First World War Motorcycle

triumph motorcycles model h, mass-produced war effort , notable reliability

during first world war, motorbike production ramped war effort supply effective communications front line troops. messengers on horses replaced despatch riders on motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance , acting military police. american company harley-davidson devoting on 50% of factory output toward military contract end of war. british company triumph motorcycles sold more 30,000 of triumph type h model allied forces during war. rear wheel driven belt, model h fitted 499 cc (30.5 cu in) air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine. first triumph without pedals.

the model h in particular, regarded many having been first modern motorcycle . introduced in 1915 had 550 cc side-valve four-stroke engine three-speed gearbox , belt transmission. popular users nicknamed trusty triumph.