Triumphrat

kawtoy · 03-30-2006, 06:09 PM

I have been wanting to get a nice British bike for a while now. I came across a 73 Bonnie 140v. It has not been started in 20 years. It has 12,000 miles and is 99% original and stock. Has aftermarket mufflers on it but he has a set of new original pipes still in the box that go with the bike. Seat is original plus has a king/queen seat that goes with it. New tires that go with the bike, some gaskets and a box of parts he has picked up thru the years. The front master cylinder is shot and will need to be replaced. Not sure where to find one though or how much it will be.That is the background, here are the questions. I know nothing about British bikes. I have had about 20 Jap bikes and I have those mastered but I know that these bikes are very different than anything I have ever worked on. I am going to look at the bike on Mon. He is only asking $2000 obo which sounded good to me. I am sure the carbs will need to be gone through, tank cleaned, new battery and so on. He said the compression is good. He has kept Marvel oil in the cylinders and the bike will kick over. What are the pros and cons of this bike? Did they have any problems that I should ask about? Anything special to check on before I buy? I will check that the numbers match of course. Thanks[img]I have been wanting to get a nice British bike for a while now. I came across a 73 Bonnie 140v. It has not been started in 20 years. It has 12,000 miles and is 99% original and stock. Has aftermarket mufflers on it but he has a set of new original pipes still in the box that go with the bike. Seat is original plus has a king/queen seat that goes with it. New tires that go with the bike, some gaskets and a box of parts he has picked up thru the years. That is the background, here are the questions. I know nothing about British bikes. I have had about 20 Jap bikes and I have those mastered but I know that these bikes are very different than anything I have ever worked on. With a bike that has sat for 20 years, what do I need to look for? I am going to look at the bike on Mon. He is only asking $2000 obo which sounded good to me. I am sure the carbs will need to be gone through, tank cleaned, new battery and so on. He said the compression is good. He didn't want to try to start it cause he was scared that something would break since it sat so long., Then he would be left with a bike that is worth about $1000. What questions should I ask, things to look for? Any help would be great. Thanks[/img]

[ This message was edited by: kawtoy on 2006-03-30 16:11 ]

KADUTZ · 03-31-2006, 12:38 AM

looks like a stock 73 (with a little wear)missing front turn signals. If I were looking for a basically stock Triumph I would look this one over. Price seems fair to me but would still go for the OBO part.
If you are mechanically inclined and do the work yourself
I would allow about $700 for parts.
1 Haynes shop manual
2 Copy of parts manual
3 Battery(12N94B1)
4 New tires,tubes,& rim strips
5 Various gaskets
6 Master cylinder (or at least a new barrel)
7 New fork seals?
8 ?
Pros /are do you want a triumph?
Cons/none they are all in jail
Special things to check for/ I would be sure the seller has a title
Parts are easier to get than for you 80KZ and the bike is no
harder to work on than a john deere

GrandPaulZ · 03-31-2006, 05:50 AM

The price is very good, but ALWAYS start with a lower offer.

Parts book and shop manual are vital.

Replace all rubber parts.

IMMEDIATELY drain and flush the engine and oiling system while you are changing the hoses (one at a time, don't mix them up). I use Valvoline 4-stroke M/C oil, others will all have thier favorites. Castrol GTX is good, too.

Drain and flush the gas tank and remove it to get at the carbs easier. They are a headache with the airbox, but you'll need to pull them to change the carb rubbers anyway.

Tear the carbs apart ONE AT A TIME (just in case) and soak all metallic parts for 1/2 hour in Berryman's Chem Dip - one gallon can with parts dipping basket. Replace o-rings and gaskets with a new rebuild kit. Make sure the floats come up dry after submerging in a cup of gasoline overnight.

Tear apart the brakes and install new o-rings, new hoses, and fresh fluid; bleed per the book.

DON'T TOUCH the points except to slip a business card between them and slide it out to ensure it comes out clean; if not, use a strip of fine emory cloth to clean them. Install fresh spark plugs.

Clean your air filter elements thoroughly.

I can quote all books & parts needed if you don't have a local shop that handles anything Triumph or British, e-mail me.

kawtoy · 03-31-2006, 02:26 PM

Great stuff. Thanks