Retro Roadsters: Triumph “Ride and Chrome” Twins

Triumph Retro Roadsters

FCR Original’s Triumph Speed Twin and T120 Bonneville… 

These days, the café racers and scramblers of the world seem to get the lion’s share of the limelight, but the roadster remains one of the most practical and best looking machines on two wheels. Back in ’02, the late Christian Neuhauser of RoadRUNNER magazine offered a great definition of the roadster motorcycle — one that stuck with us:

“The main purpose is fun on twisting back roads, but they also have to look special. And although the automotive industry latched onto this expression much earlier, what we’re talking about are roadsters. Just think of the British MGs, Triumph’s TRs, and Austin Healys…” –RoadRUNNER

Triumph Retro Roadsters

Triumph has long produced some of the handsomest roadsters in the motorcycling world, and our friends at FCR Original continue to elevate Triumph’s modern classics to new levels of style and performance. They’ve just release the pair of “Ride & Chrome” roadsters you see here, built from a Speed Twin 900 and Bonneville T120.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

The frames were stripped and nickel-plated for a gorgeous, durable finish, and the rear frame hoops shortened and fitted with custom made-to-measure saddles. The exhaust systems were made in-house with a focus on both sound and performance, and the bikes are rolling on chrome wheels with Dunlop Roadmaster rubber. Other parts from the FCR Original shop include the radiator grilles, rocker covers, polished aluminum fenders, Bates-style lighting, and more.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

The result is a pair of modern Triumph roadsters that blend classic beauty, high-level execution, and modern amenities into a timeless package. Below, the FCR Original teams gives us more details on these sibling builds.

Ride & Chrome Roadsters: In the Builder’s Words…

Triumph Retro Roadsters

Our workshop presents two new creations from the Ride & Chrome range. Based on the legendary Triumph Speed Twin 900 and Bonneville T120, these builds embody the very essence of motorcycle craftsmanship, with authentic charm and exceptional details.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

In a meticulous approach, each machine has been meticulously dismantled to allow specific treatment of the frame. Stripping with a plant-based abrasive, followed by a nickel coating, offers a visual rendering that is both dazzling and qualitative.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

In keeping with aesthetic coherence, the tank was chromed before receiving a custom paint finish, personalized to the tastes and preferences of the future rider.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

Our workshop has also redesigned these motorcycles to accentuate their elegance. The rear loop has been shortened, giving the bikes a racy, dynamic look.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

What’s more, an in-house exhaust system has been specially designed to deliver a unique riding experience, with a powerful, throaty sound that provides an unforgettable sensation for the rider.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

Attention to detail is omnipresent in these unique creations. We’ve added a selection of accessories designed and made to measure in our workshops. From rocker covers to radiator grilles and mudguards, every element has been carefully designed to perfect these exceptional motorcycles.

Triumph Retro Roadsters

Build Sheet

CHASSIS
Custom-made rear loop
Nickel-plated frame

FRONT END
Custom chrome-plated front fender arches
Modified upper fork crown
Polished forks
Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 tire

REAR END
Fournales Air Twin shock absorber
FCR Original chainguard
Chrome rim
Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 tire
FCR Original exhaust system
Chrome case
Black intake

LIGHTING
Chrome Bates headlight
Bates / FCR Original headlight bracket
Bates / FCR Original mini 3 in 1 polished taillight
Bates / FCR Original polished mini front turn signals

COCKPIT
Wide chrome handlebars
Custom Tech brushed master cylinder
Chrome mirrors
Motogadget tiny meter
Brown vintage-style grips

BODYWORK
FCR Original side covers
FCR Original polished aluminum mudguards
FCR Original chrome-plated fuel tank with grey “gun barrel” paintwork
FCR Original radiator grille
Vintage emblems

SADDLERY
Made-to-measure saddle

Follow the Builder

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4 Comments

  1. Nice build, sober and light. I like it.

  2. I Agree with Fabian

  3. These might be the “perfect motorcycle” I have been looking for all my life! Back in 1968 or so a friend had a “Bonnie” that was much like these bikes in spirit. His was slightly more “Street Tracker” than these bikes but these bikes are cleaner and more gentlemanly than his was. I have always thought that nickle plated frame were pure elegance.
    Now that I can’t ride anymore I find these bikes. I hate my life!!

  4. Nice builds BUT would have rather seen chrome moly Champion or Trackmaster frames some upgraded suspension and some more ponies. If you’re gonna build a tracker BUILD A STREETABLE TRACKER lumpy cams and all. I own a 900 scrambler and a 1200 r Thruxton love them both but if the 900 had the 1200s power it would have the fun meter pegged

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