial eyeballing of the machine can delay riding it. It's that pretty." The big, red (five-gallon) fuel tank catches your eye, the styl - ish saddle looks like it was hand-stitched, but it is the inline three-cylinder engine that made a motorcyclist quiver like a schoolboy pin - ning a corsage on his prom date. Big, busty cylinders pump spent combustion into three shiny chrome exhaust pipes. More chrome (but not too much) can be found on the engine cases. There are three old-world Amal carburetors and plenty of open, unused space, which brings a hint of implied beauty to any motorcycle. Good looks can only take one so far, so it was time for the test crew to see if the Triumph's performance matched her good looks. A little tickle of the carbs, push the button and the Triumph CNIIARCHIVES P128 BY KENT TAYLOR 1975 TRIUMPH TRIDENT Prey but pricey We thought the Triumph Trident looked so good, we put it on the cover and in color 50 years ago.