Restored 1939 Triumph T100 Hits 700 Miles with Enthusiast’s Touch

A meticulously restored 1939 Triumph T100 has recently achieved a significant milestone, clocking up nearly 700 miles since its rejuvenation. This accomplishment is noteworthy for the bike’s owner, Greg Williams, who adheres to the belief that any rebuilt motorcycle with less than 500 miles cannot be deemed trustworthy. With Williams unable to ride due to his paraplegia, the task of test riding fell to Neil Gordon, a motorcycle enthusiast from Bragg Creek, Alberta.

The journey of this classic motorcycle began approximately 20 years ago when Williams acquired a 1939 Triumph Tiger 100, known as the T100. The bike arrived in pieces, missing critical components such as the engine, girder fork, gas tank, wheels, and fenders. Over the years, Williams collected various parts, including a set of Norton military model 16H forks and a modified Triumph rear hub. However, the most challenging piece to find was the unique pre-war engine cases that support a Lucas magneto/dynamo.

In 2011, Williams located the correct engine cases through a Triumph enthusiast in Ontario, marking a pivotal moment in the restoration process. By 2014, Gordon, who has built several hundred Triumph engines throughout his career, took on the task of assembling the T100’s engine. This assembly included a used crank, pre-war barrels, and a later cylinder head. The final configuration incorporated a 650cc crank, which increased the stroke and ultimately enhanced the bike’s performance.

As the build progressed, Williams focused on creating a motorcycle that retained its vintage charm rather than pursuing a complete restoration. The resulting bike features a brush-painted Triumph Speed Twin gas tank and a weathered exhaust system, offering a well-worn aesthetic that appeals to enthusiasts. By March 2016, the T100 was operational, insured, and registered, yet it remained largely unused for the next nine years.

During this period, Gordon often expressed interest in riding the T100, despite having built the engine. In the summer of 2023, arrangements were made for the bike to be transported to him. Over the course of the summer, Gordon logged approximately 700 miles on the motorcycle, ensuring it was properly broken in. He encountered minor issues, such as a clutch problem, but overall, the bike performed reliably.

Gordon described the experience of riding the T100 as a nostalgic journey. “This bike exudes an aura of days past,” he remarked. “When you’re riding it, it’s the ultimate time machine.” He noted the reactions of onlookers, with many approaching him to ask questions about the classic motorcycle. The unique character of the T100 resonated with both young and old, highlighting its timeless appeal.

As the summer riding season concluded, Gordon expressed satisfaction with the motorcycle’s performance. “People would wait to watch the starting routine, expecting a bit of a show, but it started easily every time without fail,” he added. With the successful completion of this project, Williams has not only resurrected a piece of motorcycle history but also created lasting memories through the shared experience with fellow enthusiasts.

Greg Williams is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). For tips or inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected]. To stay updated on automotive news and reviews, readers can subscribe to the Blind-Spot Monitor newsletter and follow on social platforms.