Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970-1975 Triumph Slippery Sam

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970-1975 Triumph Slippery Sam

© 2021, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Featured In the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World:   

         In the late 1960s, production or stock road race classes were gaining popularity but as support races to the established Grand Prix classes. When BSA, Honda, Norton, and Triumph launched 750cc streetbikes, racing in the production class would help sales. 

        Honda had a race kit for the CB750 (See the July 2015 issue of Roadracing World, Historic Racebike Illustrations) and Norton had a ready-to-race Norvil production racer (See the March 2014 issue of Roadracing World, Historic Racebike Illustrations). 

        In 1968, BSA launched the three-cylinder Rocket 3 and Triumph launched its version, the T150 Trident. Both models were more powerful than the company’s Twins, but weighed a lot more. In 1970, both BSA and Triumph started race-prepping stock bikes in their experimental/ race departments. Initial reactions to the factory T-150 racer were not very encouraging with complaints about the bike being too heavy, the engine cases dragging on the ground during cornering, and poor brake performance. But experimental department staffer Les Williams saw the benefit of the class and with Doug Hele’s help, started to develop the T-150…

 

—Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970-1975 Triumph Slippery Sam, by Mick Ofield

 

Oil on the tires puts most racebikes onto the ground or into the dumpster. But an ill-located breather hose on this machine gave it the nickname “Slippery Sam,” and a five-year winning streak at the Isle of Man TT gave it legendary status. Explore the evolution of this amazing machineit’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

 

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

PREVIEW the March 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world

Latest Posts

Dunlop Renews As Official MotoAmerica Tire Supplier Through 2029

Dunlop Extends Partnership as Official Tire Supplier of MotoAmerica...

Triumph Introduces 2026 Trident Triple Special Edition

BOLD NEW LOOK FOR TRIDENT TRIPLE TRIBUTE UPDATED SPECIAL...

BMW Launches 2026 1300 RS

The new 2026 BMW R 1300 RS New 1,300 cc...

First Round Results From Texas Mini Cup

Fantastic First Round For Texas Mini Cup The first round...

Under New Ownership, NJMiniGP Returns to NJMP

NJMiniGP Returns to New Jersey Motorsports Park MILLVILLE, N.J. (April...