Triumph X-75

THIUMPH X-75

RIDING OUT THE HURRICANE

MY ORDERS CAME across the desk: I was to pilot the X-75 Hurricane and submit a written eval to Feature Editor Brenda Buttner. Having never seen one of these vehicles, I naturally visualized the X-75 in the same vein as other historic experimentals such as the Bell X-l rocket research plane-which broke the sonic barrier in 1947-or the Mach-6 capable North American X-l5.

I was quickly brought back to earth with news that the X-75 is an early 1970s Triumph. A fairly rare collectible that, while propelled by a BSA Rocket Three motor, is in reality the father to the modem production cruiser. Gee, a cruiser. I guess I could loosen my chin strap a bit on this assignment.

We borrowed a clean, original 1973 Hurricane owned by John Hoover, the 46-year-old director of sales and product management at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

His attraction to the Hurricane dates back to the days when the bike first appeared in Triumph dealerships. “At the time, it was only a dream,” says Hoover, who was a college student back then. “You drive by and see one sitting at the local dairy bar and go, ‘Oh, what a great bike!’

But that was beyond my means at that time.” Destiny was not to be denied. Hoover bought his Hurricane secondhand, 15 years ago, having found the prize covered with burlap sacks in an Iowa bam.

Hoover rides his X-75, and was enthusiastic that CW do the same. Firing the BSA three-cylinder engine was for the most part a single-kick affair. Tickle the two outer Amal mixers, twist the choke lever full on, and give ’er a sure kick through. The engine comes to life in a smooth, steady idle with the distinctive muffler trio producing a much mellower note than I had anticipated. That engine was hot stuff in its day and it still delivers excellent bottom-end torque, pulling cleanly up through the rev range. Giving the old gal a break, I short-shift several thousand rpm short of the indicated redline.

Cycle magazine’s road test cited the X-75 for its lack of cornering clearance, heavy steering, substandard brakes

and stiff-shifting five-speed gearbox. Grinding hard parts in comers is status quo in the cruiser class these days, but I didn’t feel the X-75’s handling to be heavy, and its steering was very neutral with the bike maintaining good overall stability at reasonable speeds.

Reason, in this case, was dictated more by the bike’s lack of stopping power than by any limitation imposed by its frame, suspension, tires or engine. This particular Hurricane’s front brake was in dire need of service and offered very little stopping power. Adding to my distress was the bike’s right-side shift, not a concern in itself if not for it relegating operation of the rear-and only-brake to my left foot. Ever try pitching a baseball with the opposite hand?

It would seem, however, that 21 years and 4800 miles has provided ample break-in for the gearbox, as shifting action was quite good.

I have yet to ride an elderly motorcycle that hasn’t left me with a refreshed appreciation for how far bikes have come. I was glad I cinched my helmet strap extra tight for my ride on the Hurricane. -Don Canet