The shop built its reputation around deep mechanical know‑how and a genuine love for Triumph motorcycles. Rather than operating as a retail store, it has always focused on what it does best: repairing, restoring, and occasionally customising vintage bikes.

A Bit of History

The shop opened in 1986 by Hugh Mackie, a Scottsman who moved to New York in the early ’80s and quickly immersed himself in the city’s motorcycle culture. Mackie favoured craftsmanship over flash, keeping the storefront understated and letting the work speak for itself. Over time, Sixth Street Specials became a symbol of the East Village’s earlier, grittier era, as many similar garages were pushed out or relocated to Brooklyn.

What They’re Known For

Sixth Street Specials carved out a niche by staying true to vintage British engineering. Riders come for everything from routine repairs to full restorations and custom builds, and the shop’s loyal following often highlights the team’s honesty, skill, and passion for classic bikes.

Looking Ahead

After nearly four decades in the same location, the shop closed its East Village doors in June 2025 due to the building’s sale and Mackie’s decision to retire. But this wasn’t the end of the story. Long-time manager and head mechanic Joshua Mackenzie took over from Mackie and moved the shop to 11 Lincoln Ave, New Rochelle, NY, just 3 miles outside of NYC. The move marked more than a change of address, it marked a passing of the torch to keep the heritage going.

New Rochelle gives a better access to New England, a natural fit for the kind of work they’ve always done. With this move, Joshua has been able to bring the shop back to its roots - Vintage Triumphs.

Joshua Mackenzie

“I first walked into Sixth Street Specials in 1997 as an apprentice. Over time, I worked my way up to Head Mechanic before leaving for Florida in 2002. Eventually, I found my way back to New York. In 2020, Hugh asked me to take over running the shop, and I stepped into the role. When we relocated in 2025 and Hugh retired, I officially took the reins.

I’ve spent most of the last 30 years making a living by keeping these old Triumphs on the road, and I still ride my own vintage Triumph 25 miles to the shop every day - keeping the tradition alive.”

Keep up with our Heritage Threads as we follow Josh on his new journey.

FORK SEAL HERITAGE LOGO TEE

STRAGGLER FLAT PEAK CAP

PASSENGER TWILL SHIRT

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Mark Locke (Lucky)

Meet Mark Locke, better known as Lucky. A man shaped by speed, heritage, and a childhood spent slipping into drag races at his dad’s side. Those early hits of adrenaline stayed with him, which you can feel throughout this video.

Satoshi

From rebuilding engines to raising two little ones beside him in his workshop (Fonk Motorcycles), Satoshi’s world revolves around craft, community, and the simple joy of passing that passion on to his kids. You can explore more of his story in our full blog feature HERE.

We recently caught up with Satoshi about what it means to be a dad:

“For me, being a father means believing in what you love and continuing to pursue it with passion.

When it comes to motorcycles, I hope my kids can experience not only riding and working on bikes, but also the people they meet and the new places they discover through them. By continuing those experiences, motorcycles can sometimes expand your world and show you possibilities you never expected. If they come to realize that someday, I’d be very happy as a father.”

Malcolm

Malcolm’s love of bikes has always been part of who he is. Georgia, his daughter, found her way into riding by watching Malcolm’s happiness on his bike. In their conversation, you see how those early influences, from missed adventures to films that changed everything, shaped both of their journeys.

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Wondering what will really make Dad’s day? We’ve rounded up our favourite picks for every kind of rider that takes the stress out of choosing and puts the joy back into gifting.

TEAM COACH JACKET

ARCHIVE HEAVYWEIGHT GRAPHIC TEE

WESTERNER JACKET

CAPS

LEATHER ACCESSORIES

NEW BOOTS TEE

HOPPER RIDING JEANS

JAX DENIM RIDING JACKET

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Still searching for the perfect pick? Explore our full collection on the main page and discover even more gifts waiting to inspire you.

HERITAGE GIFTS

RIDERWEAR GIFTS

This is it. Ensenada, race day and the start line. 6am. You can feel the energy all around and the buzz under your skin. Engines firing, last-minute checks, dust in the air… everything sharpens. The waiting is over, the nerves turn electric, and suddenly it’s happening.

Gille lines up knowing one thing: nothing on the bike should surprise him. Because out here, in Baja when the flag drops and the desert opens up there’s no easing into it.

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RACING IMAGES:

A roadbook wiring failure hit, forcing Gille and the team to recover the bike and end the race early. It wasn’t the start anyone expected. Tacos really were the only thing to lift frustrated spirits after a hit like that.

But NORRA has a way of giving something back in the form of energy and community of the locals. In a stroke of pure luck, the taco shop owner opened his doors so the team could get to work on the bike. Not out of the race mindset, the team worked until 2am to get the bike fixed and ready for the next day.

