Triumph TSS AV

The Last Meriden Triumphs

My first bike was a TR65 which my Japanese-mounted friends warned me not to buy. I ignored them and found their warnings unfounded which encouraged me, when I was earning a few bob, to buy a TR7T, TSX and TSS-AV.

I've an ex-police TSS-AV which was in a right state when I bought it! Following restoration to civilian specification, it's great fun to ride. This year, I rode it to Meriden where Martyn Roberts (who fondly remembers working with Ben Crossley at Meriden) gave it a test ride and gave a helpful report on improving performance. The starter works and it's oil tight- even after prolonged motorway cruising! Being an AV, there are peculiar parts like the exhaust downtubes which have reinforced ears.

Chris Buckle (left) and Roebuck's parts manager Mike Rickarby with UK 1983 Bonneville TSS

Meriden's last twin for sale

EDITED BY MICK DUCKWORTH

A MACHINE claimed to be the last Triumph made at the Meriden factory is up for sale.

Chris Buckle, proprietor of Roebuck Motorcycles in North West London, is selling a 750cc Bonneville TSS eight-valve twin assembled shortly before the Meriden plant, home of Triumph since 1942, finally closed in August 1983.

A Triumph dealer of ten years' standing, Buckle was offered the machine during a visit to the factory in the summer of '83.

'I just happened to be there when the machine was completed,' he recalls. 'When it became clear that it would be the last bike they ever made, I got a letter of verification.'

The electric-start TSS was the ultimate version of the Bonneville, developed during the Meriden Co-operative era. Buckle's example has the AV (anti-vibration) frame with flexible engine mounts used on a

limited number of police and civilian machines late in Bonneville production. It is possibly the only TSS model built with an AV frame.

Other unusual features are rearset footrests and Koni rear shock absorbers: earlier machines have Girling or Marzocchi units.

The Triumph is still unregistered, with only 22 miles on its speedometer. Buckle recalls that a Meriden tester clocked up about 15 miles before handing the machine over.

Buckle is selling the TSS to raise funds for a major revamp of his premises in anticipation of the new Hinckley-built Triumphs he hopes to take delivery of in June.

The machine is being sold on 'Price on Application' terms; its documented history could push the price to five figures. To view the Triumph, and the validation letter issued by Meriden, contact Roebuck.

 

When the TSS-AV came up for sale, I was determined to snap it up, restore (it was in a terrible state) and ride it before it ended up in a collector's private dungeon! The Meriden co-op made good bikes but if we don't ride them then people will mistakenly believe the old lie that it was a question of quality not economics.

When former Meriden dealers, Reg Allen rebuilt the top-end of my TSS-AV, I showed them your article! Above is a picture of my TSS-AV in civilian spec as per the NMM specification (factory rear sets too!) with Martyn Roberts. He was amused by your Meriden memories. I wonder whether you've read John Rosamond's co-op history, 'Save The Triumph Bonneville!' and if you did, what your thoughts are?

I should add that the TSS-AV has Enkei wheels with the Triumph logo embossed upon them and not the usual Morris wheels.

Martyn Roberts wrote a review of John Rosamund's book specially for LPMCC.net.

Start of quotation John Rosamond's book works on two levels. As the definitive inside story on the workers' co-operative it is unrivalled, quoting extensively from the actual minutes of many board meetings. But it is also a compelling tale of tireless and sometimes desperate human endeavour and sacrifice, in the face of overwhelming difficulties.

I could not put it down and read the whole thing in three days. Some will find the extensive minutes make the narrative disjointed, causing some repetition and disruption of the natural chronological order. If you can adjust to this, you will find a moving account of how the co-op battled on through a series of "false dawns", always on the brink of salvation yet always, ultimately, let down.

Even though I worked at the co-op myself, near the end, I still learnt a great deal from this book. Triumph lovers will find it quite an emotional read, while others with a more detached perspective should still find it a fascinating insight into a brave effort that so nearly succeeded against all the odds. End of quotation

- Martyn Roberts

SPECIAL POLICE MOTORCYCLE


1 ENGINE The OHV parallel twin cylinder four stroke, 76mm Bore x 82mm stroke is available in either two or four valves per cylinder versions and is integral with a 5 speed gearbox. Electronic ignition is fitted, together with a heavy duty battery, high output alternator and electric starter. The kickstart is retained for standby use in the event of a flat battery.

2 WHEELS are high quality light alloy. Twin 10 in diameter disc brakes at the front and single 10 in diameter disc brake at rear. Front disc brakes with light alloy calipers and all discs fitted with Dunlopad wet weather sintered metal pads.

3 New FAIRING provides adequate weather protection and front safety bars can also be fitted if required. The headlight is a Lucas sealed beam type 60/45 watts fitted into the fairing and blue flashing lamps mounted above.

