As far as working days go, riding around London on Triumph motorcycles is a pretty good way to spend one. So when the marque invited Brummell to take part in one of 120 special ride-outs across the UK in 2022, our team – and friends – were thrilled to oblige.

This series of rides celebrates Triumph’s 120th anniversary – a significant date not only because its most famous model is the “T120”, but because so many other motorcycle manufacturers of the marque’s founding era are long gone. There have been many notable moments in Triumph’s history since the first production motorcycle rolled out of its workshop in 1902, like speed records at the Isle of Mann TT, race wins at the Thruxton 500, and cool-factor endorsements from the likes of Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando and Bob Dylan. And in the marque’s modern era, which began in the early ’90s under new ownership and with a fresh factory in Hinckley, Leicestershire, it has produced its millionth motorcycle, launched a successful electric two-wheeler prototype and began development of a range of motocross and enduro bikes, nevermind all of its continued on-track racing success. So there is much to commemorate on this mid-summer day.

Peter Howarth and Mark Wilsmore leave the Ace Café on Speed Triple 1200 RRs

With all that heritage in mind, we couldn’t think of a better place to begin the official Brummell Magazine x Triumph Motorcycles ride out than at west London’s Ace Café – itself an important spot in motoring history as an initiator of café racer culture back in the ’50s. The Ace’s Mark Wilsmore joined Brummell executive editor Peter Howarth, motoring editor Amy Miles, automotive photographer Adam Whitehead and a select few brand friends to ride across the city (but not before a cup of tea, of course). Passing the statue commemorating Beau Brummell – our magazine’s namesake and an early dandy – on the famed Jermyn Street was a highlight of the ride, before finishing at Smithfield Market in the east for refreshments in the sunshine. 

The group arrives at Smithfield market

Some of the marque’s most exciting motorcycles came along for the ride, too, with two new Speed Triple 1200 RRs leading, and a special “Gold Line” edition of the Bonneville T120 following close behind. And though the former is really made for hitting high speeds, it didn’t struggle with heatwave temperatures nor the painfully slow pace of Piccadilly’s traffic. The T120, meanwhile, turned plenty of heads with its shimmery green tank and retro looks. 

To complete the set of British design icons, Belstaff kitted the Brummell team out in its special motorcycle-specific Trialmaster jackets – a range of leather and waxed-cotton outerwear fitted with subtle armour that balances protection and style perfectly. Mr Brummell, known for his sartorial prowess, would no doubt have approved. 

triumphmotorcycles.co.uk