Triumphrat

TxTiger · 12-22-2009, 09:45 PM

Hey guys. I'm looking at purchasing another classic Triumph, this one for my wife (yeh, right). Anyway, there is a 1970 T100R listed locally. What do you guys think about the 500cc T100R, how it performs as compared to the 650's, and any other comments you might have. Also, what do you think about the price given it needs work, especially after burnhampt bought a T 150 for $400? Does that set a whole new view on what should be paid for non-runners, or those that need work? It sounds high to me, but then I'm looking to buy, not sell. The bike is at the link below. Or, should I just buy her a T120R at a good deal? These questions, of course, are being asked through me, for my wife.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1498064075.html

GrandPaulZ · 12-22-2009, 10:28 PM

Looks like a fair deal, but I'd want to see it in person and test ride it if possible.

TxTiger · 12-23-2009, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the feedback GPZ. Do you know if the physical dimensions of the bike are smaller than the 650, or is it basically the same frame, weight, height, with a smaller displacement engine? I can't seem to find any info on that, but my high seat Tiger is definitely too tall for her, and am looking for a little smaller bike.
Thanks,
Ron

Kev_England · 12-23-2009, 12:32 PM

"especially after burnhampt bought a T 150 for $400?"

I wouldnt read anything into that. That was a STEAL for a bike like that. Almost akin to giving the thing away!

GrandPaulZ · 12-23-2009, 12:38 PM

The 500 is only slightly shorter at the seat, than a 650. However, it is noticeably LIGHTER!

Each bike is different, but GENERALLY speaking, 500s are easier to kick over than 650s.

A 500 can more or less keep up with a 650, up to highway speeds, then it hits it's limitations. Where a 650 can accellerate around slow moving traffic at 60 - 65, then go ton-upo, a 500 is nearing it's powerband limitation and can only nominally overtake (in other words, allow plenty of space for passing), where it will finally flatten out nearer 80 - 85.

Kev_England · 12-23-2009, 12:46 PM

Do they share the same frame?

abmar · 12-23-2009, 04:54 PM

Many of the cycle parts are shared with the 650s but the frames are quite different.

I ran a '68 500 for several years and found it to be just as maintenance intensive as a 650 and it had many of the same problems. Because of the relatively low power a 500 would not be a good highway bike but for secondary roads it is fine.

Bruce

Kev_England · 12-23-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abmar

Many of the cycle parts are shared with the 650s but the frames are quite different.

I ran a '68 500 for several years and found it to be just as maintenance intensive as a 650 and it had many of the same problems. Because of the relatively low power a 500 would not be a good highway bike but for secondary roads it is fine.

Bruce

Cheers.

texjj · 12-23-2009, 08:23 PM

Hey TxTiger - that does look like a potentially good deal. If it runs you can probably hear/feel anything wrong in the bottom end. I feel that carb work or points work is easy to do, so maybe the owner is just too lazy to go that extra mile to get it running great.

However it may have deeper issues. From a looks standpoint it looks to be in pretty good shape. And being a lighter bike it would sure be easier to handle for the fairer sex.

Just looked it up, it is not that much lighter:
650cc = 360-370 pounds
500cc = 342-356 pounds

RidingDonkeys · 12-23-2009, 08:59 PM

Price is subjective these days. Being in the desert with an abnormal sleep schedule gives me endless amounts of time to research these Triumphs and shopping on the web in general. Here is what I have found:

eBay is hardly a place for deals, especially on running bikes. You've got a much bigger audience and time for exposure, meaning people to drive the bids up. Plus a person who's willing to handle an eBay transaction is typically in no hurry for cash.

Craigslist is a pot of gold. There are lots of people looking for quick cash out there, and if that means cleaning out the garage, then so be it. Since times are lean, there aren't a lot of buyers. A short sale today is better than waiting a month for a few hundred more bucks. I've got my wife running like an errand girl with the deals I'm finding out there. If you ever needed a tool on the cheap, now is the time. I've gotten people to accept half price offers on the first shot.

I think we Triumph fans justify higher prices in our own head because we love the bikes, but if you're willing to play hard in this economy you can beat any price. Finding a Tim type deal is hard, but not so far out there these days.

She is a pretty T100 though!