Triumphrat

04-24-2004

first, i'd like to say hi to everyone here. this is my first post. i just bought my first bike, a 1965 triumph chopper. the vin is T120RDU18355 and if anyone could tell me the model and the specifics of the original bike using the vin, it would be much appreciated. i have not started the bike, as all fluids were drained during transport. what type of oil should i use? transmission fluid? please keep in mind that this is my first bike. so if i ask any stupid questions, please be patient with me. i'm hoping that it will be a good learning experience. now, the previous owner told me that the bike does need a little engine work. he says that it smokes and has a fuel leak causing it to run really rich and foul out the plugs. he says it is possibly a worn intake valve guide. also the exhaust leaks at the engine. any advice on these problems would be appreciated. finally, is there any certain shop manual that is recommended for these bikes?

Slinky · 04-24-2004

The engine number tells you it was from a T120, a 650cc Bonnevlle.

You could start a war over what engine oil to use , some people will say a straight 30, others may say a multigrade. A 20/50 should be okay seeing as you are in a warm climate.

Gearbox oil should be EP90.

A worn valve guide would cause oil burning, not a fuel leak... A fuel leak would be carb related, there was an earlier thread on this subject. The float or float needle would be the likely culprits.

Your best bet for a manual would be the Haynes manual, or maybe Clymer if they do one. Good luck with it..