British Iron: Triumph Motorcycles at the Isle of Man TT

Tony Jefferies on his 490cc Triumph at Greeba Bridge, Isle of Man TT, 1969

This unabashedly patriotic advertising film (here in two parts) depicts the “Triumph Triumph” at the Isle of Man TT (labeled as 1969 on youtube, but actually 1971/2).  Triumph and British iron in general are clearly the focus here, with BSA and Norton also represented. German and Japanese motorcycles only receiving passing mention, always with a critical eye (the cornering difficulties presented by the protruding cylinders of the BMW’s boxer engine, and a slow start by the Suzuki, for example).  The Triumph cameramen captured the visceral excitement of the Isle of Man TT: the bikes fly by mere feet from the spectators at speeds in the neighborhood of 100 miles per hour (and sometimes airborne), on a very difficult, very dangerous 37 mile course bounded by stone walls and houses.  The film also shows us the pits, where the racers themselves work on their machines, and the many recreational motorcyclists who ride to the Isle of Man to see the TT each year.  The Royal Marines motorcycle drill team makes an appearance on their Triumphs in the festivities surrounding the race. 
Enough with the writing, though-turn up your volume (these old bikes sound beautiful) and enjoy the show!
-Ironhand Cycles