Triumphrat

patski · 12-05-2012, 11:59 AM

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ431202040

I like it. A lot. Am I nuts?

Howdy boys. I haven't posted in a while. When I did, I was discussing the pros/cons to either getting a vintage BMW R model, newer Bonneville, or HD Roadster.

Anyway, the Bonnie won. I want to tinker, but I want to ride mostly.

Prices on used, new-ish Bonnies are still stupid. I think people are drunk when they post these prices. Like this dude:

http://ca.yakaz.com/motorbikes/trium...07jl75v2heh67o

When I *had* a Bonnie (yes, 'had'...I drank the kool-aid and bought a Harley...worse idea EVER), I ended up selling it for $7k, a 2009 model. This guy is out to lunch.

So, the TR6R...bad idea? Stupid idea? Awesome idea? It's cheap. Wifey would approve of price, but look at me with an eyebrow raised....considering the year.

Whatchoo guys think?

SPANKS!

Triton Thrasher · 12-05-2012, 12:25 PM

The mix of years might make it cheaper to buy. If you like Triumph 650s, it could be ideal.

If the description is true, a bike that's done a few thousand miles after a rebuild is ideal too.

Mr.Pete · 12-05-2012, 12:27 PM

If it's cheap,buy it. A '71 engine is as good or better than a '68 engine.
Purists will worry about matching engine/frame numbers and think they're riding museum pieces,when they're really just riding old Triumphs.It's probably cheaper with non-matching numbers.

If you're lucky,it will have the '68 rocker boxes and the head steadies will be bolted on top of the rocker boxes.You can change the rocker boxes and inner head bolts,if that's not the case.

GrandPaulZ · 12-05-2012, 12:28 PM

Short answer to the title of the thread: NO.

(you're not crazy)

patski · 12-05-2012, 01:52 PM

How much work would be involved in the upkeep of such a bike?

Could a total newb handle it? With some patience and effort?

What's the parts availability like?

Thanks all!

epynt1050 · 12-05-2012, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patski

How much work would be involved in the upkeep of such a bike? Quite a lot but fun if you like that sort of thing

Could a total newb handle it? With some patience and effort? Yes but with a lot of effort and a lot of patience. You will also need the genuine Factory Manual (follow it exactly) and a parts book, UNF and Whitworth wrenches (good ones) and some special tools.

What's the parts availability like? Very good but stick to reputable suppliers and avoid ebay etc

Just remember that these bikes require a lot attention and can be expensive on parts etc. They are a labour of love and you will spend a lot more time working on it than riding, at least in the early stages.

tintop48 · 12-05-2012, 04:29 PM

buying any used bike is a crapshoot,go with what you really desire knowing that it might take some time to sort-out.in the twenty plus years of riding my 71 it never left me stranded even after all the stupid stuff that i did to it

dl.allen · 12-05-2012, 09:21 PM

Old Triumphs are great hobby bikes but more for short hops and tinkering.

Some will likely debate but since I picked up a 1975 850 Moto Guzzi to ride it is no comparison to my 72 tiger. Its a bulletproof bike that feels much newer than it really is and the tiger feels much more exotic and like an antique much older than 72. The Japanese bikes would be somewhere in the middle so to speak.

Caulky · 12-06-2012, 08:07 AM

Looks OK to me.
You`re going to need the appropriate spares books and a workshop manual.
I think I`d do a complete service and take it from there.
You`ve also got experienced members here for help and info.
Best of luck!

patski · 12-06-2012, 08:50 AM

I don't know if I want to be tinkering that much.

If only I could find a reasonably priced 2000-something Bonnie. CRAP.

Thanks guys. I'll have to really think about this.