That’s Baja baby 🏁

WORKSHOP IMAGES:

Watch the full day debrief:

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Step 1: Bike prep & fitness training

Plans are in motion months before the race even begins, the bike is being prepped and worked ahead of time on to have it race ready with work including:

• Full teardown & re-build

• Suspension - Built for endless punishment on the terrain and on Gille’s body

• Navigation Tower setup - critical

• Electrical Systems

• Wheels & Tyres

• Protection & Durability - because crashing isn’t ‘if’, it’s ‘when’

• Controls & Ergonomics - the perfect setup for Gille, fatigue will show weaknesses in this

With the Triumph TR6 being prepped in the US this means Gille can focus on building a body and mind that can handle relentless pressure. This means, long physical endurance sessions and strength work for core and grip to handle endless miles of punishment, and sharpening the mental focus needed to navigate at speed without hesitation, under extreme conditions combined with debilitating fatigue (both physical & mental).

Step 2: Trip to the Biltwell 100 to test out the bike & final modifications

A key step of the bike prep is full test blocks to test the bike and simulate race conditions as closely as possible. This was the first time Gille rode the updated bike, given he lives in Spain the bike is being prepped in the US.

The race found some key snags still to be sorted prior to the NORRA with just 3 weeks to go!

Step 3: The calm before the storm: Trip to Mexico, crossing the boarder & Setting Up

Gille landed in in LAX 2 days prior to the road trip to Mexico, picking up his bike, meeting with the rest of the team Monti, Alan and Noah , full of adrenaline there is still one more obstacle to overcome: the border crossing into Mexico.

Anyone who’s done it knows it’s notoriously strict - paperwork checked, vehicles inspected, every detail under scrutiny. For a rally team with a van jam packed carrying bikes, spares, and equipment, it’s not just a drive-through, it’s a test of the previous months preparations.

Once they’re through, the landscapes open up, the roads stretch out, and Baja starts to feel real. The shift becomes apparent, setup begins, focus sharpens - and the calm before the storm quickly disappears but the adrenaline only gets louder.

Step 4: Arrival at Ensenada, Baja Mexico - It’s GO TIME.

By the time Gille gets to the start line the goal is simple - nothing on the bike should surprise him.

Because in Baja, surprises don’t cost seconds.

They end races.

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The upright, purpose built structure on the handlebars of Gille’s Triumph TR6 is called a ‘rally navigation tower’ and its one of the most critical components in long distance off-road racing. There to keep Gille on course, alive and competitive across thousands of miles of unforgiving terrain.

At the NORRA 1000, there isn’t arrows, signposts or safety nets, this old school contraption has to be followed and understood at speed on intense unchartered terrain. Each decision could cost Gille the race, and one misreading could leave Gille alone and lost in the Baja desert.

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The Machine, Map & Margin for error

Mounted on the handlebars of Gilles Triumph is something that looks and feels almost out of time: A paper roadbook. A long scroll of printed directions (tulip diagrams, distances & warnings) fed through a mechanical holder.

Above it, twin trip meters (distance measuring device) tick upward with relentless precision. 11.6 km … 11.7km …11.8km … 11.9km

At 12.0km, the roadbook says there is a turn.

Miss it and you’re not slightly off, you’re alone in the desert, recalculating everything and unable to get back on track.

The ritual before the Ride

Pre race day a strip of paper is unrolled carefully, measured, aligned and fed into a metal holder mounted on to the bars of the Triumph TR6. Every crease and millimetre counts to making the race a success for Gille.

Each symbol on the paper will become a decision at high speed:

• A turn hidden in dust

• A warning that comes too late if you hesitate

• A distance that has to match exactly what the bike is saying

The team feed the roadbook through the rollers with a shared understanding that if this isn’t completed with precision now, it will go wrong later at speed, in sand, with no room for error and could be critical for Gille.

Tomorrow, Gille will glance down at the work from the previous evening for just fractions of a second …

• Match the number

• Read the symbol

• Commit

Over and over again.

At speed.

On unknown terrain.

With no margin for doubt.

This rally may look like a solo sport from the outside, but these team moments and the mechanic, and support team around him are the bones to the success of the rally.

Riding the edge of precision

To follow a paper roadbook at speed is to live in constant calculation:

• Distance vs instruction

• Terrain vs expectation

• Instinct vs commitment.

Every second is a quiet negotiation between what’s printed and what’s real. Deep sand doesn’t care about your paper roadmaps plan, and neither does your missed waypoint.

And yet, this is where Gille thrives!

The mixture of skill, passion, adrenaline and exhaustion all combine for Gille to be at one with the roadmap even at high speed. Not overpowering the terrain, but by reading it in the moment, matching it and dancing along the fine margin where only a talented rider such as Gille knows the limit.

