In the 1960s, I spent several years as a humble copper in the Bristol police. Then, our motorcyclists rode Triumph Speed Twins and LE Velocettes – the infamous ‘Noddy bikes.’
The force bought their Triumphs in batches of four, one for each of the city’s divisional areas. When I joined, in 1961, the force had just bought four new bikes, a batch of 5TA unit twins to join the eight it already had. These four bikes – 307, 308, 309 and 310 MHY – were Ruby Red, a slightly brighter red than Triumph’s traditional Amaranth Red, a colour the company had used since 1938. One of these new arrivals, 5TA Speed Twin 309 MHY, was allocated to my division. I rode it regularly and knew it well.
A few of my colleagues aspired to be sergeants and inspectors, while others aimed for the CID. I didn’t. All I wanted was a motorbike. Those familiar with the city will know of its hills. Panda cars were unknown back then, and
