Forces of Nature recently crossed drafting on this Autobild! Indeed, we have been privileged to make a small tour in the saddle of one of the most legendary and rare English ever produced in series: the Triumph X-75 Hurricane 1972. Before your eyes, a marvel, fruit pencil stroke Craig Vetter, a young engineer from a little marginal of the hippie movement. We are in 1969 and it is at the request of Don Brown, then director of the American branch of BSA, this bike is designed specifically for the US market. It will take the X75 make Cycle World coverage in 1970 for the English decided to produce under the Triumph brand.
After many adventures and in total secrecy, the Triumph X-75 into production in 1972 even as BSA bankrupt. The X75 Hurricane was the last Beeza manufactured in the factories of Birmingham Small Arms, only 1154 copies. That's the story. Take today riding a Triumph X-75 Hurricane therefore holds the privilege, we could not resist.
Quite a stroke of a pen!
In reality, the Hurricane is simply a BSA Rocket III and restyled with a five-speed gearbox. Transform yourself: the svelte tank saddle shell fiberglass, extended head to "beef up" the engine block black cylinders, Borrani alloy wheels, like a beacon of support sling, alloy triple clamps the enhanced counters and some extra chrome were enough to pass the Rocket Jurassic in Stars War! Its design chopperisant then hustled decades of classicism. The Triumph Hurricane vies with Harley-Davidson Super Glide 1971 as the first factory custom in history, a revolution - but also a big flop - there are forty. She did not know the expected success and faced the onslaught of big Japanese four-cylinder much more reliable and the oil crisis of the 70s Bottom line, the X75 Hurricane sold very poorly.
His evocative shapes, almost feminine, could earn him another nickname HURRICANE. With his right, three bunk megaphones dirt-track style, it is damn sexy that English! It has only one desire: to go make a little trip to the countryside. Everything is green: an owner a friend who trusted us, a machine completely restored, starting at the first shot of kick (almost), radiant weather and but a noise!
The song of inimythable 3 legs
This gurgling at low speeds, it feulement a little higher, then the song that roar in the towers mesmerizing! There is no equivalent, I love. First party and here I am. Accelerations have lost their force with the years, but served with a short gear, his good length and melody, the Triumph Hurricane retains a big power of seduction. It is bewitched, we want more retrograde than needed in 4th or 3rd, to revive the long-stroke engine and hear its breath. The hourglass allowed to increase the intake of carbs sounds to the headphones and see the engine between the tank (steel, capped by the shell) and thighs. And if the speed of the right foot (first down) will show soft, the diaphragm clutch proves less friendly.
As long as you do not exceed 85 mph (140 km / h), the stability is good in despite the large handlebar US and the long fork. The agility to more than 100 km / h and brakes the date Hurricane X75, as its heaviness off. The two drum brakes, retarder poor to very spongy controls are not conducive to fast driving. More reason to anticipate, stay tuned to the bike and enjoy the best. Despite the concessions made to the design, once ensconced in the seat bottom, the position is very nice to ride cushy, even with feet apart too. The X75 invites to cruising and offers a simple happiness.
Record: A legend who deserves
The icon is now worth its weight in peanuts and more: from 20 000 to € 30 000 depending on the state. Obviously my banker does not agree then I console myself with unalterable memories. It is said, who wants a Triumph X75 Hurricane will have patience and a lot of euros. Of the 1154 Triumph X-75 Hurricane produced, 1,027 were sold in the US, 39 in Canada, 34 in the UK, the rest in New Zealand and Italy. In France nothing at the time, but there would be today from 15 to 20 copies circulating right. You still want to try your luck? Book yours in the Touraine specialist Yves Delamarre, who manages to get two a year!
Pierre Leguevaques
Many thanks to Yves Delamarre ( Legend'Motorcycles ) for his kindness and his motorcycle personal loan, fully restored by him.
Triumph Hurricane Digest
A site www.triumphhurricane.com
a club: The Trident & Rocket 3 Owners Club
a forum: www.motos-anglaises.com
Rally: The Rally Beezumph
a professional: Richard Darby / 3D Motorcycles
A book: A Hurricane named Vetter Joe Parkhurst
Source; moto-station.com