Heritage Redefined

There’s something quietly radical about the Triumph TR6 Heritage bike in the iconic NORRA 1000 rally setting against modern machines. For Triumph Heritage it’s proof that something built with intention can still go the distance if the rider does.

Out in the Baja desert, in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a paper map and a line to follow.

Yet somewhere in that moment, the scroll of the map, the dust and unpredictable terrain, the silence in between instructions – there’s a story unfolding that strong heritage really does stand the test of time.

A rider, a machine and a way forward that has to be earned.

Gille is showing exactly what it looks like when you trust the process, trust the map, and keep going.

Follow along with our journey with Gille across Baja.

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Some races exist to crown a winner. Others exist to remind us why we ride at all.

The NORRA Mexican 1000 belongs firmly in the second category.

Running the length of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, the NORRA 1000 is a long, demanding off-road rally following routes inspired by the original desert races of the 1960s and 70s. Over 5 days, riders and drivers cover hundreds of miles of varied terrain: fast desert tracks, rocky mountain sections, long liaison roads and places where you need more than skill to carry you through, you need to be completely at one with the your bike.

Covering over 1,400 miles, the competitive timed sections replicating traditional desert rallying mean the rider has the task of managing the machine, pacing themselves and the bike over multiple days and dealing with whatever Baja has to throw at them.

That’s exactly why we Triumph Heritage have teamed up with rider and friend Gille Leenknegt to take on the grueling race across Baja.

Map of race route:

A RACE BUILT ON HISTORY:

What sets NORRA apart is its culture.

Each day ends together. Riders, drivers, mechanics and families gather in small towns and historic stops along the Baja route. Bikes are repaired in hotel car parks and anyone willing to spare their garage to help. Spares are improvised. Advice is shared freely between competitors who, in any other context, would be rivals.

These are the qualities that defined motorcycling long before technology tried to erase them & where competitors support each other at the end of the day, experience the real culture, staying in local places, eating together and experiencing Baja beyond the racecourse.

Baja rewards presence, resilience and respect for the terrain.

RACING WITHOUT THE GLOSS:

There’s no attempt to romanticise the difficulties of NORRA: long days, broken parts, heat, dust, sleep deprivation and exhaustion are all part of the deal.

There’s a shared understanding among competitors that simply getting through each day is an achievement. Rivalries soften. Tools get shared. Advice is passed freely. Everyone is dealing with the same conditions, the same lack of sleep, the same dust in every moving part.

Finishing a stage cleanly after a long day, or staying up till the early hours getting a bike back together then watching it fire up again the next morning, brings a level of satisfaction that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

By the time the rally reaches the bottom of the peninsula, riders, mechanics and machines are worn out, running off pure adrenaline but they’ve earned every mile of long days, broken parts, tired bodies, and problem‑solving under pressure.

Why Triumph Heritage Belongs There

NORRA doesn’t reward perfection. It rewards resilience, preparation and intricate knowledge of your bike. Those are qualities that have always sat at the core of Triumph’s racing and riding history.

By choosing to race the NORRA 1000 with Gille, Triumph Heritage isn’t recreating the past for appearances’ sake. We’re placing our motorcycles back into the kind of environment that shaped them in the first place and showing they stand the test of time, holding their ground on the grueling course.

Baja will always take more than it gives.
But what it gives back, you have to earn.

Follow along as we take you on the journey throughout the week of ups and downs.

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TEAM COACH JACKET

RIBBLE QUARTER ZIP SWEATSHIRT

TR6 HEAVYWEIGHT LOGO TEE

ONTARIO PRIMALOFT® VEST

HISTORY OF THE TRIUMPH HERITAGE LOGO

Our logo has lived through every chapter of motorcycling’s evolution. After the Second World War, motorcycles were far more than machines, they were everyday transport, the way people travelled and got to work. As the decades passed, motorcycles became less of a necessity and more of a passion. Today, the Triumph logo stands as a mark of authenticity, heritage, and legitimacy: a contemporary expression of the values forged in those early years. It’s a symbol that honours Triumph’s history and is instantly recognisable today.

The Triumph Heritage logo first emerged in 1936, when Jack Sangster acquired the company and steered it away from car production to focus solely on motorcycles. As part of that shift, the logo was refreshed to modernise the brand and clearly distinguish it from its automotive past.

The logo was created by draftsman Herbert Hopwood alongside Edward Turner- the General Manager and chief designer responsible for the 498cc Speed Twin - whose influence helped define Triumph’s identity throughout the 1950s and 60s. The distinctive tail they added at the base of the logo added a sense of speed and movement, giving it a more contemporary, racing‑inspired feel.

