Triumphrat

sngz4hm · 12-20-2009, 11:33 PM

Hey guys, I'm a newbie, and I'm so glad to have found your site. I'm a past Triumph owner (a '55 Speed Twin) who has owned several other bikes over the last 46 years but who has always dreamed of finding and restoring a 60's era Bonneville T120. I'm sure some of you can identify with that. Anyway, I'm doing some research for a book in which the main character rides a '64 Bonneville T120. I'm sure one of you (or maybe all of you) can answer a question for me.
If the battery was dead on his bike, would it still be possible to kick-start the bike or get it rolling and pop the clutch in 1st gear to get it running? And if you could start it, would it recharge the battery if it was still good and had just run down, say if the headlamp and ignition switch had been left on? Sorry if this is a dumb question. Thanks for your input. And Merry Christmas. Keith

RetroRod · 12-20-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sngz4hm

Hey guys,
If the battery was dead on his bike, would it still be possible to kick-start the bike or get it rolling and pop the clutch in 1st gear to get it running? And if you could start it, would it recharge the battery if it was still good and had just run down, say if the headlamp and ignition switch had been left on? Sorry if this is a dumb question. Thanks for your input. And Merry Christmas. Keith

I rode one one of these beauties in 1966. my '64 Bonnie was my pride and joy. Please name your character Rod, after me.

Assuming young Rod left the lights on, whilst he was swanning with the beautiful Maureen, He just may or may not get going clutch starting depending on the convenience of a very long, and preferably steep, hill to clutch some life into the electrics (we cannot have the heroine, Maureen, pushing the darn thing, can we?)

However, dashing Rod has another way out!! His '64 Bonnie is fitted with the remarkable pommie invention, the 2MC capacitor ignition, provided for just such an emergency. Handsome Rod, turns the key in the opposite direction, prods the kickstart, and the '64 bursts into life, first kick. Now with some revs, he has lights and the dashing Rod, rides off in pursuit of another young damsel (hitherto kept a secret from Maureen) .

Naturally, the remarkably reliable Lucas alternator and regulator will recharge dashing Rod's battery in no time, and he will soon be set again for a regular start using all that stored power, courtesy of Mr Lucas. Done deal. RR

PS. Dashing Rod's '64 Bonnie
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dogtired · 12-21-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroRod

Naturally, the remarkably reliable Lucas alternator and regulator will recharge dashing Rod's battery in no time..

fic⋅tion
–noun
1. the class of literature comprising works of imaginative narration

RetroRod · 12-21-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogtired

fic⋅tion
–noun
1. the class of literature comprising works of imaginative narration

Now then Dog, a little dramatic license is allowed. And anyhow, the Prince of Darkness stories are all dirty rotten lies, promoted by the Mercans out of jealousy. Have you ever found a fully charged battery on a Hardly Davidson?? RR

dogtired · 12-21-2009, 12:30 AM

Rod, the bloody mudflaps, they are awesome, I havent seen mudflaps on a bike for sooooo long.

RetroRod · 12-21-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogtired

Rod, the bloody mudflaps, they are awesome, I havent seen mudflaps on a bike for sooooo long.

Believe it Bro!! back in them days "we had it all, just like Bogey and McCall" RR

sngz4hm · 12-21-2009, 11:40 AM

Rod, thanks for the info and especially for the picture. It would make a great cover shot. I'm afraid Rod and Maureen will have to wait for the sequel though. When the book becomes a movie I'll be sure to list you as "Technical Advisor", mate.