Slippery Sam

Slippery Sam is a British production class racing motorcycle from the early 1970s that used a carefully prepared version of the 750 cc Triumph Trident ohv (pushrod) three-cylinder engine.

The "Slippery Sam" name was acquired during the 1970 Bol d'Or, a 24-hour race for production-based machines held in France, when engine difficulties and escaping oil covered the bike of Triumph employee Percy Tait and co-rider Steve Jolly who managed to finish in fifth place to winners Paul Smart and Tom Dickie on another works Trident.

In 1974, racer and journalist Ray Knight stated in UK magazine Motorcyclist Illustrated "Isn't it amazing how the evergreen Trident 'Slippery Sam' keeps on winning the big production races?

[4] Bert Hopwood urged BSA's managers to make a production version of the racing triple, producing 84 bhp (63 kW) at 8,250 rpm – but this suggestion was ignored, partly due to financial concerns.

The main differences from the factory North frames were TIG welding instead of brazed, flat plate rear engine mounts instead of built-up formed sheet and 4130 Cro-Mo steel material.

Slippery Sam, a roadster prepared for production-class road racing to controlled specifications using selected adaptations only, available from the factory as part-numbered inventory, seen exhibited at a UK Classic Car and Bike Show in 2009 wearing a Dunlop TT100 rear tyre
A Slippery Sam replica, part of a tribute ride-out following Geoff Duke 's funeral cortege leaving from the TT Grandstand , Isle of Man , in 2015
Green-and-white racing motorcycle in museum
Rob North framed BSA Rocket 3 F750 class at the Sammy Miller Museum