Triumph Motorcycles: the craftsmanship linked to the Chrome Collection range

The new specimens of ChromeCollection are offered only for 2023, made and finished with artisanal care. Ten visions characterized by the exclusive scheme Chrome Edition, chosen to recall the history of each model.

A limited edition proposal

The model overview Chrome Edition includes specimens Bonneville e Rocket 3, as already mentioned previously. If you consider the latter, the new and exclusive Triumph Rocket 3 R Chrome Edition it is designed to capture attention by observing the livery which includes a chrome tank with Jet Black touches. A shade also used for headlight covers, fly screen, mudguards, side panels, radiator covers and tail. There are also elements with a Matt Aluminum finish, through which a distinctive visual contrast is obtained. A custom accessories kit is dedicated to this example which includes progressive turn signals and bar end mirrors.

While the Triumph Rocket 3 GT Chrome Edition it is a further interpretation of the technological cruiser for fans of long journeys, equipped with a fully chromed tank, combined with a Diablo Red colour. Headlight covers, fly screen, side panels, mudguards and radiator guards are all in Jet Black, while Matt Aluminum Silver is visible on other parts such as the forks and radiator frame.

For the development of the Chrome Collection overview, the English brand used a Ancient chrome plating technique, avoiding the galvanic process where chrome plating expands the thickness of the original part and also the modern technology of so-called "flash chrome plating", which allows very thin layers of chrome to be deposited between 0.003 and 0.007 mm thick. It's cheap and quick, but it's not as visually appealing as classic chrome plating.
For these special models, an additional five hours of work is required for each example, including final hand polishing. Equally important is the application of the metal elements on the tank, possible with thin parts and considerable skill in handling rigid finishes. A protective and transparent varnish is therefore used.

The ancient process consists of a series of baths in different solutions, in which the pieces to be chrome-plated are subsequently immersed. The first baths allow the various parts to be degreased and cleaned using an electrolytic solution of hydrochloric acid or caustic soda, followed by several washes. In this case Triumph has opted for a very modern technology: ultrasonic cleaning. Then the tanks and other elements end up in an electrolytic nickel solution for some time in order to obtain a first coating of this metal to uniform the surface at a microscopic level and facilitate the adhesion of the chromium.

Subsequently the pieces are washed again and the chrome layer is applied on the nickel-plated base layer, as mentioned. This is the final point of the artisanal process with the tanks and the pieces to be chromed in a definitive bath of electrolytic chromium solution.
Continuing, the craftsmen of the Triumph design department lay a masking by hand, to apply a specific primer with a spray paint. We then come to manual polishing and the final phase, examined by specialized technicians with the aid of special spotlights to evaluate each part of the model. The discarded items end up in the recycling process, while the others are placed on the bikes in the Chrome Collection range.

Photo: Triumph