Triumphrat

jakes10mm · 05-16-2008

I'm looking at a couple Triumphs and BSA's as a potential project for me and my kids. The choices include a 71 Tiger, 68 BSA Lightning, 68 Trophy/Daytona Chopper and 70 Tiger. All are in need of various levels of restoration and a couple will need parts, such as forks, seats, etc. I like the looks of the BSA, but I was told that the motor is locked up, but the owner indicated that he wasn't sure if it was the motor or tranny. Silly me neglected to ask if he could get the bike into neutral to confirm the problem was in the motor. This will be my first English classic rebuild and we are not in a hurry...it's a two part plan: 1) teach the kids some shadetree mechanics and 2) get a second bike in the garage... Any recommendations? I don't have a lot to spend up front and really like the BSA "package", but a little concerned with the locked engine. I gather this could become a major expense...

TR6 · 05-16-2008

I'm biased but I'd go with the Tiger... single carb simplicity with little loss in performance. One Amal is fine, two can be a pain. A '71 Tiger is a fine machine, but is the first year for the oil in the frame and the seat height is higher than previous years. Also, like the '70 model, the '71 650 motor shares the engine and primary oil (can't use ATF in the primary... a minus). '71 is also the first year for no gaiters on the forks and the first year for conical hubs (front and rear) -- the front brakes are a bit of a hassle but work OK if set up properly (given a choice, most Trumpet owners would prefer the TLS brake of the 69-70 models). Good luck with your project.

Emanthehorse · 05-17-2008

This IS a Triumph board, my preferences would be in this order:

70 Tiger, 71 Tiger, 68 Daytona, then the BSA.

My opinion being, of course, the BSA engine looks so plain compared to the cool Triumph one, not to mention the pain the BSA engine can be with it's plain timing side bearing. There is a (way expensive) conversion for it.

The 70 Tiger is a good choice as it's the last of the old style frame (much desired), has the easy front motor mounts and everybody has parts for it. Even if you buy it and hold on to it for 5 years it will be worth more (assuming the frame isn't cut up).

quagmire · 05-18-2008

Two years a go I restored a 70 Tiger. First bike I ever had and first "thing" I ever restored. With the help of some good, knowledgable people to do the hard stuff like honing cylinders, the build was fun and fairly easy.

All parts are available, and some things can be upgraded, ie belt drive, electronic ignition.

My biggest concern was the engine work. Hughie Hancox has a great video of him dismanteling and rebuilding a 1970 TR6 engine. Best thing I purchased by far. I had my laptop iwith the DVD in the garage and the engine went together easily.

Personally I don't know much about the other bikes except I've heard the conicle front brake for the 71 was not as good as the twin leading shoe brake on the 70. Having never ridden a 71 I can't confirm or deny this, it's just what people have said.

Another thing, 71 was an aweful color! Spring Gold is much nicer.

GrandPaulZ · 05-19-2008

Eman has it right.

(seems to be a recurring theme).

GrandPaulZ · 05-22-2008

So, which one did you buy?