Triumphrat

mikestp · 12-22-2009, 12:53 AM

I just bought a Bonnie 750 1974 version. The bike is 90% all there but for the most part... in parts. I wanted to make the bike look retro with gaiters, and retro side panels and the old school round airfilters. Is there anything else I might want to add to make to "look pre 1970?"

And do any of you know where I can get these parts?

Mike
mikestp@yahoo.com

GrandPaulZ · 12-22-2009, 03:31 AM

To start with, you MIGHT have a bike that is considered "rare". 74 production was done from whatever parts the blockaded staff could scrounge up, and so differed from time to time throughout what little numbers left the factory.

Raber's, Domi Racer, Walridge, Baxter's, Northern Eagle and a dozen other reputable resellers can fix you up.

mikestp · 12-22-2009, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandPaulZ

To start with, you MIGHT have a bike that is considered "rare". 74 production was done from whatever parts the blockaded staff could scrounge up, and so differed from time to time throughout what little numbers left the factory.

Raber's, Domi Racer, Walridge, Baxter's, Northern Eagle and a dozen other reputable resellers can fix you up.

--------------

Well for fear of pissing off the cognoscenti of Triumphs, the numbers on the engine and frame are as follows:

T140V KJ59269 Both are of course matching numbers. The bike is registered as a 1974. Was last registered in Alberta Canada

I would trade it for a 75, (if anyone might be interested). I think that is the left shift right brake change. This one is old school right shift left brake and disk in front, drum in rear.

The engine has been rebuilt and new guides, valves, crank bearings, and pistons replaced. Not been fired up yet....

Needs paint, but all seems well regarding rust and corrosion. I think I will need a bunch of fasteners and misc small parts. It looks like its almost all there. Certainly the big parts are all accounted for, and they are all in great condition. Seat upholstery and seat pan are in near new condition. shiny metal in gas tank. Pipes look fine, the mufflers are of a weird short design, but I own a new set of Burgess mufflers for that old school pre 1970 look.

Electrics are unknown, but I assume a new wiring harness is not to costly and might be better than keeping the old.

Anyone know of a mechanic type in the Lower Mainland of BC that might be available for cheap? Coffee and beer?

Caulky · 12-22-2009, 06:22 AM

I think yours ought to look like my T120V, but of course with the 750 engine.
Mine is also KJ...58658. Made in `73 as a `74 model.
If you want to fit the round type filters, you`ll have to ditch the air boxes.
Bear in mind this is UK spec:

Snakeoil · 12-22-2009, 12:04 PM

Before you paint that tank, you should pressure test it for leaks. You'll have to make a flat plate cap for the filler neck so you can test the neck joint as well, because this is an area prone to leak and will ruin your new paint. The process involves a bicycle pump and some soapy water to look for cracks in the tank seams and crimped seam around the neck.

Not sure if the search feature is working properly, but take a look for a post that has the words pressure and tank in them. I know I posted how to do this last year I think.

Regards,
Rob

rmak · 12-22-2009, 06:48 PM

Here's my 60's style 78. Sorry for the interior shot, but it's winter. I painted the sidecovers and clear coated over a "Bonneville" decal. Pod air filters and gaiters, check. I bought 60's style cans from Northern Eagle. I had to baffle them though, they were pretty loud. I also put on 60's style bars. I like how it turned out. I saw an OIF bike with painted and striped fenders. That was a cool retro look as well. I'm debating about putting kneepads on the tank.

Snakeoil · 12-22-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmak

Here's my 60's style 78. Sorry for the interior shot, but it's winter. I painted the sidecovers and clear coated over a "Bonneville" decal. Pod air filters and gaiters, check. I bought 60's style cans from Northern Eagle. I had to baffle them though, they were pretty loud. I also put on 60's style bars. I like how it turned out. I saw an OIF bike with painted and striped fenders. That was a cool retro look as well. I'm debating about putting kneepads on the tank.

Looks great. I've wrestled with using those FG side covers. How did you mount yours? Did you use a 2-point or 3-point mounting system?

Almost bought a set of those Burgess mufflers, too. But decided to go with Dunstalls for now. Cheap, ya know.

And the funny part about making and OIF look retro is the only people who will appreciate it are folks like us. The average guy on the street can't tell one Triumph from the next, let alone what vintage the bike is. I think if you screwed a set of Triumph tank badges on a 350 Honda, you'd get all kinds of compliments like "Cool old Triumph, dude." or "Cool Triumph, old dude.".

The best for me was going by a Harley dealer and across the street was a really hot looking girl in her mid to late 20's washing her pick up. She was up in the bed washing the roof when I came around the corner and she looked up when she heard the bike. She stopped washing, turned around a leaned on the roof to get a better look at the old Bonnie and then gave me a big grin and a thumbs up. I had a full face helmet on with a dark shield so she could not see my face. I just nodded. Little did she know that she just made an old man's day.
regards,
Rob

rmak · 12-23-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks Snake!
The side covers are a two mount system. It's really kind of hokey how they attach to the frame. I had to get creative with how I secured them so they wouldn't flop up and down. I think OIF riders are ripe for a nice metal alternative side cover.

The cans were $160. After buying silencers for my Scrambler, this seemed very cheap in comparison.

I agree that these little modifications we make are lost on most people. A restoration guy was out to help me with my 65 and even he was confused about the 78 with the retro bits for a few minutes. I get a lot of compliments from young guys on the bike. I'm surprised that many of these kids know the Triumph name, but no one can deny these bikes have a coolness that transcends generations. Many thumbs up from Harley riders as well.

And yes. Triumphs are chick magnets. Too bad I'm old and married!

Snakeoil · 12-23-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmak

Thanks Snake!
I get a lot of compliments from young guys on the bike. I'm surprised that many of these kids know the Triumph name, but no one can deny these bikes have a coolness that transcends generations. Many thumbs up from Harley riders as well.

And yes. Triumphs are chick magnets. Too bad I'm old and married!

I think we owe a debt of gratitude to Arthur Fonzarelli for keeping the Triumph name alive with the younger generation.

Rob

DaveDone · 12-23-2009, 11:16 AM

nice looking 78 rmak! Thanks for the side cover info.
retro look is where I am going with my 76.
I too considered kneepads but they seemed a bit flat - no contours - I have been looking for some vintage style for sale.
http://www.triumphrat.net/memberalbu...hp?photo=13562