Model Codes:
TR5 AC, AD, AR, B, T, MX, R
Production Years Covered:
1947-1974
Internal Code:
TR500_1947_1974_FSMR
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to maintain and repair the vehicle, saving on professional labor costs
Alternative Sources:
Overpriced paper textbooks or CD-ROMs requiring shipping and waiting time
Instruction Style:
Step-by-step instructions, detailed substeps, numbered instructions, notes, cautions, and warnings
Navigation:
Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval
Continents:
Global (primarily UK and common export markets)
Regions:
United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Australia
Styles Covered:
All styles covered (implies variations like standard, sports, or specific model designations within the Trophy 500 range)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Factory Service Workshop Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Final Drive
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Charging System, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Trim, Fuel Tank, Seat, Fenders
Controls:
Throttle, clutch lever, brake lever, gear shift, foot brake
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, petcock, carburetor(s)
Maintenance:
Routine service, lubrication, adjustments
Repair:
Engine rebuild, gearbox overhaul, brake servicing, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete step-by-step instructions for full disassembly and reassembly
Tune Up:
Carburetor synchronization and tuning, ignition timing adjustment, spark plug replacement
Frame Maintenance:
Inspection of frame integrity, headstock bearing adjustment, swingarm bearing service.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and component rebuilds
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, component inspection (pistons, rings, crankshaft, bearings, camshaft), assembly, and tuning.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting charts for common electrical faults, charging system testing, ignition system analysis.
Detail Level:
Hundreds of photos, detailed illustrations, drawings, and enlarged insets for clarity
Engine Type:
Parallel-twin cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke
Displacement:
Approximately 499cc (498.7cc)
Bore X Stroke:
63mm x 80mm (Typical for TR5 models)
Compression Ratio:
Varies by model and year, typically 6.5:1 to 7.5:1
Valve Train:
Overhead Valves (OHV) operated by pushrods and rockers
Engine Mounting:
Unit construction (engine and gearbox housed together)
Horsepower:
Approx. 26-30 bhp at 5500-6000 RPM (depending on tune and year)
Torque:
Variable, but strong low-to-mid range torque characteristic of Triumph twins
Carburetion:
Typically one or two Amal carburetors (e.g., Amal Monobloc, concentric) of varying sizes (26mm, 28mm, 30mm)
Ignition System:
Positive Earth (Lucas dynamo/generator with battery ignition, later models may have electronic ignition options)
Cooling Method:
Air Cooling
Lubrication System:
Wet Sump (for most versions), Integrated Oil Tank in Frame (for some variants)
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot-shifted (Right-foot shift early, Left-foot shift later variations)
Optional Gearbox:
N/A for the 500cc Trophy model, standard was the 4-speed
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Gear Selection Mechanism:
Rotary gear drum with shift forks
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 20W or 20W-50 Motorcycle Gear Oil (refer to manual for exact spec)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 54.5 - 55.5 inches (1384 - 1410 mm), varies by specific model and year
Overall Length:
Varies, typically around 80-85 inches (2032-2159 mm)
Seat Height:
Approx. 30-32 inches (762-813 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 370 - 400 lbs (168 - 181 kg), varies by model and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for motorcycles in the same way as cars, but curb weight is relevant
Crash Safety Standards:
N/A (Motorcycle, pre-dates formal motorcycle crash testing standards)
Braking System:
Drum brakes (typically 7-inch or 8-inch single leading shoe or leading/trailing shoes) front and rear
Lighting System:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (depending on market and year)
Frame Construction:
Duplex cradle frame (robust steel tubing)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually (refer to manual for precise interval)
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles (critical for performance and engine life)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 (API SG or higher recommended, classic motorcycle specific oil preferred)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 pints (2.3 Liters) with filter change (check manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
Drum brakes do not use hydraulic fluid; mechanical cable lubrication is key.
Engine Wear:
Valve guide wear, worn timing chain, main bearing wear over high mileage.
Electrical:
Lucas electrical components can be prone to failure; focus on dynamo output and regulator function.
Carburetor:
Amal carburetors require regular tuning and cleaning; float bowl seals can degrade.
Transmission:
Gear selection linkage can wear; clutch plates may need replacement with use.
Suspension:
Fork seals, worn shock absorber bushings, worn steering head bearings.
Manufacturer Origin:
United Kingdom
Brand Reputation:
Renowned for producing iconic British motorcycles with distinctive styling and performance
Development Period:
The Trophy 500 was part of Triumph's evolution of parallel-twin engines, building on earlier models.
Predecessors:
Derived from earlier Triumph twin-cylinder designs, refining the 500cc displacement.
Major Production Era:
Post-war to mid-1970s, a significant period for Triumph's popular twins.
Manufacturing Plant:
Meriden Works, Coventry, England