4 ENGINE/GEARBOX UNIT is mounted on rubber blocks and pivots independently at the rear to eliminate the transmission of engine vibration to the radio equipment Handlebars and Foot rests are also rubber mounted to increase rider comfort and the short seat is specially contoured and padded.

5 The INSTRUMENT CLUSTER incorporates calibrated speedometer, tachometer and ignition main beam, oil, neutral gear and direction indicator warning lights.

6 REAR PANNIERS provide essential carrying capacity and when alternating wind tone horns are fitted, the compressor is mounted in one pannier but leaving space for additional equipment to be carried. The other pannier frequently serves as a convenient mounting point for a mini siren. The radio platform behind the seat is rubber mounted and the rear sign incorporates an illuminated stop signal. Improved rider protection is provided by the unobtrusive rear safety bars.


Triumph Motorcycles (Meridan) Limited including all associated companies reserve the right to vary the specification of all motorcycles and spare parts without notice and the information in this leaflet does not therefore constitute a term of any sale. All descriptions and claims are given and made in good faith but are intended to apply generally. Variations in performance and construction on individual machines may occur. Performance on any particular occasion will also be affected by the conditions circumstances and the rider.

The Meriden brochure shows how my TSS-AV originally looked. The police bits (including Martyn's fairing) are in my dad's garage.

The Candy Apple paintwork that I originally chose is being replaced by the correct Burgundy option (like the NMM example with it's back story) and is being done by Gary Devine, ex-Meriden paintshop!

T.S.S.


ENGINE TYPE
 OHV Parallel Twin
 Four Stroke (4 Valves per cylinder}
BORE:
 76mm (2.992")
STROKE:
 82mm (3.228")
CAPACITY:
 744cc (45 cu.in)
COMPRESSIOH RATIO:
 9.5:1
CARBURETTORS:
 Twin 34mm Choke
TYRES:
 Front 410x18 Rear 425x18
BKAKES: Disc:
 Front Twin 9.8" (250mm) dia
 Rear single 9.8" (250mm) dia
GEARBOX TYPE:
 5 speed Top Gear:4.66
TOP GEAR RPM
 At 10mph 626
FRAME:
 Patented Rubber Engine Mounting
STRADA REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS
WHEELBASE
 56" (1422mm)
SEAT HEIGHT:
 31" (787mm)
DRY WEIGHT:
 410 lbs (186 Kg)
FUEL CAPACITY:
 4.0 Imp Galls (18.2 Ltrs)
ELECTRICS:
 12V Crankshaft Alternator
 14 A/H Battery
 Electronic Ignition
 Electric Start
INSTRUMENTS:
 Tacho and Speedo
FINISH:
 Stainless Mudguards
 Burgandy or
 Black/Red Flash or
 Black/Gold Line,
 as required
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
 Cast Aluminium Wheels.

TRIUMPH TSS

The Triumph TSS for 1983 has many new features; as you would expect all are in keeping with the finest British motorcycle tradition, bearing witness to Triumph's long and glorious lineage. The heart of the TSS is Triumph's very latest high performance 750cc 8 valve engine, now installed in the patented "Enforcer Frame" developed extensively in conjunction with British Police Forces. This unique hand built high performance motorcycle, with road handling to match, offers a combination which would not be complete if it was not for the very special "lean machine" styling introduced for 1983. To ensure that you are at one with your TSS from the moment you take delivery, Triumph have revised the riding position, footrests and foot controls are now more "rear-set" and as such are in keeping with this truly magnificent Super Sports motorcycle.


Triumph Motorcycles (Meridan) Limited including all associated companies reserve the right to vary the specification of all motorcycles and spare parts without notice and the information in this leaflet does not therefore constitute a term of any sale. All descriptions and claims are given and made in good faith but are intended to apply generally. Variations in performance and construction on individual machines may occur. Performance on any particular occasion will also be affected by the conditions circumstances and the rider.

Erum Waheed

Start of quotation Great article on the TSSAV. I have a standard T140AV, which I'm trying to sell at present, but may be a better option to fit an 8 valve engine.

Do you know if there is any chance of finding one? End of quotation

- Jim Fulton

Hen's teeth does not come near - more like Dodo's teeth. If you do find a source, put me down for two!


Start of quotation I've an ex-police TSS-AV which was in a right state when I bought it.

Following restoration to civillian specification, it's great fun to ride. This year, I rode it to Meriden where Martyn Roberts (who fondly remembers working with Ben Crossley at Meriden) gave it a test ride and gave a helpful report on improving performance.

The starter works and it's oil tight - even after prolonged motorway cruising.

Being an AV, there are peculiar parts like the exhaust downtubes which have reinforced ears. End of quotation

- Anon


Start of quotation I am building a TSS based race engine for land speed racing.

I'll keep you up to date on its progress. End of quotation

- David Anderson