Classics
Words & photos: Rhys Jones
The rise and fall of the triple
T
hroughout the history of
motorcycle development three
cylinder engines have appeared,
disappeared, and reappeared
many times. The straight three
configuration had the advantages
of being narrower and lighter than a four,
and producing less vibration than a twin.
I will get to the Italian MV Agusta and
Laverda triples, the British Triumph triples,
and the fiery Japanese Kawasaki triples later,
but the first triple that caught my attention
Laverda Jota 981cc triple 1982
Kawasaki 500cc H1 2-stroke triple 1973
Graeme Crosby and the H2 750cc race bike at Bathurst 1979
60 KIWI RIDER