Triumphrat

hogwylde · 01-24-2008, 09:54 PM

A fella in a local town forum posted about finding some knowledgeable people as he has a '78 750 Bonnie and was looking for help with his bike as he hadn't started it (in decades?) as he says, "since he was 14"..

So if he joins this forum, who should I expect the toaster from? Wombat?

burmbuster · 01-24-2008, 10:04 PM

If your leading your friend to THIS forum you mite want to buy HIM a toaster!

Wombat · 01-24-2008, 10:04 PM

Not unless he is just some 'wylde' H-D rider that only wants to come here to socialize with his betters.

Seriously though, If he has a '78 Bonnie, there are some extremely knowledgeable guys over on the 'Vintage and Veteran' forum that would be only to glad to help him out.

tbox35 · 01-25-2008, 07:21 AM

Let me introduce myself first:

My name is Tony and am from Westfield MA.
I was given this Bonnie in my step-father's will. The last time this bike ran was when he moved it from our old house to the new (at the time) house. He parked it in the garage and there it sits. A few years later we put marvel mystery oil in the case to preserve it with the hopes of one day riding together. That never happened. I have owned motorcycles my entire adult life; honda cruiser, sportbikes, KTMs, and my dream Ducati 900ss. I am also a motorcycle safety instructor.

Last summer I took the first step to get this bike running. I dusted off and re-lubed some controls. I have noticed already that the throttle tube is seized and both brake systems need to be replace. The calipers were siezed but managed to get them freed up enough to move the bike.

My issues will be: should I attempt to start it after a full fluid change or go right for tearing it down? I don't trust myself with a motor teardown or the carbs for that matter. I don't have the cash to send it out for some one else to do it. Here's where I ask for your thoughts.

I think Hogwylde deserves a toaster for getting me here.

70TR6C · 01-25-2008, 10:05 AM

Hi Tony, I was born in Westfield but live in Hampden now. Years ago Herb Mogul had a Triumph Shop on Mechanic St. in Westfield but it's all gone now. I would also advise you visit John Scribner at BJs Cycle Service on East St. in Chicopee. His shop is like going back in time, a treat to visit thereand he is a nice guy too.

Whisperinsmith · 01-25-2008, 10:31 AM

tbox35,
First of all, welcome to the forum.

Here is a contact that I know will be able to give you the info you need. PM (send a personal message) bonnevillebilly. He has a bike in his garage of the same vintage, if not the exact same year. And he knows what steps to take. He is in Mass also, so not too far away from each other.

Good luck.

hogwylde · 01-25-2008, 11:14 AM

Hey TBOX, what street you live on? I'm on Barbara St and work on the road. Maybe I can swing by and to a peak!

tbox35 · 01-25-2008, 12:27 PM

I'm on Joseph by Papermill. The bike is at my mother's house until spring and my pellets are out of the garage.

hogwylde · 01-25-2008, 01:17 PM

I work for Comcast and have been at it for 20 years. Odds are I've been to your house...LOL

I almost bought a house on Joseph Ave. Think it was #130 - on the "S" turn and have friends on Elizabeth

tbox35 · 01-25-2008, 08:07 PM

I am a house past Amy, same side. Only been here for three years this spring. I work at the airport, going to get loud soon. Swing by some day anyway. I have a silver Dodge Ram and a white and green camper parked in the backyard for the winter.