The 1973 Triumph TR5T Trophy Trail is one of the last 500cc models produced at the Triumph Meriden plant near Birmingham, England. Long before the term “dual-sport” was coined, the TR5T Trophy Trail was a capable adventure bike. TR5Ts, like this prime survivor recently listed on eBay, are highly collectible, regarded as the last hurrah for Triumph Engineering Co Ltd, the famed British motorcycle producer.
The bike’s story begins in the early 1970s, with Triumph falling on tough times. Sales of the company’s popular T500c street-scrambler were dwindling, particularly in the US, Triumph’s largest overseas market. During this period, Japan began building competitive machines that were cheaper and more technologically advanced. So, to stimulate sales, Triumph created a motorcycle that was great for riding in the woods and on light trails.
The Triumph brand’s current steward, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd—based in Hinckley, England—gained naming rights after the company went into receivership in the 1980s.
Low-Cost Innovation
The struggling Triumph needed to improve its model line at the lowest possible cost. At the time, Triumph was partnered with Birmingham Small Arms (BSA), an industrial manufacturer. The two companies discovered that, with minor modifications, a Triumph 500cc twin engine could fit into the BSA scrambler frame. And the TR5T Trophy Trail was born.
The 1973 Triumph TR5T Trophy Trail was more than a parts-bin bike. Its 498cc four-stroke twin produced 38 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, and its progenitor had won the Daytona 200. The engine used in the new offering was detuned from the race-winning version but was still plenty powerful. It handled exceptionally well between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm but was known for heavy vibration in the upper ranges. Nonetheless, it was considered one of the best production engines to come from Meriden Triumph.
A Tribute Bike
The TR5T frame was derived directly from BSA’s B50 motocross chassis. It’s an oil-in-frame design that Triumph/BSA developed in 1970. The B50 frame required only a few alterations to its mounting points for the Triumph Twin to fit. In addition, the swingarm utilized BSA motocross technology for chain adjustment, moving forward and backward via snail cams at the pivot point. (With other designs, you pull the wheel back.)
Historians tie the Trophy Trail to the International Six Days Trial (ISDT), the largest and most prestigious off-road motorcycle event at the time. In 1973, the 48th annual ISDT was held outside of Europe for the first time. It took place in Dalton, Mass., a strategic location considering Triumph’s need to attract American buyers. The Trophy Trail motorcycle was equal parts sales strategy and tribute to the trail event.
The TRT5 on eBay has weathered well, as seen in the shine of the tank and engine cases. The odometer shows 8,262 miles. The seller said he didn’t need to put much into the bike, which is in impressive condition and runs well.
Shop now for Triumph motorcyclesThe TR5T, featuring one of the last of the Triumph Meriden 500cc twin engines, was produced in limited numbers for only two years. Its rarity, fascinating provenance, and immaculate condition make this example a fine collectible motorcycle—ideal for fun rides on local fire roads.
