Triumphrat

Dawsman · 11-16-2009, 12:05 AM

Hi there, This is my first post on this forum and I have a model number question. The frame number on my bike is TR6RDU10947. This number would indicate a 1964 model, but I thought the TR6R was not a model number until the later 60's. Do I have a rare frame or a restamp? This is not a matching numbers bike, so I don't really care either way. Just curious.

Just wanted to say I have been reading this forum for about a year, and I have found it to be a great resource for working on these old bikes. Thanks to everyone.

DAGAD · 11-16-2009, 03:51 AM

Hi Dawsman and thanks for the contribution to the pages. Reading for a whole year and not joining in, man that's some will power!

Your frame is a TR6SR model, supplied to JOMO in May 1964. Finished in Hi-Fi Scarlet and Silver Sheen, lined Gold. 1964 was the first year for the TR6SR. It ran for 3 years as a model and the build numbers were; 1964 - 478. 1965 - 922 and finally 1966 - 1631.

Nice bike and quite rare. What engine number do you have?
Roy.

Dawsman · 11-16-2009, 07:17 AM

Thanks for the info Dagad. I was wondering about this because I have seen a 1965 TR6SR that had the "S" stamped into the vin number as well. My frame does not.
The Motor number T120CDU10515 a Bonneville scrambler? The bike appears to be all origional for the 64 TR6SR except for the bottom end of the motor. Tiger head with a single Amal monoblock, low pipes etc. The tank and fenders were repainted by the previous owner in blue and silver like the '68, but with the old tank badges.
Thanks again.

GrandPaulZ · 11-16-2009, 12:06 PM

The engine is more desireable than the frame, to be sure!

It'll make a great on/off roader. I'd like to see it with scrambler pipes...

DAGAD · 11-16-2009, 05:21 PM

GPZ what / who's bike is the one in your post?
Roy.

GrandPaulZ · 11-16-2009, 07:39 PM

That's my 70 Bonnie (matching numbers) with TR6C pipes.

pookybear · 11-16-2009, 08:22 PM

Dawsman,

Welcome to the forum.

Pookybear

Dawsman · 11-16-2009, 10:09 PM

Thanks all for the warm welcome to the forum.

I bought the 64 tr6r as a winter project, I wanted to get the bike running just to see what I've got here before I tear it down. I was able to get the bike running without much problem. The sump was full of oil (several cups). I drained this out and adjusted the timing of the Boyer which as way off. I checked the compression and got 160 on both cylinders. Starts pretty easily and there is a nice steady stream of oil comming back into the oil tank. I took the bike around the block and it pulls strong, shifts through the gears.

Here is the problem, The previous owner did the top end. And botched it up. As soon as you start the bike, the left side has oil everywhere. The fins on the jug are all covered in oil. This is clearly happening on the left side and it is hard to tell where it is coming from. I don't think he got the push rod tubes to seal right , but I don't think this is where all the oil is coming from. He told me the head was just redone. Any Ideas?

I would like to turn this bike into a dependable ride, and I would also like some advise on what to do with the bottom end. Should I have it torn down and checked out to be sure everything is in order, or should I leave well enough alone?

Any input on this would be appreciated. Thanks

DAGAD · 11-17-2009, 03:31 AM

Thanks GPZ, I was a little confused there........ nice bike and looks well used?

Dawsman the oil is probably coming from the rockerbox gasket and or the pushrod seals as you suggest. Should be quite an easy fix.

Regarding the bottom end, two schools of thought here. Firstly do a couple of short oil changes, say 250 miles to clear the system and see how long it takes to get dirty again. Then run it until something needs fixing. OR, tear it down now and go from bottom up with a fresh start and a datum point to work from.

Who knows how many owners / mainiacs oops sorry! MECHANICS have had a hand in your new ride. The choice is yours, service and ride OR strip and rebuild. Your engine is from a 1964 T120C 'TT Special' Bonneville, there was not a Bonneville scrambler.
Roy.

GrandPaulZ · 11-17-2009, 10:48 AM

If the pushrod tubes are (one of) the source(s) of the leak(s), there is no getting around pulling the head off to PROPRLY cure the issue with good silicone o-rings, etc...

"do as I say" or "do as I do" gets a little "iffy" here.

Do as I say-
If the bottom end has never been opened, it's probably best to get into the crankshaft and clean out the sludge trap. It's also good to AT LEAST have a look at the connecting rod big-end bearing shells.

or

Do as I do-
I never open the bottom end on old bikes that I get for my PERSONAL collection, unless they are making any improper noises. I don't ride my old bikes hard or often, I have other bikes for that (except my '69 Bonny race bike)