[1] Based on the Speed Twin, the TR5 was a trials machine designed for off-road use with a high level two into one exhaust and good handling on public roads.

This was Triumph's first aluminum cylinder head/barrel, and factory employees speculated during the War that the alloy heads, with their superior cooling properties, could easily be adapted for a motorcycle.

[3] From 1951 the 498 cc (30.4 cu in) engine was updated with new alloy barrels and heads with finer-pitch finning and a rounded profile, which was shared with the Tiger 100 model.

[5][6][7] The Fonz, a character played by Henry Winkler in the popular and long-running American sit-com Happy Days, rode a mildly customized 1949 Trophy TR5 starting in Season 2.

The motorcycle was provided by stuntman and Triumph dealer Bud Ekins, who removed the front fender, painted the fuel tank silver and changed the handlebars.