This Custom Triumph TR6 Flat Tracker Is a Purpose-Built Race Bike Born in France

It was put together by one Christophe Canitrot, who resides over in Toulouse and has been building custom motorcycles solo for several years. He is heavily involved in the French bike-modding community, much more so than other enthusiasts or even some professional builders. As one of the race directors at the annual Wheels and Waves festival near Biarritz, Christophe takes his craft very seriously in the hopes of inspiring others.

The Frenchman also likes to get in on some proper action at Wheels and Waves, being particularly keen on the show’s flat-tracking event. At first, his weapon of choice had been a classic Triumph Daytona purpose-built for going sideways and left, but he eventually decided to take things one step further. Whereas the said Daytona still used the stock frame and engine, this wild TR6R only retains the parallel-twin mill.

Christophe didn’t start by acquiring the donor bike, though, instead kicking things off by hunting down the frame. He was lucky enough to score a brand-new Staracer chassis made by the one and only Roger Attebury, intended specifically for competitive flat track racing. With this fresh skeleton in his possession, Monsieur Canitrot began searching for a suitable power source to match its geometry.

Repurposing the engine of his Daytona race bike seemed like the most straightforward solution, but the framework had been designed for a larger 650cc vertical twin. This is how the Triumph TR6R came into the picture, as the project’s author found a 1967 model in the U.S. and had it imported to France via Legend Motor. While the TR6 was making its way across the big pond, he gathered a few more bits and pieces before the real fun could begin.

These included some snazzy 38 mm (1.5-inch) Ceriani GP replica forks, a fresh pair of aluminum rims, and various aftermarket accessories. As the necessary parts were being collected, Christophe took delivery of the TR6 and proceeded to call in reinforcements for the powertrain-related work. He sent the motorcycle’s parallel-twin mill to Philippe Fabre, a local mechanic whose services came in handy several times before.

Philippe really went to town with the engine makeover, installing a 750cc big bore kit complete with replacement pistons, cylinder barrels, and gaskets. The valves and their associated springs are all new, as well, but you will also find a lighter crank, fresh connecting rods, and a premium camshaft. Furthermore, the twin-cylinder powerhouse benefits from additional modern-day reliability in the form of a Tri-Spark electronic ignition system.

It now inhales through Mikuni carburetors topped with K&N air filters, while the exhaust gases are expelled via custom stainless-steel plumbing. Featuring a two-into-one configuration, the pipework was meticulously crafted by Cristoffer Martensson down in Barcelona. Back in Toulouse, Sir Canitrot pieced the rolling chassis together while Philippe was taking care of the engine.

The Ceriani replica forks were mated to Staracer frame by way of bespoke triple clamps and bearings, but Christophe didn’t mention where the adjustable rear shocks came from. Of course, all the stopping power occurs at the back, where you’ll come across a drilled brake disc and a high-grade caliper. The latter is operated through a Brembo master cylinder.

As for the aluminum rims we’ve mentioned earlier, they’ve been laced to custom wheel hubs and enveloped in flat-track rubber fore and aft. The French moto connoisseur kept things fairly simple when it came to the bodywork, just as you’d expect from a dedicated flat track racing machine. We notice a trio of handmade number plates, one up front and the others flanking the seat.

They bear the number 71 over a white background, and there is also a slender fuel tank wrapped in a vibrant yellow base. Red Triumph graphics make an appearance, too, because you might as well look the part while going fast around the dirt track, right? Christophe Canitrot fashioned the high-mounted fender and accompanying struts in-house, but the two-piece saddle was made by a local specialist from Toulouse.

For the finishing touches, the Frenchman added billet aluminum foot controls and a wide aftermarket handlebar. Still, there are tons of smaller details he hasn’t gone into here, and the final result is absolutely top-notch on every level! It looks fully prepared for a life of flat track action, with all the retro charm you could want from a TR6-based build. We reckon it’d be even cooler with mud splattered all over it, though.