TRIUMPH RACING

Although the Triumph logo first earned its place on our motorcycles, it didn’t immediately make the jump onto apparel. The earliest clothing came through with the Heritage logo was racing in the 1940s. Race teams, sponsors, and support crews wore the logo on their shirts and overalls, but it was purely functional, not casual wear. By the ’50s and ’60s, dealers began adding their own names onto the t-shirts and selling these pieces in-store as riders wanted the same gear they saw on the track. The success of Triumph racing, and the bikes themselves, sparked a growing appetite for Triumph clothing.

THE YEARS THE LOGO SLEPT

From 1990 to 2020, the original Triumph logo may have stepped out of the corporate spotlight, but its spirit never faded. It lived on in riders’ garages, on the factory walls as part of our archive, and even as tattoos worn with pride. It continued to embody the passion, pride, and heritage that define Triumph.

THE LOGO’S REVIVAL

We brought the Heritage logo back to create two clear clothing lines both with distinct purposes:

• Triumph Casual Collection: A modern line of on and off the bike clothing featuring our updated modern Triumph logo.

• Triumph Heritage Collection: A premium line embodying the heritage design and inspiration, using the original 1936 Triumph Heritage logo.

Reviving the 1936 logo gave the Triumph Heritage line its own identity, while the modern logo continued to define riderwear and dealer-focused apparel. Many riders already linked the original emblem to the Meriden-built classics, the laid‑back heritage culture, and the modern classics they ride today.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE LOGO

Over the years, the colours of the Triumph logo shifted with the times: bold blues and deep blacks dominated the ’70s and beyond, but gold has always been part of our story. It appeared on the original Garden Gate tank badge, a detail that inspired us to bring gold back for our Triumph Heritage line in 2020. Gold carries a more premium feel on clothing and connects directly to the craftsmanship and legacy at the heart of Triumph. For the relaunch, we returned to the final draftsman’s drawing of the logo, grounding the modern revival in its most authentic form.

VIEW THE TRIUMPH HERITAGE CLOTHING COLLECTION HERE

Ultimately, the revival of the Triumph Heritage logo wasn’t just a strategic decision, it was driven by passion. Our Clothing Director, Kevin Charles, shared:

“The heritage logo reminds me of the old air‑cooled Triumph engines and their distinctive smell and sound, which is an incredibly visceral sensation. It takes you back to the original Meriden‑built bikes of that era. That’s what it means to me, it reflects the bikes of the ’50s and ’60s.

Bringing the logo into the clothing range was about capturing that feeling and giving riders a way to wear the emotion, memory, and soul of Triumph’s past.”

TRIUMPH HERITAGE T-SHIRTS

TRIUMPH HERITAGE SWEATS & JUMPERS

TRIUMPH HERITAGE ACCESSORIES

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Why were these colours chosen?

Chosen by our in-house designers at Triumph HQ in Hinckley, United Kingdom, these two colours nod to Triumph’s archive. Drawn from the weathered tanks, sun-worn leathers, and cool steel of vintage British motorcycles, these colours embody the enduring spirit of the road.

• Ocean Blue captures the essence of dawn rides along endless coastal roads. A colour of freedom, where open skies meet open throttle, echoing Triumph’s timeless touring spirit.

• Vintage Teal nods to the patina of timeworn machines, the kind found in tucked-away garages and passed down through generations. It’s a tribute to the riders who keep history alive with every rebuild and restoration.

How did the colours influence fabric choices, finishes, or design details?

To naturally create a subtle vintage spirit, we went for a heavier fabric. The new Little Joe Tee, Utah Tee, College Graphic Tee and Crest Tank Tee are all crafted from a 230gsm heavyweight cotton jersey that delivers a more structured, heritage feel. While the Ribble Quarter Zip Sweatshirt and Radial Heavy Crew Sweat are made of a 400gsm 100% cotton twill loopback; their intentionally coarser internal fabrics echoes the character of early motorcycle apparel worn by flat‑track riders, to create an authentic, lived‑in toughness.

Layering Potential

We selected these two new shades as they complement the current core palette of black, khaki, and stone—tones that pair naturally with denim and chinos. The result is an autumnal dusky blue and a green that not only work together but also enhance the collection’s versatility.

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BIKE PREPERATION

With the race a week away, I had to prepare my Triumph Rickman Metisse for the ice track.

Taking the wheels off, I fitted each tire knob with carefully placed screws, hoping they would give me the grip I needed on the ice. Unlike sand tracks which have a stable surface with a slippery top layer, snow is an unstable surface altogether. Front tyres float, meaning you need to use more of your bodyweight to steer. With this in mind, I stripped parts down the swing arm, front fork, and chain, making sure every piece of the bike was ready for the terrain.

