Triumphrat

Coroja · 05-28-2009, 01:26 PM

I'm getting the urge to buy a vintage Triumph (I already have a 1974 Norton Commando). There is a 1971 TR6 for sale on eBay that is only a few miles from my home (I.e. I can actually go see it). There is also a 1973 T150 Trident for sale in Northern California (also on eBay). If you were considering either of these bikes, which would you prefer for occasional, two-up rides. Note: I have a 2003 Sprint and a Daytona 1050 project in the works for more serious riding.

Thanks in advance for the input!

NHOJ from Maine · 05-28-2009, 01:38 PM

i'd go for any triumph 1970 or before.
a tr6 between 68-70 would be my first choice.
has the best style, nice TLS front brake, and only 1 carb to deal with.

i would avoid the oil in frame, models.
although there are some fine versions.
but they have less oil capacity, taller seats, and look clunkyer to me.

the 1971 model year supposedly had the most bugs and problems due to being the first year oil in frame model.

i also think you can't go wrong with any of the 500's.
they are so sweet, i own both a 1969 T100S and T100C model. -j

t100rc · 05-28-2009, 02:00 PM

I'd go twin before Trident.

The '71 is a good bike, if you can deal with the seat height. It does have a smaller oil capacity and its share of quirks as well as a conical front brake that is mediocre. However, as far as the engine is concerned, it's one of the last 2 650s which, at that point, was all but perfect. In vintage Triumphs big twins, the '71 and '72 are probably the best value as they're still largely overlooked.

I also love the 500s (obviously) but they are a little small for 2-up riding. It can do it, but don't plan on any highway riding on it as its small displacement and (very) light chassis make it harrowing on 'big roads'.

You really can't go wrong with a '68 - '70 650 Triumph, although they are often pricey as everyone regards them as the 'holy grails' of vintage Triumphs. For 2-up riding vintage fun, I'd probably strongly consider a late 750 oil in frame ...

stewdog68 · 05-28-2009, 02:49 PM

I would go with the TR6

1)close to home /you know what your buying
2) I don't like the T150's

but also have to weight in on price of each and what you really want because it's your money not mine

pookybear · 05-28-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coroja

I'm getting the urge to buy a vintage Triumph (I already have a 1974 Norton Commando). There is a 1971 TR6 for sale on eBay that is only a few miles from my home (I.e. I can actually go see it). There is also a 1973 T150 Trident for sale in Northern California (also on eBay). If you were considering either of these bikes, which would you prefer for occasional, two-up rides. Note: I have a 2003 Sprint and a Daytona 1050 project in the works for more serious riding.

Thanks in advance for the input!

Coroja,

It all depends on the Trident. If it starts and runs within the
first three kicks, buy it. Otherwise, too costly to sort out the
problems compaired to the twin. Besides, it is always nice to
look at the bike before you buy, so that is another good point
for the twin.

Pookybear

GrandPaulZ · 05-28-2009, 09:55 PM

Get the Trident.

First thing, open the ignition cavity in the timing cover and have a look; if anything other than a Tri-Spark ignition, replace it with one and enjoy the bike for many years to come.

Second thing, if it has the breadbox tank and cigar style mufflers, replace with the "round" Bonnie style tank and "sausage on a stick" Bonnie style mufflers.

thirdbike · 05-28-2009, 10:55 PM

This is like the Ford or the Chev question. It's really a matter of individual taste. The real deciding factor should be the overall condition of the bike.
If the TR6 was a late 60's I'd go with it without hesitation. The TR6 is a solid product and has the parallel twin sound. It has the recognized look of a British bike.
The T-150 is a rarer machine. They were the first real super bikes. The Tridents were fast and handled well. They won a lot of races in the early 70's but did have their issues - think engine rebuild. They didn't catch on as was first expected but Honda had a lot to do with that. As noted earlier, some people didn't like their looks. T-150 still has the reverse shift brake pedals.
Size wise, there's really not a lot of difference for a two-up ride. Trident does have the horsepower edge.
I'm curious why GPZ would suggest changing the look and sound with the exhaust changeover.

GrandPaulZ · 05-29-2009, 11:32 AM

I just like the look of the "traditional" Triumph; the Trident was a new styling excercise, and it was part of the reason they didn't sell as many of them.

I have an original '74, with a "U.S." style tank on the shelf that I've swapped out a time or two. I am looking for an inexpensive set of "Ray Gun" mufflers for it, because I like the way they look.

One thing for sure, when a Trident comes up "on the pipe" (hits the power band), the mechanical banshee howl is a sound that can't be beat (similar sound, no matter what pipes you have on it). It'll make the hair on your neck stand up.

meatwagon · 05-29-2009, 12:55 PM

The Trident
more power for 2 up riding

1759AG · 05-29-2009, 02:03 PM

All depends on the preference. I have a friend here in Nevada (that needs to sell due to his age and relocating) with a '74 T150; less than 6K on it pretty near all original (that is what is tempting to me), just needs the typical TLC and paint the gold 'swoosh' back on the tank. The thing fired up on the 4th kick! It has been in a rental storage for the past 10 years.
I have to think practically; still trying to get the 69 TR6 to run and am partial to the twin. Having a Trident as well would just be pretty cool though. He confirmed what I had learned about them; run high octane fuel and they go through the rear tires. Other than that, a sweet machine.