October 10, 2011 – Somebody painted it red which looks ok, I guess. They left the seat original which I thought looked pretty cool. On eBay in Ashland, Kentucky with a reserve.
“I am selling this bike for a friend. It is a 1953 Triumph Speed Twin 500. In great condition, not perfect. Pretty much all original with the exception of tires, plugs, plug wires and possibly carb. etc…It ran when it was parked about 6 years ago. Does have the original seat but it is in need of recovering. This bike has been painted a number of years ago.
The seller said that this bike needs a carb. It runs with this carb, but not correctly. He does have the original Luggage Rack for the tank, the bracket for the Front Fender Plate and the Rear Sprung Hub and Wheel.
This bike gets a lot of looks and gets a A+++ in originality and standing out in a crowd… I Love This Bike. If I had the cash I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Does have a Clear Title, Mileage unknown
Very Reasonable Reserve.
Bike is located in Ashland, Ky. and serious buyers are welcome to come have a look.”
Stu Whyte
Amazingly I came across this last night while searching for some Triumph parts. I now own this bike in New Zealand and it is exactly how it is pictured here when I got it in 2021. She’s far from original though as all of the nacelle fork and headlight panels are gone along with tool box and chain guard. I have gathered up all of the bits needed and will start restoration in 2022.
Groosh
Thanks Stu for leaving an update on the Triumph. So cool to see that it made it to New Zealand 10 years after this post and will be getting a full restoration.
Best with the project and happy new year!