RIDING PREPERATION

For the race, I focused heavily on training vintage motocross, sand riding with the Metisse, and flat track with my other Triumph. From the last Swank On Ice I attended, I learned that controlling the slide through corners was key. That’s where the flat track and sand training really came into play.

TRAVEL TO RALLY

The drive to Andorra from Belgium was an 11-hour journey. Together with Charlotte and Wannes, we took the road south. It was a beautiful journey, giving us a real taste of the countryside. We stayed in a beautiful cottage in Saint-Maurice-la-Souterraine and later took the mountain roads as we got closer to the Pyrenees.

Taking the road to Andorra, tucked between the French and Spanish Pyrenees, I set out in search of the thrill of ice. My Triumph Metisse was loaded and ready, its tires now armed with spikes, every detail checked one last time before departure.

FRIDAY BRIEFING

On Friday we arrived in Andorra and reunited with a mix of old friends and new faces at DEUS SWANK ON ICE. The paddock buzzed with energy as everyone unloaded their bikes, fueled up, and made final adjustments ahead of the technical checks. The track looked promising, the sun was shining, and anticipation was high. Once the bikes were dialed in, we gathered for the briefing, all of us eager for what lay ahead.

That evening was well spent over a great dinner, sharing stories of past races and dreams of those to come. Laughter filled the room as we speculated about the track conditions and how our bikes would perform on the ice. Eventually, we turned in, wrapping ourselves in warm sheets, knowing that the next day would test both rider and machine.

SATURDAY- RACE DAY

Saturday morning came early. At 8 a.m., we gathered at Circuit Andorra – Pas de la Casa. After a final briefing on weather and track conditions, engines roared to life. Extra layers went on to fight the cold, and soon we were out on the ice. Saturday brought heavier weather, snowfall and temperatures dropping to -6°C, feeling closer to -16°C. But spirits stayed high. We were there for the raw joy of ice racing, whatever conditions came with it.

Hitting the ice for the first time felt almost unreal. But the moment you start trusting the bike and push it into a corner, everything clicks. It begins to feel like riding a freshly prepped flat track just colder, faster, and far less forgiving.

We had two hours to get familiar with the track, fine-tuning the bikes, warming up between runs, and watching everyone carve through the ice with huge smiles. From the very first laps, it was clear: memories were already being made.

Just before midday, things shifted gears. We took on ice buggies and competed in a custom motorcycle time challenge. There were crashes, some minor, some less so, but also faster laps, high-fives, and nonstop laughter amid sprays of snow and sideways slides.

One of the highlights of the day was riding alongside Pol Tarres, whose skill on the bike was something else entirely. Watching him flow through corners and trying to keep up was both humbling and inspiring. There were close battles, elbows out at times, but always with mutual respect and a shared passion for the ride.

As daylight faded, the track opened fully for night racing. Under the lights, with goggles on and engines revving, we pushed ourselves even further. Each lap meant deeper slides, more throttle, and the constant pursuit of a better time.

Vintage motorcycles, ice racing, and riders from all over the world combine all that, and you get something truly special. The kind of experience that stays with you long after the ice melts.

Already looking forward to the next one.

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We didn’t just photograph it, we lived it.

THE COLLECTION

A collection born from the iconic 1960s era. A decade packed with rebellious energy, bold graphics, and a fearless approach to culture. The Heritage range taps straight into that, and California became the perfect amplifier.

We took the collection and let them be worn how they were supposed to be - in places that inspired them .

THE VISION

Old school British racing meets California riding. This season’s creative direction set out to capture the unique blend of the two worlds:

• The timeless energy of British heritage bikes

• The modern West Coast moto scene

California’s dirt roads and vast desert backdrops gave us the perfect set for a golden-hour shoot, letting the soft sunset highlight the collection with a natural warmth.

THE RIDERS

Meet Elliot, Forrest and Paul, the riders on the shoot. Three California locals who spend their days carving through dusty hills, tuning bikes in their garages, and putting miles on their Triumphs.

Forrest is a rider shaped by traditional craftsmanship. He builds race‑ready motorcycles. One of the events he’s attended is the Baja 1000, an iconic off‑road race across Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, spanning over a thousand miles of challenging terrain. His riding style is raw, intentional, and fully connected to the road. It’s the same spirit that drives the Heritage range.

Paul is a renowned bike builder whose work has found its way to celebrity garages and Hollywood sets. For this shoot, we were fortunate to have exclusive access to his garage. Stepping into Paul’s workshop for this shoot felt like entering a private museum of icons: rare heritage bikes, surfboards, skateboards, and tools worn in by decades of real use. This wasn’t just a location, it set the tone for the shoot.

Elliot is the founder of Le Hangar 23, a garage in the heart of Costa Mesa, California, housing an abundance of vintage British bikes and a shedload of stories. A tribute to his Grandfather’s farm shop in France where he first learned to work on anything with wheels. We recently spent a day with him for an interview (read it here).

