Lot 128: 1967 Triumph 649cc TR6R Trophy

By the time Triumph introduced unitary construction of the engine/transmission assembly on its 650 twins for 1963, the TR6 Trophy had long been established as the single-carburetor companion to the twin-carb Bonneville, whose specification in all other respects it closely followed. However, although the pair possessed an impeccable engine, Triumph�s larger models were widely recognized as lacking in the handling department, especially when compared to rivals Norton. Following the wholesale changes of frame layout in the late pre-unit era, a single down-tube design was introduced on the 650cc �unit� twins, although even this would undergo several detail alterations over the next eight years. The most important �tweak� to the Trophy/Bonneville frame was made for the 1967 model year, when a shallower steering head angle was adopted in the interests of better high-speed stability, and road testers duly reported a marked improvement in that respect. By this time Triumph�s two 650 sportsters had been updated with 12-volt electrics and a full-width 8� front brake, while other significant improvements for 1967 included a new oil pump and an increase in the Trophy�s compression ratio to 9.0:1, same as the Bonneville�s.

This matching numbers Triumph TR6R Trophy has been restored as a tribute to the recently departed Bud Ekins. A consummate off-road racer, bike restorer, occasional stunt rider and all-American hero, Ekins was close friend of actor Steve McQueen and performed the famous motorcycle jump (as McQueen�s stunt double) in the movie The Great Escape. (Although set in WWII, Bud�s bike was in fact a post-war Triumph dating from the mid/late 1950s). Fittingly, this machine dates from 1967, the year that Bud�s Hollywood shop sold more Triumphs than any other outlet in the world. Perfectly restored in 2006 while incorporating numerous non-stock improvements, it was signed by Bud on the gas tank during restoration and carries a unique cast-metal license plate frame depicting him performing the �Escape jump. A most desirable piece of Ekins memorabilia. Sold on a Bill of Sale.