Triumph Trident T150 & T160

TRIUMPH TRIDENT | T150 & T160

The original Triumph triple, from the first T150 to the final T160.

The Triumph Trident changed considerably during its short production life. Early four-speed T150s, the five-speed T150V and the later electric-start T160 are all part of the same family, but they are quite different motorcycles in detail.

This page brings together the Tridents that have passed through Angloclassics, along with model differences, dating information, factory manuals and useful owner resources.

1969-1972

T150

The original 740cc Trident, with upright cylinders, four-speed gearbox and right-foot gear change. Early bikes used drum brakes front and rear, and the first styling differed considerably between UK and US-market machines.

The T150 changed in detail through its production run, so year and market matter when identifying bodywork, brakes and fittings.

1972-1974

T150V

The V identifies the five-speed Trident. The first T150Vs appeared during 1972 while retaining much of the earlier T150 layout.

A hydraulic front disc followed during 1973 production, while the engine remained upright and the gear change stayed on the right.

NOV 1974-APR 1976

T160

The final Trident was a substantial redesign. Its cylinders lean forward, it gained electric start, front and rear disc brakes, a five-speed gearbox and a left-foot gear change.

Production began at Small Heath in November 1974 and ended in April 1976, although unsold machines continued to be registered later.

EARLY T150 STYLING

Breadbox and Beauty Kit

Early Tridents are a good example of why the model name alone does not tell the whole story. Angloclassics has handled both the original UK-style T150 and an early US-market machine fitted with the well-known Beauty Kit.

ENGINE, FRAME AND DATE CODES

Roughly dating a Triumph Trident

From the 1969 model year Triumph used a two-letter date code as part of the engine and frame numbering system. On an original matching-numbers machine, the engine and frame numbers should correspond.

The first letter identifies the month of manufacture and the second identifies the model year. Model-year production could begin during the previous calendar year, so the two letters should be read together.

ANGLOCLASSICS TRIDENTS

Tridents that have passed through Angloclassics

The bikes below cover most of the important stages in the Trident story, from an early UK-market T150 through to the final T160.

TRIUMPH OWNERS IN NEW ZEALAND

Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club NZ

For Triumph owners in New Zealand, TOMCC NZ is a useful local club with members across the country, including owners of Coventry and Meriden-era machines. The club provides an information network around parts and repairs, local area activities and a national rally.

PARTS AND FACTORY INFORMATION

Useful Trident parts and manuals

Factory workshop manuals and parts books are the better source for procedures, specifications and exploded diagrams. Angloclassics also produces a dedicated oil-pressure gauge kit for the Triumph and BSA triple family.