Motorcycle specifications Triumph 900 Trident 1991

At the end of 1990, Triumph rose like a phoenix from the ashes. After almost a decade's absence (the last new model, the TSX 750, dated back to 1982), the English brand launched a complete range, marked by a policy of extreme rationalization which, in retrospect, proved highly effective. The first models took on historic names: Trident, Daytona, Trophy. And if these models have their own personality, 90% of the parts are common.

the Trident, as a roadster, occupies the entry-level range and is equipped with the 3-cylinder engine that was soon to become emblematic. Available in 750cc and 900cc versions, it shares its chassis (with a few exceptions) with the whole range, and its engine with certain models. Thus, the 3-cylinder 750cc is also used for the 750 Daytona, and the 900 for the "little" Trophy.

As Moto-Guzzi has often done, Triumph's first approach to engine design was to focus on stroke rather than cylinder bore (and also on the number of cylinders): the 1000 and 1200cc are 750 and 900cc engines to which a 4th cylinder has been added). While this technique may seem more difficult to implement, it has the advantage of being more economical for mass production. In this way, the manufacturer can use the same high-performance engines. On the other hand, a tuner will find it easier to play with the bore, a technique that's easier to use with artisanal means. In the end, the 900cc is a 750cc that would have gained 10mm in stroke.

In the end, this small difference proves to be quite significant. For while the chassis is 100% the same, the engine characteristics are quite distinct. The 900 gains three times nothing in maximum power, but this power is present over a much wider rpm range. Torque is also quite noticeable. The 3-cylinder engine is transformed. The 900 is very well rounded and punchy, while the 750 is much easier to drive at higher revs.

the chassis is relatively neutral, with good suspension and braking. Once again, these qualities are the result of Triumph's policy. Frame, suspension and brakes are identical to the more luxurious models (with the exception of the Daytona 1000, which gains a more advanced braking system). The Tridents are economical Triumphs, but not discount models. The only criticism comes from the turning radius. The first Triumphs were fitted with a straight water radiator, which limited the turning radius of the first vintages. This problem was solved on other models by the adoption of a curved radiator, but not on the basic Trident.

the 900cc quickly took over the entire range, thanks to its popularity with the motorcycling community, to such an extent that the Daytona 750 soon disappeared in favor of the 900. Only the Trident remained in the 750 catalog as an economy model, but it didn't attract many buyers. In 1994, the 900 was redesigned with a fork-head fairing, and renamed the Trident Sprint to support the two "Standard" Tridents.

the Trident range lasted until 1998, when it was withdrawn from the manufacturer's catalog, and was joined by its smaller sisters, Speed Triple, Adventurer, Thunderbird and Sprint. Admittedly, the Tridents no longer corresponded to Triumph's upmarket image. Nevertheless, they had nothing to be ashamed of in terms of quality and history.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer