Triumphrat

Ms. BonnieV · 06-25-2008

Hi to all members!

Yep!...I'm a "Newbie" also.

I've been watching the site for quite some time and I really feel comfy here. There is lots of great advise and some funny rib poking. I'm hoping that I can find some straight up tips without the "techie" terminology.

Now,........I'm not a "bike" person. Never was, and never thought I would be. However, I recently went through some sort of "mid-life" thing and I now have a '70 Triumph Bonnie 650 sitting in my garage. Go figure eh!

I know a lot about cars.......but...bikes.....nope.

This bike is currently not running and needs a bit of work. The motor was just rebuilt before I bought it and has not been turned over as of yet. (Ya...it's full of oil). So.........I'm now lying in bed reading owners manuals and Chiltons instead of romance novels. lol

OMG! what have I done!!

Pretty soon I'll be driving you all crazy about getting grease under my finger nails.

Wish me luck!

Kelly

jimballard · 06-25-2008

Greetings and salutations, Kelly.........

Read the books and learn, that's what we all did, usually after we got ourselves in trouble! You know the old adage: "When all else fails....READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!!" It looks like you've picked out one of the best year Triumphs to own (I'll probably get a lot of "flak" for that statement, but I'm biased), as it was the last of the "old style" models. Good luck with it, and don't be afraid to "drive us crazy" because that's one of the big reasons that we're here; to help any and everyone who needs it. Have a blast!!!

"If we were not crazy, we would all go insane" (Jimmy Buffet): Jim

McQueen · 06-25-2008

welcome.

it's a sickness. there is no cure. enjoy.

Ms. BonnieV · 06-25-2008

Thanks for the well wishes Jim. I've got a lot of work and dollars ahead of me but I'm sure that with the all the help and advice I get here, I'll be up and running in no-time.

retrobiker · 06-25-2008

Welcome to the forum.
Love to see some pictures of the bike!

666Bonneville · 06-25-2008

*wondering if Kelly is hot...*

Ms. BonnieV · 06-25-2008

Thank you all for the welcome party!

Retro....I would luv to share some pics with y'all. I'm a little bit worried though what people will say/think....ya see,

Although the guts are 100% Triumph ......says something like

CD44704
T120R

The frame is an imposter.....I know, I know! But, this (actual) bike has a very long family history to it and I couldn't let it sleep in someone else's garage.

I think ya call it a "bobber chopper". It's no-where near a "gem" and has had lots of hands on it. So I bought it to "save" it. It's been raked over the coals a dozen times or more.... Poor thing! I would have liked to have a complete Bonnie, but ...that time has passed for the ol' boy.

For now, I'm here to learn the basics. I've heard that this is an easy bike to get my hands greasy on and I'm betting that all of you will also have your hands dirty by the time it's running! LOL

Thanks again everyone!

Kelly

quagmire · 06-26-2008

Welcome Kelly. I was in your shoes two years ago, except I knew nothing about bikes AND cars. You should be doing exactly what your doing. Get all the manuals and read them. You'll need a workshop manual and parts catalog. Both can be found on line. Then read them again. If your going to do any engine work, get Hughie Hancox's video. He is/was and old Triumph mechanic who probably built your bike. he has a great video of taking apart and rebuilding your engine (actually its a TR6 engine, but the only difference is yours has two carbs and the TR6 has one but everything else is the same.)

Next decide what you want to do. If the current bike has some sentimental vlaue, keep it as a bobber/chopper. Clean it up, make it safe and comfortable to ride and enjoy it. There are plenty of people in here that can help you step by step.

If you want to turn it back into the masterful creation it once was, yes I'm biased to originality, then look for a 1970 frame. You won't have a matching numbers bike but so what, you don't seem like your going to turn it around and sell it for a profit.

Get a game plan. Get comfortable with the bike/manuals. POst some pictures and ask everyone for opinions/advise, buy a six pack, get you fingers dirty and have fun.

Ms. BonnieV · 06-26-2008

Thanks quagmire!

You're right!...This bike is not going anywhere fast (figuratively and literally). I will never sell it. It will (at some point) be given away to another family member for them to enjoy and cherish.

You've been very helpful. I am searching the net to find books. I will also look for the video that you suggested. You can never have "too much information"!

Will keep you all posted on the "renovation" and I will post some pics very soon!

Kelly

ajslug · 06-26-2008

http://www.classicbike.biz/Triumph/Triumph.htm
you can get the parts manual, repair manual, owners manual, and even brochures. All for free!!!
I am new to Old Triumph too. I have a '70 Tiger 650, (basically a single carburated bonnie) and I am now waist deep into it...it's a love-hate thing. I guess the $$$ spent is the hate part, but in comparison to other bikes, parts are fairly cheap and very accessible!