The Junior Triumph

This is a short chronicle on the lightweight motorcycle, built by Triumph, for the people.

As the dark clouds of the Great War loomed on the horizon, Triumph kept marching forward with their motorcycles. The 550cc 4hp was introduced and instantly became a hit. However, Triumph identified a need for a smaller machine to fill the demand for economical lightweight motorcycles.

In came the Junior Triumph, a two-stroke 225cc model, coded the LW (Light Weight). It featured chain-cum-belt transmission and a two-speed gearbox and was characterised by its cylindrical, underslung petrol tank. It featured Triumph’s own distinctive front suspension whereby the front fork rocked about a single pivot.

There was no clutch and with a lack of pedals, the rider had to run down the road to fire up the little motor. The story is that Mr Schulte (the MD of Triumph) had in fact created the bike for his 14 year old daughter Murie, as the 550cc 4hp was too much of a handful – take this with a pinch of salt!

A 1914 Baby T which was once owned by Australian bomber pilot Jimmy Nesbitt in the early 1940s. Credit: Peter Fisher.

The Junior became affectionately known as the Baby Triumph by the public and was well acclaimed by the contemporary motoring press. The machine was good for 35mph and had instant appeal as a first time buyers machine. It was nimble and simple to start, and with the low saddle height, the LW gained immediate popularity amongst District Nurses, Ministers of the Church, and schoolboys with wealthy parents (the legal minimum riding age in those days was fourteen). 

A 1914 Baby T. Credit: Peter Fisher.

Civilian production of the Junior halted through the war period (it was used on war service), but resumed in 1918 where it continued in its simplistic form until 1922, when it was fitted with a clutch and a kick-start. Oh the luxuries!

In 1923 the Triumph Junior was enhanced with a 250cc engine, and it remained in the Triumph line up until 1925. The LW was a clever move by Triumph, and the motorcycle filled a niche market which encouraged cyclists to upgrade to motorcycles in an affordable means. The Junior was an icon, at home and around the world, and still is to this day.

— written by The Girder Club —