Triumphrat

tjwood

Hi,
I'm getting to the point where I need to decide on the colour scheme for my T100S. The engine number would make it a 1971 model (number starts with XD so it was manufactured December 1970), but when I checked in the Nelson book for the Triumph 500 models, it doesn't have a T100S for 1971 - according to the book the 1970 model was the last one. So, is the book wrong? Did Triumph continue to make T100S bikes for model year 1971 or have I got a 'freak'?

My engine number has the Triumph logo 'security engraving' behind it so I know it's original (and matches the frame number). I wonder if they were just 'clearing the shelves' of T100S crankcases at the end of 1970 as they knew the model was being discontinued for 1971?

If I want the bike to look original, should I paint the tank Jacaranda purple (1970 colour) or go for Olympic Flame, which was the colour for 500 models in 1971, according to Nelson?

Thanks
Tony

DAVE M

if you wish to keep the bike, I'd go with whatever you want.

My 79 is all black with gold pinstripes. Not standard, but it's been that way for over 25 years and I like it

Ultrarepo

I'm just agonising about this too.

I thought my bike was a 1968 until I got my dating cert last week which confirms that it was made in December 67 and exported to the US. I've now got at least 3 plausible colour schemes that fit those details

As Dave says I would go with whichever colour you prefer and damn the anoraks even if the point is provable. I'm assuming it's got original Meriden air in the tyres though, cos obviously its worthless if it hasn't?

epynt1050

This always causes confusion. The 2nd letter refers to model year and not calendar year So "D" ran from Sept 69 to Aug 70. "X" is December, so month of manufacture is Dec 69 for model year 1970. Purple Tank.

epynt1050

I have seen incorrect dating certs. In fact, I have one on a recently aquired bike. It also has an "incorrect" age related plate which does not match up with either the correct or the incorrect date.

Some dating sources are better than others.

tjwood

Many thanks for that - yep I was well and truly confused, but at least I now understand it.
Wonder why they did things that way - maybe to confuse us poor owners?
Thanks again.
Tony

tjwood

Thanks everyone - I really like the purple and white colour scheme that they used on one of the triples (even though it wouldn't be standard for my bike). But then again, I also like the Jacaranda purple that was originally on it. Looks like it's going to be a purple scheme of some sort - now I just need to work out which one!
Thanks again.
Tony

loxx101

Paint EVERYTHING matte black. Sorted.

rambo

My T120 is a Chameleon,changes colour every 2 years.Confuses a few at the classic bike meets.i paint mine any colour i choose

JohnA

I like to change colour now and then too, so I've got a couple of spare tanks in different colour schemes. I'm wondering whether I need to bother about what it says under "Colour" on the logbook - what do other chamaeleon owners do?