1917 | Triumph Model H

Triumph 1915ca 549cc 4HP Model H frame # 1017MS engine # 71248 HRX

Triumph’s robust 549cc, side-valve Model H is developed for military service in World War I, seeing active use in the hands of despatch riders and earning fame for its sturdiness and reliability. The 85x97mm engine has a single cam wheel with 2 cams instead of separate cam wheels for the inlet and exhaust valve as the pre-1915 Triumphs have. The casting for the cylinder is entirely new, the valve head diameter is enlarged by ¼ inch and the valves are spaced further apart. A great improvement over the 1914 style 3-speed hub is the Sturmey Archer countershaft gearbox. The primary chain drive is enclosed by a neat aluminium cover; secondary drive is by belt. Many Model Hs see military service; in 1918 the army has almost 18,000 machines in its service. After the war many machines are overhauled and damaged ex-army machines are returned to the road with new frames, engines or gearboxes to keep up with the high demand for motorcycles when peace has returned.

The machine we present here comes with an engine that has been assembled in July 1920 and is fitted with a very rare Comery gearbox, presented on the Olympia Show in November 1920. It is designed by William Comery, former chief designer with Raleigh in Nottingham. The gearbox is described in the November 25, issue of The Motor Cycle and is praised for its sturdy construction and excellent finish. This H is a well-running older restoration and comes with full Lucas “King of the Road” acetylene lighting set, vintage rear view mirror, Apex tyre pump and bulb horn.