192 pages and more than 70 illustrations and charts, size 6.625 x 10.25 inches. This publication is a faithful reproduction of the Triumph Factory Manual No.17 for the 1956 to 1962 pre-unit 650cc and 500cc twins.
The original manual states 'From Engine No.0945 and D101 September 1956 Onwards' the later reprint of this same manual states '1956 to 1962 inclusive' which would include the 650cc and 500cc pre-unit swing-arm twins built between September 1956 and August 1962. These would be the final pre-unit model years ending with the introduction of the unit-construction models identified by the DU engine number prefix.
Owners of the earlier 650cc and 500cc pre-unit models are directed to Triumph Factory Manual No.11 ISBN 97815885002865, which covers the 1945 through 1955 models. Owners of the unit-construction 650cc and 500cc twins from 1962 through 1970 require the Triumph Factory Manual ISBN 9781588502667.
THE VARIOUS 1945 to 1970 650cc & 500cc MANUALS EXPLAINED
1945-1962 PRE-UNIT MANUALS: The original small format (51/2' x 81/2") stapled booklet style Manual No.11 covered the 1945 to 1955 rigid frame, sprung hub and swing-arm twins and remained in print under part number 99-0836 (ISBN 9781588502865) through the mid 1960's.
Manual No.11 was superseded by Manual No.17 (Ref. 800/62) which was ultimately reprinted (without modifications) under part number 99-0837 (ISBN 9781588502872). It includes coverage for the last of the pre-unit (swing-arm only) 650cc and 500cc models from September 1956 up to August 1962.
1963-1970 UNIT-CONSTRUCTION MANUALS: Manuals for these models commenced with the publication of a large format (81/2" x 11") 3-ring bound, manual part number 99-0883 that covered the 1963 (September 1962) through the 1968 unit-construction models.
The 99-0883 manual was subsequently updated by the publication of part number 99-0889 which was unique to the 1969 and 1970 models. Ultimately, both of these manuals were merged under part number 99-0883/0889 (ISBN 9781588502667) as a single manual covering the 1963 through 1970 models.
Unfortunately, owners of pre-1970 Triumph motorcycles are subjected to considerable confusion surrounding the appropriate selection from the multitude of originals and reprints of the various manuals that have recently flooded the online marketplace. We encourage you to exercise caution when purchasing a manual for your motorcycle or automobile as many of the reprints found on internet websites are from 'bedroom sellers' at enticingly low prices by individuals that really have no idea what they are selling. Many are nothing more than poor quality comb-bound photocopies that are scanned and printed complete with greasy pages and thumbprints and, as such, are deceptively described as 'pre-owned', 'used' or even 'refurbished'! In addition, they are often advertised for the incorrect series and/or model years.
