Triumphrat

zoogler · 02-15-2008

I'm a newbie when it comes to older bikes (I have a new Bonneville), and am in the market for a late 60s era Triumph.

Can anyone point me to information about the differences between TR6s and Bonnevilles? Is it just a single versus dual carb?

I just read "Bonnie - the development history of the Triumph Bonneville" but it doesn't include any info about Trophy models.

thanks!

NHOJ from Maine · 02-15-2008

i'm sure more people educated than i, can give you a more detailed answer, but i believe the primary diff. between the two are:

tiger: 1 carb, more mild cams... usually no tach. or tach as an option..
bonnie: 2 carbs, hotter cams, tach standard...

i dig the tigers a bit more, just for the simplicity of one carb..
although a properly tuned bonnie is also well mannered, and a bit faster.

DAGAD · 02-15-2008

Hi Zoogler and welcome to the fold! From the mid 60's the two bikes were very similar with the main exception being one or two carbs as you said. The colours were also different but cams, pistons etc were the same for the standard models (TR6 & T120).

When you get to TR6C, TR6R and T120R, T120TT then there are other differences.

My choice, with NHOJ, would be a TR6 EVERY TIME. better manners, one carb and only about 5 mph down on the top end. Very tractable and dependable. 1968 thru 1970 pre oil in frame are the best IMHO and my favourite, 1970 EXCEPT for the colour (sorry Quagmire). These don't come cheap but can be an excellent ride and won't lose money.

Think of your Hinckley, but with ATTITUDE and NOISE.............................................
Roy.

peintremondain · 02-16-2008

hi zoogler,
i agree with Dagad , the single carb tr6 Iis the best bet!!smooth and reliable and less sensible to the state of the carb
if you don't run the bike the difference in power output is negligible and you'll get more low down power. i rode one for years and as we say in french:"rien que du bonheur"...(only happiness)
benoit

zoogler · 02-16-2008

thanks for your feedback! I actually have my eye on a 67 TR6C.

A couple more questions...

This one has been "professionally restored" and looks great, but I would have to buy it without riding it. Any advice on how I can judge the bike without being there to test it? Specific questions I should ask to determine the quality of restoration? It is from a dealer who is has a good reputation, so I am not as concerned with getting a complete lemon.

And would you say the bonnies have more long term "collectability" than TR6s?

Thanks again, your responses have been very helpful.

oldebonnie · 02-16-2008

Can the seller make a video of the bike running and riding?

GrandPaulZ · 02-16-2008

As far as "collectibility", that's a subjective term.

Bonnevilles have always sold for more than TR6s, in all venues.

DAGAD · 02-17-2008

Interesting and true GPZ, however why do most of us go for the TR6 when asked?????

'67 TR6C should be between engine # DU46201 and DU66246 and should be finished in Mist Green & Alaskan White.
Roy.

GrandPaulZ · 02-17-2008

Maybe because I'm hoarding a bunch of the Bonnies, helping make TR6s more available?

KADUTZ · 02-17-2008

DAGAD
do you have any idea as to the percent or ratios of bonnies built vs tigers. same question as to ratio of bonnies shipped to the states vs tigers.