Triumphrat

jasburbak · 05-16-2008

Hi,
New member here, i'm thinking of joining the Triumph brotherhood with my first purchase, so i thought i would get some advice before taking the plunge

I ride a '76 Honda CB750 so my knowledge lies primarily within japanese bikes, but this 1947 Triumph twin cylinder seems like to good of a deal to pass by.

It's adviced as a German/British partnership made 250cc 1947 Triumph, i couldn't find much info on it, except for the '47 Speed Twin which it does not look like. Any ideas on what it exactly is? I know it's going to need a lot of restoration, but the owner does say that it runs..

ga_skyline_rydr · 05-16-2008

Wow, what a sweet looking bike, that is awesome. I for one don't know how to advise as far as aquiring is concerned. I would say to look around to see if parts are still available to be purchased. Have you heard this beauty run yet and if so how does the oil look, when was the last time it ran, just the usual questions I guess. I will say though if you do buy it please keep us updated on its progress. Thanks for sharing this experience.

Red1959 · 05-16-2008

Post a serial number or any and all of the numbers, stamped and cast. If I could afford it, I'd buy it. It may be a Zundap, just guessing. It also may be a two stroke generic (made for several bike companies motor).

Emanthehorse · 05-17-2008

Well, as I'm sure you all remember, Siegfried Bettmann moved to England from Nuremburg, Germany in 1883 and was responsible for the first Triumph made in 1902. In 1903 Triumph Werke Nuremberg (TWN) was established back in Germany and continued building bikes, seperating from the British company in 1929. They continued knocking them out until 1957.
They had some innovative designs, such as the twin-piston but single crank (with a "Y" shaped connecting rod) two stroke (not all like that).

These bikes are scattered all over the world, the two stroke simplicity made them popular for a long time in parts of the world where machine shops weren't exactly plentiful.

Kilomph · 05-17-2008

Amazing machines. Any idea where I can get my hands on a set of those pipes?

13 · 05-17-2008

Looks all there!

GrandPaulZ · 05-19-2008

Buy it.

DON'T RESTORE IT!!!!!!!

VERY carefully, refurbish the critical areas to get it running reliably and roadworthy, then ride it in a moderate fashion and pass it on to your kids.

That is a piece of history that has a much higher value with the authenticity of it's originality left intact.

THEY ARE ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE!

What a gorgeous old bike. I LOVE it.

MisterJ115 · 05-20-2008

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/685168530.html

Emanthehorse · 05-21-2008

That's a nice example of one. Not sure what they're worth, they really aren't very good bikes unless you like really smokey old two-strokes.

I would still buy the one in the original post though.