Triumphrat

LukeMac · 10-06-2005

Hello all!

Must admit I'm overly excited about going to pick up my bike this weekend. My uncle has more bikes than he can ride and finally decided to get rid of my personal favorite: '79 Bonneville Special (the Harley's are fun, but not my style)! He called me up and made me an offer I couldn't refuse so I'm off to collect my treasure and get to work restoring her to road-worthy condition.

I first worked on the bike in 1999. It'd been parked for over 8 years with no activity. Took the carbs apart and cleaned them, replaced a bad rear master cylinder on the brakes, and kick started for an eternity before it grumbled to life. I don't think I synchronized the carbs properly, or maybe I just didn't get them clean enough but it didn't run quite like it should have. I hadn't worked on bikes before, and I'd never ridden a motorcycle so I was just thrilled I didn't need to pedal up the hills.

Uncle took it to the shop for professional attention, but I was gone when the bike came home. He said it ran beautifully for the one ride he took before parking it again. Now, 6 years later, the bike is mine and my goal is to have it streetable ASAP. The pros did a thorough inspection of everything and replaced as needed (money was not a problem for good ol' uncle). Hopefully, nothing major is out of service now...we'll soon find out. I've owned several bikes (all old and requiring work) since then and I'm hoping to be able to get the Bonnie into top form. She's only got about 6000 miles on the ODO. If all goes well that will change very soon!

First large part I know I need is new rubber. Anyone have any recommendations for tires on this thing? Uncle isn't paying anymore so I need a good balance of value and performance. I found some Dunlop D404's, but I don't know if they'd be decent or not. Any advice would be helpful.

texspeed · 10-07-2005

I had one of those that I recently sold, an nice trouble-free bike! I ran Michelin Macadam's on it, which gave good mileage:
100/90V-19 on front and 120/90V-18 on rear.
The front 100/90 size is perfect (fits the fender just right) vs. a 110/90 (too fat)
A Macadam 120/90 rear is the biggest you will be able to fit without modifying or removing the chainguard(it will be very tight as is) I removed mine for astetics.
Modern tread design tires look better, and definately give better performance than the standard Dunlop K81's, which are a good tire also. Avon Venom's are good, but wear faster, Avon Roadrunners are similar but a harder tire. Continental Conti-Blitz'z are decent.....plenty of options, I was happy with the Michelins
:-D

LukeMac · 10-07-2005

Thanks for the input, I'll look into the Michelins. I appreciate the help, I'd rather not have to learn the hard way if I can avoid it.

Slinky · 10-07-2005

I would second that recommendation for the macadam 100's. They give a good balance of grip and wear, and they look good without looking to modern.

First thing I would do, is change the engine oil and clean the filter before you even think about running it.

I had a T140 for 7 years, it was my only transport and it took me on a few trips around Europe ( and, more importantly, home again.)

LukeMac · 10-07-2005

So I've never owned a Triumph, but I've heard a lot on this forum about working on the old ones as much as you ride? I'm really hoping that's not the case. I realize an older bike is going to require more maintenance than a modern one, but I would hope once all is in good running order it will be reasonably reliable. I'd like to be able to take off on day-long rides with my buddies without extraordinary fear of getting stranded. Anybody do that with a '79 Bonnie or do most people just ride them for special occasions?

LukeMac · 10-07-2005

Here's what I was planning to do when I get the bike home. Please let me know if I should change the order of things.

1. Drain and replace all fluids.
2. Take the carbs off and clean them thoroughly. Re-install and synchronize them.
3. I'm hoping the rubber bits are still in decent condition or I'll have to replace them next.
4. I'm going to install a new battery. (I'm sure the old one's shot)
5. Check out the electrical, lights, etc...
6. New tires mounted and balanced.

Once she's mechanically sound, I'll start on the cosmetics.

texspeed · 10-08-2005

I had mine in perfect running order. With the electronic ignition you can just set the timing and forget about that issue. I set mine by seat of the pants, rather than by the manual (which was too advanced for garbage gas that's available)....I always ran premium and set the timing to where I had no pinging under load. I would advise you to get NGK BPR7EIX Iridium plugs(stock#4055 try Advance Auto, $6.96/ea) You will have easier starting, better quality idle, and crisper throttle response. When dialing in your carbs again I would do all settings by seat of the pants. After reassembling I would use the settings in the manuals for a baseline to get it idling, etc. Then I would adjust the air screws(you most likely will have to go richer on those settings, mine ran best at around 2 turns out from seated vs the baseline lean setting of 2 1/2 turns out. Any poping, snorting, spitting from the carbs at idle or on acceleration I would look at the air screw settings. You will most likely spend some time messing with the carbs to get them dialed in and balanced. Patience and persistence will pay off. And as far as wiring/electrical things go, make sure you check all your connections for corrosion or breaks, especially at the ignition switch and under the seat. That stuff vibrates and wobbles plenty. If you ever have to replace a blade/spade terminal I would use "Chrysler Style" terminals (available at auto parts stores) they are stress relief type. And use heat shrink tubing....You won't have to worry about electrical gremlins.....Let's see....I guess that covers it! :-D

[ This message was edited by: texspeed on 2005-10-08 07:26 ]

LukeMac · 10-10-2005

Thanks for all the advice!

Just got the bike home last night. Made for a long weekend driving to Washington, D.C. and back to the west side of Indiana, but now I've got a bike to work on. Wish me luck!

cafetbird · 10-15-2005

What other good tires come in the sizes to fit vintage bikes besides the Macadams? Anything in an Avon or Dunlop good, besides the "Skidmaster", and the K70?

Quote:

On 2005-10-07 11:45, Slinky wrote:
I would second that recommendation for the macadam 100's. They give a good balance of grip and wear, and they look good without looking to modern.

Slinky · 10-15-2005

I used to always go with with Avon roadrunners on my older bikes. They are a good choice ( if you can still get them..). They give loads of grip and a long life.