Jim Bradford with his 1954 Triumph Speed Twin 500
Make: Triumph
Model: Speed Twin
Year: 1954
Country of Origin: England
Engine: 500cc Twin
Transmission: 4 speed
Owner: Jim Bradford
City: Costa Mesa
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Congratulations to Jim Bradford of Costa Mesa for winning Bike of the Month with his 1954 Triumph Speed Twin.
Jim won a Mr. Pete's Grill T-shirt and hat.
He also won free entry to the Huntington Beach Concours d�Elegance provided by Mike Moon and the Concours.
Jim has been around this group since it's inception. He usually brings something unique and interesting to the meet.
The 1954 Speed Twin was an Edward Turner design. It was the first Triumph with a rear swing arm suspension.
Jim told me that many of these in the US had the front headlight nacelle removed to cut down on weight and customize the bike. Finding a Speed Twin with the nacelle intact is rare today.
He has owned the Triumph for 15 years which he aquired through an interesting trade. The previous owner was riding down his street and Jim noticed that the tires needed air. So the next time the guy rode by, Jim flagged him down and recommended that they fill the tires.
The guy told Jim that he hated the hard starting Triumph, and wanted something with an electric start. At the time Jim was working on a Moto Guzzi Ambassador, and suggested that he may like that bike better. After a quick test ride, the guy agreed and they traded bikes even.
Thanks Jim for bringing it to our meet. See all the photos in our May Gallery.
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