1964 Triumph Speed Twin
QLD • Private
23
CategoryNaked
Engine Size490cc 4 stroke
Odometer32,366km
LAMS approvedYes
Comments from the seller
Description.
The Speed Twin 5TA was made by Triumph at their Coventry and later Meriden factories. Edward Turner, Triumph's chief designer and managing director, launched the Triumph Speed Twin at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show. It was a 500cc OHV vertical twin in a lightweight frame, and the first truly successful British parallel twin, setting the standard for many twins to follow. After World War II, the Speed Twin was responsible for the survival of Triumph, and every major British marquee offered a 500cc twin designed on similar lines to the Speed Twin. Further development led to the 1959 model 5TA, with the unit engine and gearbox construction and styling changes, including the unpopular bathtub fairing, which became more and more abbreviated as the model developed before disappearing altogether for the last year of production in 1966.
History.
From 1962 to the end of 1963, Captain Ganesha Kadiraman, retired, a Sri Lankan national, attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Berkshire United Kingdom, commonly known simply as Sandhurst, and is the British Army's initial officer training centre. During his time at Sandhurst, Ganesha fell in love with British motorcycles. He therefore saved his monthly salary of £30 and decided to purchase this bike.
An initial deposit of £100 was paid in January 1963, and the bike was picked up from the local Triumph dealership in Berkshire, UK. In November 1963, for the full price of £276, nine months wages back then. In December of 1963, after two years military service at Sandhurst, Ganesha returned to Colombo, Sri Lanka with his bike aboard a Sri Lankan Navy vessel. The journey took eight weeks from Portsmouth, UK to Colombo. Ganesha enjoyed riding his bike in and around Colombo and the island of Sri Lanka for the next 47 years. In 2011, at the age of 75, Ganesha gifted his beloved bike to his daughter, Tania, and son-in-law, Michael. The bike was shipped to Dubai, UAE, where Michael commenced the full restoration, which took more than five years. As much as possible, every original part was restored to maintain originality. In 2019, the bike was shipped from Dubai to Brisbane. The bike was painted back to its original factory colour of Amaranth, which is a vibrant shade and named after the Amaranth plant in the UK, which has deep red flowers. Original smith's tachometer, rims, engine and gearbox were all fully restored. Original 32,366 miles. This fine example that you see here before you today results from a combination of labour and love, passion for British motorcycles and ultimately the vision and determination of keeping the legacy alive of a dearly loved and missed father, father-in-law. The number plate that you see on the front mudguard is the original license plate with the single Singhalese symbol for the city of Colombo.
Bike details
øNetwork Id
SSE-AD-18273882
Bike
Road Manual 4sp 500cc (5TA)
Learner Approved
Kilometres
32,366km
Body
Naked
Colour
Red
Engine Capacity
490 cc
Cost of financeSponsored
Configuration
Air cooled, OHV, Parallel, 2-cyl
Country of Origin
UNITED KINGDOM
Registration Expiry
Sep 2026 (4 mths)
Registration Plate
S5612
Roadworthy certificate
Provided at pick-up by seller
Details
Bike Type
Road
Series
Speed Twin
Model Code
Speed Twin
LAMS Approved
True
Colours
Maroon
Country of Origin
UNITED KINGDOM
Grey Import
True
Is Limited Edition
False
Engine
Engine Description
500
Engine Config
Parallel
Engine Capacity
490cc
Engine Type
Piston
Engine Stroke
4
Bore
69.0mm
Stroke
65.5mm
Cam Type
OHV (Over Head Valves)
Cylinders
2
Valves Per Cylinder
2
Compression Ratio
7.0:1
Induction System
Aspirated
Carburettor(s)
1
Carburettor
Amal Monobloc 375
Throttle Bore
1"
Cooling
Air
Oil Capacity
3.5L
Exhaust Config
2 Into 2
Start
Ignition Description
Lucas magneto
Starter
Kick
Electrics
Engine Voltage
6Volt
Spark Plug Description
Champion N5
Fuel & Emissions
Fuel Type
Petrol
Recommended RON
91
Fuel Tank Capacity
15.1L
Transmission
Transmission Description
Constant mesh
Primary Drive
Oil bath; Duplex chain (78 links)
Drive Type
Chain
Gear Type
Manual
Gear Number
4
Gear Change Method
Right foot lever
Clutch Type
Wet, Multi-disc
Chassis & Suspension
Chassis Description
Brazed lug
Side Stand
Optional
Front Suspension
Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension
Swingarm; Twin Shocks
Swingarm Type
Dual Sided
Brakes
Front Brake Description
Drum; SLS (Single Leading Shoe)
Front Brake Diameter
177.7mm
Rear Brake Description
Drum; SLS (Single Leading Shoe)
Rear Brake Diameter
177.7mm
ABS
Not Available
Linked Braking System
Not Available
Wheels & Tyres
Wheel Type
Laced-spokes (Optional sprung hub)
Wheel Size Front
18"
Wheel Size Rear
18"
Rear Tyre
3.50-18" Dunlop
Front Tyre
3.25-18" Dunlop
Safety & Security
Traction Control
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Convenience
Seating Position
Upright
Michael is the sellerLocation
Caloundra, QLD 4551
Member since
2013
Verified information
Phone number
Get in touch with the seller
ø Specifications have been sourced from Automotive Data Services Pty Ltd (Redbook) and are based on manufacturer standard features and specifications, some of which may require subscription. Actual features and specifications for this vehicle may differ. Please confirm these details with the seller.
‡ This is an estimated figure calculated with reference to ADR 81/02 and is made on the assumption the vehicle is at maximum factory fuel/energy capacity. It does not take into account factors such as individual driving habits, terrains and driving conditions which may vary depending on the driver and the vehicle.
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