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1970s Triumph Trident T160 750 Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Trident T160 (1975 model year) was the final—and most developed—iteration of Triumph’s 741 cc triple. It brought an electric starter, left-foot gear change (to suit US regulations), a rear disc brake to match the front disc, and revised styling with a sloped engine. Although built in limited numbers near the end of Meriden-era production, it remains one of the most usable 1970s British big bikes. In the UK today, originality and documentation separate average riders from top-tier collector machines, while heavy modifications tend to cap values.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition)

Condition	Estimated Value (GBP)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; often needs top-end work, carbs, wiring, brake rebuilds; originality variable	£3,800 – £6,000	Car & Classic – Triumph Trident archive; eBay UK completed listings
Roadworthy / Presentable Starts, runs and rides; older paint/chrome; may have period exhausts or minor non-stock parts; usable with scope for improvement	£7,500 – £11,000	Manor Park Classics – motorcycle results; Collecting Cars – sold listings
Restored / Excellent Very original survivor or high-quality restoration; matching numbers; correct finishes, instruments and silencers; strong history file	£12,500 – £18,000	Bonhams – motorcycle auctions; Iconic Auctioneers – sale archives; The Saleroom – multi-house results

Notes: UK-supplied, matching-numbers T160s with original silencers and correct instruments sit at the top of each range. US re-imports with non-stock pipes or missing tinware trend 10–20% below midpoints. Exceptional low-mileage survivors with comprehensive provenance can exceed the upper bounds.

Value Influencing Factors

• Originality & completeness: Correct tank/side-panel paint, instruments, airbox, exhausts and fasteners materially raise prices.
• Numbers & provenance: Matching engine/frame numbers, factory records, UK registration from new, old MOTs and invoices add significant premiums.
• Mechanical condition: Triple carburettors balanced and clean, charging system healthy, no top-end noise; brakes and forks rebuilt with receipts.
• Restoration quality: Period-correct finishes and hardware outperform shiny over-polish or custom paint; sympathetic refurbishments are preferred.
• Market timing: Retail peaks in spring/summer; winter often brings keener pricing on projects and riders.
• Export vs UK spec: Left-foot shift is standard on T160; UK-registered from new often carries a small premium over later imports when condition is equal.

Conclusion

The T160’s blend of classic British character and practical updates keeps demand strong in the UK. Projects typically change hands around £3.8–6k, tidy riders make £7.5–11k depending on originality and paperwork, and collector-grade restorations or very original survivors achieve £12.5–18k, with exceptional provenance pushing higher. Buyers consistently pay for correctness, matching numbers and a thick history file over cosmetic shine alone.

Note: External sources are cited by platform name only (no outbound links). Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from sale records at the time of writing.

All Valuations