1973 Triumph Trident T150V

Introduced in 1968 as a ‘69 model the BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident brought an entirely new concept to market with a three cylinder motor that was smooth and fast. The model was ‘badge engineered’ to allow both marquees to sell bikes to their loyal customers. Overall sales were good, not great with 27,480 produced in the seven year run.

The BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident saga is full of ‘what if’ possibilities that might have changed the way we ride today. What if they’d have produced the Trident in 1965 when they had a working prototype rather than an introduction a month in front of the CB 750 Honda? What if they’d have split the cases horizontally rather than vertically? It would have made manufacturing cheaper and much less likely to leak oil. What if they’d have equipped the Trident with electric start prior to the T160 in 1975?

It’s the story of a company (BSA) in deep financial trouble that made some decisions that look really poor from today’s standpoint. It’s the story of ‘what if’. It’s the story of a really fine motorcycle almost in spite of itself.

The 1973 Trident got a new front disc brake and five speed transmission (The V designation). It offered great power, really good handling and good braking. Changes that turned out to be too little, too late for a legendary marquee.

The 1973 Triumph Trident T150V used a 741 CC air cooled overhead valve three cylinder motor that made 58 HP with a 5 speed transmission that pushed top speed to 130 MPH. Exhaust was a 3 into 2 set up with 3 Amal carbs. Front telescopic suspension with a 10 inch disc brake, while the rear swing arm had dual shocks and 7 inch drum brake.

This particular 1973 Triumph Trident T150V (VIN # T150VCH02746) is in Canoga Park, California and is listed as ‘professionally and completely restored’ with roughly 1000 miles since restoration. The bike is currently priced at $5,655.55 (13 bids) with reserve not met in an auction