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Triumph Trident T160 triage

Sunday shed wrap

Sep 9, 2026, by Guy 'Guido' Allen

Our 1975 Triumph Trident T160 is undergoing a workshop 'birthday' thanks to auld mate Phil Pilgrim of Union Jack Motorcycles, who is addressing a host of issues.

That's him working on the bike (above), jury-rigging a few things after a collision with a kangaroo back in 2014, with colleague and friend Rob Blackbourn supervising.

It's a little embarrassing to realise the poor thing has been languishing in the back of my shed for nearly two years – unused. My one rule is everything gets exercised, but somehow I failed in this case.

I will plead some sort of defence. Which is I spent far more time riding the bike than working on it since buying the thing back in 2013. However I'm not talking big distances. It had just 2100 miles (3400km) on the odo when I bought it and now has about 3500 miles showing (5600km).

Most of its use has been a happy hour-or-so blast to enjoy it and keep everything working. However it has had a few longer rides. By far my favourite was across the Snowy Mountains in Summer, when it proved it was a good-handling gem of a thing. Just delightful, and surprisingly quick.

Aside from the occasional dose of fresh oil, it's had very little workshop attention. About two years ago, it started running poorly and was clearly in need of help. With far more enthusiasm than actual mechanical ability, I bought all sorts of bits for it, including the usual service parts, plus fresh master cylinders for the front and rear brakes.

Halfway through installing the rear, I got busy and distracted. Next thing I knew, it was 2026 (and not 2024) and the bike still wasn't running. Okay, now is a good time to give it to Pilgrim, who worked on Tridents when they were new and knows all the tricks and tips.

Our refurb list is extensive: a major service, new lithium battery, new tyres (the ones on it are aged-out at around 13 years old), plumb in the new brake master cylinders and replace the buttons in the right-hand switchblock with a new set. Oh, and replace the scratched headlight rim.

Then there is the new solid-state ignition system using a Pazon controller, While the bike has largely been running well on the original points, I'm inclined to no longer tempt fate. A digital system will be lower maintenance and more accurate.

That needs to be accompanied by a change-over to a more current regulator for the charging circuit. We'll leave the Zener diode (the finned unit under the headlight pictured above) in place for appearances, but it will be disconnected.

As for the lithium battery – that may seem like an unusual choice for such an old machine. However it was Pilgrim who first put me on to the idea and it was a great choice. I like the fact a lithium is quick to charge, can have a lot of power for its size and is willing to instantly throw everything at the starter motor. That may be a reason the electric starter on this example remains in good shape.

Pilgrim reckons it will be back and better than ever in a couple of weeks. That's something to look forward to, as I love riding it. The triple-cylinder growl, respectable performance, overall good manners, plus the very analogue feel is a thoroughly engaging combination.

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