Finally picked up my bonnie from the previous owner yesterday, and I'm already on the hunt for some parts - springs for the front shocks, gaskets, rear brake light switch. So my question is where do you use to order online? Any preferences?
Also realized I have a second question here - is there any difference in the front forks between 1968 and 1969 bonnevilles? It seems my bike has a mix of parts from these two years, and I don't want to order the wrong springs.
. Pre-'69 forks had the centres of the legs 6-1/2" apart, '69-on legs are 6-3/4" apart. So it means yokes, right-hand slider (with the brake anchor) and axle aren't interchangeable.
. Pre-'69 fork parts have Cycle (aka CEI and BSC) threads, '69 have Unified (UNF, UNEF, UNCP) threads.
Otoh, curiously, although the brake plate was changed '68-'69, they are interchangeable.
These are after-market springs. Given they're so short, it's debateable whether they offer any noticeable difference to the ride compared to new standard springs (there will obviously be a difference when replacing near-half-century-old standard springs ).
hotos All the above assumes a basically-standard bike.
Might be worth a UK order so,Montys and Len Craig in the UK.Both do mail order overseas.These two generally sell Harris parts and not known for selling rubbish that will not fit.
If the new bike is running,it might pay to ride it around a bit first before taking it apart.Find out any other niggles.
Yes it is running, and you're absolutely right that I need to get a handle on what needs fixed. So far I've found a few oil leaks, the front brake feels like it's working pretty well but lever comes all the way up to the bar, and finally there's something a bit weird with the clutch/gearbox that will need more investigation. Its going into gear but neutral is very hard to find and there's some rattle that I can't pinpoint whether its coming from the gearbox or not. I'll need to look into any clutch setup adjustments that could be made first before blaming the 'box.
I've also just read through the service items in the Haynes manual. I currently ride a Honda, so this came as something of a shock!!!
There are some very good shops in southern & central California. You can go in person & see the parts, get help & see if parts will work for you. Also Rabers has a used part area that we utilize often. Used original sometimes is better than new.
Raber's is 50 miles from me, they are great! Lancaster has Classic British Spares, Canyon Country has Steadfast Cycles. These are both good too. All are very nice guys & easy to work with.
I mention these because if close enough you can take a day & drive there with your old parts & even the bike & solve any special parts situations that would be impossible on line. Plus they have mechanics that actually know things & you can talk too.
Don
I buy most everything, used and new, on Ebay from about a dozen sellers I know to be honest...Sometimes, ordering from the UK is less expensive even with shipping, than buying in the USA...MAP Cycle in Florida is good also...
Thanks for all the responses, that is really useful information.
I live in L.A., so the socal businesses sound really useful. I'll try Classic British Spares first I think.
Also much appreciated for the manual advice. I'd started looking through the Haynes manual and it's really not very clear. I guess the more recent Haynes offerings have gotten better than they were back in the day.
The reason I say the bike seems to have a variety of '68 and '69 parts is that it has a '69 Trophy TR6C frame and 1968 Bonneville engine. Some other parts people have helped identify are a 69/70 front brake, Bonneville dual meters, P-clamped handlebars and solid footpegs from a Bonnie. It's got '68 style chrome fenders, though I think they may be aftermarket.
So at the moment it's not clear to me what came from where. It's quite possible that the forks came with the engine - in which case I'd expect them to be 1968. But with the 1969 front brake it seems more likely they are '69. Anyway, I can go and measure them up now and try to identify them better! And I'll plan on looking for some standard springs.
Also have a look at the large sponsor list on the forum lists, click on forum and then go towards the bottom of the page. Be aware though some sponsors are for Metric Triumphs, not Imperial.
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