Triumph X-75 Hurricane
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| Manufacturer | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Production | 1972 and 1973 |
| Class | Standard |
| Engine | 740 cc (45 cu in) air cooled transverse triple |
| Power | 58 bhp (43 kW) @ 7,250 rpm[citation needed] |
The X-75 Hurricane was a Triumph Engineering motorcycle that was the first of a new breed of limited production 'factory specials'. Commissioned by BSA's US distributor, the X-75 was designed by fairing specialist Craig Vetter.[1] Vetter built his design on the then newly released BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident's 750 cubic centimetres (46 cu in) three cylinder engine. It was ultimately released as a Triumph model in 1973 after BSA closed its doors in late 1972.[2] It had lowered gearing and a distinctive triple exhaust on the right-hand side.
[edit] Development
The Triumph Hurricane was developed in the summer of 1969 by Craig Vetter, the American motorcycle designer, who unveiled the prototype with "BSA" on the tank as the new ‘Rocket Three’.[3]
The X-75 had a three US gallon petrol tank under the glass fibre bodywork and cost £895 new in the UK.
BSA was facing bankruptcy, however, so the design went into a limited production run of 1200 as the Triumph X-75 Hurricane in 1972. Production stopped in 1973 because the X-75 was not able to meet new American noise standards.[4]
Surviving X-75's have a potentially fatal technical defect as cracks appear in either the top or bottom yoke if the pinch bolts are over-tightened. There was no specific torque setting issued by the factory for these pinch bolts.[5]
- Hurricane at Birmingham National Motorcycle Museum
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[edit] References
- ^ Brown, Roland (2002). Classic Motorcycles. Anness Publishing. ISBN 1-84038-433-6.
- ^ Margie Siegal (January/February 2010). "1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane". Motorcycle Classics. http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/1973-triumph-x75-hurricane.aspx. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
- ^ Craig Vetter’s (designer) web site
- ^ Craig Vetters database of Hurricanes (accessed 2008-05-12)
- ^ Real Classic Triumph Hurricane (accessed 2008-05-12)
