Triumphrat

OldSkoolFool · 04-12-2007

Hey folks. I've been searching around for an older mainly original Brit bike to put some time into to clean up, enjoy for a while, then sell to make a little money to support my hobby. I came across a '71 BSA Lightning w/ a rebuilt 650, rebuilt carbs, etc... sounds like it is pretty mechanically sound. The main thing that turns me off from it is that it has Yamaha front and rear rims and brakes. I also think it has a non-BSA fork, headlight, and more.

To get it back closer to original and make it easier to sell I'd probably want to return much of it to original. One of the things I'm curious about is if the wheels, brakes, fork, headlight, etc... is all interchangeable and either the same or very similar looking with Bonnies of a similar year as I'm assuming actual BSA parts will be more rare and expensive.

Owner is asking $2000. Let me know what you think.

GrandPaulZ · 04-12-2007

Triumph parts are similar for the most part. The cosmetics are different. I'm sure you can find BSA parts if you look.

I'd like a shot at the disc brakes and wheels once you find what you need. Maybe I can find them for you?

Just so you know, you're going to spend over $500 and probably closer to $750 for original forks and wheels, unless you happen upon them at a swap meet or from someone who doessn't know what they've got. Looks like you're also going to need a sidecover, headlight bucket and I can't tell if those are OEM gauges.

Anyway, $2K is not bad at all, if it runs well. You'd end up at about the $3K mark converting it back, and it's worth that or maybe more if you make it look spiffy.

OldSkoolFool · 04-12-2007

Thanks for the reply GrandPaulZ. There's definitely a lot on the bike that I'd have to change to get it to original. I figured if I'd have to spend over $1,000 in parts to get it pretty close to original it'd be more trouble than it's worth to me.

The bike is probably a good deal for someone to buy as is and enjoy it the way it is. Also thought about maybe putting some ace bars on it, cleaning it up, paint what needs to be painted, & try and sell it as a cafe racer.

If it's no trouble, see what you can find for prices for the wheels, fork, etc... I believe the owner has the side covers. I'm not sure about the gauges either.

[ This message was edited by: OldSkoolFool on 2007-04-12 11:40 ]

GrandPaulZ · 04-12-2007

If you wanted to get it to original, with paint, etc, you'd spend over $2K pretty easily.

Restorations aren't a moneymaking proposition for people looking to "flip" bikes on e-bay, they are for people who appreciate originality and can afford it.

I ought to know, I can't afford to restore my own bikes, and I do all the labor!

Hagrid · 04-12-2007

Looks like the owner upgraded his 1971 quite a bit. I'm pretty sure that tank is from a 1970 or before BSA. I'm pretty sure 71 Lightnings came stock with the modern-butt-ugly rectangular tanks....like that on my 71 Thunderbolt.

If you check around the going rate for a 70 BSA is twice what a 71 brings. I like the tank on yours much better and have been considering the upgrade myself.

As far as brakes.....the stock drums look cool but don't work nearly as well as discs. Same for the front end. The bike you are considering is far from stock but much more roadworthy....and cooler with that classic tank.

LJ3 · 04-12-2007

thats a 1970 or older frame. the wheels, forks, and swingarm look like a yamaha special from the late '70s. you could put it back to stock or keep it as a rider. it probably handles and stops better than stock with those forks and brakes. if you are looking for sheetmetal nothing from a '71 or '72 triumph or bsa will work on that bike.

Mecchanica · 04-13-2007

Yep, the 71 BSA, like the 650 Triumph uses the Oil In Frame configuration...no sidebag oil tank. I would keep it as is and ride it as a special. Those are indeed Yamaha XS 650 special wheels, forks, brakes, and headlamp and the handling and braking is probably much better than the OE BSA stuff. Get some 69 BSA mufflers and I think you would have an acceptable bike....get the sidecovers and a Lucas headlamp and taillamp assy, and Smiths Instruments and it would be aesthetically better.
Take a look at the kickstart mechanism, maybe just the cotter. The pedal seems to be drooping.
The fuel tank is a gem. Looks like a Goldstar or RGS tank.

[ This message was edited by: Mecchanica on 2007-04-13 15:53 ]

LJ3 · 04-13-2007

you're right the stock tank would have a teardrop shaped badge. that tank could be worth some $$$. I don't think it'll be worth your time to put it back to stock. the frame was probably machined to accept the swingarm and forks. replacing metal shavings is a b*tch, and not easy. just tidy it up and you've got an interesting special that you can use. after all its still a BSA.