Triumphrat

Spartacus · 03-08-2008

Hi,
I went to see this '71 Bonneville on Saturday. Checked it out. Mechanically very sound. Kicked over and started from cold second go. No smoke. Bottom end no knocks, tappets a bit noisy but the seller says he hasn't done any work to it as he is not mechanically minded, so sound like just need adjusting. Exhausts no dings and good chrome, wheels looked pristine. I'm sure the front has recently been totally rechromed and refurbished as looked mint. Generally tidy with no signs of crash damage, no holes in upholstery. Wiring looked as though has been redone although probably needs to be done again as looks a bit amateurish under seat. Missing Tacho but speedo in good nick, 3000km on clock ( since rebuild). Paintwork good but this would need redoing. Frame is OIF and looks OK no rust or obvious welds but has been repainted and frame number was very difficult to see. Frame number looks like 120VXGA2771
The engine is a Bonneville with number DU20716 T120R and is apparently 1968 and has a single carb conversion.
I would be doing a complete ground up restoration so none of the above points is an issue and would likely exchange the single carb inlet to a twin carb to keep things as original as possible. The non matching numbers thing does not really bother me as I will probably not sell the bike on when done. The seller wants $6000 aussie dollars for it and wont haggle. He has 2 Beemers and is selling up the rest of his bikes ( BSA Lightning (sold) and a nice little Moto Guzzi V50. He bought the bike for the same money 3 years ago from an older bloke who couldn't kick it over due to arthritis (the pits), I think he was responsible for most of the recent rebuild.
I have had a look a a number of Bonnies through some trade outlets in Brisbane and $5500 to $6500 will get a non runner in pretty poor condition with about a grand of new parts needed to just bring up to spec let alone the rest of the rebuild.
My instincts tell me this is a good deal but as I havn't been looking for long my experience is a bit limited.
Attached are some piccys, I would value your opinions and info on those numbers.

Cheers
Mike

panda · 03-09-2008

If you said you wanted a rider, and was happy with the seat height then is probably a good buy.
However this combination is not a good commercial project on which to pour much money. If you enjoy spending money and working by all means go ahead, but do not expect to get your money back when the work is completed. The only way to get your moneys worth is from enjoying the ride. To that end, keep the single carburettor.

Spartacus · 03-09-2008

Thanks Panda,
Yeah I think you've nailed it there. I have had a chance to cool off since seeing the bike. As you say its not really a project bike and I would be paying a premium for it being ridable when I don't need that. I would prefer a pre 1970 model anyway and I should be looking for one that has not been previously restored I suppose. So I will keep looking. After all the hunt is part of the fun!
Thanks for the advise.
Mike

DAGAD · 03-10-2008

Hi Spartacus, interesting bike. The engine is from April 1965, not as you thought 1968. The frame number suggests (GA) June 1979, however this cannot be. The frame is definately 1971 / 72 because it has the 'suitcase' seat latch. See if you can get a better shot at the number. For T120V I would expect 1972 but the number 2771 is 1971 season???
Roy.

panda · 03-10-2008

Dagad
One of the attractions of Triumphs were its traditionally low seat heights..
Do you by chance have the numbers for teh 350/500 's and 650/750's through the unit construction years ?

I just found the old Triumph factory site on myspace, and was surprised to find it so far from Meriden

DAGAD · 03-11-2008

Panda, which numbers and which factory?
Roy.

panda · 03-11-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAGAD

Panda, which numbers and which factory?
Roy.

Unit construction 350/500 twins from say 1960 to 1973
unit construction 650/750's from 1964-1983

the triumph meriden factory, whic is near Pickford green

649cc · 03-11-2008

way overpriced in Australia for an OIF bitsa...the early 70's OIF models are the least valuable of any triumph twin, so a bitsa version is lucky to be worth $3500 in my books...you can pick up 71/72s for under $5000 in reasonable condition...if anyone asks more they sit there forever...send me a PM stubat@hotmail.com ...I know where you can get a good 71 bonnie needs very little work far north NSW for under $5k (not mine and no interest in it)