Triumphrat

kurt_3_0_1

OK, so I have an 07 bonnie black and I love triumphs. This is the bike I have looked for all my life. I have decided to take on a project and am in the initial planning stages. My vision is an old school bobber and If a couple of you who are already well versed on triumphs could answer a few questions for me it would really be helpful and greatly appreciated.

1. what is the difference between a unit and pre-unit triumph?

2. Whats the best model to look for given the following preffered criteria:

Parts availability
12v
Single Carb (ease of maintanance)
5 speed tranny

3. Are there any books on triumphs that goes into detail on the models and their features that triumph made through out the years?

4. What is the best book dvd etc to learn about rebuilding triumph engines and doing maintanance on older triumphs


Thanks for all your help gentlemen

__________________
With my new bonneville I have something most harley riders will never see. The Title ha!

henryanthony

1. Unit has tranny and engine encased in one solid, how should I put this, unit. Pre-unit had separate tranny and engine units bolted together

2. 1972 TR6 (not real sure about this)

4. Hughie Hancox and Four Aces Wes White DVD

DaveDone

HiYa kurt_3_0_1. I can tell you that the T140v ( 5 speed trans ) parts are readily available. Stock is twin carbs but can be mod for a single if necessary.
Not extensive detail but a nice book by Timothy Remus; Triumph Motorcycles, from speed twin to Bonneville. Published by Wolfgang Pub inc. Excellent pics and text.
the best book on rebuilding and maintenance would be known when you decide/ get yer bike.
and then of course, this forum. It's like having a Triumph guy living next door, only better

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Dave

Snakeoil

Kurt,

Head to your local library or find their website. Then do a search for anything related to Triumphs or Brit bikes. This is what I did when I got my first Triumph. My local library is part of an association of many libraries and they were able to borrow a good book from a library downstate. I had it for 2 weeks and devoured the contents, which established a good baseline of knowledge. I think that would be a good way to start. The book is the Illustrated Triumph Buyer's Guide by Roy Bacon.

Check out the technical section of this forum because there are a number of write-ups that will impart further knowledge. Plus many of the members here have a lot of knowledge so when you get your bike, they can help you with issues you cannot resolve or understand without some help.

Here is a link to a site with many parts and service manuals. http://classicbike.biz/Triumph/Triumph.htm
Nothing like exploded assembly dwgs to give you a clear picture on a particular assembly or system. Will probably answer a lot of your questions as they arise.

Hope this helps.
Rob

TxTiger

Hey Kurt 3 0 1, when you start looking for your project bike, I would recommend checking out your local Craigs List. I watch mine all the time, and over the past four months have seen many finished and unfininish Bobbers. The unfinished ones are generally being sold at much less than replacement costs. I've seen many where the engines/gear boxes have been completely rebuilt, frames powder coated, etc., and then the builder either losses interest, doesn't have the time anymore, or needs money and sells.

Good luck.

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'71 Tiger

shrugger

Sorry there Kurt but you kinda lost me. Did you mean that
you have a 67? 77? Cuz an 07 is a completely differant bike from old.

__________________
"Thanks to denial, I'm immortal" -Phillip J. Fry

shrugger

oOps never mind. I should read slower.
The easiest and readily availible would probly be the unit bikes (64-70)
Although they'd be 4 speeds.

__________________
"Thanks to denial, I'm immortal" -Phillip J. Fry

DaveDone

The library and Graig's List is good advise.

One more thing I would like to add is that you should not be too concerned about maintenance with dual carbs. ( as the V speed trans will likely have )
Once you get a pair of Amals sorted out they do not require a lot of attention. A little tickle maybe but oh so classy.

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Dave

kurt_3_0_1

Thanks so much for all the input fellas and I will deffinatley take a look at that book.

My intention is to start with a motor, I have seen them on Ebay fairly cheap needing a rebuild or jugs and pistons etc from $200 to an already fully rebuilt ready to bolt in for $800. So I would like to get an engine and go through it and rebuild it in my garage with my son. I will want to make it dependable above all so will be doing my research into electronic ignitions and any other after market parts that make the charging running system bullet proof.

I am very mechanically inclined and work on helicopters but this is my first go at a bike so thats why I was hoping to start with a single carb model like a tiger or something but I will in the end take what looks like the best deal.

Anyway thanks again I really appreciate the responses

__________________
With my new bonneville I have something most harley riders will never see. The Title ha!

Webby

Hi Kurt,
If you're a helicopter engineer so should find a Triumph engine rebuild a walk in the park and a lot of fun. Also if you have access to good facilities such as bead blasting, ovens, liquid nitogen etc. it will make your life a lot easier.
I'm an aircraft NDT engineer (NDI in the US) and did a lot of stuff at work after hours and then basicly assembled the motor at home

Good Luck

Webby