The Ogle styling made the T150’s looks unpopular at launch in 1968, especially in the hugely important USA market where they longed for a faster Bonneville look-alike. The problem was resolved by supplying US dealers with the so called “beauty kit” that made the bike much more recognisable as a Triumph. Styling aside, its breathtaking performance and taut handling drew many admirers. A road test by Motor Cycle News timed the bike at 130mph on a one-way run. Prophetically, the rider said that the triple’s distinctive exhaust note would go down in history. Today, classic owners look upon the “breadbin” tank and raygun silencers with much more affection and so the T150 has become a very popular machine.
Engine
OHV air cooled transverse 3 cylinder
Bore and stroke 67 x 70mm
Capacity 741cc
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Claimed output 58bhp @ 7250rpm
Carburation 3 x Amal 27mm concentric
Raygun silencers
Transmission
Endless triplex chain primary drive
Borg & Beck single plate dry clutch
Four speed constant mesh gearbox
Frame
Single front down tube
Suspension
Triumph type telescopic front forks
Girling rear shock absorber struts
Wheels and Tyres
Front rim WM2 x 19”
Rear rim WM3 x 19”
Front tyre 3.25 x 19” Dunlop K70
Rear tyre 4.10 x 19” Dunlop K81
Brakes
Front 8” dia. Twin leading shoe drum
Rear 7” single leading shoe drum
Tank capacities
Fuel 4.25 gallons
Oil 5 pints
Electrical
12V 8Ah battery
Lucas 120W alternator
Lucas rectifier and zener diode regulator
Dry weight
468lb
Colour Schemes
Black frame, Aquamarine
1970 changes
4.10 x 19” Dunlop TT100 front tyre
Revised gearbox ratio – 3rd gear lowered slightly
Colour scheme, Olympic flame/Silver.
In the USA, “beauty kits” were supplied to create the “N American variant 1970 Trident”
1971 changes
Optional 5-speed gearbox
Conical hub front and rear brakes
No front fork gaiters, Girling exposed spring rear units
Direction indicators
Colour scheme, Spring Gold & Black
1972 changes
5-speed gearbox is standard on T150V from July 1972.
10” front disc brake
Colour scheme, Regal Purple
1973 changes
“Cigar” silencers
Colour scheme, Jet Black with Red side panels on petrol tank
1974 changes
Colour scheme, Black with Sundance Yellow side panels on petrol tank