What are the pro's and con's of buying a 1971 Bonneville? I am a novice mechanic and now own an '01 Bonnie, but would like to add a vintage Triumph to the stable. The bike I am looking reportedly runs and is in good condition (pics look good). However, I am aware of some of the changes Triumph made this year and hear that this is the most undesirable year of Triumph's to buy.
Please steer me one way or the other. If you are for buying it, give me an idea of a fair price (keep in mind it has a new muffler system and a new clutch installed).
Don't believe the "most undesireable year" argument.
It's ALWAYS down to the PARTICULAR BIKE.
Some have been meticulously maintained and ridden modestly, others have been completely abused from the first twist of the wrist with little more than topping off the oil from time to time.
It's down to researching comparable bikes in your region, and preferrably taking a test ride. Seeing the bike in person and looking it over can make a big difference in clarifying the authenticity of the sales pitch. Good detailed photos of the bike help a lot if you can't see it in person. Verifiable maintenance, repair, and/or overhaul/restoration documentation are invaluable.
Thanks for the advice so far.
I have limited funds to buy a second bike with and really want it to be a triumph and am not sure I can get a running or close to running Bonnie for cheaper than what this seller is offering. I just don't want to buy a known lemon.
From what i understand, the engine is the same 650 used in previous years, but they changed to the oil in frame method, the frame was a bit tall, the headlights had shotty atachments, and the major problem is that the center stand attaches to the oil resovoir which resulted in some frame failures. I also read that the shape of the frame prevents the engine from being installed or removed in one piece. Otherwise a good bike with a bad rep.
Does anyone know anything about the elctrics in this year, I beleive that was another difference...
I went and looked at it this evening, but have not pulled the trigger on buying this machine yet. The bike looked better than expected in person. The front fender is original, while the rear fender was fabricated (the seller is an auto-body collision specialist who is pretty good at this). The tank, badges and engine are all original too. The bike was painted maroon with a gray racing stripe the begins on the fender and follows through the tank to the rear fender. All in all a nice job. The seat is in mint condition, however instead of a grab bar, there is a chopped sissy bar. The bike has no tach and the speedometer is a cheap aftermarket one that would not look out of place on a bicycle. The headlight is an aftermarket replica. The bike has the original Amal carbs with the choke removed. THe bike was started on the second or third kick by the seller, but it took me about 10 kicks to get things rolling. The carbs probably need to be cleaned as a smooth idle could not be established (the seller said he has the idle set for when the bike is warmed up) and the bike would stall out if you let off the gas. He said this is resolved once the bike has warmed. We were starting from a cold start. All in all anything that was wrong seemed fixable and I am actually looking for a bike that might ned a little sorting and one that I could modify. As of now I think I am going to buy, but I plan on sleeping on the decision.
Hi bri1955, I am getting deja vu, look at the sticky from gatornapper about buying a 1972 bonnie, there are over 400 replies, lots of info about the post 1971 models.
I have a 1971 TR6R and love it. Like GrandPaulZ says, it basically boils down to the bike itself. Without x-ray vision, you will likely have some surprizes if you buy the bike, some will be good, other not so good. But everything about fixing these bike, you can do yourself with patience, manuals and this forum.
Don't forget to consider bikes in this forum's "Classic & Vintage Triumphs and Parts For Sale" sticky thread, there are some unbelievably nice late model Bonnies in there for way less than you would expect...
I think it boils down to, `if you like it and the price is right, go for it`.
But, if you`re a bit iffy, look at some alternatives.
I`ve been looking for another bike to restore for ages, but there always seems to be a snag somewhere...
"I`m selling this on behalf of my brother-in-law, so I dont know much about it".
The paperwork, missing essential bits, spares, engine/frame numbers, hideous mods, etc.
"This was OK 15 years ago, but now it aint, so thats why its dismantled", sort of thing. Why didn`t you complete it?
I have `phoned and made offers on some of them, to no avail.
When asking questions, I sometimes get odd answers or lies, which makes me suspicious.
I ended up picking up a really nice 1972 Triumph Bonnie T120RV
Orig. paint, looks like it just rolled out of the show room aside from two small places where paint is rubbed off and a ding in the exhaust pipe.
Love it. Starts first kick every time.
Of particular note is the "limited funds" part. Not allways necessary with these old bikes.
But with a 40 year old bike of unknown history you just never now what you will be in for.
Be prepared to spend more than you anticipate in "sorting it out"
and while you may have limited mechanical ability I wouldn't worry about that so much as the folks on here are brillant and always willing to help out. If you can read and follow a manual as well as ask questions when you are stuck you should be good to go.
Guess the seat hight ain't as big a deal as some make it out to be.
The best,cheapest and easiest thing you can do for longevity, is to
add an oil filter. GABMA's got a how to.
Hi Bri,
Looks like a nice original bike you've found!
The colour's not original but it looks great! It's easy and cheap if you want to install that missing steering lock
Hi Bri,
Looks like a nice original bike you've found!
The colour's not original but it looks great! It's easy and cheap if you want to install that missing steering lock
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