1974 Triumph TR5MX 500 – Matching Numbers – Original Tires – Extremely Rare

You are looking at an exceptionally rare and remarkably original 1974 Triumph TR5MX 500, one of the most elusive British competition motorcycles of its era.

Produced for only two model years—1973 and 1974—the TR5MX was manufactured in extremely limited numbers. Approximately 500 are believed to have been built, with roughly 250 produced per year. These were purpose-built competition motorcycles, and most were raced hard, modified extensively or simply worn out.

Finding a surviving example is difficult. Finding one with its matching-numbers engine and frame, original aluminum fuel tank, original aluminum fenders, original chrome rims, original fiberglass side number plates and even its original Made-in-England tires is nearly unheard of.

This is a true collector-grade survivor and an absolute unicorn.

Highlights

• Extremely rare 1974 Triumph TR5MX 500

• Approximately 500 produced across 1973 and 1974

• Matching-numbers original engine and frame

• Believed to be an extraordinarily low-hour motorcycle

• Original Made-in-England tires

• Original aluminum fuel tank

• Original aluminum fenders

• Original fiberglass side number plates

• Original factory chrome rims

• Original lightweight aluminum hubs

• Original engine cases and foot pegs

• Original forks in outstanding condition

• Period Girling rear shocks

• Oil-in-frame chassis

• New electronic ignition

• Carburetor cleaned and rebuilt

• Healthy 125 PSI compression reading

• Approximately 50 hours of professional labor invested

• More than $7,800 invested in labor and parts

British Competition-Motorcycle History

The TR5MX traces its lineage directly to BSA’s legendary four-stroke competition singles, beginning with the BSA 441 Victor and evolving into the B50MX 500. The Victor platform achieved tremendous success in national and international competition throughout the 1960s.

When the engine was enlarged to 500cc, the design was strengthened to handle the additional power and torque. Improvements included increased bottom-end and bearing capacity, a stronger crankshaft and connecting rod, and a more robust clutch assembly. A factory-listed 560cc big-bore option was also available for riders who wanted even more performance.

Following the restructuring of the British motorcycle industry, the B50MX-based competition machine was marketed under the Triumph name as the TR5MX for just two years.

This engine design later became the basis for some of CCM—Clews Competition Machines’—most formidable racing motorcycles. CCM heavily modified the engine, including its distinctive cylinder head, and installed it in advanced long-travel chassis with forward-axle forks, specialized swingarms and competition shocks.

The TR5MX therefore represents an important link connecting the championship-winning BSA singles of the 1960s with the exotic CCM racing machines that followed.

A Serious Competition Motorcycle

At approximately 260 pounds, the TR5MX combines a large-displacement four-stroke single with a lightweight competition chassis. It is fast, responsive and extremely entertaining.

This is one of the rowdiest and most authoritative-sounding vintage four-stroke singles we have ever had at the New England Motorcycle Museum. With its competition straight-pipe exhaust, it announces its presence the moment it fires.

These motorcycles were delivered in restricted form to satisfy period noise requirements. Racers commonly removed the restrictive exhaust components for closed-course competition, which is how this motorcycle is currently configured. It is extremely loud and intended for off-road competition use.

Show up at a vintage race or motorcycle event with this TR5MX and everyone will know you are there.

Exceptionally Original Condition

The originality of this motorcycle is what makes it truly remarkable.

The engine has never been rebuilt and remains the original matching-numbers unit. The top end is tight, compression tested at a healthy 125 PSI, and the engine does not exhibit the excessive oil leakage commonly associated with many unrestored British motorcycles of this age.

The original aluminum fuel tank remains in remarkably good condition. The original chrome rims, lightweight hubs, aluminum fenders, fiberglass side number plates, engine cases, foot pegs and suspension components are all present.

Even the original Made-in-England tires remain installed. Their survival strongly supports the belief that this motorcycle has accumulated exceptionally few operating hours—possibly fewer than 20.

The handlebars also appear to be original, although we cannot confirm that conclusively. The chrome levers and bars present beautifully, and the motorcycle has received new grips and a new front number plate.

Please note that the original tires are more than 50 years old and are retained strictly for their historical and collector value. They should be replaced before serious riding or competition use.

Professional Museum Preparation

This motorcycle received an extensive mechanical service and preservation-focused cosmetic restoration through the New England Motorcycle Museum’s professional service and detail departments.

Approximately 30 hours were invested in detailing and cosmetic preparation, including:

• Complete steam cleaning and degreasing

• Thorough hand washing and rotisserie detailing

• Professional polishing of the aluminum fuel tank

• Polishing of the aluminum fenders

• Polishing of the fork lowers

• Polishing of the engine’s aluminum covers

• Polishing of the original chrome rims

• Restoration and repainting of the fiberglass side covers

• Installation of new side-cover graphics

• Repainting of the frame rails

• Repainting of the swingarm

• Sandblasting and painting of the engine’s lower cover

• Sandblasting and painting of the kickstand

• Sandblasting and preservation of the original raw-finish foot pegs

• Repainting beneath the seat

• Repainting of the rear brake lever

• Removal, sandblasting and silver refinishing of the front-fender mounting bracket

• Sandblasting and high-temperature refinishing of the exhaust

• Repainting of the airbox housing

The engine covers were carefully polished while retaining an appropriate amount of original patina. The goal was to preserve the motorcycle’s authenticity rather than over-restore it or make the original aluminum appear artificially chromed.

Approximately 20 additional hours were invested in mechanical service, including:

• Installation of a new electronic ignition

• Repair and renewal of the ignition wiring

• Carburetor cleaning and rebuilding

• Replacement of necessary carburetor components

• Exhaust removal and refinishing

• Primary-cover gasket replacement

• Brake inspection and servicing

• Installation of a new gold drive chain

• Complete operational inspection and sorting

• Compression testing at 125 PSI

In total, approximately 50 hours of professional labor—valued at $7,500—plus approximately $300 in parts were invested in this motorcycle after its purchase and transportation. Our total additional investment exceeds $7,800.

A Museum-Quality Opportunity

In more than 15 years at the New England Motorcycle Museum, this is the first Triumph TR5MX 500 we have had through our shop. We have never encountered another example retaining this level of originality, especially one still wearing its original tires.

Consider what happened to most of these motorcycles: approximately 250 were sent into the racing community in 1974, where they were used for motocross, desert racing and off-road competition. Most were modified, damaged, worn out or broken down for parts.

More than five decades later, this matching-numbers, exceptionally low-hour example remains remarkably intact.

This TR5MX is historically significant, mechanically sorted and cosmetically beautiful. It would be equally at home in an important British-motorcycle collection, a museum display or at a premier vintage motorcycle event.

It will not be inexpensive—but motorcycles of this rarity, originality and condition seldom become available. We may never find another one like it.

Purchase and Shipping

We can assist with shipping anywhere in the continental United States. Financing is available to qualified buyers, and quality motorcycle trades will be considered.

For additional information, call Ken Jr. at 860-471-0192.

If you have been waiting for an investment-quality Triumph competition motorcycle, this may be the only opportunity you will have to acquire an original TR5MX of this caliber.

Thanks for looking, and God bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.