Triumphrat

Matthew

For years I've wanted a motorcycle, and now, with the high risk years of my teens and twenties behind me, and having moved from Toronto to a much smaller, slower pace town, I think I'm ready to give it a go.

For starters, I'm taking a government motorcycle safety course this Spring. I want my first bike to be a great bike, not something I'll be wanting to sell and upgrade away from within two seasons. However, I also do not want some powerful machine that'll get my inexperienced rear killed.

I've found an excellent looking 1970 T100S in Rhode Island, USA that I can import into Canada. I've worked out the import rules, so we're good there. It appears to be in good shape; I'm heading down for a first hand look in a week or so. The price of the bike (under Cdn $4,000) would match almost any Japanese made 250cc beginner bike from the late 1990s. I've been told that the 500cc 1968-1972 Triumph twins are amoungst the best beginner bikes out there, giving good and exciting service to their owners throughout their beginning and more experienced riding years.

As an ex-pat Brit that moved to Canada as a lad in the 1970s, I've also always had a thing for British bikes. This will not be a all weather, day/night daily driver, as that's what the car's for. However, I won't be taking the T100S on long highway jaunts either. The purpose of the bike will be to commute to work on sunny casual Fridays at the office, plus the occasional country ride a few times per month. I'm not looking for a bike to build value, or to sell later. I'll need the bike to be reliable, of course with good mechanical upkeep. We do not have a garage on our house, so I'm be buying a small shed to keep her in during the six months of winter.

So, am I mad to consider a 1970 T100S as my first bike?

Pig9r

My first bike (other than dirt bikes) was a 1970 Bonneville which I purchased in 1999 and restored soon thereafter. It wasn't a bad first bike. Since I have gotten a couple of modern street bikes and now the Bonneville gets ridden much less. In fact most of the rides are for keeping fresh fuel and a charged battery. The problem with having an old bike as a primary ride are your friends who have modern bikes. And being 24 at the time they all had modern bikes and many had never heard of Triumph. You won't be able to enjoy the long rides, poker runs etc as well as on a modern bike. But you will be the only one on a vintage bike which is pretty satisfying itself.

The question is though how good are you at wrenching?

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There is no replacement for displacement.

Diego

Pig9r summarizes the situation pretty well. Based on what you wrote, I'd say reliability and need for regular attention will probably be the biggest drawbacks for you.

I would only add one other thought: how will you feel if or when you drop this classic? Granted, you're not looking for it to build value, but I'd feel as bad damaging one from that era as I would a brand new machine...maybe worse, since I know I can replace all the damaged parts of a newer one, and that may not be possible on a 1970.

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John

Mad

<<<<My first post here. Considering 1970 T100S as beginner bike. Am I mad?>>>>

Your not mad, I'm Mad.

Get the bike and have some fun.

Mad`

panda

I think you will enjoy the experience,, and think it will be a good move for you. Those bikes are so light ( around 325-350 lbs) I had two in t he sixties and loved them both.
One thing, when you get your shed for the bike, try to get one with a door at either end, that way you can drive in and drive out without having to turn it around or push it backwards.

do not tighten the nut in the middle of the selenium rectifyer... don't ask.

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A wise man learns from his mistakes..
A genius learns from other peoples mistakes.

Matthew

Thanks everyone.

One comment on myself, I've never worked on a automobile or motorcycle engine, ever. I did take autoshop back in the late 1980s, where we had to strip down a four stroke lawnmower motor, respace the contacts, etc, and then get it to restart on first pull, but this will be completely different.

We have a very good classic Brit bike parts firm nearby in Nova Scotia, check them out at http://www.britcycle.com/ and one of their by-lines is if you don't have the skill (yet) contact us and we'll find you a mechanic. I'd like to learn how to maintain my bike myself, eventually of course.

Assuming this is my one and only bike, what sort of weekly, monthly and annual maintenance can I expect to require? I'm a big supporter of preventative maintenance, so I'll need to know the trouble spots to keep an eye on. I also don't want to be leaking oil all over the office driveway (I know Brit bikes weap oil, but a constant drip must be addressed). How did you guys learn to maintain your bikes?

Cheers,

Matthew

Matthew

Is it a given that I'm going to crash on the bike? I'm taking the training course, and am intentionally looking to buy a low power machine for my starter bike so that I don't race around corners, etc...

okiecityflash

If you take it easy at first you will be OK. Most accidents are caused by drinking, drugging and / or showing off. The maintenance is fairly easy and you will get a sense of accomplishment of doing your own work. And it's cheaper too. I think you will be surprised at how much riding you will be doing after you gain some experience and confidence. The first bike is just the beginning. I would avoid heavy traffic in the beginning. I started out with a Wizard motorbike in 1950 and I very seldom drive a car. Probably the hardest thing you will run into is waiting for summer. I had my knees in the breeze today after a valve adjustment. In case you are wondering I was 13y.o.. Welcome to the pack. Frank

DrEnglish

Here's a voice of dissent: I would not recommend a 35 year year old bike as a first bike, unless you'd rather work on it than ride. Do you want to tinker, or do you want to get on and go? I'd guess that four about $4K you could pick up a used Hinckley ("new") Bonneville, have a lot of the look and feel of a British classic, but a lot less to worry about.

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So long, and thanks for all the fish!

tridentt150v

If your heart is set on it, join a local classic british bike club and /or get a coach. They'll show you how and when to wrench.

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tridentt150v,
Great Southern Land.
(Where women blow and men chunder).