Triumphrat

decobike · 06-13-2007

I guess one of the perks of having a Hinckley bike is the 2nd looks and approaches you get from the baby boomers. A guy approached me at the gas station asked a few questions about the T100 then offered that he has a 68 Trophy he wouldn't mind selling. Says it needs a coil on one side and new tires. Its in his garage. Hes asking $900.

I haven't seen the bike yet and worse I'm not a mechanic, changing oil and cleaning chains is the extent of my wrenching skills. Still I've made arrangements to see it and would consider a project bike if the end result is worth it. So what do I need to know when I look at it and at what point would it not be worth $900? Any responses appreciated.

tcb-1 · 06-13-2007

deco,
Jump all over that bike with both feet! Even if it was in boxes, 900 bones for a classic year Trophy is WELL worth it. To part it out (which I wouldn't think of) would net you your money back in spades.
And better yet, you can have it in your possession so someday you can have Grandpaulz perform his restoration magic on it! :upthumb:

decobike · 06-13-2007

Thanks tcb,hope everyone will induge me one more question, 2 miles down the road the other direction there is a 75 Honda CB 450, looks mint. They're asking $750, I know its not Brit iron but someone might have a thought.

OzBloke · 06-14-2007

Jim,

If it were me, I'd forget about the Honda, save the $750, and spend it on getting the Trophy on the road. What a great deal!

(This is a Triumph site after all......)

GrandPaulZ · 06-15-2007

BUY THE TRIUMPH.

Mecchanica · 06-15-2007

Hell, buy them both. The 450 is a cool ride. I don't know if you can still buy the torsion bar "valve springs" but they are good vintage racers, as are the 350s. I'd cafe the 450 in a heartbeat. Poweroll used to make a 500 kit for them and cams, too. Top heavy motorcycle. Lousy stock suspension, but that was pretty much the norm back then. I had a 75 CL450 scrambler....and I don't think anyone with a half a functioning neocortex EVER took one off road. But, with good shocks and a little work on the engine, it would be a unique bomber.
The Triumph is by far the better bike. But I wouldn't pass up the Honda, if you can afford it. The CB is a better start than my old CL.