BrandonSi wrote:
On a slightly related note for anyone that knows motorcycles, is Triumph like the European/British equivalent of Harley Davidson in the US?
I don't think there was ever a British marque that could be called the equivalent of the HD. HD style bikes were not really suited to British / Euro roads at that time, IMO, though the Honda Gold Wing did well in Europe. I rode a Triumph Trident and then a Kawasaki triple, both were great fun riding them in the UK. Most British bikes were typically 'road racers'.
Triumph, Norton and BSA were the big three (in more recent times, after the '60s) though some historic marques have been revived i.e. Ariel & Matchless and a new brand Hesketh from 30 or so years ago I guess.
An interesting one is the historic and renowned Royal Enfield, now only produced in India which I didn't know until last month when I met a group of Royal Enfield enthusiasts touring Bhutan on their bikes (they have only two models, both low-powered but cool looking).