Can you help me identify this bike, have not approached who may be owner yet. Dont know alot about bikes, have restored cars before, and would love to give this ago.
What you've got there sir, is a pre-unit 650 Triumph. It has a single carb, so it could be a TR6, a Trophy, or a Thunderbird. Either way it's a heck of a find, as these bikes are very desirable. From the photo's, it looks more or less complete. I'd give it a go!
its a 1957, 58 or 59 thunderbird (iron head, alternator, and post 1956 tank badges) or maybe a speed twin...see if you can get an engine number off the left side of the crankcase...6t is a thunderbird (650), 5t a speedtwin(500).
Can you help me identify this bike, have not approached who may be owner yet. Dont know alot about bikes, have restored cars before, and would love to give this ago.
how hard would parts be to find, and what would be a fair price. (i know its hard with only these pics) take a guess
I agree it could be a 57-59 Thunderbird (distributor and coil ign, as well as points mentioned by 649cc) or possibly a 500 Speed Twin.
Parts are easy to find, prices are not too bad. Engine parts are cheap compared to modern bikes. It would be easy to work on.
One issue is the that nacelle tinware is missing. See my rebuild thread at http://www.triumphrat.net/members-restoration-and-rebuild-projects/147652-loctitekids-1959-6t.html
for a rebuild without the necessary tinware - tolerable if you want a rider that looks the part. The tinware is available, but not cheap. Seldom seems to come up at swap meets on on eBay. Yoiu have the most expensive and difficult bits - the chronometric revulator speedo and the complicated light switch.
The tank is one of the best parts of the bike - correct and looks good. The seat is not correct, but that won't be much of a problem; replacements are available.
The worst features of the model are oil leaks, brakes and handling. The best things about this model are that they look great, are fun to work on, and are a great conversation starter.
Think about it, and make your decision. A full restore won't be cheap - I'd budget two thousand, and not be surprised if the budget got blown.
feeler gone out to see if there is any interest in selling it, hopefully will be successful.
Im an pretty confident now that it a 57/58 Speed Twin.
Have been doing quite a bit of research online for the past couple of days and narrow it down
From a resto and mechancial point of view looks like it would not be too much of a challenge....... (famous last words)
@overandout; I dont even have bike licnece yet (imagine that), but good luck exploring the world
actually on the licnece part, I know the early speed twins were about 26bhp but I have not been able to find out out what sort of bhp the late 50's speed twins left the factory with, will make a differnece to how the lincece and insurance works in Ireland.
Even if Im not lucky enough to get my hands on this I feel the bug has bitten so Im goingt to end up with something by the end of the summer.
That is one nice looking Pre-Unit... try your best to get that one, I know I have really enjoyed working on mine.
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