2000 Triumph TT600 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. SMT TH800S XY104578
Engine no. 104885

• One of the first racing TT600s
• Ridden by Jason Griffiths
• Current ownership since 2001

Triumph's first offering in the vitally important 600cc class, the TT600 arrived in 2000 to less than universal acclaim. Handling and braking were judged as good as any but the fuel injection needed further work, a shortcoming addressed by a succession of improved fuelling 'maps' downloadable from Triumph dealers. By 2002 Triumph had eliminated most of the glitches. Comparing it to the Japanese opposition, Bike magazine declared: 'The TT has the best combination of handling and ride quality, for normal riders on normal roads – not just of any bike here, but of anything you can buy.'

It was inevitable, given the design's obvious potential, that the TT600 would be raced in the Supersport class. One of the first to do so was Manx-resident Welshman Jason Griffiths, a recognised 'roads' specialist whose one-man team was run by ex-racer Tom Dickie and sponsored by General Guarantee Finance Ltd. Jason had already assisted with the TT600's international riding launch back in February 2000, setting up the machines for the attending journalists.

Run and developed with factory's blessing, the machine used for Jason's racing effort is that offered here. The engine was blueprinted and fitted with re-profiled cams by renowned specialist, Chris Mehew, and the engine management remapped to suit the Micron exhaust, while the front was re-valved by Maxton, who also supplied the rear shock absorber. The highlight of what was effectively a development year was Jason's 116.84mph lap of the Isle of Man TT course (from a standing start) in June 2000. In the race an electrical fault brought the Triumph to a halt. Later in the year Jason claimed pole position at the Gold Cup meeting at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, and in the race finished 2nd. At the same track's 'Cock o' the North' meeting in July, he had bagged a 1st and a 3rd on the Triumph.

At the season's end the Triumph was sold off via the trade. Documents on file show that it was invoiced by Triumph to Bill Smith Motors on 25th June 2001, and then by BSM to the current vendor, Phil Morris, on 17th July 2001. This historic racing motorcycle is offered with a substantial history file.