Triumphrat

steveefer · 03-13-2008

I've posted 2 separate questions that have been viewed many times by different people and no one has any advice or help?

Is it because this is a heavily modified bike? Is this a forum exclusively devoted to bone stock restored and original bikes only? Honestly I thought that with Triumphs large and successful racing history (including Flat Track racing...a passion of mine) that someone within this community would appreciate this bike and might help with my questions.

Or, is it because my questions seem stupid to you?

I apologize that I am not as knowledgeable as you folks about motorcycle mechanics or Triumphs specifically. That is, however...the entire reason I signed up for this forum and posted these requests. All I wanted to do was learn.

Unfortunately in my area I'm unaware of any triumph dealerships, service centers, or parts companies. So, I thought that a forum devoted to Triumphs would be the place.

Prior to this I was a long time member of a Honda VFR forum (as my previous bike was a 2002 VFR) and I felt that I couldn't ask for more support.

I apologize if my rant is unwarranted and I simply haven't alloted enough time for a response. However, when looking at the many response to other threads posted after mine I get the distinct feeling of not being wanted here. Is it because I've torched sacred ground by expressing interest in a heavily modified bike? Or are my questions too base?

jimmy bush · 03-13-2008

Steevefer. Sorry about not making a welcome jesture. I thought about your request when first read but I have little experience with the year engine you are looking at and wouldn't want to give erroneous advice to influence you into making a wrong decision. Dito on the necessary changes needed to bring the bike to steetable condition. You did a pretty good job of describing it but visualizations can only be based on ones own experiences. A picture or two clarify a lot. If you buy or have bought the beast and start getting into it more the guys here have been very helpful with technical stuff but are not as inclined to offer advice (opinion yes, advice no) on personal preferences ie. chopper, flattrack, cafe, etc. and a lot of the things you asked about are going to have to be done to your personal tastes. At any rate, don't give up on the site. I have gotten a lot of useful info just from hanging around in the shadows and reading other posts. A lot of good info is also available thru the search function on the site.

KADUTZ · 03-14-2008

Welcome welcome welcome love and kisses group hug and all that stuff
OK now you raised the sites JD.

If anything I say from here on out upsets you put on your leathers the hide will protect you.
Your questions are not stupid they do indicate a lack of Triumph Knowledge and in some cases motorcyle knowledge in general. See my response to one of your other post my pinion is someone is jammmin you.

GrandPaulZ · 03-14-2008

As moderator of this section, I apologize for not looking in earlier; but, I have a good excuse - I'm over 2 weeks behind after just getting back from Daytona.

Click on the ads for the sponsors on this site that deal in older Triumphs and you'll have several to choose from.

I'm backing off selling small parts orders due to the fact that I now have a waiting list for my restoration workload, so the tiny margin in parts sales has to take a back seat.

NHOJ from Maine · 03-14-2008

er....
so what are the questions?
i mightta read it, but i would only step up to the plate and answer, if i new the answer... otherwise i wouldn't respond..

i'm kinda new to this forum also..
but not new to triumphs..

so, please repost or redirect, and i'll take a crack at it. -john

hobbit · 03-14-2008

Major problem was you asked for a source of parts, but still haven't actually said where you are. This is why I and I would guess a fair few others, haven't been able to help.

steveefer · 03-14-2008

Much appreciated all, and I apologize if I came off as coming down on the site or it's members.

I think I have all of my various parts problems resolved, except 1....

- The bike has an aftermarket / race style front end on it and lacks a front brake or any of the parts associated with the front brake. This won't work for me as I'll be using this as a road bike. My thought here is to search for a stock front end. Probably at "Mid Ohio sports car course 'Vintage Motorcyle Days" - an event held every year near Lexington, OH. If you haven't been before you might enjoy this year as the Marque bike this year is "Triumph" (they switch this yearly). Vintage bike racing and a huge swap meet, where..I'm guessing I can find a front end. So, questions on this..

A. What would I expect to pay for a stock front end with all brake parts that will fit a 1978 T140?

B. Will ANY T140 front end bolt right on? Or only that of a 1978 model?

B. Would anyone attempt a brake install with the current aftermarket setup, or is that crazy talk? Better to just swap out the front?

C. Finally - Based on what I've told you of this bike (see my post "1978 T140 flat track racer") what do you think of the price I'm about to pay ($1000). Keeping in mind that it needs points and a contact wire to run, the master cylinder rebuilt to brake, and several things (brake light, license plate braket, at least 1 mirror) to be street legal?

thanks all,

GrandPaulZ · 03-14-2008

For $1,000.00, if the engine turns over (not stuck) - BUY IT!!!

A useable front end can be found at Mid-O for about $100.

aceaceca · 03-14-2008

Let me give you another aspect on beater bikes. People are nuts to pay $1000 to $1500 for a bag of bolts thinking they are getting a good deal. The cost of every small, medium and large bit you need to make it right will brake the bank. This is not to mention that you must be fairly capable to work on the thing. There are plenty of nice original rider bikes out there for $2500 to $4000 which I consider good buys. Don't get swayed by some ridiculous prices people pay or think they can get for Brit bikes. Why not start with something you can ride and enjoy from day one. Don't have the thing sit for months on end while you sort out the parts and the mechanics of it. On the other hand if it has Cerranni (spelling) forks on it buy it. I saw a set on Ebarf go for over $1000 I think it was. You never know. Like the Bultaco I gave away a few years back. It was just a load of crap to me.

Woody1911a1 · 03-14-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceaceca

Let me give you another aspect on beater bikes. People are nuts to pay $1000 to $1500 for a bag of bolts thinking they are getting a good deal. The cost of every small, medium and large bit you need to make it right will brake the bank. This is not to mention that you must be fairly capable to work on the thing. There are plenty of nice original rider bikes out there for $2500 to $4000 which I consider good buys. Don't get swayed by some ridiculous prices people pay or think they can get for Brit bikes. Why not start with something you can ride and enjoy from day one. Don't have the thing sit for months on end while you sort out the parts and the mechanics of it. On the other hand if it has Cerranni (spelling) forks on it buy it. I saw a set on Ebarf go for over $1000 I think it was. You never know. Like the Bultaco I gave away a few years back. It was just a load of crap to me.

Cerriani , got a set on my '67 t100c that's about to come out of mothballs . bought it in 71 . last plate on it says 74 . hi btw