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Edward Turner: The Man Behind the Motorcycles

William Faulkner

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Edward Turner – The man behind the motorcycles

by Claudia Botterweg

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Language	:	English
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Edward Turner was an English motorcycle designer and engineer who played a major role in the development of the British motorcycle industry. He is best known for his work at Triumph Motorcycles, where he designed some of the most iconic motorcycles of all time.

Turner was born in London in 1898. He developed an interest in motorcycles at an early age, and by the time he was in his early twenties he was working as a motorcycle mechanic. In 1924, he joined Triumph Motorcycles. Turner quickly rose through the ranks at Triumph, and by 1936 he was the company's chief designer.

Turner's tenure at Triumph was marked by a number of significant innovations. In 1937, he designed the Triumph Speed Twin, which was the first motorcycle to feature a parallel-twin engine. The Speed Twin was a huge success, and it helped to establish Triumph as one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

During World War II, Turner designed a number of motorcycles for the British military. These motorcycles were used in a variety of roles, including reconnaissance, patrol, and dispatch. Turner's military motorcycles were highly praised for their reliability and toughness.

After the war, Turner continued to design motorcycles for Triumph. In 1949, he introduced the Triumph Thunderbird. The Thunderbird was a large, powerful motorcycle that was designed for touring. The Thunderbird was another huge success for Triumph, and it quickly became one of the most popular motorcycles in the world.

Turner left Triumph in 1952 to join BSA Motorcycles. At BSA, he designed a number of new motorcycles, including the BSA Gold Star. The Gold Star was a racing motorcycle that was very successful in competition. In 1954, Turner left BSA to join Norton Motorcycles. At Norton, he designed a number of new motorcycles, including the Norton Dominator. The Dominator was a powerful motorcycle that was used by the British police and military.

Turner retired from the motorcycle industry in 1963. He died in 1973. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the British motorcycle industry.

Turner's Legacy

Turner's legacy is evident in the many motorcycles that he designed. His motorcycles were known for their reliability, durability, and performance. They were also very stylish and well-engineered. Turner's motorcycles helped to establish the British motorcycle industry as a world leader.

Turner's work has also influenced motorcycle design in other countries. For example, Triumph Motorcycles introduced the Triumph Bonneville in 1959. The Bonneville was heavily influenced by Turner's Triumph Thunderbird, and it quickly became a popular motorcycle in the United States and Europe.

Turner's motorcycles continue to be popular with collectors and enthusiasts today. His motorcycles are considered some of the most iconic and beautiful motorcycles ever made.

Edward Turner was a brilliant motorcycle designer and engineer who made a major contribution to the British motorcycle industry. His motorcycles were known for their reliability, durability, performance, and style. Turner's legacy continues to influence motorcycle design today.