Development
The TR65 was a 650 cc parallel twin with a short-stroke version of the 750 cc T140 Bonneville engine. This made the engine livelier with a better throttle response and maximum torque produced at higher engine speeds. The TR65 also has a single 30 mm Amal carburettor and a mild cam.
Aimed at the economy market, it was cheaper to insure than the 750 and could return 54 mpg (5.2 L/100 km; 45 mpg). Costs were reduced by having a single silencer, using points instead of electronic ignition and a drum rear brake instead of the more expensive disc. There was no tachometer and the warning lights and ignition switch were housed in their pod instead. Cycle parts, including the Girling rear suspension unit springs - were painted in satin black rather than bright chromed or polished, the exhaust system being black chromed to match. Dunlop Gold Seal economy tyres were fitted instead of the more expensive Avon Roadrunners specified for the 750 roadster range. Triumph included newly introduced European components such as German ULO direction indicators and Italian Radaelli wheel rims and Paioli petrol taps. The original 'paper dart' Thunderbird logo designed by Edward Turner for the first Thunderbirds in 1949 was retained on the side panel badge as a reminder of the model's lineage.
Triumph unexcitingly described the TR65 in their publicity poster as Performance With Economy. According to Meriden's records held by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club, the first TR65 was built on 17 June 1981 priced at £1,829.82.
Although produced in 'USA' (2 gallon tank, high handlebars) as well as 'UK/Rest of the World' (low handlebars, 4 gallon tank) cosmetic specifications, no TR65 was exported to the United States because, as with the 750 cc TR7V Tiger, from mid-1978 on, the fitted Amal Mk 1 carburettor offended that country's Environmental Protection Agency's regulations. The TR65 was exported to Western Europe and to British Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand albeit in small numbers.
A TR65S Thunderbird albeit one factory-fitted with the electronic ignition and electric starter options (hence the 'S' suffix) and after-market Hedingham leading link front forks carried Richard and Mopsa English and a Squire sidecar around the world from 1982 to 1986. The journey is detailed in their book, Full Circle and their TR65S combination is, since 2010, on display at the London Motorcycle Museum.
Read more about this topic: Triumph TR65 Thunderbird
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