Triumph celebrates with Noble cause

Triumph recently produced its 500,000 motorcycle – a one-off red, white and blue Speed Triple -- since its 'relaunch' in 1990, with comedy legend and avid motorcycle fan Ross Noble about to embark on a week-long 'Sit Down Tour' (May 24-30) to celebrate the milestone.

Noble, who lived in Australia until recently, will trek through England, Scotland and Wales on the Speed Triple guided only by fans via Twitter, to uncover some of Britain's best biking routes. A few stops are already planned, such as visits to two brand new Triumph stores in Reading and Manchester, while others will be entirely shaped by daily tweets to unearth the great places and characters along the way.

After the Sit Down Tour is over, Ross will take the Speed Triple to the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 1, where it will be auctioned with all monies raised going to the charity Riders for Health.

The charity has been championed previously by Ross Noble and provides vital motorbike transport for medics to reach otherwise inaccessible parts of rural Africa.

The 500,000 milestone has been achieved relatively quickly considering the size and scope of the UK motorcycle company, which has recently launched a swathe of new bikes, such as the refreshed 2011 Speed Triple and the Tiger 800 range.

With around 2000 employees, all of whom contributed in some way to the milestone -- however big or small -- Triumph is well on its way to reaching the hallowed one million motorcycle mark. Though it may take another decade or so...

The Sit Down Tour leaves Triumph’s Hinckley factory on Tuesday, May 24 and finishes in Ross’ home town of Newcastle, at the Triumph North East dealer on Monday, May 30.

Follow Ross's progress via his own Twitter feed (@therealrossnoble) or Triumph's (@officialtriumph) and for more information go to Triumph's official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/officialtriumph).