Triumphrat

rmak · 08-26-2007, 12:07 PM

Owning an '05 Bonnie Black, I'm a regular over at the "Twin Talk" forums. I jumped over here because I am considering buying a vintage bike again and I wanted some imput and ideas from the experts.

I used to own a "77 Bonneville, so I'm not a complete noob, but I haven't followed prices for a while. I recently started to look on ebay at Bonnies, Nortons and BSA's. It seems as if Bonnies are equal or more than Nortons now! That's a surprize. BSA's appear to still be reasonable ($2,500-$4,000 range) although they would be my last choice. I want to, and expect to work on the bike, but I don't want a basket case.

My questions: Where is the best place to look for a vintage bike? Ebay is scary and Walnecks doesn't seem to be what it used to be. Since I already had an oil-in-frame, if I get a Triumph, I'd like to stick with the 60's. How much is a reasonable price for a running bike that's not perfect that I can fix up? Is a Norton a better deal in the long run than a Triumph? Considering the money and time restoring a bike, what should I look for as a starting point? Are matching numbers important?

I should mention that I want a clean rider, not a show bike. I would appreciate any thoughts on the matter. Thanks,
Rich

KADUTZ · 08-26-2007, 05:45 PM

The deals are where you find them. Of course a Triumph is a better deal than a Norton.

jus my pinion

Red1959 · 08-26-2007, 09:36 PM

I agree that Walnecks has some inflated prices, but it never hurts to deal with the seller. I sold three Brit bikes through Walnecks. Each sell went well. One guy even sent me a 500 dollar downpayment to hold the bike he had never seen. I didn't hear from him for three weeks, but he finally made his way to Dayton, Ohio to finish the deal.
Since you want a clean bike for a rider, I personally would not care if the numbers match. I have seen great looking, matching numbered etc. bikes, but for the most part, they were seldom ridden and did not ride as well as some of the Brit bikes I assembled myself from various junkers.
Try your Local newspapers, with an add like "wanted, old British motorcycles for parts or restoraration." You never know what will happen. I got a Norton for 75dollars in 1988 that the property owner 'just wanted it out of the garage' to sell the house. I got my 59 pretty cheap,(in1999) because the property owner guessed the bike to be a 69chopper. I actually waited six months before looking at it! You will always get the ones that think their junk is a goldmine too.
You need to find the person that has a old bike and is not in the 'riders' circle. I'm still waiting for a co-worker to let loose of his 76 that has been sitting in his garage for longer than the 15 years I've known him. Good luck

GrandPaulZ · 08-26-2007, 10:35 PM

I've got a decent runner, a '67 engine in a 70 chassis, for $3,500.00

e-mail me if you are interested.

Medic09 · 08-27-2007, 12:54 AM

Try running a "want to buy" add on Craig's list. I did that a while back, and sure enough got just what I was looking for. The guy wasn't even thinking of selling. A friend of his saw my ad, and showed it to him, and I have a new bike.

It can't hurt, and it is free.

speedmaster12 · 09-05-2007, 11:59 PM

You wouldn't consider trading the `05 for a vintage bike would you? Just curious.

I have a `62 Tiger pre-unit that I just don't have the time for.

Nickwiz · 09-06-2007, 08:07 AM

Dunno if USA is the same but here we have the Vintage Motorcycle Club. Their members magazine is full of bits or bikes for sale. Why not join your equivalent.

As for BSA's being basket cases no they are not my first choice but these days in UK you pay through the nose for Triumphs Nortons etc. You can get an equivalent BSA in sometimes better nick for a lot less money.

rmak · 09-06-2007, 04:19 PM

I appreciate everyone's responses. Some great ideas and offers. I'm open to all possiblities.

I did want to say that I wasn't running down Walnecks. It's just that they used to be full of British bikes. When I picked up one recently, there were only about six. It was more than half full of Harley Davidsons.

Nickwiz, I apologize for the confusion. I didn't mean to imply that BSA's are basket cases. I just don't know anyone who owns one so my resources would be limited. That's why they would be my last choice. There's a number of Triumph and Norton owners around here to consult with, swap parts and tools, etc. By the basket case comment I meant I don't have the time to dedicate to re-assembling any totally dismantled project bike.

I also don't know of any national or regional vintage clubs of a general nature. There is a local Norton club. I would appreciate knowing if such a group exists.

I pm'ed you a question, Speedmaster.

uzidzit · 09-09-2007, 12:30 PM

Watch nad check with Steve at Collins Cycle. He is Honest and fair. And they do great work.

www.collinscycle.com

rmak · 09-11-2007, 12:28 AM

This vintage bike quest is harder than I thought! Been looking locally.

1st bike: Off internet Walnecks. A long drive to see 1970 Bonneville described as beautiful. Turned out to be a total rust bucket. Took an hour to get started, missed, cut out and backfired over certain rpm on my "test ride". Thick residue of oil flowing out of the top and down one cylinder. Told that if no one paid the $5,700 asking price owner would let it sit in the garage and rot. Apparently, he is true to his word.

2nd bike: Local ebay seller of a $4,000 electric start Norton. Unfortunately, the electric start didn't start (and it was ugly too). Owner kick started it so that I could experience the wheezing, oil burning engine run. No idea of milage, speedo broken. Is brake fluid pouring out of both master cylinders a typical Norton trait?

3rd bike: From a local Norton club magazine ad. Interesting bike. Complete, but rusted, dinged and dented. Most chrome, light, fenders, etc, so pitted they would have to be replaced. Last licensed and rode in 1995 (12 years ago!) Gas from around then still in the tank and carbs. Owner said it surely would start right up with new gas and battery (sure...).
He said that for what I offered, $2,000, he knew someone who would buy it, crate it up and send it back to England.

I appreciated the tip on the 67 BSA Lightning, but it's at the dealers on consignment and, although cosmetically nice, it doesn't run either. You can understand my reluctance to travel the few hours to look at another non-runner.

I can't remember it being so hard to find a half decent bike. No problem locating over-valued, non-running rust covered ones, though. It's almost comical. I'll keep you all informed of my search so that you can have a laugh at my expense too.