Bob Barnett of Costa Mesa with his 1960 Triumph Speedtwin
Make: Triumph
Model: Speedtwin
Year: 1960
Country of Origin: England
Engine: 500cc Twin
Transmission: 4 Speed
Owner: Bob Barnett
City: Costa Mesa
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Congratulations to Bob Barnett of Costa Mesa for winning Bike of the Month
with his 1960 Triumph Speedtwin.
Bob won a plaque provided by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys.
Bob hasn't owned it very long, this bike was originally purchase by the city of Liverpool England for their police force.
It was used in procession for The Beatles return to Liverpool. Here is Bob's story on the bike:
1960 TRIUMPH 5TA SPEED TWIN
This bike was originally purchased in a lot of 12 to replenish the inventory of motorcycles for the city of Liverpool in England. The 8GKC registered bike was designated to the head constable to be used in “high public duties” and “ceremonial rides”. There is just over 7,100 miles on the speedo showing the bike was not ridden a whole lot considering it is 65 years old. It is in original condition without any restoration. Some minor things have been altered over the years for maintenance.
One example of the bikes’ usage was when The Beatles came back to Liverpool after their first U.S. tour, this bike was somewhere in the procession. The image above looks like they are escorting a soccer team.
When the bike came up for auction Cliff Halsall bought the bike he rode as his service transportation to be his personal ride. For the next almost 40 years Cliff kept good care of the bike in his shed. When getting on in years he sold the bike in 1997. Since then 3 other gentlemen have owned the bike with the three of them barely amassing 300 miles. Compared to current machines it is easy to understand why. For me that is the reason to ride the older bikes to experience part of the progression that got us to the awesome bikes we can ride today.
I have always been fascinated with the “bathtub” Triumphs. The brand is famous for winning races of all sorts including hill climbs. This model was the last designed by Edward Turner for Triumph. It is the common mans’ transportation and they made a heap of them. The 350 was powder blue and the 650 was silver but neither of them pop like the maroon of the 500. The bathtub/fender give the bike identity with the engine stealing the show.
Bob has won Bike of the Month once in the past:
July 2024 1947 Indian Chief
Read all about his 1960 Triumph Speed Twin on our Bike of the Month page.
Thank you, Bob for bringing the Triumph out for all of us to see. See all the photos in our November 2025 Gallery.
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