Insurgent

WHILE ADMIRING THIS STUNNING 750cc Trident Special, I could have sworn I saw ‘Insurgent’ ripple fleetingly across its luscious blue petrol tank. A rich blend of Ducati, Yamaha and Triumph DNA has transformed this sedate classic triple into a feral and muscular motorcycle that screams attitude from every fibre of its alien form.

A year in the making, John Syme’s superlative triple is the result of one man’s ideas being forged into existence, with the help of his clued-up friends. Not that John is in any way ‘handless’ when it comes to undertaking serious fabrication work, or solving mind-bending engineering problems – as we will learn as the story unfolds.

‘Insurgent’ started life as a standard 1975 Triumph T160 when John was earning his crust in London. He used his Trident for the daily commute and for pleasure rides at weekends. But following a lucrative job offer, John decided to move back to his home town in Scotland. Of course the bike went north too, and since his time in The Big Smoke, John has remained a devoted Trident fan, attending countless Beezumph Rallies.

The Trident continued to give reliable service and after joining Perthshire’s Scottish Classic Motorcycle Club, John decided to turn his standard Trident into something more special. John takes up the story:

“I’ve owned several long-term Tridents and I bought my first triple in 1984. I have always been impressed with Slippery Sam’s record of winning five