Military motorcycles are designed for long-running reliability, and most British models are powered by a side-valve, single- cylinder engine—except for the Triumph TRW, with its parallel- twin, 500cc flathead powerplant. A very clean example of such a mount is this 1956 TRW, which has been treated to a comprehensive, ground-up restoration by Pittstown, New Jersey, Triumph guru Mike Benolken. Just prior to World War II, Triumph’s Edward Turner developed the 3TW in hopes of winning a U.K. Ministry of Supply contract for military motorcycles. The machine had to be larger than 250cc but weigh less than 250 pounds. Turner’s 3TW had a 350cc parallel-twin, OHV engine in a rigid frame, but the motor didn’t really start to make power until close to 3,000 RPM. Noise isn’t a welcome attribute of a military motorcycle, and at those revs, the 3TW wasn’t quiet. Bert Hopwood, in 1942, then developed the 500cc side-valve 5TW for Triumph, but again, the machine never saw production. With improvements, production eventually happened postwar, in 1948, with the launch of the TRW. Bearing many similarities to other rigid-frame Triumphs, the TRW has a 4-speed transmission and nacelle-equipped front end. Electricity is supplied by a Lucas alternator, but sparks still emanate from a magneto. It’s thought as many as 15,000 to 16,000 TRWs were built, with most of the machines being supplied to British Commonwealth countries, including Canada. That’s where this 1956 TRW was dispatched, before finding its way to the United States. Well restored, this machine—featuring matching engine and frame numbers—has earned a very respectable 99.5 points when judged by the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, meaning it’s nearly flawless in its execution. The bike is sold with original documents, known ownership and an owner’s manual, and with just 3,298 miles showing on the Smiths speedometer, it should be ready to ride having had a recent service. F229 1956 TRIUMPH TRW MILITARY 500
