Rob North is a name you occasionally hear in classic racing circles, but it seems that few people know much about the man. In the 1960s and 70s he built frames for BSA and Triumph triples, working with factory bikes, and at least one Honda CB750. North’s reputation was high, and the rights to the name and frame designs were sold first to Miles Engineering, and then a company called Trident. Today, Trident is a small outfit in the West Midlands of the UK that manufactures the Rob North Trident road bike and a BSA Rocket racer. (The word is that Rob North himself now lives in California.) The bike in the picture is a 1975 machine that was freshened up by the French restoration specialist Kerlo Classic. They’re a highly-regarded company with an enviable portfolio of work (and a client list that includes Philippe Starck). If you have a minute to spare, it’s worth checking out Kerlo’s other beautiful road racing restorations. And if you know what Rob North’s up to these days, drop us a line in the comments. [Spotted on Ze Last Chance Garage. Photo by Bruno Des Gayets.]
Four ways to follow BIKE EXIF
Facebook
Twitter
RSS Feed
Newsletter-
Popular Posts
Recent Comments
- H on Husqvarna automatics
- interested in Austin bikes on Ducati Sport 1000
- Ammerlander on Husqvarna automatics
- Mingh on Husqvarna automatics
- Mack-o-matik on BMW R100T custom
Bike EXIF on FacebookTopics
9 Comments
Love it. Great restoration.
Simply stunning, what a beauty!
very nice stuff, I am spellbound
I know of at least one Rob North Norton Commando..and it is stunning!
how can i send you the pictures?
Ahh, the late great trident, in one of its most famous guises, together with the original Slippery Sam. Rob North Tridents rule in many classic 750cc races held in europe.
Being a proud owner of a 1973 Trident, i can advise the fantastic http://www.triplesonline.com to anyone interested to know more about these great machines.
I recently read an article that indicated that he is alive and well, still active in California. There is a Rob North Fabrications in National City, CA., so that is probably him.
Rob North lives here in San Diego. He has the fabrication shop in National City as mentioned above. He made some custom parts for my Husband’s Gixxer. He works closely with the lead mechanic and part owner of National City Motorcycle.
Beautiful restoration. The Triumph and BSA racing triples are alive and well in California. Two complete racers delivered last year. Rob North.
question for Zee as above.
can you please send me the picture of the Rob North Norton you mentioned to rmiddlebrook@pbtowage.com
I have been slowly building my North Norton which is one of the 10 Miles engineering manufactured for Mick Hemmings in the late 70s frame number 151. As you can imagine getting any details on these bikes is very hard. would appricate any info.
rgds
roger