Triumphrat

evedave · 03-01-2006

Hello All,

I'm looking at buying a 1973 Bonneville T120R to go with my new Bonneville. I confess that I don't have much knowledge regarding old Bonnevilles. Can you folks help me by telling me a few things I should be looking into? Were there any glaring problems with this model and year I should look at?

The bike looks good. The numbers match, the motor has been rebuilt, paint has been freshened, new tires, chain, sprokets, battery,seat, etc. Pipes look fine as well. Only flaw is an electrical connection under the seat tied to the signals. Not sure if it's a connector or a ground fault.

Anyway, I would appreciate your thoughts, thanks all.

Right Side Photo Left Side Photo

[ This message was edited by: evedave on 2006-03-01 13:22 ]

GrandPaulZ · 03-01-2006

I would say that if you got the bike for under $4,000.00, you got a good deal.

By '73, the "too tall" frame issues had been cured for the most part (it was only ever a problem if you had short legs).

Personally, I don't care for the muffler style of that year, but replacement mufflers in more classic styles are relatively inexpensive and very easy to swap out.

Loose connections and bad "ground" wires/connections are very commonplace and one of the easiest things to fix.
That bike looks quite clean, but like all old bikes it will not respond well to neglect of the battery and the carburators will need to be cleaned if it sits for a few months.

Did I mention that is one VERY clean bike?

[ This message was edited by: GrandPaulZ on 2006-03-01 15:38 ]

KADUTZ · 03-01-2006

While I don't know how the title laws work on your side of the border but the pictures you posted (of the black and gold bike) is not a 73 but a 72.

You didn't state the serial number it probably starts
T120R (which was a 4speed) or T120RV (which was a 5speed) followed by by an two letters of which the second
will be a G for 1972. If you have a 73 the second letter will be a H.

1973 was the first year of the front disc brake,had the ignition switch off the left side fork ear and different head light assy from the pictured bike. Further it had different fenders seat grab rail and tail lite assy. Also it had a plunger style seat release (left side)not the right side luggage style as shown.

Note the picture shows 1972 (verses1971) specific items
1 Highly polished lower fork legs with the side ridge removed

2 Sidecover decal exclusive to 1972

3 Rocker boxes are of the midyear 1972 style

The bike looks very clean and base upon appearance's I wouldn't hesitate buying it.

(note the passenger grab rail is missing)

evedave · 03-02-2006

Thanks for the input folks. As yet I have not purchased this bike. Thought I would ask the experts before I buy it.

It sounds like although the bike has matching numbers it is not a 'whole' 1973. Parts from various years were used to assemble the bike. That tells me that no concours trophies would be won with this bike, but, as a 'rider' on vintage runs it would be fine. The owner has told me that the grab rail has been mounted since these photos were taken.

I'm not interested in a trailer queen bike and the price that one like that would command. I would prefer a bike I could ride and enjoy .... like this one.

You have been a great help, thank you.

My Photo Album

KADUTZ · 03-02-2006

You still haven't said how the serial number starts out
such as T120R and whatever the alpha is. Except for the color,which looks very nice , missing grab rail and missing 3 reflectors look to be a almost perfect 72.
Based on what I see this bike is NOT a bitsa but a almost stock 72 and again a very nice bike
If you want a show bike get another tank and have it painted factory colors.
It might be titled as a73 as that was when it was registered
registration regulations vary from location to location.
let us know what the numbers are.

Sammi · 03-02-2006

Nice looking bike.

Looks very much like a 1972.

[ This message was edited by: Sammi on 2006-03-02 10:35 ]

evedave · 03-02-2006

Hi again KADUTZ.

I don't know the serial numbers yet. This is a bike that belongs to a fellow C.V.M.G. (Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group) member. We both were members of the same section, but, I don't live in that part of the province anymore. I moved farther south about 250 miles 4 years ago. We have been in touch by email, but in Ontario in February travel is dictated by the weatherman. The bike and it's current owner reside in one of the worst areas for snow in winter. It's affectionately called 'The Land of the Horizontal Snow' because when it's not snowing the wind blows gale force causing 'zero' visibility conditions. I will attempt to make a run north before the end of March, weather permitting. I will check the numbers. You obviously know your stuff. Your information has been very helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. If it is a '72, what colours would be appropriate ?

We got another 10" of snow today. Schools closed, roads closed, dozens of accidents.... winter.... don't cha just love it???

March is coming in like a lion, sure hope that means it will exit like a lamb.

:evil:

My Photo Album

evedave · 03-02-2006

Nice bike Sammi, very distinctive colour. Looks great !!

My Photo Album

KADUTZ · 03-03-2006

72 triumph colors were like the bike pictured in Sammi's

posting. Tiger Gold,White,Black pinstripe tank and fenders.

At least thats what the books say.

Stay warm Spring is coming.