In Post-war era Triumph brand received considerable publicity in the United States when Marlon Brando rode a 1950 Thunderbird 6T in the 1953 motion picture, The Wild One and the US became a huge export market for Triumph. In 1963 all engines were of unit construction (engine & gearbox components sharing a single casing) with the launch of the 3TA soon followed short-stroke, 490 cc “500” model.
It’s one of these Triumph 500 engines The Factory Metal Works Founder Lucas Joyner cradled in his custom Skinny Double Down Tube Frame with a mild stretch of 3″ in the backbone and a 3″ neck drop to which he added his proprietary chrome narrow looped Springer. As simple as it looks at first glance, it took him 6 months to complete this project named Valdez. Most parts are hand fabricated at the shop, custom rear brake, foot pegs, gas reservoir and dished oil tank, vintage style solo seat pan, grips and more.
For an old school appearance 16″ & 21″ Invader wheels were chosen and a custom mixed gold leaf brown flake paint with copper was applied followed by some white scrolling pinstripe.
The Factory Metal Works always aims at bringing to life true vintage show bike builds with new age trends and technology. All projects start with classic engines rebuilt with modern revamped valves, bearings, seals and race tolerances. More info at The Factory Metal Works Website.
These are the motorcycles everyone really wants. Lean and mean…. not an EPA mandated plastic fantastic toy.
Cool
I have a 68 Triumph 500 that I need to finish and this just gives me so much inspiration to do so!
WOW! This is really nice. The only thing I would do differently would be to replace the high pipes with “street” pipes. It’s simplicity and clean lines are what makes it so beautiful. Much, much better than so many of the “overdone” customs of the day.
A really good looking machine. Very nicely done.
invader wheels…. cool!!
This guy knows restraint. I hope his business grows organically and he can maintain a level of integrity in his products and builds.
LOVE IT. Wouldn’t change a thing.
Even better with brakes. ..Z
Simplicity can be intoxicating…
AWESOME JOB, JUST POINT THAT HEADLIGHT DOWN
Sweet…….
Old Triumphs are always cool no matter the configuration!
Cool school .-,’.,:-)
Just to nit-pick, the 350 unit engine appeared in 1957 on the “Twenty-One”.
Great bike… as always, Lucas.
Sweet memories of the 60’s. Beautiful , clean the way they should look.
very cool……….
These guys are something else. This is a beauty!