Meeting the people who keep California’s vintage bike culture alive was a reminder of how much passion still fuels this scene. They’re the new generation carrying the heritage forward and living it. Being able to fly out to California, spend time with them, and call it “work” feels like a privilege.

THE CREATIVES

Joining the Triumph team and riders are Monti and Kelly. The creative minds behind the cameras. As riders themselves, they instinctively know how to express the essence of Heritage and the spirit of California riding, bringing each shot to life with authenticity and intent. Nothing clean, nothing over polished, everything exactly as it should be.

• Monti shot the stills with cinematic grit

• Kelly captured the videography, bringing the motion to life with instinctive timing and grounded, authentic movement

They brought the kind of energy and passion that instantly lifts a set, and being long‑time friends with Forrest, Elliot and Paul, added a warmth that you can’t manufacture. It turned the shoot into something that felt more like a day spent with friends than a day at work.

THE LOCATION

Two worlds, one story.

The Hills

The Californian hills were chosen to let the rugged terrain and open light echo the raw rebellious energy, allowing us to channel the bold, youthful spirit of the 1960s in a fresh, contemporary way. An effortless atmosphere that made the collection feel instantly lived-in.

Paul’s Garage

We paired those wide, sun‑drenched and dusty backdrops with a shoot in Paul’s garage, a space layered with craft, West Coast moto culture and layers of character in every corner. A garage that most people would dream of, filled with bikes and trinkets hidden in every corner.

BEHIND THE SHOOT

This wasn’t a massive production. No large crew, no over-polished setups. Just a tight team of riders, creatives, and storytellers who knew what they were chasing, and how to let the environment lead. The “Behind the Shoot” content we captured reflects that spirit: candid moments, dusty boots, shared laughs, and the kind of collaboration that happens when everyone’s hands are on the throttle. It was intimate, instinctive, and refreshingly unfiltered.

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To read more on Elliot and Le Hanger 23, check out our previous blog : HERE

BROWSE TRIUMPH HERITAGE FEATURED ITEMS

At the helm is Elliot Delapré, a man whose life has been shaped by the hum of engines and the elegance of Triumph motorcycles. From his early days in a French farm shop to building one of the most respected vintage Triumph spaces in the U.S., Elliot’s journey is one of passion, precision, and a deep reverence for the machines that defined a generation. In this interview, we step inside his world to explore the soul of Le Hangar 23 and the legacy of Triumph through his eyes.

Elliot, thanks for joining us. Let’s start with the name - why “Le Hangar 23”?

Elliot Delapré: It’s a tribute to my grandfather’s farm shop in France, where I first learned to work on anything with wheels. That place sparked my lifelong love for mechanics and motorcycles. “Le Hangar 23” honors that legacy and brings it into our workshop here in Costa Mesa. I was just a kid, but I was hooked. The smell of oil, the sound of engines, it was magic. That early experience shaped everything I do today.

Le Hangar 23 grew out of Triumph Classic Motorcycles. Can you tell us about that transition?

Elliot: Triumph Classic Motorcycles was a restoration shop that restored vintage British motorcycles from the 60’s and 70’s. When the previous owner retired, I acquired the remaining assets and built Le Hangar 23 with a team of his previous mechanics. We kept the same mission: to restore and preserve vintage British motorcycles with unmatched craftsmanship.

And Triumph motorcycles became your specialty. Why Triumph?

Elliot: I like Triumphs because there’s no A side or B side — just a beautifully balanced engine design that lets you do almost anything with them: custom builds, stock restorations, desert sleds, scramblers, choppers, you name it. The late ’60s twins, especially from 1968 to 1970, are masterpieces. They represent the golden era of British engineering. I raced them, rebuilt them, and now I’m lucky enough to make it my career. There’s a soul in those machines that modern bikes just don’t have.

Westerner Jacket

Your team spans multiple generations. How does that influence your work?

Elliot: It’s one of our strengths. We’ve got mechanics in their 20s and others in their 70s. That mix brings together traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. Every project is a collaboration across eras. We blend old-world techniques with modern precision. Every bike we work on is a tribute to its history and a promise to its future.

What’s a typical day like at Le Hangar 23?

Elliot: It’s hands-on and full of stories. We spend the week rebuilding engines, tuning carburetors, and sourcing rare parts. Then, come the weekend, we ride. The Southern California desert is our playground. It’s not just about fixing bikes—it’s about living the lifestyle.

You also race vintage Triumphs?

Elliot: Absolutely. Racing keeps us sharp. It’s one thing to restore a bike, it’s another to push it to its limits. On the track we learn more about how the bike behaves, how to unlock more capacity, and where we can refine our work. It’s the ultimate proving ground for the work we do and the best way to refine these machines beyond the workshop.

