Triumphrat

oldroadie

I have an opportunity to acquire this 1969 Tiger at what I think is a fair enough price (considering I've been lusting for a bike to restore). So far only pictures have changed hands but I can obtain it this Saturday, August 1st. Will you knowledgeable folk give me some guidance on things to look out for when I finally see it in the flesh?

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1964 Highway Trophy TR6SR
2004 Bonneville America

epynt1050

Looks to be in good condition and all the parts are there. Probably only need oil change, fresh gas etc. Make sure the engine turns over and there is compression on both cylinders. Kicking it over will tell you this. If it runs without too much mechanical noise even better. Worth checking the forks for play and that the wheels are approx in line. If you do fine problems just negotiate the price down. Just about anything on these bikes can be fixed ata price.

quagmire

The only thing I see is the speedo and tach are missing. This shouldn't cost you too much.

Check the serial numbers. they should be between DU85904 to DU90282 or NC00100 to HC24346. If its begins with DU it is an early year 69, if NC thru HC it's a leter model year 69.

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Hey, What's this oil on the floor?

pookybear

Oldroadie,

just common sense stuff comes to mind. You know check for
rust in the tank, color of the oil. Dry rotted tires. Broken off
cooling fins. Rounded off bolts and such.

Just take your time and go over the bike, the current owner if
he has nothing to hide he or she will not mind you having a good
look.

Pookybear

oldroadie

Thank you one and all. I have a couple of Hinckleys (well, I gave the Bonnie to my nephew) and really want to add a classic to my garage. I thought this Tiger looked like it hadn't been corrupted too much and that made me think it might be the one.

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1964 Highway Trophy TR6SR
2004 Bonneville America

Radzz

It looks ok, all the original parts seem to be there. The ID numbers for a 69 can also run cc..... for march 69 dc.... for April 69 etc.. Hope it works out for you.

farric1

oldroadie,

These are a fine bike. The single carb makes for good reliability, smoothness and economy with little sacrifice in performance compared to the twin carb Bonnie. You will be pleased by the handling and flickability of the bike. Even the drum brakes are rather good for the vintage (No worse than the later single disc fitted to the T140's) In addition, it looks like your machine has a Mikuni carb fitted (I could be wrong) which is a plus. No tickling required or prematurely worn slides! With the Mikuni, you should see about 50-55 mpg (English gallons) on a steady cruise.

There seems to be no instruments fitted. If the owner does not have them, get a quote for replacement items and use this to bargain with.

The machine looks like it's been restored fairly recently. Check that the bike has matching numbers. How good are the wheels? Rechroming and rebuilding can be expensive, so factor this in, if necessary.

Start the bike, check for oilsmoke. If so, check with the owner as to how recently the topend has had a service. Also, how far has the bike travelled on the current barrels and pistons? Factor this in as well.

Everything else is much the same as you expect to check for in any secondhand bike.

You may find, if you ride the bike, that it revs a little hard at 60mph. This is beacuse Triumph fitted a 19t Gearbox sprocket. Fitting a 20T sprocket makes for more relaxed cruising at Freeway speeds.

You need some decals to finish off the side panels. Very cheap and easy to obtain. Satisfying to apply!

I'd buy this bike if it were available to me if the price and condition matched and I lived in the US!

Good luck, I look forward to hearing more about this bike.

Regards

farric1

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Norton may have developed the oil leak, but it's Triumph who perfected it

oldroadie

The tins did indeed show signs of an not too recent repaint but the painter was sloppy and the left front of the tank has bubbled. The front rim is rusty on the surface but since both tires have sidewall cracks I'll be pulling them and I can judge the rims soundness at that time.

The motor started on the third or fourth kick, no oil smoke but it did spit a tablespoon or two of sad oil out the breather. The top end was refreshed in the not too distant past by a noted mechanic in the Atlanta area and I'm guessing he also installed the Mikuni. Mechanically it sounded very tidy, the gears shifted smoothly and the clutch operated well.

No instruments and the chrome on the headlight bucket is pitted pretty badly so that whole area will need attention.

It is a TR6SR with a serial number that implies it's a 1964: DU8602 but the title says 1969 Tiger...I'll need to delve into that so I can do proper work.

All it all it looks very nice in my shop/garage and I'm quite pleased to have obtain a nice project going forward.



This forum will likely be my research instrument for many weeks to come and I look forward to the comments and participation.

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1964 Highway Trophy TR6SR
2004 Bonneville America

farric1

Oldroadie

The engine number is indeed from 1964. However, the frame and cycle parts are from 1969. In 1969 they cast a small plate into the left crankcase just below the barrel where they stamped the engine number (which should be from engine number DU85904)

What I think you have is a 1969 bike with a 1964 motor.

That's OK, as long as you know that a bike that doesn't have matching numbers may be worth less on the classic market. (At least that's the case here in Australia)

Functionally, it shouldn't matter. Just be aware when you order certain parts for your motor. I think the flywheel is different as well as the compression ratio. There are a few other detail differences.

Also, when you say oil came out of the engine breather, which breather are you referring to?

I notice that the tacho drive is missing from the left side of the motor, is this what you might be referring to as the breather?

Good luck with everything.

Regards

farric1

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Norton may have developed the oil leak, but it's Triumph who perfected it

GrandPaulZ

A couple of points:

-If the numbers match, they've been re-stamped

-The bike appears somewhat original with minor rust / patina.

-Overall, not too shabby! I'd keep it.

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GrandPaulZ
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