Beschreibung:

Featured in the December 1987 edition of Classic Bike magazine under the title: ‘The best bike Triumph never made?’, this intriguing ‘one off’ was built by Peter Green using a prototype engine that Triumph had been evaluating for possible sidecar use in the late 1940s/early 1950s. The 734cc sidevalve twin-cylinder power unit had been one of a number of prototypes unearthed at Triumph’s Meriden factory and offered for sale in 1982. Peter bought it at the National Motorcycle Museum autojumble in September 1986, and although unaware that a complete prototype existed in the ownership of Reg Allen Ltd’s Bill Crosby, Peter opted to fit his engine into a set of 1950s Thunderbird cycle parts, complete with sprung hub, which was exactly what Triumph themselves had done all those years ago. Classic Bike’s tester, Peter Watson, was expecting typically relaxed sidevalve performance but got a pleasant surprise when he rode the Green Triumph. ‘My first shock came when I discovered that the side-valve twin possesses overhead-valve style acceleration. Had I been blindfolded and dropped into the saddle I might have sworn that this was a 650cc ohv twin, but a mighty torquey and rather smooth example. ‘Slicing through heavy traffic, I was able to power past lines of cars and slot into my chosen gap every time. What made this a perfect treat were the Triumph’s low build and its responsive, sure-footed steering. This made the ST a delight to pitch into bends where you I could alter line in a twinkling to avoid potholes. ’Watson concluded his test agreeing with Peter Green that the 7ST is a lively, likeable motorcycle, and reckoned it a pity that the motorcycling public had been denied the chance to give its own verdict. Presented in good condition throughout, this fascinating machine is offered with (copy) magazine article, Swansea V5 registration document and Peter Green’s own type-written notes concerning its mechanical specification and history.