Restored 1939 Triumph T100 Hits Milestone of 700 Test Miles

A meticulously restored 1939 Triumph T100 has achieved an impressive milestone, logging nearly 700 miles in the hands of its test rider, Neil Gordon. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this figure carries weight, as many believe that a rebuilt machine must exceed 500 miles to be deemed trustworthy. For Greg Williams, a paraplegic motorcycle builder, this journey has been a collaborative effort, with friends stepping in to carry out the riding duties.

The story of this T100 began roughly 20 years ago when Williams acquired a rigid frame in original paint, albeit missing key components such as the engine, gas tank, and wheels. Initially, he began sourcing parts in 2009, facing challenges in finding rare items like the correct Triumph girder forks. Instead, he adapted parts from a Norton military model 16H, including a front hub and brake drum sourced from Germany. The search for the unique engine cases continued until an Ontario-based enthusiast offered a set in 2011, allowing the build to progress significantly.

In the fall of 2013, Williams turned over the assembled pieces to Neil Gordon, who is well-versed in Triumph engines, having built hundreds over the years. Gordon, who developed his mechanical skills from a young age, was excited about constructing the pre-war T100 motor. The engine itself features a 500cc capacity, with a crank sourced from a 650cc model, resulting in a modified stroke.

After months of work, Gordon completed the engine build in the spring of 2014. Meanwhile, Williams pieced together a rolling chassis, incorporating various components that contributed to the machine’s weathered appearance. By March 2016, the T100 was operational, registered, and insured. However, it remained relatively unused for the next nine years.

Recognizing that Gordon had never ridden the bike he had built, Williams arranged for the T100 to be taken to Bragg Creek, where it spent the summer of 2023. During this period, the bike proved reliable, aside from a minor clutch adjustment made by Gordon. Reflecting on his experience, Gordon noted, “That bike exudes an aura of days past. I’d park it in the hamlet, and people would come up to me, from young to old, and ask questions about it.”

The T100 has not only become a testament to Gordon’s mechanical skill but also an embodiment of nostalgia for riders and onlookers alike. As it cruised down two-lane roads, the experience was described by Gordon as a “time machine,” where the sounds of the motor and the scents of the countryside created a unique connection to the past.

As the odometer approaches 700 miles, Williams is pleased to consider the motorcycle officially broken in. Gordon remarked on the bike’s performance, stating, “People would wait to watch the starting routine, expecting a bit of a show, but it started easily every time without fail.”

This restoration journey highlights not only the dedication of those involved but also the enduring appeal of classic motorcycles, embodying history and craftsmanship.