Beyond restorations, you also buy & sell vintage Triumphs?

Elliot: Yes, we certainly buy, sell, and trade bikes. Sometimes connecting buyers and sellers is a better path than a full restoration because it offers a lower entry point and lets people learn to love and work on their machine themselves. There’s nothing quite like taking a bike that’s been sitting in a garage wasting away, getting it running, and putting it back into someone’s hands to ride and live again. Every time another vintage Triumph gets back on the road, it feels like a win.

Why Triumph? What sets these bikes apart from other vintage brands?

Elliot: I actually started out working on vintage Japanese bikes, but the first time I saw a vintage Triumph I was immediately hooked. The look of the engine drew me in, and once I started wrenching on them, I realized how intuitive the engineering and design really are. Then I got on one and rode it—and that was it, I was hooked for life. There’s just nothing else that really compares to a vintage Triumph.

What’s next for Le Hangar 23?

Elliot: We’re developing parts for riders who want to build their own desert sleds or subtle customs at home, but that’s just one piece of it. At the core, our mission is community—making sure vintage Triumphs aren’t just sitting in garages, but being ridden, enjoyed, and kept alive for the next generation. Whatever it takes to keep these machines on the road and in the culture, that’s what we’re here to do.

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FONK Motorcycle's Instagram: fonkmotorcycle

Hidden beneath the railway arches of Kobe, FONK Motorcycles is more than a garage, it’s a sanctuary for riders who believe motorcycles are a way of life. We sat down with Satoshi, lead mechanic and co-founder, to talk about Triumph, craftsmanship, and the culture that makes FONK a hidden gem in Japan’s motorcycle scene.

Satoshi, Fonk Motorcycles has a reputation for being more than just a workshop. How did it all begin?

I spent around five and a half years training at a motorcycle shop, where the owner taught me everything from maintenance and painting to welding and the deeper mechanics of motorcycles. His younger brother was also running a British-only custom shop, and watching his work up close gradually sparked my interest in Triumph. Before long, I bought a 1968 Unit 650 engine as a basket case. The frame came from his brother, and under his guidance I learned to build a hardtail, fully rebuild the engine, and fabricate the bodywork from scratch. That machine became my first Triumph. I’ve ridden many different motorcycles over the years, but I came to realise that Triumphs suited my instincts and sensibilities better than anything else. Owning my own shop had always been a dream, and that led me to establish FONK. Little by little, and with patience and care, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing the appeal of Triumph working with the machines and their culture with the respect they deserve.

What makes Fonk different from other garages in Japan?

I often hear that many custom shops in Japan, especially those dealing with vintage motorcycles, can feel quite closed off, and I personally feel the same way. For dedicated enthusiasts, that kind of space works well enough, but for younger riders, or for those who want to start exploring vintage Triumphs more deeply, it can be a difficult environment to step into. With FONK, I want to create a place and community that serves as a gateway for those people. Somewhere they can begin riding motorcycles, and begin their relationship with Triumphs, without feeling intimidated. Many of our customers are from a younger generation, mainly in their 20s to 40s. None of us, myself included, can claim to know everything about motorcycles or the culture surrounding them, but the ideal for me is that we share knowledge openly and grow together. I’m particularly drawn to the way Triumphs are approached and styled in the United States, so whenever I can, I travel there to learn from American friends. Being able to bring those experiences back and feed them into FONK for our customers is something I genuinely look forward to, it’s what keeps me motivated day by day.

Can you describe the atmosphere inside Fonk?

It’s quiet, but unmistakably alive. Rock and blues drift from the speakers, sometimes funk or soul, while the air carries the mixed scent of petrol and engine oil, punctuated by the clink of tools. On the lifts sit Triumph TR6Cs and T120Rs, alongside desert sleds and choppers in the midst of custom builds. In one corner, a TR6C rests mid-restoration, while the walls are lined with vintage blacklight posters. In the showroom, you’ll find not only motorcycle manuals, but also books on art and tattoo culture. It’s not uncommon for riders to sit and read while we work. People often bring sake or homemade food to share. The spirit is distinctly Japanese, but the heart of the place is pure Triumph.

What’s the Triumph scene like in Japan, and how does FONK fit into it?

