Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3

The 3-cylinder Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 were developed to compete with Honda's forthcoming 750cc motorcycle. Initially they did not compare well - although very fast, they lacked sophistication and their quirky styling was offputting - and the decision was made to suspend production. This was not the most auspicious start, but a fightback was initiated and in 1971 the factory race team had a triumphant year including placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the Daytona 200. With over 250 photographs, the full rollercoaster-ride history of these bikes is described, including: how the bikes came to be, including a timeline of significant events; a year-by-year account of the evolution of the bikes, through the T150, T160 and Rocket 3; the story of the Hurricane; the full racing history and, finally, the Triumph 3-cylinder bikes today.

Peter Henshaw has had an enthusiasm for anything with wheels - from bicycles to 500bhp tractors - from an early age. He was editor of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure for five years before going freelance, and now contributes to a range of transport magazines and websites including The Vintagent, Bike Social, Tractor & Machinery and A to B. He has also written over sixty books and is an all-year-round motorcyclist who does not own a car.