Triumphrat

GrandPaulZ · 01-31-2007

It seems this topic comes up about every 10th thread or so, when discussion is about the old Triumphs and how some seem to differ from others, even in the same year, on the same model.

I don't want to lose any friends here, or get anyone banned from the forum, so lets all be civil and try to back up our assertions with as much verifiable fact as possible.

...which brings up a related issue - of the pulished technical references, some are stated to contain innacuracies.

As this then becomes a possible sticking point, how can we be assured that someone refuting a point that is published and corroborrated is actually correct?

Again, I'm starting this thread in the interest of sparking intelligent conversation and debate, and uncovering historical information about our beloved Triumphs. no hidden agenda, and in fact at the suggestion of a fellow forum member.

So what do ya'll think?

GrandPaulZ · 01-31-2007

I'll start with grab rails.

I have a '67 Bonnie T12R that has a black framed grab rail with a chromed hoop.

1. This bike shouldn't have a grab rail at all.

2. Were't the earlier grab rails all chrome?

3. The bike was sold to me in fairly unmolested condition and was reputed to be "second owner, all stock" (yeah, right, I know, I know). Previous owner claimed that grab rail was on it at "Big D" in Dallas, from new.

4. If the grab rail was on the bike from new, even though it was not original equipment, how did it appear 2 - 3 years before standard production, in the exact form of the eventual stock units?

There's one to chew on.

OldTimeBiker · 01-31-2007

I'm going to attack this from the angle of a direct answer to your original question.

Original: Absolutely untouched since the bike came off the showroom floor. IE: Original condition, original paint, original shocks, original handlebars etc. ( A bike is only original once!)

Accurate: As specified by the factory assembly specs.

Correct: Not necessarily spec, but examles of the deviations can be varified on other like models delivered from the factory. ( which we all know happened. )

That's how I see it .

Seeker · 01-31-2007

I'm the only owner of my '69 TR6R having bought it brand new.

Yet, I've been told by so called experts that certain things on it were not original.

I know what I added or changed over the years and what actually came from the factory on my bike.

I don't bother arguing with them and just smile knowing they aren't the experts they thought they were.

GrandPaulZ · 01-31-2007

OldTimeBiker wrote:

Quote:

Correct: Not necessarily spec, but examples of the deviations can be verified on other like models delivered from the factory. ( which we all know happened. )

While I may agree with you on this point, there are others that don't.

okiecityflash · 01-31-2007

Good thread, My '79 has the rear brake under hung, it came from the factory that way and the frame is marked '77. I know, because I bought it new that way. Who knows what other bits and pieces were laying around at other model year changeovers. If it was common practice to use up what was left over from the previous year, or maybe being short a part for the coming, use a new model part, couldn't anybody correct. Is this a thread for show bikes. I really don't know how judges at the big shows over come these differences. This is going to be a great learning experience. Thanks GPZ ps: Could the grab rail have been optional or some consumer testing by the factory?

GrandPaulZ · 01-31-2007

Anybody's guess would be as good as mine on the grab rail. Judges vary from show to show, but the well established "circuit" concours shows have some pretty knowledgeable folks doing the judging.

Still, I am not convinced that variations did not occur.

KADUTZ · 01-31-2007

Okie what do you meen you frame is marked 77?

GrandPaulZ · 01-31-2007

Rear caliper under-slung, and frame stamped with a '77 serial number, I would think it's a '77, not a '79.

Maybe some title confusion?

KADUTZ · 01-31-2007

I do not believe that is what the man said