It’s growing quietly, but steadily. I think Japanese riders are drawn to Triumph not because of speed, but because of feeling. For us, what matters most is building a connection with the motorcycles and the culture around them, and preserving something special in our own, classically minded way. Compared to the long established Triumph shops that came before us, FONK is still like a baby. We may not yet match them in terms of experience or technical depth, but our motivation and passion are second to none. Right now, we’re in a phase of growing our circle. I believe it’s important for us to take action ourselves and pass on the joy of Triumph to a younger generation. I recently spoke with Elliott from Le Hangar 23 in Costa Mesa, California. We talked about how, in a global era, it would be great to create environments where people can enjoy motorcycles beyond the boundaries of countries and scenes. It takes time, but we believe in building things slowly, starting with small steps. Lately, I’ve been taking my own T100R onto forest roads and entering races, which has led to countless encounters and lessons. When people tell me that FONK was the reason they became interested in Triumph and when many of them go on to buy their own, it feels incredibly rewarding. If FONK can play even a small role in helping that passion for Triumph spread, it would be an honour.

Do you have a personal Triumph story that stands out?

It might be the T100R I own now. Last year, while I was in the US spending time at Elliott’s shop, he casually said, “We’re heading out to Meatball’s place from Hell on Wheels in Arizona, do you want to come along?” I didn’t have a bike with me, but among the Triumphs Elliott owned was a T100R in largely original trim. I asked if I could buy it, and he said, of course. It already had a T100C cylinder head fitted, converted to a single carb, with a left-side high pipe perfect as a base. Almost as if I’d planned for it, I had brought a seat I’d built in Japan along with Fonk’s original handlebars, so we fitted those straight away. I also installed a Ceriani front end Elliott gave me, machining parts on the lathe to make it work. I remember working on the bike flat on the ground and getting told off by Tink, the chief mechanic, something we can laugh about now. Then we set off together for Arizona. Riding across that vast landscape was overwhelming in the best way. The excitement, the tension, the smell of dust, the intensity of the sun. Everyone rode freely, maybe a little too freely. We got separated, ran low on fuel, and for a moment it genuinely felt like we might be stranded. But somehow, we all made it back before sunset. Honestly, there was a moment of real panic. Being welcomed into that kind of dynamic, American style adventure made it an unforgettable day. I’m grateful to everyone who took me along. After that, the T100R came back with me to Japan, where I continued to refine and maintain it. It now runs beautifully. The people I met, and the emotions this Triumph connected from California and Arizona all the way back to Kobe are things I’ll never forget. I want to once again express my deepest thanks to Elliott, and to everyone who brought me along on that Arizona journey.

What’s next for FONK Motorcycles?

We see FONK as a bridge connecting our customers with people who truly live and breathe motorcycles. There is still so much we must learn from those who came before us, and many things simply can’t be learned through the internet alone. It’s true that more people are becoming interested in Triumph and starting to ride them, but it’s also true that knowledge of motorcycle history and culture is often limited. If this culture is to survive, it’s essential that riders develop a deeper, more accurate understanding and perspective. Our goal is for FONK to grow into a place where experienced veterans & people with real-world knowledge and lived experience can connect with customers through events, rides, and shared time. A place where people don’t just ride, but learn while enjoying the process. That’s how we believe this culture can continue forward. And of course, more Triumphs. Always more Triumphs.

What’s the culture like at FONK Motorcycles when it comes to Triumph?

At FONK, the Triumph culture is quiet and sincere. There’s no flash, no showing off. What matters here is the motorcycle itself, and a deep respect for the time, history, and stories carried within it. Owners naturally treat one another with respect, valuing not how fast a bike is, but how it’s lived with and cared for. A Triumph at FONK isn’t just something you own, it’s a shared language. It connects people across generations and levels of experience, forming a community that is understated, but deeply rooted. That calm, thoughtful bond is what defines Triumph culture at FONK.

How do Japanese riders connect with the Triumph brand?

Here, there is a deep respect for craftsmanship. The beauty of Triumph’s design, its long history, and the way it seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, all of it resonates strongly. Japanese riders who choose Triumph value authenticity above all else, and Triumph embodies that ideal, answering those feelings honestly and without compromise. It is no longer simply a British brand; Triumph has become a global language that speaks of freedom. In a world flooded with noise and information, it remains a machine that evokes something unwavering and real, an emotion you can genuinely feel when you ride.

Final thoughts for Triumph riders around the world?

Ride safe and enjoy your bikes. Feel the heartbeat of the machine, share what motorcycling means to each of you, and don’t overthink it. Start with the simple things and get your hands dirty. And if you ever find yourself in Kobe, please do stop by and see us.

And lastly, what’s your favourite Triumph?

1955 Triumph TR5

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Bryan Thompson has carved out a reputation as one of the most passionate craftsmen in the custom motorcycle world, breathing new life into vintage Triumphs from inside his Thompson Cycles garage. In this video, Bryan opens the doors to his Triumph Heritage Threads, sharing the stories behind his Triumph collection, reliving the thrill of Bonneville Speed Week and Glen Helen, and reflecting on how racing has shaped the rhythm of his life.

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