Triumph

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 – the Bonneville, 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 have blazed a trail across the silver screen, being ridden by stars like Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando in classic movies. They have sped round 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.

Mike Armitage trained as a mechanical engineer and understands how oily bits work. He has been a full-time motorcycle journalist since 2001, with roles including road-test editor on Performance Bikes magazine and executive editor for Classic Bike. He is currently editor for Bike, the UK’s bestselling motorcycle magazine and still contributes to MCN.