Legendary Triumph TR6 motorcycles

The Triumph TR6 was developed and marketed by the British brand between 1956 and 1973. It earned itself a reputation as one of the first road cars to be adapted as a desert motorcycle in its day. To this day, it remains one of the most popular two-wheeled vehicles.

Triumph TR6, legendary motorcycle

Two main elements made the Triumph TR6 a legendary motorcycle: the many races it won in the US desert; and his appearance in the American film The Great Escape directed by John Sturges, directed by renowned American actor Steve McQueen.

Triumph TR6, desert sled

La Triumph TR6 became known in the 60s as a racing motorcycle. At that time there were no international competitions like the Paris Dakar or circuits yet. Desert racing was all the rage, and it was thanks to the organizers in the USA that the Triumph TR6 became famous.

The road that we adapted for driving on sand won many trophies at that time. That is why they then received the name "Desert sleigh", which means "Desert sleigh".

Triumph TR6 in the hands of Steve McQueen

The Triumph TR6 also became famous for its feature film appearance. big escape... The bikes used in the chase filming were presented as German two-wheeled motorcycles, but in fact they were TR6 Trophy models released in 1961.

But above all, the famous American actor's passion for this motorcycle helped to make it famous all over the world. Apart from the fact that it was the TR6 that the actor set in the John Sturges film and that he did most of the car's stunts himself, he also piloted it in real life. He also participated in the International Six Day Trials in 1964; and lasted 3 days.

Triumph TR6 specifications

Triumph TR6 is a two-wheeled roadster. Its production began in 1956 and stopped in 1973. It replaced the 5cc TR500 and sold over 3 units.

Weight and dimensions Triumph TR6

La Triumph TR6 it is a large monster with a length of 1400 mm. With a height of 825 mm, it weighs 166 kg empty and has a 15-liter tank.

Triumph TR6 motorization and transmission

Triumph TR6 has 650 cc Cm, two-cylinderair cooled, with two valves per cylinder. With a maximum output of 34 to 46 hp. at 6500 rpm, with a cylinder diameter of 71 mm and a stroke of 82 mm, the motorcycle is equipped with a 4-speed gearbox as well as a rear suspension.

Triumph TR6: evolution of name and models

Officially, the TR6 comes in two models: Triumph TR6R or Tiger and TR6C Trophy. But long before they adopted these names in the early 70s, they underwent a number of changes, which often led to a change in their name.

In category preliminary models, the first model released in 1956 was named TR6 Trophy-Bird. Only five years later the bike was officially named "Trophy". A year later, American versions were available in two versions: TR6R and TR6C.

In category model unitsthat is, the TR6 engine and gearbox combined with a single crankcase were not produced until 1963. At that time, two versions were also produced in the United States: the TR6R and TR6C. Only six years later, their names were first changed to TR6 Tiger; and TR6 Trophy in second place.